Scientology, Christianity, and the Lack of Objectivity in Religion
Can’t we all just get along?
My previous post — about David Miscavige’s alleged comparison of Tom Cruise to Jesus Christ — drew some interesting comments. Perhaps inevitably, some of those comments focused on the controversial beliefs of Scientology.
I said that the belief system of Scientologists doesn’t bother me at all, but I find the policies and practices of the Church of Scientology (the organization itself) disturbing. One of the other commenters followed up with a statement that was interesting enough to explore in a separate post:
‘Wackos’ says Elizabeth. Why? because of their beleifs? look at Jesus’ story. isn’t it nuts?
This is an excellent point. Is Scientology’s legend of Xenu, the alien overlord, pretty weird? You bet. But what about the symbolic ritual cannibalism that Christians practice every time they take Communion? I mean, that’s a doozy!
Every religious belief system has some absurd elements, if examined from an objective viewpoint. That doesn’t (in my mind) diminish the importance of faith or spirituality. It’s something people should keep in mind, however, when they communicate with those who don’t share their own faith.
Let’s re-imagine Tom Cruise’s interview with Matt Lauer on the Today Show*. Imagine if Cruise had stepped outside his own beliefs for a moment and thought, “You know, to non-Scientologists these things I’m saying against anti-depressants probably don’t make much sense. Maybe there’s a way I can change my approach, and really give everyone something to think about.” I don’t agree with Scientology’s views on that subject, but I know there’s a well-reasoned argument to be made on both sides. Instead of making that argument, Cruise became flustered when the standard Church-approved talking points were ineffective.
Now imagine if people of all different faiths could step outside their world-views, and examine them objectively. What would that be like? Wouldn’t it change our world for the better? Would religious people turn away from being so self-serious, defensive, and even hostile about their beliefs? Would they, instead, focus the energies of their faith on making the world a better place for people of every faith? I like to think so. I sure hope so. At the same time, I think we may be a very long way from seeing such a perspective-shift in the real world. What do you think?
* For those who missed the interview and the media circus that followed: Cruise spoke to Lauer about Scientology’s beliefs that anti-depressant drugs are harmful. When his statements on the matter didn’t make much of an impact, Cruise became visibly agitated. At one point, he resorted to implying that Brooke Shields’ use of such medications had harmed her career. The bad press that Cruise got for these statements was substantial, and the interview was a big turning point toward the media’s portrayal of Cruise as “that crazy Scientology guy.”
Technorati Tags for This Post
religion, objectivity, faith, spirituality, Scientology, Christianity, Tom Cruise
Scientology is literally at war with psychiatry and having to do with .. and hold onto your hat .. their belief that human ills are due to being covered with clingy, brainwashed space-alien ghosts that trace back to the evil galactic warlord Xenu and his ever-reincarnating secret police force that is currently incarnated into the world’s psychiatrists! I kid you not, THIS is Scientology.
It doesn’t belong in the same senetence with Christioanity
Comment by Morsicle — March 7, 2007 @ 10:37 pm
Kind of like the way some Christians are at war with evolutionary biology?
Yep, that sounds pretty kooky. How about the belief that God formed the first man from clay, then breathed life into his nostrils? Or believing that humanity fell from God’s favor because a talking snake tricked a naked lady into eating an apple? As origin myths go, I’d say Scientology and Christianity are about on par for overall zaniness.
It’s easy to point a finger at someone else’s religion and laugh at the silly things they believe in. It’s harder, and more instructive, to find humor in the absurdities of one’s own faith.
Comment by Adam Messinger — March 8, 2007 @ 1:21 am
Yes, those Bible stories are 5,000 year old Hebrew literature from the Old Testament. Widely regraded as metaphoric in many Christian circles, certainly in my own..
And even as fiction they’re not remotely the same as 1950’s sci-fi drivel of L. Ron Hubbard.
I suspect that I have a few years on you. I’ve studied the Old and New Testaments for many years, decades. I’ve also read most the pertinent Scientology materials - the OT levels and such.
I can’t make you see that they’re not same if you don’t see it for yourself. All I can do is encourage you to read, discover, think, and never stop searching.
Peace.
Comment by Morsicle — March 8, 2007 @ 9:01 pm
I think you misunderstand my intentions — I’m not trying to say that the two religions are the same, since theologically they’re quite different (although Scientology has its own messianic overtones).
What I’m suggesting is that Christians, Scientologists, and others examine their beliefs from the perspective of an outsider. At the very least, this would help people better articulate their faith. It might also help religious people lighten up a bit if they understood why some people might see their beliefs as ridiculous.
I’m not naive enough to think that a little objectivity and humor will end all the religious violence and strife in the world. There are usually ethnic and political components to the most vicious religious conflicts, and people in the Third World lack the educational or cultural framework to make these comparisons. If those of us in the privileged First World countries can put an end to our petty squabbles, however, we might be in a better position to mediate the bloody religious and ethnic feuds that have caused so much senseless death.
You’re making some assumptions about my background that may not be valid. I’ve had broad religious exposure over the course of my almost 30 years. I’ve studied the precepts and practices of many faiths and have in-depth knowledge of Christianity in particular (and Judaism, Buddhism, and Neo-Paganism to a somewhat lesser extent). I’ve found spiritual truth in the teachings of most religions I’ve studied, and think they’re all aiming for the same goal: forging a connection between the human and the divine.
Comment by Adam Messinger — March 11, 2007 @ 7:33 pm