Yes... well... no... fine!

Noodle · February 23, 2013, 02:36:52 AM

It seems this is the only forum I can post a new thread on, until I have posted at least 10 posts on other threads. I hope I'm not being out of order by posting something other than an introduction. If so, apologies to the Mods. and all round.

Has anyone else seen this?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 7By_sQbOHk

I guess its only what can be expected from a science fiction writer.

What struck me about this video was when interviewee, Jason Beghe, said: '... and I asked myself, did I really believe all this...?'
Q. '...and did you?
A. '...No, but I accepted it...'

I'm wondering how many Theists are sitting in the same position, where in their 'heart-of-hearts' they don't really believe, but only accept?

I can totally relate.

NitzWalsh · February 23, 2013, 03:24:23 AM

I think Scientology might be one of the more unique religious movements out there. Not because of what the church teaches though. I think it's unique because of the origins of it. We all know who created Scientology and can read things in his own writing, hear his voice, etc. We know he was a science fiction writer. There is a quote that is often attributed to him, "Y'know, we're all wasting our time writing this hack science fiction! You wanta make real money, you gotta start a religion!" I don't know if he actually said that, but if he did he went through with it.

He wasn't a particularly good author. He is built up by the church as a highly educated adventurer and military hero. The actual records of his accomplishments aren't even close to what the church says. He flunked out of college and lied about his military career. Point being, we know more about him than most originators of religious systems and people still get caught up in it. So to me it's not surprising that people accept Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other religious claims. I'm sure there are plenty that just accept it because that's what they've been told.

aitm · February 23, 2013, 08:31:19 AM

but noods, ( yer now officially nicknamed noods) 10 posts ain't THAT hard.

Sleeper · February 23, 2013, 08:50:38 AM

Scientology is bollocks? Wow. I've got some real soul-searching to do.

And welcome, even though this isn't an intro.

WitchSabrina · February 23, 2013, 09:45:01 AM

Quote from: "Sleeper"Scientology is bollocks? Wow. I've got some real soul-searching to do.

And welcome, even though this isn't an intro.

wolf39us · February 23, 2013, 09:46:27 AM

At least you guys don't live in Clearwater :-p

_Xenu_ · February 23, 2013, 10:14:19 AM

Quote from: "wolf39us"At least you guys don't live in Clearwater :-p

I want to live in Clearwater. The entertainment would be nearly endless.

commonsense822 · February 23, 2013, 10:25:41 AM

I lived in the south for a little when I went to college. Got slapped in the face on campus by some christian dude handing out pamphlets.

I'd rather move to Oregon, or at least stay in the North East, less crazy.

Aupmanyav · February 23, 2013, 11:48:09 AM

Quote from: "NitzWalsh"I'm sure there are plenty that just accept it because that's what they've been told.

Some accept the religious belief of others for the moment since the God-less universe could be even worse.

AllPurposeAtheist · February 23, 2013, 12:11:27 PM

I'm starting Toothfarianism..the ONLY deity to pay COLD, HARD CASH under your pillow..it only cost a tooth so fuck that tooth for a tooth bullshit.. Tooth for a nickel!

Thumpalumpacus · February 23, 2013, 12:47:18 PM

I've got a bud online who in his previous life did some semi-illicit, ahem, courier work, who had occasion to visit the HQ in Clearwater with guns and all.

Alaric I · February 23, 2013, 01:10:09 PM

I can easily relate to that. I grew up in a christian home and was forced to attend church twice a week (well three if you count that I ran media for the church and had to sit through two services that were exactly the same). I never really believed the story, but accepted it as it was all I ever knew. I can see this happening with the kids in that church, but how dumb do you have to be to choose to believe that we are here thanks to aliens?

stromboli · February 23, 2013, 02:19:28 PM

From wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Ron_Hubbard

QuoteThe Church of Scientology describes Hubbard in hagiographic terms,[6] and he portrayed himself as a pioneering explorer, world traveler, and nuclear physicist with expertise in a wide range of disciplines, including photography, art, poetry, and philosophy. His critics have characterized him as a liar, a charlatan, and mentally unstable. Though many of his autobiographical statements have been proven to be fictitious,[7] the Church rejects any suggestion that its account of Hubbard's life is not historical fact.[8][9]

Similarities to Joseph Smith and other charlatans abound. Apparently it takes a certain personality to start a religion.

Supposedly he was relieved of command twice during the war for incompetence. Start a religion? Fuck yeah!

_Xenu_ · February 23, 2013, 07:40:54 PM

Quote from: "Thumpalumpacus"I've got a bud online who in his previous life did some semi-illicit, ahem, courier work, who had occasion to visit the HQ in Clearwater with guns and all.

If you've got pictures...

Brian37 · February 23, 2013, 09:56:17 PM

Welcome. Be sure to barbecue kittens, record the NFL without their permission and rip the tag off your mattress.

News:

Yes... well... no... fine!