Is Scientology Right for Katie Holmes?
Matthew Cole
June 19, 2005
Katie Holmes, the new fiancée of Tom Cruise, is considering joining the Church of Scientology. However, is Ms. Holmes truly ready for the conversion? Does Katie Holmes realize why the public has such a tainted view of this Church?
The Church has had its share of problems and scandals. In 1977, FBI agents seized thousands of documents which offered details of a plan the Church had to “take control” of the city of Clearwater, Florida, the international headquarters of the Church. The FBI claimed the Church planned to discredit its opponents, including political figures, law enforcement authorities and members of the media.
The seizure of these documents resulted in several high-ranking Church officials, including the wife of the founder of the Church, L. Ron Hubbard, being convicted. The charges in the convictions included theft of government property, conspiracy and obstruct justice.
Scientology centers on the “Thetan”, which is like the spirit or immortal soul that, the Church states, passes from life to life with birth and death. New members are called “preclears” and like all members strive to become “Operating Thetans.” This allows them to separate their “spiritual beingness” from the “physical universe” enabling them to “control matter, energy, space and time rather than being controlled by these things.”
There are other reasons the Church has its skeptics. In 2004 the Church settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the family of Lisa McPherson, an apparently healthy 36-year old woman and Church member who died in 1995 after dying mysteriously 17 days in the Church’s care. The lawsuit was handled quietly to avoid publicity.
Another reason that the skeptics tend to get riled up over Scientology is the cost. Yes, that is right the Church charges money for “auditing lessons.” These “auditing lessons” are used to eradicate painful memories and experiences, which the Church states holds back a person’s potential.
During the auditing sessions the member’s mental state is measured with an “E-meter” or electronic device that is believed to identify potential engrams, the painful memories and experiences, and then shape them in the direction of personal counseling sessions.
These auditing sessions cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars and are the main objection Church opponents have with Scientology. This begs the question: is Scientology a legitimate religion or just an expensive place to receive psychotherapy?
Founded in 1954, the Church of Scientology has had several major publicized run-ins with the law. With more than 5,100 churches, missions and groups worldwide, the Church is continuing to grow. Its appeal to celebrities only works in its favor in collecting to members. The Church makes no secret of its links to Hollywood stars.
Another question that is raised is why Cruise is pressing Holmes to adopt his religion? There are several online websites that are asking this question and others. These sites include www.freekatie.net; they are selling shirts that read “Free Katie”.
With or without Katie Holmes the Church, based on the book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard continues to make headlines. The Church is currently under the direction of David Miscavige; his title is Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center.
The Church has had its share of problems and scandals. In 1977, FBI agents seized thousands of documents which offered details of a plan the Church had to “take control” of the city of Clearwater, Florida, the international headquarters of the Church. The FBI claimed the Church planned to discredit its opponents, including political figures, law enforcement authorities and members of the media.
The seizure of these documents resulted in several high-ranking Church officials, including the wife of the founder of the Church, L. Ron Hubbard, being convicted. The charges in the convictions included theft of government property, conspiracy and obstruct justice.
Scientology centers on the “Thetan”, which is like the spirit or immortal soul that, the Church states, passes from life to life with birth and death. New members are called “preclears” and like all members strive to become “Operating Thetans.” This allows them to separate their “spiritual beingness” from the “physical universe” enabling them to “control matter, energy, space and time rather than being controlled by these things.”
There are other reasons the Church has its skeptics. In 2004 the Church settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the family of Lisa McPherson, an apparently healthy 36-year old woman and Church member who died in 1995 after dying mysteriously 17 days in the Church’s care. The lawsuit was handled quietly to avoid publicity.
Another reason that the skeptics tend to get riled up over Scientology is the cost. Yes, that is right the Church charges money for “auditing lessons.” These “auditing lessons” are used to eradicate painful memories and experiences, which the Church states holds back a person’s potential.
During the auditing sessions the member’s mental state is measured with an “E-meter” or electronic device that is believed to identify potential engrams, the painful memories and experiences, and then shape them in the direction of personal counseling sessions.
These auditing sessions cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars and are the main objection Church opponents have with Scientology. This begs the question: is Scientology a legitimate religion or just an expensive place to receive psychotherapy?
Founded in 1954, the Church of Scientology has had several major publicized run-ins with the law. With more than 5,100 churches, missions and groups worldwide, the Church is continuing to grow. Its appeal to celebrities only works in its favor in collecting to members. The Church makes no secret of its links to Hollywood stars.
Another question that is raised is why Cruise is pressing Holmes to adopt his religion? There are several online websites that are asking this question and others. These sites include www.freekatie.net; they are selling shirts that read “Free Katie”.
With or without Katie Holmes the Church, based on the book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard continues to make headlines. The Church is currently under the direction of David Miscavige; his title is Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center.
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