In an interview with Martin Bashir on ABC's Nightline, Scientologist spokesman Tommy Davis, is questioned about Scientology's "secret" core beliefs. He decides to classify the question as offensive rather than defend, or even admit to these beliefs. Just a two minute video, but doesn't it say it all about Scientology?
Thought Bashir was very polite. He didn't ask if Scientologists are all money-grabbing nut cases, did he?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not - Martin was a perfect gentleman!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is eloquent. When even the spokesman thinks the belief is ridiculous, then it is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI identify as an agnostic so in no way do I intend to affirm any beliefs within Scientology, but I would like to comment that I find it interesting that so many people act as if Scientologists are absolutely nuts for believing the things they do, while simultaneously the critics are oftentimes believers of religions that carry their own seemingly impossible mythologies. Is it any more plausible that Jesus Christ walked on water, turned water into wine, and was then resurrected than Scientology's claims about the origins of the soul? In my humble opinion, no. I think that the story of Jesus, along with many other mythologies, have been normalized because we grow up with them. This doesn't make them any more plausible. I suppose what I am trying to say is that, for the sake of maintaining healthy pluralism, we must all take into account our own seemingly bizarre (but dear) beliefs before throwing stones at others'.
ReplyDelete-Adam
Adam,
ReplyDeleteThe essential difference between the christian myths you mention and those of scientology is that the former have millions of people who are prepared to defend them very vocally. But scientologists try to keep their myths secret and will not publically acknowledge them.
That's an interesting and no doubt relevant point that I did not think about before. And I cannot help but wonder why exactly that is. Thanks for the insight - I'm going to have to chew on that one for a while :) Love the blog, by the way. I just found it last night.
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you Adam. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thegoodatheist.net/2009/10/france-gives-scientology-the-finger/