So....What the hell is scientology?

[Kermi]

There is no fundamental difference between a religion and a cult - people just use the word cult to deride methods of faith they do not ascribe to.

Scientology is the belief that the souls of evil aliens (called thetans) were trapped inside a volcano on earth when their spaceship (which looks exactly like a passenger airliner) crashed millions of years ago. When people are born, they are born with these tainted thetans inside them.
To improve this alien soul inside you, you must undertake scientology improvement course (which mostly consists of giving money to the church) in order to become "clear". The more "clear" you are, the higher your level. To date, I believe Tom Cruise is the only person who has reached the same level of thetan clarity as the faith's founder, L. Ron Hubbard.

I would also like to point out that L. Ron Hubbard was a science fiction writer - a failing one - until he founded the faith of Scientology and turned his novels into religious scriptures, required reading for all members of the church.
It is also a matter of public record that Hubbard once made a bet with a friend regarding who could found the most successful phony religion.

 

[Paksenarrion]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

 

[Mikeyfell]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

just as valid as any other religion
and an excellent way to dodge taxes

 

[the Dept of Science]

Also Scientolog is probably the only religion that has an Author to the book they follow.

Just a quick POI, sikhism follows the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev.
Buddhism follows the teachings of Buddha.
Taoists follow the teachings of Laozi.

On the other hand, none of them were published science fiction authors (and from what I've heard, an attrociously bad one)

 

[Paksenarrion]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

just as valid as any other religion
and an excellent way to dodge taxes

I believe a trip to Politics and Religion is in order. What kind of controversial issues should be discussed?
Mario-ists vs Luigi-ists? (Sunni v Shia)
Garrus as just Garrus, the C-Sec Turian, as opposed to Garrus as ArchAngel? (Jesus as just another prophet v Jesus as Son of God)

..etc?

 

[Mikeyfell]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

just as valid as any other religion
and an excellent way to dodge taxes

I believe a trip to Politics and Religion is in order. What kind of controversial issues should be discussed?
Mario-ists vs Luigi-ists? (Sunni v Shia)
Garrus as just Garrus, the C-Sec Turian, as opposed to Garrus as ArchAngel? (Jesus as just another prophet v Jesus as Son of God)

..etc?

ahh, the real touchy issues
like how do you know the princess was even making cake when she got kidnapped by Bowser

was Garrus really Joker's favorite or was he being sarcastic

 

[Paksenarrion]

Spoiler: snip

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

just as valid as any other religion
and an excellent way to dodge taxes

I believe a trip to Politics and Religion is in order. What kind of controversial issues should be discussed?
Mario-ists vs Luigi-ists? (Sunni v Shia)
Garrus as just Garrus, the C-Sec Turian, as opposed to Garrus as ArchAngel? (Jesus as just another prophet v Jesus as Son of God)

..etc?

ahh, the real touchy issues
like how do you know the princess was even making cake when she got kidnapped by Bowser

was Garrus really Joker's favorite or was he being sarcastic

Wow. Those are touchy issues! We could even compare Princess Peach with Zelda, and how the latter seems to encourage crossdressing! Or Joker's real name!

 

[Gavmando]

Basically, Scientology is Buddhism for money.

You can get the same,(and better,)teaching from Buddhism and it wont cost you anything.
Another point to note is that in Buddhism and Hinduism before it, (we're talking 2500+ years,) there is a big thing about past lives. Yet neither of these concepts talk about an alien galactic war.
So you have to ask yourself, how could 2500 years of intense study be wrong compared to an idea that's only been around 50 years or so? An idea that was created by someone who makes up fantasy ideas for a living.

There are a few good things in Scientology. (Hence why I compare it to Buddhism.) But the bad and crazy far outweigh the good.
In my opinion, dont bother with it. It's cheaper to become a Buddhist. Plus, Buddhism has been around for longer and is far better researched.

 

[Mikeyfell]

Spoiler: snip

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

just as valid as any other religion
and an excellent way to dodge taxes

I believe a trip to Politics and Religion is in order. What kind of controversial issues should be discussed?
Mario-ists vs Luigi-ists? (Sunni v Shia)
Garrus as just Garrus, the C-Sec Turian, as opposed to Garrus as ArchAngel? (Jesus as just another prophet v Jesus as Son of God)

..etc?

ahh, the real touchy issues
like how do you know the princess was even making cake when she got kidnapped by Bowser

was Garrus really Joker's favorite or was he being sarcastic

Wow. Those are touchy issues! We could even compare Princess Peach with Zelda, and how the latter seems to encourage crossdressing! Or Joker's real name!

I wonder which one will get more followers?

 

[Paksenarrion]

Spoiler: snip

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

just as valid as any other religion
and an excellent way to dodge taxes

I believe a trip to Politics and Religion is in order. What kind of controversial issues should be discussed?
Mario-ists vs Luigi-ists? (Sunni v Shia)
Garrus as just Garrus, the C-Sec Turian, as opposed to Garrus as ArchAngel? (Jesus as just another prophet v Jesus as Son of God)

..etc?

ahh, the real touchy issues
like how do you know the princess was even making cake when she got kidnapped by Bowser

was Garrus really Joker's favorite or was he being sarcastic

Wow. Those are touchy issues! We could even compare Princess Peach with Zelda, and how the latter seems to encourage crossdressing! Or Joker's real name!

I wonder which one will get more followers?

I couldn't say, but my guess is, Princess Peach will be popular with the conservatives, and Princess Zelda, with the liberals.

 

[crudus]

Is scientology an actual Religion or is it just a cult?

Heres a handy list of 4 things you should look for when you ask "Is it a religion". <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89mile_Durkheim>Emile Durkheim coined these and they are as good as any.

1. The religion must explain the supernatural, the unknowable, or the incomprehensible
2. Divinity, or all spiritual beings such as the souls of the dead, genies, and deities; spiritual beings must be superior to men.
3. Dogma that must be followed
4. A church (Church in this case being applied only to a group of people whose common beliefs refer to a sphere of specialized things)

Why are there so many Celebrities involved in Scientology?

Their role in it is being played up by Scientology to get attention would be my guess. How many more celebs do you think are Hindu, Muslim, or Christian that we never hear about?

i'd rather not google it because i have horrible luck on google so i thought i'd ask you guys and girls in the escapist forums,What the hell is scientology and why should anyone care about it?

ehhhh, too bad I am just going to link you to ,a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology>their wiki article.

Edit:i actually think of a religion that actually helps you better yourself somewhat. Most religions have a sort of"code of Conduct" that,if you follow it,will make you a better person in the end.

Scientology has those...sort of. The problem is they are open to interpretation and could easily lead to harm instead.

Also Scientolog is probably the only religion that has an Author to the book they follow.

Then where did all those other books come from?!

Even though most real religions make little to no sense most cults make even less sense.

Scientology is about as consistent with itself as any other religion I can find.

 

[Fiend Dragon]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would probably worship the Enkindlers. Too bad we haven't seen much of Turian faith. Although that may be because they don't have any native religions. In the meantime I'll stick with my current casual mistrust and skepticism of current organized religions.

WAIT

SNIP because i quoted above

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Garrusism or preferably a slightly more tongue friendly name IS WHERE ITS AT.

'An lo, the lord did say, "Canst though delay for a moment? I am presently involved in a matter of mechanical adjustments."

Amen.

 

[Mikeyfell]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would probably worship the Enkindlers. Too bad we haven't seen much of Turian faith. Although that may be because they don't have any native religions. In the meantime I'll stick with my current casual mistrust and skepticism of current organized religions.

WAIT

SNIP because i quoted above

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Garrusism or preferably a slightly more tongue friendly name IS WHERE ITS AT.

'An lo, the lord did say, "Canst though delay for a moment? I am presently involved in a matter of mechanical adjustments."

Amen.

already collecting followers, sweet we'll have a congregation in no time

 

[Kagim]

Depending on your definitions...

Its a religion in that they have faith in ideals that require faith.

Its a cult in that the government does not recognize them as a religion and or warns against its populations from joining that religion.

Its a business in that they offer a service for currency.

The merits of any of the above are in high question.

Most people hate them not because they want to be a religion, but rather unlike government recognized religions they demand money in order to move up and learn the tenets of there faith.

They have also been directly linked to infiltrating the government to steal information, aggressive and violent campaigns against anyone deemed a "suppressive person", and a great deal of harassment towards anyone who even looks at there building for more then twelve seconds and isn't a member not to mention rabidly profiling anyone who gets within six feet of any town that contains one of there buildings or lives within two miles of any members who are not in there group.

 

[Mikeyfell]

Spoiler: snip

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Luigi-ists would like to have a word with you... XD

Sorry us devout Garrus-ists don't recognize platforming as a valid basis for a religion, LOL

this thread got really good, we should start a religion based on it

The "What the hell is scientoloASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. THIS THREAD IS NOW ABOUT GAMES AS RELIGIONS" religion?

just as valid as any other religion
and an excellent way to dodge taxes

I believe a trip to Politics and Religion is in order. What kind of controversial issues should be discussed?
Mario-ists vs Luigi-ists? (Sunni v Shia)
Garrus as just Garrus, the C-Sec Turian, as opposed to Garrus as ArchAngel? (Jesus as just another prophet v Jesus as Son of God)

..etc?

ahh, the real touchy issues
like how do you know the princess was even making cake when she got kidnapped by Bowser

was Garrus really Joker's favorite or was he being sarcastic

Wow. Those are touchy issues! We could even compare Princess Peach with Zelda, and how the latter seems to encourage crossdressing! Or Joker's real name!

I wonder which one will get more followers?

I couldn't say, but my guess is, Princess Peach will be popular with the conservatives, and Princess Zelda, with the liberals.

Peach seems like the traditional conservative pick

 

[Blatherscythe]

A cult that doesn't pay taxes and puts you through painful tortures that you have to pay exorborant sums for, to help you "remember your true nature". In short, another religion out to take your money in the guise of helping you. That's why some celebraties and rich people join, because their vast amounts of money can now help them become god like, it's just stupid bullshit. And many of it's members have been known to do and be forced through, crazy dangerous stuff in the name of said religion.

 

[Fiend Dragon]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would probably worship the Enkindlers. Too bad we haven't seen much of Turian faith. Although that may be because they don't have any native religions. In the meantime I'll stick with my current casual mistrust and skepticism of current organized religions.

WAIT

SNIP because i quoted above

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Garrusism or preferably a slightly more tongue friendly name IS WHERE ITS AT.

'An lo, the lord did say, "Canst though delay for a moment? I am presently involved in a matter of mechanical adjustments."

Amen.

already collecting followers, sweet we'll have a congregation in no time

!! User group tiem????

 

[Eumersian]

It's basically as valid as any other religion, except that it hasn't been around for hundreds of years. As a Christian, I will go off and say that I don't recognize it the same way I recognize my own religion, but that doesn't mean that I disapprove of it. I'm not one of those people that protests its existence like some of my friends do.

People should be allowed to believe in whatever they want, be it about a God who created the world in 7 days, or a Lord Xenu who bombed the aliens whose souls now inhabit our bodies.

I'm actually rather surprised that more people weren't suspended for their posts in this thread. Maybe The Escapist is just the kind of sophisticated community I've been looking for.

 

[Mikeyfell]

Quick! Let's choose two games (one fantasy, one science fiction) and make religions out of them! Then adherents battle it out in future threads!

I vote Zelda: Ocarina of Time for fantasy, and Mass Effect for science fiction.

EDIT: Bioshock is fine, too.

I would probably worship the Enkindlers. Too bad we haven't seen much of Turian faith. Although that may be because they don't have any native religions. In the meantime I'll stick with my current casual mistrust and skepticism of current organized religions.

WAIT

SNIP because i quoted above

I would so totally be a member of Garrus-ism

and I think Mario-ism would be better, you could end every sermon with "The princess is in another castle"

Garrusism or preferably a slightly more tongue friendly name IS WHERE ITS AT.

'An lo, the lord did say, "Canst though delay for a moment? I am presently involved in a matter of mechanical adjustments."

Amen.

already collecting followers, sweet we'll have a congregation in no time

!! User group tiem????

that's actually a kick ass idea how do you start one.
never mind i found it but I want some help putting it together

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

Simply put, it is not precisely a religion as there is a distinct lack of a deity. The belief structure is somewhat complicated but boils down to this. There is a grand villain of the galaxy, who at some point loaded up a bunch of malcontents and sent them to earth on spacecraft that resembled contemporary (at the time) aircraft. Upon their arrival they died. Their "spirits", however, linger and infest pretty much everything. The various maladies of life (seriously, just name one) are caused by said spirits. The religion is based upon the notion that cleansing one's self of these spirits will improve their lot in life.

Even if you don't believe such things, the basic structure of said religion is designed to make it necessary to the believer. This is generally true of any religion one cares to mention. In exchange for money, time and effort the church will endeavor to reduce the incidence rate of these malicious spirit in your body through measures that are not entirely clear. From the outside, it (like any religion if one takes a few steps back) is a pyramid scheme and a play for power and control. Its belief structure is fairly silly but then no more so than any other I've heard of.

Strangely, here in Austin, there is a Church of Scientology directly across the street from the University of Texas. It seemed a terribly strange place to put a church. I myself am curious about the religion - not because I believe any of it but because it has ensnared so many people. This fact alone makes it fascinating but I suspect I'll never walk through the door. I know little about what transpires and I know less about my own weaknesses. I don't think I care to have them exploited by others, especially when I, as a logical man, suspect I have little to gain.