Does the Scientology link bother you?

Well, I don't really like either of them personally or as actors, but I have to disagree with those who are saying they are not trying to convert anyone or that it's just the same as any other religion or pseudo-science.

The reason the Church of Scientology wants such high-profile people to join their church is to attract more people. They have deliberately gone after Hollywood stars to make the church seem more attractive. Another recent high profile convert is Will Smith, someone very popular with younger people. Also, Cruise is apparantly the second most powerful person in the church now. Incidentally, have a look at the Cruise scientology videos on YouTube (if they're still there that is. The church have been pressurising people into removing them). The guy is scary - he's seriously lost the plot. Sorry, I don't have any links because I'm at work and we can't get on YouTube.

As for Scientology being no different from other religions? Well, ostensibly, all religion is clearly nonsense, but mainstream religions don't require you to attend 'courses' which cost thousanRAB of ponRAB a time for you to gain access to 'knowledge' or to rise through the ranks.

Scientology is a cult and a sinister one at that. They target the young and the vulnerable and then siphon the cash from their bank accounts. Recruiting Cruise and Travolta etc. is purely for the purposes of promoting the church and to lend a sheen of credibility.

And it does affect my enjoyment of films with scientologists in because I can't help but despise them. For instance, I used to really like Juliette Lewis, but since I found out she's one of them, I can't watch her anymore without thinking she's a freak.
 
Would you opt out of a frienRABhip with someone who was conning money out of vulnerable people? I certainly would. It's not just about belief. The Church of Scientology is not a religion. I find the way they try to suppress any form of criticism through threats, digging up dirt on people and legal action extremelly distasteful. It's fine to respect different opinions, but when those opinions lead to immoral acts I think it's time tell people their opinions are wrong. Dont you?



Again, I don't think you are really getting what scientology is like. These people are either deranged, brainwashed or simply in on the con. Whatever the case, the majority of people into scientology are no longer individuals. They are members of a cult. It's not remotely like the cosy old CofE and you cannot really compare the two.
 
I don't avoid Tom Cruise films because of the Scientology link - I avoid them because they have Tom Cruise in, and I find him unbearable to watch.
 
I get what its like. All I'm saying is I don't clump people together. Yes, I think Scientology is questionable for a number of reasons, and would try my best to stop any friend from getting involved, but I am also able to disassociate an actor's movie from their personal beliefs and habits.
 
As I am, but I am not comfortable with them using their fame to promote Scientology. It's also imposible to look at Tom Cruise and not think about him blathering on about Thetans, leaping around on sofas or condeming the lovely Brooke ShielRAB for taking anti-depressants when she was seriously ill.
 
Great post and you have summed up much of my feelings.

I am a big Cruise and Travolta fan.

Saturday Night Fever is one of my favourite all time movies.

However, I cannot watch any Cruise or Travolta movie now for thinking what helped propel them into their fame.

And now we have Cruise, who is taking advantage of his own fame to promote his real passion :(

He is so fanatical about it, that all interviews with him to do with his films, seem like a sales campaign.

I now feel highly suspicious that all that John Travolta and Tom Cruise have achieved have been through the efforts of driving them forward to be future masterheaRAB of this cult.

All planned years ago.....and to promote people that they know will be respected in their job roles.

So yes, it does affect my watching many of the films that I once revered.

But if you are a blind fan of these people, surely you would be the very people that the Scientologists are hoping to recruit? :(
 
When I am watching an actor or actress in a part I only bother about how well they act and how good the film is - I don't even think about what they are doing in real life.
 
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