I first became aware of Scientology when working for the Shubert Organization back in the eighties. The Shubert Organization owned 17 legitimate stage theatres such as The Shubert, The Majestic, and Imperial. The Scientology Church stands opposite the Imperial Theatre stage door. I had only heard about the church in reference to actor John Travolta. The actor was trying to revive his" Saturday Night Fever" fame with the movie "Staying Alive" that died in the box office. I walked in and checked out the lobby. I was glancing through some of the materials when someone I presume was a church member approached me. Due to my just browsing stance, I was asked to leave.
Over ten years later as I became active in the New York movie industry as an extra, I brushed with Dianetics again. One of my fellow acting classmates became enamored with Dianetics. His infatuation ended quickly when he found out the financial commitment required to be involved with Scientology studies. The cost rival college tuitions.
The book and its author
I remember seeing the book, "Dianetics" advertised heavy on the young cable networks. I tried to read a copy I borrowed from the library. I found the book a hard and boring read. I stopped less than half way through. It is just so tedious in presentation. The structure of the book apparently reflects the author's life. L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology founder and author of its "Bible" was not without his share of controversy. He gained modest fame as a pulp fiction writer. He married his second wife after leaving but not divorcing his first. In a span of four years, the man went through three marriages. Moreover, at the time of his death he was found to have drugs in his system, which is in direct opposition of his teachings.
The church of star power
Today, Scientology has been brought to the forefront by a resurrected star, John Travolta and a mega-star Tom Cruise. Unfortunately, Cruise has decided to be the poster child for this doctrine and opened himself to controversy. His actions, divorces, marriage to a woman almost two decades younger and statements have made him an object of ridicule. Movie stars Jennifer Lopez and Jim Carrey, both invited to Cruise's most recent wedding are fending off rumors they have been learning the teachings if the church. Yet, they both have strong links to the Scientology studies through third parties.
What is Scientology?
Scientology calls itself a religion based on the science of human behavior. Its detractors call it a businesslike cult based on pseudo-scientific claims. It was birth by a man known for his instability more than his love of religion. If anything Scientology as it is becoming more recognized, is becoming more feared. Some supporters have compared its coming of age to that of the beginnings of Christianity. My only hope is that whatever it is, The Church of Scientology is more that Tom Cruise jumping up and down on Oprah Winfrey's couch reveling about his then soon to be third wife. Acolyte
