Suri Cruise Headed Off To Scientology School: Readin’, Writin’ and Xenu!
Bye Bye Mommy, I’m Off To Scientology School
Well, just when I thought I have had my fill on how despicable Tom Cruise can be, he up and announces his youngest child, Suri (who turns 3 on April 18) will be attending a Scientology school.
Bye bye Suri!
Not just ANY Scientology school mind you, but the school of Will “I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions. And I respect all people and all paths” Smith and wife Jada “The Schoolmaster’s” school of course.
Yes, it’s true, Suri will be attending the New Village Academy School in Calabasas California and learning her ABC’s Scientology style.
More like ARC’s, a Scientology acronym which stands for Affinity, Reality, and Communication, which is the meaning of the lower triangle in the cult’s logo.
By now, most of you know the school, the one that Will and Jada dumped a cool $1 mill of their own money into last year? The private school will offer organic meals, laptops for every student and an environment of learning based on “equity” and “respect” to create “citizens of the world.”
Wow sounds kind of fantastic right?
The school accommodates students pre-k through sixth grade.
Laptops? Hmmm I wonder if the laptops will all be installed with a “net nanny” so if students are allowed to connect to the internet, which is doubtful, their wandering eyes won’t be able to access any criticism against Scientology.
Tom and Katie Cruise’s doll-like daughter Suri is to be trained in Scientology after her third birthday this week.The Cruises are sending their daughter five days a week to the Church of Scientology’s £6,000-a-year New Village Academy in Los Angeles, launched last year by Tom’s friend, fellow actor Will Smith.
It is staffed by trained Scientologists and lists ‘study technology’ as a key curricular focus.
‘The children have a lot of responsibilities from a very young age,’ says a source.
‘The school is particularly strict about nutrition, demanding a low-carb, low-sodium and low-sugar organic diet.
‘Katie is understandably a little anxious about being separated from Suri.’
I’ll bet Katie is a little anxious! How will Suri (or Katie) get along without mom carrying her all over the place? Who will Katie and Tom use in all those photo-ops to distract from them being crazy cult followers? Questions, questions and so few answers.
Sarcasm aside, I was really rallying for Katie and Suri to get out if this dang cult, but now I am losing hope. Suri’s budding critical thinking skills will be stunted thanks to the use of L. Ron Hubbard “tech” at the New Village Academy. Suri will be made a zombie even before she even has a chance of being fully potty-trained. Not right!
Katie’s parents must be slipping away more and more from their child’s life, you just can’t help but feel sorry for them. Not only have they lost their daughter, but now their precious grand-daughter. Hopefully a disconnection is not on the horizon, but as Katie gets more indoctrinated into the cult, it seems inevitable.
While sympathy goes hand in hand for those with loved one’s in entrenched in Scientology, there are nagging questions about their complicity. One has to wonder how Katie’s parents can continually look the other way as disturbing images of their ill-looking daughter pop up all over the web and in magazines. Reports state Katie has been following a dangerous Scientology diet called the ‘purification rundown” which consists of high doses of vitamins and sauna treatments. How could her parents not step in to help? This is a sign that something is really wrong here.
And now, the life-long devout Catholics are going to allow their grandchild to attend a Scientology and say nothing?
No one really knows how much time they are given to visit with Suri. Considering the very rare sightings of Katie with her family, my guess is not too often. In fact, we haven’t seen Katie’s parents since her and Tom’s wedding over two years ago. *sigh*
So back to that Scientology school….
I was wondering how early Scientology starts kids out on their e-meter? Which is Scientology’s electropsychometer, which in non-cult speak is a rudimentary lie detector which picks up slight changes in skin temperature while a subject is being asked a series of personal (sometimes VERY personal) questions.
Scientology states the e-meter is used to audit out past traumas. But in actuality, it is used to control members by keeping records of what is said during their “auditing” sessions on file, in case they decide to leave and speak out against Scientology. (They have PLENTY of juicy tidbits on Travolta, wink wink..)
Using the e-meter is known to release endorphins due to it’s mild electric current. Endorphins are chemically very much like morphine. This is why it keeps people coming back for more, but like a drug, it’s rush is one of ever diminishing returns, leaving the subject feeling let down over time. Ask any ex-Scientologist how they felt about their time in the cult and most will say, “it was great at first, but it never delivered on any of it’s promises. Sadly, that can be a lesson learned many, many of thousands of dollars later.
In doing research on children in Scientology, I discovered kids can start auditing as early as four years old.
Hmm…I am not sure what past or current traumas a 4 year old can have, besides of course, spilled milk or they got crayon on the wall? But that’s not the point is it? The point is to indoctrinate the children early, so auditing becomes second nature.
In the book, The Scandal Of Scientology, written by Paulette Cooper, she states:
Hubbard wrote that “serious processing” should not be done before a child was five years old, “extensive Processing” except in very unusual circumstances, should not be done before he was eight, and that no child should be “forced” into the prenatal area until he was twelve.
If the child is even faintly unwilling to be audited, you can coax the child into short sessions, and then, as time goes on, lengthen them gradually. Hubbard, who has seven children, plus seven grandchildren, naturally has devised an auditing technique for kids. Children are given such simple processing as “Feel my arm. Thank you. Feel your arm. Thank you.” They are also sent back to relive their birth, and it is apparently as painful an experience for them as it is for some of the adult pre-clears, since Hubbard wrote:
If the auditor should make a slip, like telling the child that birth won’t hurt him much when he returns to it, the child will be expecting a mild or nothing at all … an auditor hasn’t known frustration until he has run a child halfway through a painful experience only to find that a happy ending has been tacked onto it.
Hubbard recommends Scientologists put teachers and students on e-meters, and give “daily mental activities” — which is what they do in Scientology.
The last is to create an environment of fear because these vicious people know everything about you, and can use it in whatever psychotic, dysfunctional, socio-pathic way they want. Especially in children, this creates the appearance of an all knowing organization that has the money and resources to keep you under lock and key forever, without ever needing a physical lock and key.
Even school is done by Scientology, public school is out. You do not get even an 8th grade education, and you learn definitions of words that are completely wrong according to the Oxford English Dictionary… redefining the meaning of words in order to further support their mind control.
Oh that is nice. That’s what every parent should look for in a school.
Monica Pignotti, Cult Intervention Specialist and former Scientologist, wrote a paper to show how mind control is used in Scientology.
She wrote about the cognitive dissonance theory, behavior control, emotional control, thought control and information control.
“The major premise of the Scientology study techniques is that there is no legitimate reason to disagree with anything written by L. Ron Hubbard. If a person on a course has a disagreement, they are immediately referred back to the materials to find what word they have “misunderstood”. Anyone who no longer wishes to continue on a course is also said to have misunderstood words that must be found and “cleared”. Thus, there is no legitimate reason, according to Scientologists to disagree or to want to leave and anyone who does is forced to internalize the blame within themselves. [Wow, that's got to do wonders for a child's self esteem.]
No verbal discussions of the course materials among students or with the supervisor is allowed. If the student has a question, all the supervisor is allowed to do is to say “What do your materials state” and to find “misunderstood words”. This gives the students no opportunity to get any feedback whether other students are experiencing the same doubts they might be experiencing themselves. The whole course environment is very tightly controlled.”
That was just a small snippet from her article which shows over time how critical thinking can vanish from a student. It’s an excellent read, and frightening on many levels.
I am sure the only ones who will know EXACTLY what is being taught at the New Village Academy, are the Scientologists on staff. The clueless parents who signed up for this “school” are doing so unaware of the long-term damage they will have inflicted on their child’s burgeoning academic future.
Do they think just because it is run by celebritities this automatically makes it great? I think a quick run-through mainstream celebrity news will prove celebs are the last group to follow in terms of smart decisions.
More importantly, why hasn’t the government stepped in to check on the teaching methods used in this and similar Scientology schools to determine whether the techniques constitute brainwashing? It is the government’s job to standardize educational requirements and protect children. Perhaps they too were also blinded by the shining glimmers of fame.
The fact the NVA continues to exist, isn’t for a lack of unanswered question on the part of government authorities, just a lack of action.
Back in May, Fox News reported, “Ron Reynolds, executive director of the California Association of Private School Organizations, a consortium of the state’s private and religious schools, said it’s not the actual teaching of Scientology methods that raises a red flag for him. His concern is the school’s non-disclosure about its apparent religious affiliation.” [Wait.... what? The teaching does not raise a red flag with him?]
Reynolds also said: “How can parents make informed choices if they have to struggle to ascertain what the purpose and philosophy of the school is” and “why the New Village Academy wasn’t more upfront about the school’s Scientology connection.” “Numerous e-mails and phone calls for comment on the school’s faculty by Smith’s representatives and NVA were not returned.”
I fail to understand why you would hide what you are. I also fail to undertand why they have such a dumbass as an executive director of California’s Association of Private Schools!
Alarmingly, as I recently reported, the Smiths have plans to build a companion high school. Great.
We wouldn’t want Suri left high and dry once she “graduates” from the New Village Academy. Cruise wouldn’t think of putting her in Delphi (another Scientology school) with other “regular” Scientology kids. Pishaw!
Besides, Cruise has to support his buddy Will and support Will he will! The cost for Suri’s enrollment at NVA will be $12,000 a year.
Now don’t worry, it’s tax deductible. Yes, it’s true, if you are a Scientologist, you can deduct your child’s school costs off your taxes! What’s even more amazing (or enraging) is Scientology is the ONLY “religion” allowed to do this! Why? You’ll have to ask the IRS!
Which is exactly what the Sklar family did. The Sklars are a Jewish couple who recently asked the courts that same question. They too wanted the right to deduct their child’s religious clases off their taxes, just like Scientology parents are able to do. But guess what? The IRS said no, and now they are entangled in a strange and drawn out legal battle with the IRS over this outrageous partnership between the IRS and the Church of Scientology.
To be fair, I don’t believe ANY religious schooling should be tax deductible, especially in this day and age, but if the IRS is going to be exclusive and award Scientology that perk, it should be across the board and made available for other religions.
Suri AND Katie’s chance of being free has now narrowed substantially. Based on thousands of Scientology cases, Katie’s disconnection from her family seems to be looming right around the corner.
So what will Katie do now that Suri will be busy getting audited, engaged in word-clearing and learning about galactic overlord aliens threatening her very existence?
According to the Daily Mail, getting knocked up with Suri #2 or as Tom seems to think, Photo Op #2:
“Katie is currently filming The Extra Man in New York but will return to Los Angeles in May to try for her second child.”
Was Suri like a puppy? Cute when she was small… but now that she is older…eh….time to produce another media distraction?
After all, who even sees Connor and Isabella, (Tom’s two adopted children with 2nd Nicole Kidman) any more? Connor who? Isabella huh?
Guess it’t time to knock boots and fire up the ol’ Scientology PR machine again. ‘Cuz if the thetans are rockin’ don’t come knockin’!
(posted by Queen, edited by D)
Update: Supposedly TomKat’s team have denied this rumor, stating the New Village Academy is for ages 4 and up and Suri will be only be 3 in a few days, therefore she is not eligible. Whatever, when have rules ever applied to Tom Cruise? He’s Maverick, he can what he wants. So, while there maybe a delay in Suri’s Scientology education, the information in this article about Scientology schools, Hubbard’s teaching tech and how children are treated in the cult remain true.
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I think the main thing to take away from this news story (Suri going to NVA) is that it confirms with absolute certainty Will Smith is a liar of the worst sort. He said it’s not a $cientology school. Now Tommy is sending his daughter there. Everybody knows Tommy wouldn’t send his kid to a non-$cientology school. Ergo, NVA is a $ci school and Smith was dishonest when he said it really isn’t.
F**k you, Fresh Prince. You lying, closeted $cientologist.
Comment by Stimp — April 14, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Sad sad sad. How anyone could willingly send their THREE year old to a school that is based upon the principles of a drug-abusing, pathologically lying, egomaniacal conman is beyond me.
Smith has been lying about his affiliation to the cult for years. And what makes his narcissistic wife Jada qualified to run a school? You have to love these clueless “celebrities”, don’t ya?
Add Smith and his deluded wife to your boycott list people.
Comment by Rachel — April 14, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
Hello, they have already refuted your claim through Kate’s publicist, Suri is not attending the school because she’s only three years and the school doesn’t even accept students until the age of four. Why don’t you get your facts right? Isabella and Connor are home-schooled and yes, I have seen Bella recently, she went to the art gallery with Katie and Suri.Don’t you remember Connor going to Daytona with Tom. Ohh right these are the signs of an abusive parents.You are such a bigot and a moron. Scientologists are allowed to send they’re kids to scientology schools just like Catholics send they’re kids to Catholic school.
Comment by Diamond — April 14, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
[...] News Sources wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptBye Bye Mommy, I’m Off To Scientology School Well, just when I thought I have had my fill on how despicable Tom Cruise can be, he up and announces his youngest child, Suri (who turns 3 on April 18) will be attending a Scientology school. Bye bye Suri! Not just ANY Scientology school mind you, but the school of Will “I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions. And I respect all people and all paths” Smith and wife Jada “The Schoolmaster’s” school of course. Yes, it’s true, Suri wi [...]
Pingback by Suri Cruise Headed Off To Scientology School: Readin’, Writin’ and Xenu! — April 14, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
And to answer the question why Scientology schools are tax deductible is because in scientology studying is the actual practice of their faith. The study technology and the seminars along with auditing is their faith. They don’t have traditional religious services likes Jews and Christians. So the the government doesn’t tax it. It would be like taxing confessions or prayers.Studying the Jewish holy book or the Christian holy book isn’t neccessary for salvation. In scientology, study is their idea of salvation.Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. It is legal, the government allows it.
And by the way I am not a Scientologist. Sorry for the typos/errors in the previous post.
Comment by Diamond — April 14, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
Another mistake in your report is that Katie’s parents have not been seen with her since the wedding.What are you talking about? Katie’s parents were just with her and Suri and Tom at Daytona and Disney World. They went to see her play in NY.They were at the house-warming party. They went overseas to visit when Tom and Katie while he was filming Valkyrie in Germany. Tom took Martin,Katie’s dad to the Golden Globes for goodness sake.Didn’t you see any of this? Do you even know what you’re talking about?And I am no defender of scientology but if I read an article so poorly fact-checked it irks me.
Did you ever think that just because Katie’s parents are devout Catholics it doesn’t have to mean that she is? The woman is 30 years old can’t she live her life with her husband and her child? Just because she leaves the house with no make-up and wears sweats and rolled up jeans to go dance rehearsal doesn’t means she’s a zombie.It’s called going to rehearsals with no make-up on.Besides if you look back at the pictures of Katie when she first started to date Tom she was actually skinnier than she is now.
Comment by Diamond — April 14, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
Now we let the world watch as the lights dim from another pair of eyes.
Comment by Kevin Gage — April 14, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
“They don’t have traditional religious services likes Jews and Christians.”
Of course they don’t. $cientology isn’t a “religion”, why would they have religious services?Jews/Christians aren’t charged hundreds of thousands of dollars to learn their faith’s basic tenents.
“in scientology studying is the actual practice of their faith.”
It’s not a “faith”, it’s a big, fat global scam.
“You are such a bigot”
Show a little creativity; no one takes your cries of “bigot!” seriously.
“And I am no defender of scientology” / “And by the way I am not a Scientologist.”
Um, yes you are.
Comment by Rachel — April 14, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
Diamond, you are obviously smart and an objective person. I wouldn’t expect very much of that kind of thinking on the news stories here if I were you.
Comment by Jim Warren — April 14, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
So diamond, your basically saying that Christianity and Judiasm are not equal and are inferior to scientology? What they do to reach salvation is no where near to what scientologists have to do? Church is made up of individuals and in this country, all men and woman are created equal. So if scientology gets special perks, then by all fairness Islam, Christianity, Judiasm, etc get special perks too. I am sorry diamond if you hate america but that is the way it is in this country.
Comment by D Dubals — April 14, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
So now I’m accused of hating the country because i corrected a few facts. I notice that when anyone disagrees with anti-scientoligists you are immediately attacked. I never said Christianity or Judaism were lesser than scientology. Under the law of the constitution everyone has the same equal rights. I simply explained why I think scientologists were granted tax exemption for their study tech. Scientology like it or not is recognized as a religion by the constitution. They as a part of their religion study to attain higher knowledge. That it why it isn’t taxed. Christians and anyother Abrahamic faiths prayand seek a relationship with a higher power. That is why pastors don’t pay taxes on their church salaries and that is why Catholic confessions cannot be used in a court of law.If study tech was taxed you would be taxing the very path of enlightenment for scientologists. Deal with it. Besides lots of religions have church fees how do you think churches are built they come from people opening their purses. Some people give a part of their salary annually to their church.They build temples and community centers. Where do you think that comes from? How do think these schools are funded?Add it up over time.
Comment by Diamond — April 14, 2009 @ 6:40 pm
I also have looked at costs of courses in Scientology. I heard from anti-scientologist that most people in the church never even complete these courses. That the majority never even complete or reach level 3. So how are they spending $100,000 of thousands of dollars on it? The cost of the basic courses of scientology are not that expensive if you take into consideration that these people are taking these courses over a period of time.I just looked at the price list. I would never spend that kind of money but if people want that’s their business. I mean people have to pay to got to divinity school and bible colleges as well.Are you suggestings if I spend $10,000 going to Liberty University so I can get a Christian education that somehow I been had by a pyramid scheme. And aren’t scientologists using Scientology as alternative to pschology? So if I go to a psychologists how much are their hourly rate? If I give 10% of my income to a church annualy,with the addition of perhaps $ 10 dollars a week in collection plate, isn’t that about the same as these courses.How much is that over a lifetime? Maybe a person more familiar with the actual costs of scientology can explain this to me. Thanks.
Comment by Diamond — April 14, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
“Maybe a person more familiar with the actual costs of scientology can explain this to me.”
Sure!
http://www.sweenytod.com/cos/pricelist.html
Of course if one doesn’t have a few hundred thou lying around there is always the option of working for $cientology’s Sea Org in exchange for courses, auditing, etc. And by “work” I mean 100 hours a week, for around $35 a week. If you have a problem with slave labor or forced abortions or kids being separated from their parents for months at a time the Sea Org may not be right for you.
Yes folks, the non-wealthy that get sucked into this cult don’t exactly get the Cruise treatment, to say the least.
Comment by Rachel — April 14, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
…and Rachel, we can’t forget the books, the endless books that are a required investment, and they keep having “editing” errors and need to be reissued (and repurchased). What’s a hard-bound Scientology library going for these days?
Off topic rant: The idea of poor Katie Holmes sitting in a room with all of the most current versions, trying to read through nonsense while life passes her by is absolutely depressing. I really cannot imagine how dreary life must be in between mandatory spontaneous photo ops with Suri. (as an aside, she is a beautiful woman, but in every photo of her with Tom, I think her hands look a little sweaty)
Comment by P2 — April 14, 2009 @ 9:13 pm
Or people could choose not to be scientologists.Or people could choose not to abandon their children in the Sea Org.
What about their responsibility. Or maybe use birth control if you did not want to become pregnant.
I never understood why all these people who were going to get multiple abortions didn’t just use birth control.Why didn’t anybody at Planned Parent or the clinic they attended teach these people to use condoms?
Don’t they (Plan Prenthood) provide free or low cost contraceptives. I mean I heard that a lot of people at the Sea Org. from anti-scientology blogs smoked tons of cigarettes, were they not allowed to use condoms.
Are Scientologists allowed to use birth control? It seems to me there was plently of stupidity to go around, and I don’t blame anyone who was underage, but these adults have to take responsibilty for some of their own actions don’t they.
If someone knows some more information about this topic,I’d appreciate it.
Comment by Diamond — April 14, 2009 @ 9:43 pm
Mom Blogs – Blogs for Moms…
…
Trackback by Anonymous — April 15, 2009 @ 4:40 am
blah blah blah
it’s a fucking cult
Save Suri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by tuffyt — April 15, 2009 @ 8:47 am
ITS OBVIOUS THAT THE WRITER OF THIS POST IS NOT ONLY NOT A FAN, BUT IS ALSO A BIGOT. FIRST TOM AND KATIE NEVER “ANNOUNCED” THAT THEY WERE SENDING SURI TO ANY SCHOOL, NEVER MIND ONE THAT TEACHES SCIENTOLOGY TENETS. ALL THESE STORIES ARE 5X REMOVED REPORTS FROM THE DAILY MAIL- A PUBLICATION THAT HAS 9 X OUT OF 10 LIED AND MISAPPROPRIATED INFO ABOUT TOM AND EVER OTHER CELEBRITY FOR THAT MATTER.
YOU DON’T LIKE TOM- FINE,BUT DON’T BE SUCH A**HOLES AND MAKE OPINIONS WHEN THE “FACTS” ARE GARBAGE AND HALF-TRUTHS
Comment by marion — April 15, 2009 @ 10:22 am
When there was a growing consensus that cigarette smoking caused cancer and other diseases, Hubbard, a chain smoker, went against this and advocated copious smoking — call this his spiritual/scientific revelation if you want — that smoking prevented cancer, and could rid the body of radiation.
As a consequence, Scientology, per capita, produced more child smokers, for a period of years, than any other religion.
So, why not have cigarettes, tax deductible for scientologists, because it is part of their religious practice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHiPbyXUznM
Advance to 5:25 of this clip for Hubbard’s talk on smoking, in his own voice, but there’s a lot of Hubbard mocking Christianity in the first parts Diamond may find interesting.
The whole clip is glaring evidence for Hubbard-the-lunatic, and should suggest that documented history is true, Scientology is a money-sucking scam, not a science or a religion. Seriously, who, in their right mind could “study” the ideas of this nutcase, after hearing this?
About Suri going to school. I think she may start learning her ABXenus when she is 4, and she is only 3 now.
Comment by Teech M. — April 15, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Thanks BarbaraSchwartz/Marion, we know that information. Thanks for shouting in nutty all-caps Scientology reject style.
Maybe it is the conspiracy theorist in me, but I wonder if sometimes Scientology may leak some tidbit of false information, that is really pretty unimportant like this, only to allow Scientology to get on a high horse and use it as an example of the press “always” reporting false stories about Scientology.
Nutty Scientology expects members of the press to report stories extolling the triumphant accomplishments of Scientology and all its front groups. They’ve basically taken the position that freedom of the press is the enemy. Scientology wants to control the press, along with government, business, education and the internet. Anything to protect their money-sucking scam. Right?
Comment by Teech M. — April 15, 2009 @ 10:39 am
Hey MARION!
STOP YELLING!
If you type in Suri Goes To School in Google’s seach engine, you will find TONS of websites and papers who reported this story, not just the Daily Mail.
Go ahead and try it.. thats of course of you are allowed to go surf places where Scientologists should’nt!
Comment by HA HA Scientology is Falling — April 15, 2009 @ 10:42 am
The New Village Academy!
Taken right from their website which proves they are a cult school:
“Study Technology – An educational model developed by L.R. Hubbard, study technology focuses on three principles. First is the use of “mass” (manipulatives and hands-on experiences) to foster understanding – children need to see and feel what they are learning about. Second is the attention to the “gradient,” which ensures sure students master one level before moving on to the next. Third is the “misunderstood word,” in which students master word definitions and are taught not to read past words they don’t know the meanings of in order to understand completely what they are reading and learning. NVLA uses study technology as an umbrella methodology woven through the subjects.”
If there is ANY doubt that this is a CULT Scientology school, then the quote above should more than answer that question.
You really have to look to find this on their website. They “hide” it prtty good.
Comment by Scientology is Falling — April 15, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
[...] Source: D [...]
Pingback by Celebrity Blog | Babelogs | Celebrity Gossip » Blog Archive » Suri Cruise Headed Off To Scientology School: Readin’, Writin’ and Xenu! — April 17, 2009 @ 3:24 am
“Studying the Jewish holy book or the Christian holy book isn’t neccessary for salvation.”
Really? You know this for a fact? Studying the bible isn’t necessary for salvation at all. You know exactly how to find salvation and you know for a fact it isn’t by studying the Bible or Torah. You can prove that beyond a shadow of doubt? Sorry if I came off as sarcastic. When you talk about faith you can’t really use absolutes like that. That’s like saying there is a God. Or there is No God. You can’t really prove it either way. Just like you can’t prove that you don’t need to study the Bible to obtain salvation. It would be more accurate to say I BELIEVE or I FEEL that you don’t have to study the Bible to obtain salvation.
Comment by Gone Guru — April 17, 2009 @ 10:57 am
“In scientology, study is their idea of salvation.”
Ok so Scientologists BELEIVE that in order to obtain salvation they need to pay for these expensive courses and auditing sessions. That’s perfectly fine. You can believe that all you want. I’m a little curious as to WHY they are so expensive, and I often wonder WHAT exactly the church DOES with this money but whatever not really important. That’s not why people are mad about Scientology’s tax exempt status.
Why are people mad?
For starters Scientology had been repeatedly denied it’s tax exempt status. Why was that? On September 24, 1984, the US Tax Court ruled against Scientology’s tax exemption because
“When we consider all the facts spread across the voluminous record in this case, we are left with the inescapable conclusion that one of petitioner’s [Scientology] overriding purposes was to make money. We also conclude that criminal manipulation of the IRS to maintain its tax exemption (and the exemption of affiliated churches) was a crucial and purposeful element of petitioner’s financial planning. We need not repeat in detail our findings regarding petitioner’s efforts to block the IRS from investigating, determining and collecting taxes from petitioner and affiliated churches. The highlights of the conspiracy show its nature and scope.
The conspiracy spanned 8 years beginning in 1969 and continuing at least until July 7, 1977 when the FBI, pursuant to a warrant, searched petitioner’s premises for evidence of the conspiracy and related crimes. The scheme involved manufacturing and falsifying records to present to the IRS, burglarizing IRS offices and stealing Government documents, and subverting Government processes for unlawful purposes. For example, Freedom of Information Act requests were planned for the purpose of having the IRS amass records in one central place where they would be easier to steal. At first, petitioner’s FBO network masterminded the conspiracy, developing plans to conceal that OTC was a sham by falsifying and manufacturing records. Later petitioner’s Guardian Office, whose top officials served on petitioner’s board of directors during the docketed years, directed the conspiracy. The Guardian Office developed plans to infiltrate the IRS and steal documents. Later it monitored the implementation of these plans.”
You can read a more detailed timeline of how Scientology obtained it’s tax status here.
http://www.lisamcpherson.org/irs/jeff-irs.htm
To summarize Scientology was denied tax exempt status do to it’s business like structure. Hubbard only started calling it a religion when the FDA forced him to stop making medical claims about Dianetics. It was also denied for repeatedly breaking the law. Breaking into government offices won’t win you any favors in tax court. The only reason it got its tax status was by essentially black mailing the IRS.
Comment by Gone Guru — April 17, 2009 @ 11:00 am
“They as a part of their religion study to attain higher knowledge. That it why it isn’t taxed”
Now D here mentioned the Sklars.
First lets take a look at the Establishment Clause in the U.S Connstitution because it’s important for further understanding as to why people are pissed off at Scientology’s tax exempt status.
“Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of religion.”
One of the vital aspects to this clause’s interpretation includes an explicit prohibition against the establishment of any law giving preference to one religion over another. In other words, if one specific church is going to receive a specific benefit, then that same benefit must be freely given to all other faiths as well. If that can’t be achieved, then no individual church should receive such preferential treatment, lest the law or governmental agency find itself in violation of the
Constitution.
The Sklars BELIEVED that it was necessary for their children’s salvation or advancement in Judaism or whatever you want to call it that their children take a religious course. Like Scientology they tried to deduct this religious training from their taxes. However, unlike Scientology they were denied. So they filed suit. The courts have continued to deny them. Why can Scientologists deduct they’re religious training but Jews or anyone else for that matter can’t?
“I mean people have to pay to got to divinity school and bible colleges as well. Are you suggestings if I spend $10,000 going to Liberty University so I can get a Christian education that somehow I been had by a pyramid scheme.”
No one here has said that. However you wouldn’t be able to deduct that $10,000 on you’re taxes. No matter how strongly you believed it was necessary for you’re salvation. If it was a Scientology OTII course you could. Now you may be ok with paying more taxes so Scientology doesn’t have to but I’m not.
Comment by Gone Guru — April 17, 2009 @ 11:03 am
Study Tech? More like Study Bleech…(cue drum rimshot)
Comment by GingerBits — April 19, 2009 @ 9:18 pm
[...] Will Smithopened up a school AND later down the line a highs chool that teaches Scientology brainwashing tech. [...]
Pingback by GlossLip » Scientology Ditz, Jenna Elfman’s New Fall Show… A CBS Accident For Sure — May 26, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
[...] Will Smithopened up a school AND later down the line a highs chool that teaches Scientology brainwashing tech. [...]
Pingback by Celebrity Blog | Babelogs | Celebrity Gossip » Blog Archive » Scientology Ditz, Jenna Elfman’s New Fall Show… A CBS Accident For Sure — May 26, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
[...] questions about why Will Smith’s “I AM A LEGEND IN EDUCATION” school founded on Scientology principles isn’t in the running [...]
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