Scientology is a Cult - the Cult of Scientology

[Shuvo]

The Church of Scientology does not seem to like being associated with the word 'Cult'.

It would be terrible, then, if typing the word 'Cult' into Google were to result in the scilons main website coming up at the top of the searches, wouldn't it?

I hear that there are ways of making this happen that EVERYONE SHOULD AVOID DOING.

No, seriously, DON'T googlebomb the word 'Cult'. That would be bad and wrong.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/7thplace.jpg

[izembo]

its #3 on my search results

[Acturus]

They tried to prosecute some kid in London for putting "cult" on his protest placard:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/23/religion

[Koyangi]

Despite wanting to be called 1 or not, they fit the definition of the word cult, and even though the word has a negative connotation, it's literal meaning is pretty neutral, synonymous with words like clique. I did not go to any dictionary or thesaurus website.

[Correction]

As fun as it is, Google can tell when they're seeing a search term being bombed. They can undo this pretty easily if they so choose.

Of course, it is to be hoped that they never do, like with 'french military victories'

[Shuemue]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/ma ... tworkfront

British High Court said they're a cult in 1984 apparently.

[Pyro]

Technically every religion starts out as a cult. Christianity started out as a cult and given the current size and influence that scientology has amassed they probably aren't even categorized a cult anymore.

[Acturus]

Technically every religion starts out as a cult. Christianity started out as a cult and given the current size and influence that scientology has amassed they probably aren't even categorized a cult anymore.

That is true, but we're not talking about Christianity, we're talking about Scientology.

http://www.essortment.com/all/whatisdefiniti_rjli.htm

What defines a cult?

The mind control, or brainwashing, exerted by cults often take the form of at least several of the following elements:


A totalitarian control over the lifestyle and time of its members - Many cults tend to dictate exactly what its followers should read, eat, how and with whom they should spend their time, and even what they should do in off hours. This totalitarian control is necessary for the leaders to indoctrinate the followers in everything they do, and is also an attempt to separate them from anything not associated with the cult. This is why cults often live together in groups.


A charismatic, self-appointed leader with complete authority - Cult members are taught not to question the teachings, practices, or ideas of the leader. Many cult leaders truly are charismatic people, and are able to influence people to believe them. It is common that a cult member is not told everything up front when joining the group, but that they are taught increasingly controlling ideas and teachings as they go. In the case of some of the more well-publicized cults that have come and gone, it is also common that the leader's ideas and demands evolve over time, becoming increasingly controlling and restrictive. One very clear identifying element dealing with the leader of a cult is that the leader will always focus the attention and veneration of the members upon himself or herself. At the heart of a cult usually lies a very self-centered and self-seeking person.


A focus on withholding truth from non-members - Many cults teach their followers to be completely open and truthful within the group, while at the same time they are encouraged to be secretive and evasive when questioned by people outside of the group. This is another form of mind control-instilling guilt in the members if they hold anything back within the group. The members are taught that outsiders wouldn't understand or that they would only make fun of the ideas and practices and requirements for living within the group. Only specially-commissioned members are appointed to recruit members from outside. New members are usually encouraged to keep silent or even lie, especially to their families and close friends.

Sounds like... The Sea Org, David Miscavige (and before him L.R. Hubbard), and Scientology's practice of fair game, dead agenting, and harassing litigation.

*ding ding ding* We have a cult.

[Rafike]

http://www.popcrunch.com/miley-cyrus-sc ... ecruiting/
Discuss~!

[armani_ifrit]

Try google maps and scientology locations

[Not Kuno]

John Travolty looks creepy as fuck in that article.

[Plow]

http://www.popcrunch.com/miley-cyrus-scientology-recruit-john-travolta-miley-cyrus-scientology-recruiting/
Discuss~!

a new Star Magazine scoop claims.

lol I'm no fan of scientology but come on

[Lordwafik]

Wow I hope billy ray beats up john and tells him to stay away from his CP. I mean daughter.

[Tyche]

I would do terrible, unspeakable things to get with miley cyrus. i'd even consider listening to her sing

That's not illegal to say is it?

[Vail]

I would do terrible, unspeakable things to get with miley cyrus. i'd even consider listening to her sing

That's not illegal to say is it?

that part should be illegal to say

[Shuvo]

Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult

[sunb1ind]

This is an old story. They used to come up as the #1 search result if I'm not mistaken... I know it was atleast top 3 lol

As for the Scientology bandwagon, I think this fad will be over before any kind of actual damage is done. It helped spread awareness, but I don't see any real progress with things like the corruption over in Clearwater P.D. or action taken against their illegal practices that actually go on inside their 'churches'.

[Not Kuno]

They're certainly raising public awareness about it, which means less gullable people go and join. They were already suffering from declining members and losing money and this is speeding things along.

[Shuvo]

This is an old story. They used to come up as the #1 search result if I'm not mistaken... I know it was atleast top 3 lol

Nah, before it was google bombed to "Dangerous Cult", not "Cult".. which is a HUGE difference in terms of difficulty to achieve. It was only managed now because of the big media shitstorm over that teenager who got court summons over using the word cult.

As for the Scientology bandwagon, I think this fad will be over before any kind of actual damage is done. It helped spread awareness, but I don't see any real progress with things like the corruption over in Clearwater P.D. or action taken against their illegal practices that actually go on inside their 'churches'.

Tonnes of damage has already been done to CoS - in terms of financially, people leaving, and PR. As Kuno said, the bad PR will also make it harder for them to get new recruits. Death of CoS will probably be financial stagnation over several years.

[Plow]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...huvordm/tc.gif

this is beautiful