Run For Your Life - It's Tom Cruise!

lilbangladesh

I really liked DoctorJ's thoughtful post. I just find Seven-One-Eighty's equating all religion and cults to be the same thing to be just offensive, frankly. The phenomenon of religion is a complex one. I don't have a problem with people rejecting religion, just those who do it wholesale and tar it all with the same brush. If you're going to reject something, all least find out what it is exactly it is that you're rejecting! People who say, "All religion is silly and stupid and people are morons for believing" are JUST as offensive as people who say, "You will burn in hell if you don't believe in Jesus!" I am a believing Jew, but I have no problem with thoughtful atheists like Mr. Met. (Frankly, I'm a little fascinated. What's life like without the Almighty Nudge?) I don't have a right to foist my beliefs on others, just as others have no right to foist their beliefs or non-belief on me.

What makes Scientology dangerous is not its beliefs, which are silly enough that it could be rendered a harmless religion, but its ACTIONS, which directly cause harm both to its worshippers and to others. The Pentacostal church that Sandcastler went to may not be many people's tea. The emphasis on donation may have been offensive. But still, you're free NOT to give. You're even free to walk out and never go back. You're free to find another Pentacostal church or even another denomination. Or even found your denomination if you're so inclined. With Scientology, once you're in, it's almost impossible to get out. Definition of a cult right there. Jim Jones committed mass murder because a few of his parishoners wanted to leave his cult. Cults base themselves not on a supernatural being, but around a charismatic individual. In Scientology, the fact that that individual, L. Ron Hubbard, is dead doesn't seem to matter. They're still saluting his picture.

carnivore

H4XX0RZ >>>>Tom Cruise

carnivore

Spoof of the TC video.

<noscript>the parody video Tom Cruise WANTS you to see! on FunnyOrDie.com</noscript>

carnivore

carnivore

NBC News story about the 4Chan online attack on Scientology:

http://video.nbc11.com/player/?id=209221

drano

I didn't know Jerry O'Connell had it in him. Good stuff, the laugh was perfect.

And holy crap, that news story was using Encyclopedia Dramatica as a source. Awesome.

mr. met

more clips. amazing stuff.

http://www.slate.com/id/2182452

carnivore

Scientology has got nothing on the Church of Jedi. Anyone object to this being called a religion? There certainly aren't any charismatic leaders...

lilbangladesh

No? How about George Lucas?

Anyhoo, this is more of a joke religion, like the Church of Dischordia.

Hail Eris!

carnivore

lilbangladesh wrote: No? How about George Lucas?

Have you seen George Lucas lately?