Scientology

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 9:11 pm

Box Burner wrote:hellenism! I know what that is.

It's the story of that troy lady ain't it? You know... the one where she had this big wooden horse. Iknow that story. :D

No, that's not Hellenism, but a true story embellished in mythological form written by Homer, Homer Simpson, Doh!

Mereth, Welcome to the Playa!

Then I guess if any religion had a place on the playa, it would have to be Scientology.

And remember, if South Park does a parody on you then I guess you pretty much made the mainstream.

I hope someday, my religion will be mocked by South Park and hopefully before Ben stiller studio does his show, "Gods behaving Badly". I'm working on a script, "The Maccabees" Not the part when, Antiochus- the syrian, offended both the Israelis and the Hellenics by trying to force his type of Hellenistic religion on the jews just to quell the jews continual uprising against him. (one should remember that his form of Hellenistic pantheon contains different Gods, including Egyptian and Persian Gods, and ceremonies then those in Greece) But later, when Simon ruled as high priest and Governor. It will be modeled after "All in the Family". Simon as Archie the bigot and John Hyrcanus plays the Meathead, Mike Stivic, who is hip to the new Greek culture and language and changes his childrens hebrew names to greek ones. Under John, Israel attains its greatist ever wealth and prosperity. And Greek once again becomes the world's spoken language of education and trade.

AIIZ

PS- It is customary at BM to mock our beliefs, but it doesn't have to be the core values. I think you can get some of your Scientology friends to come and set up a "Xenu Palace of Soul Sucking Discotek" I think the Bad Xenu deserves it and it will be a hit with our playa alien friends! I'm sure it would show the world that "Hey, we too have a sense of Humor!"

PSS- Handing out pamplets or recuiting on the playa is not acceptable behavior. I do not engage in it nor do I preach my religion on the playa. You would just create more negative reactions toward your beliefs.

Box Burner · Post by **Box Burner** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 1:03 am

Donna Matrix wrote:Trying to live without electricity will be the hardest for most. That and trying to live "off the land" whether by agricultural or hunting or both. So many are living off corporate goods. They don't even know what food is... I know because I teach nutrition at the local junior college.

Every semester I start the class by asking... "What is food?" and only a few have ever been able to answer...

The question is... "What is food...?"

Hey I know the answer to that one. That's easy. Dorritos!

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 7:42 am

As a group though, Burners understand freedom even if most do not understand where it comes from.

Quite a nice, over-the-top horseshit statement.

Got any more?

mereth · Post by **mereth** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:43 am

AZeus, That script sounds absofuckinglutely godsdamned hilarious. I don't have much to compare with seeing as I've never seen a single episode of "All In the Family" - a fault in my TV upbringing that must be rectified immediately (**digging into Netflix queue and searching**).

Regardless, I very much appreciate the sentiment you expressed.

As I've stated earlier, I won't be bringing any Scientology promotion materials, and wasn't planning on "talking it up" either (unless someone asks me a direct question, of course).

As far as mocking my own religion - I think not.
As per my 'Interactive Art Idea of the Day" thread, I won't have time, money or anything to do any kind of large scale art anything on this, my first year.

If I can get my shit together such that I've got everything I need to bring and have enough extra that I can share with someone that might need it, then I'd call that a fucking good start.

Kinetik V · Post by **Kinetik V** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:52 am

There are many belief systems / religions being practiced worldwide...in fact it might be worth taking a second to refresh one's mindset with just the major list...here's a starting point.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/var_rel.htm

I don't particularily care for Scientology but this is America and if that's what you want to believe in, then by all means go for it. As long as your religion doesn't try to destroy the constitutional separation of church and state, it doesn't try to suck up tax dollars that are needed for other things, the movement's leadership doesn't try to hijack the schools and forcefeed kids a bunch of religious bullshit, or it doesn't try to prosetlyize me while I'm out in the desert doing what I love to do and have busted my ass to try and do for that one wonderful week per year then it's ok.

Getting back on topic, Scientology could improve it's standing in the eyes of many if they picked a spokesperson that doesn't go on national TV and makes an ass out of himself....and generates extra material to keep those fine folks over at TMZ.com hopping.

mereth · Post by **mereth** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:59 am

Kinetic V wrote:Getting back on topic, Scientology could improve it's standing in the eyes of many if they picked a spokesperson that doesn't go on national TV and makes an ass out of himself....and generates extra material to keep those fine folks over at TMZ.com hopping.

No argument here.

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 9:55 am

Hey, I don't like Scientology from a personal basis when I had interactions with recruiters back in the 70s. Believe what you will, but I don't have a very good view of it. Not alone, there's plenty of religions I despise personally. Hey, I love my Mormon neighbors, but I don't want to be one again anytime soon.

Don't worry about a big interactive piece your first year, you're right, just getting your shit together can be an uphill climb. Bring a tiny piece of art, I have an art adoption program which always needs new conscripts.

mereth · Post by **mereth** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:26 am

Funny you should say that - I already have one piece I was planning on bringing to you, actually.

FYI, Scientology has gone through a lot of internal reformation since the 70s. The 70s was about the worst time to be intoduced - there were a lot of dickless, conniving asshats running the joint that have since been kicked out.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:09 am

mereth wrote:As far as mocking my own religion - I think not.

You know - that's really the only problem I have with Scientology. The only examples we see of its practicers show no ability to laugh at themselves. Every belief system comes with a good helping of bullshit. Inability to recognize this and find humor in it is what leads to a lot of the problems we have today IMHO.

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:15 am

mereth wrote:AZeus, That script sounds absofuckinglutely godsdamned hilarious. I don't have much to compare with seeing as I've never seen a single episode of "All In the Family" - a fault in my TV upbringing that must be rectified immediately (**digging into Netflix queue and searching**).

Regardless, I very much appreciate the sentiment you expressed.

As I've stated earlier, I won't be bringing any Scientology promotion materials, and wasn't planning on "talking it up" either (unless someone asks me a direct question, of course).

As far as mocking my own religion - I think not.
As per my 'Interactive Art Idea of the Day" thread, I won't have time, money or anything to do any kind of large scale art anything on this, my first year.

If I can get my shit together such that I've got everything I need to bring and have enough extra that I can share with someone that might need it, then I'd call that a fucking good start.

All in the Family was great show produced by Norman Lear, the greatist TV social activist of the 70's he produced innovative soul seaching shows such as: All in the Family was followed by a succession of other television hit shows including Maude, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, Good Times, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. His show, The Jeffersons, even had an interacial couple that blew the tops off all bigots. Can you name another TV series today that has an interacial couple? I can't name one and just one show doesn't count! He went on to form, "People for the American Way" to combat radical religious evangelicals in the 80's.

What no "Xenu: Palace of Soul Disco"! You disapoint our playa Aliens! I always wanted to do the "Panty-on" where you wear only a candy Panty with the name of a god on it, from Athena to Zeus, to enter and get free libations. If the Gods don't have a sense of Humor then we are in deep shit!

AIIZ

mereth · Post by **mereth** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:18 am

I have laughed at myself. I do laugh at myself. The "I think not" is just indicating my inability to come up with viable means of doing so. That's all.
The whole alien thing is BS anyway so I can't go that route.
What, do I make up a "free personality test" like the church has, only where the inevitable outcome is to say how much of an asshole the test taker is? That might be interesting...

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:34 am

mereth wrote:I have laughed at myself. I do laugh at myself. The "I think not" is just indicating my inability to come up with viable means of doing so. That's all.
The whole alien thing is BS anyway so I can't go that route.
What, do I make up a "free personality test" like the church has, only where the inevitable outcome is to say how much of an asshole the test taker is? That might be interesting... :lol:

If the Alien Xenu chapter has ended, then I believe that some of your wealthier members would like to tackle that suggestion so to disperse the rumor. The creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, are known to go to BM regularly they could write a sequel to the original show on Scientolgy as morphing from to the Xenu and bringing about change and evolution thus closing the chapter. Matt and Trey do have a heart you know. Remember the show on Mormonism it ends on a very positive note for them and the show. But I do have to say the segment on tom, john being in the closet is one of the funniest things I have seen on the show.

Yes, I agree, tom is not a very good spokesperson for scientoloy. His animated answers only make the arguement that anti-psychosis drugs may help him.

Let me say this about your religion's self-help anti-drug dogma: it is a good approach to the "Drugs are the answer to all mental problems" but the attack that they are all bad in all cases is wrong. They do help alot of people, but to many rush into them without first trying the natural healing alternatives first.

AIIZ

mereth · Post by **mereth** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:51 am

I am not going to start on a discussion of my views about drugs as I once started to in my first-ever thread (Anti-drug on the Playa) and got shut down in favor of tolerance and taking a "laissez-faire" attitude. Which, under the circumstances, for Burning Man, is correct. Which is the conclusion that I came to - tolerance and (if needed) forgiveness is mightier than dogmatic ramblings in any public forum.

Anyway, how about them Dodgers?

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 12:48 pm

I hate baseball.

Kinetik V · Post by **Kinetik V** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 3:41 pm

Post by **mdmf007** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:47 pm

cute graphic - true as well.

dana · Post by **dana** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 7:59 pm

Is reality actually that simple?

Steps 3 and 4 take considerable finesse sometimes...

(Science never seems to provide answers to certain kinds of the most interesting experiences.)

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:42 pm

dana wrote:
(Science never seems to provide answers to certain kinds of the most interesting experiences.)

Science is like an infant that has not even form sylables!

AIIZ

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:05 am

And religion is like that 45 year old in the corner of the padded room,
wearing a helmet so he won't hurt himself,
except the helmet is on backwards.

Box Burner · Post by **Box Burner** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 1:07 am

mereth wrote:I have laughed at myself. I do laugh at myself. The "I think not" is just indicating my inability to come up with viable means of doing so. That's all.
The whole alien thing is BS anyway so I can't go that route.
What, do I make up a "free personality test" like the church has, only where the inevitable outcome is to say how much of an asshole the test taker is? That might be interesting...

But you can laugh about and at yourself and your religion. The alien thing would be a great place to start.

for instance you could say; " the aliens already came and I went away with them. but they didn't have any strawberry cheesecake there so I made them bring me back."

I will tell you this; If the god that you believe in does not have a sense of humor he is probably a fraud. And if you do not believe in a god then it is not going to hurt anything anyway. So either way you might as well laugh and have a little fun with yourself, your freinds and those who do an do not understand or believe what you believe in. You might even gain some new insights and a greater understanding of your own beliefs. You will develop greater freinship and love with the people around you. As they will for you.

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 10:33 am

What God?

Donna, you said Hellenism and Scientology had many beliefs in common, but I've look at the web site and all I saw was "We can Help you" advice. If that makes a religion then psychology too is a religion.

In my religion, if you are reincarnated, then you must really be screwing up.

Point me to the pages that speak about Religion since I can't find them

I took the TEST.

It said I flunked!

AIIZ

Post by **mdmf007** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:29 pm

I wonder if BM will be looked at as a cult religion in 50 years?

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:17 pm

Gathering a group around one belief, person, or symbol (such as the Man), isolating them
in a place where there will be little or no contact with the outside world,
and tightly controlling their ability to come and go are all qualities consistent with cults.
A charismatic leader, like Larry, is perfect to attract and expand membership in the cult.

The LLC have in effect created a town with basically one religion , one undisputed and non-elected leader
who controls the theme, and with only a small handful of newspapers and radio stations , which they more or less control also.
BRC is the perfect place for a cult.
Where is the line for the Kool-aid in center camp gonna be next year ?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:24 pm

But you are in control of your own diet. Bring plenty of protein. The sleepless thing is still an issue.

besides, we all know it aint kool ade or even flavor ade (god I must be pissy if I'm not complaining about the metaphor) but electrolyte replacement that we're going to be shooting down the throats of babies adn small children.

And there aren't enough nights in the week to do our "white night" rehersals, and besides everyone would just wander off to the nearest rave camp.

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:47 pm

Point me to the pages that speak about Religion since I can't find them

http://www.xenu.net

Is this what you are looking for?

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 6:31 am

theCryptofishist wrote:(god I must be pissy if I'm not complaining about the metaphor) .

I threw that last line in there just for you, too.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:51 am

"ju must wear de ribbon"

"but i dont WANNA wear the ribbon"

"then we will TEACH you to wear the ribbon...."

Kinetik V · Post by **Kinetik V** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:29 am

oneeyeddick wrote:Gathering a group around one belief, person, or symbol (such as the Man), isolating them
in a place where there will be little or no contact with the outside world,
and tightly controlling their ability to come and go are all qualities consistent with cults.
A charismatic leader, like Larry, is perfect to attract and expand membership in the cult.

The LLC have in effect created a town with basically one religion , one undisputed and non-elected leader
who controls the theme, and with only a small handful of newspapers and radio stations , which they more or less control also.
BRC is the perfect place for a cult.
Where is the line for the Kool-aid in center camp gonna be next year ?

This is still "Just another fucking camping trip", held in an isolated location to minimize governmental interference (imagine trying to have the event in NIMBY-land suburbia somewhere). The lack of media comes down to the fact that not everyone has the technological know-how to fire up an FM low power broadcast station or wants to spend their time cranking out moop generating flyers or newspapers. And as far as Larry having so much power? He's sure got a hell of a lot of volunteers out there making decisions...the guy doesn't micromanage the whole event from top to bottom. My point is almost every single point raised to support the "this could be a cult thing" can be quickly shot down with a few shots of cold hard facts. And without going into details, BM has actually created new religious movements and offshoots that are growing by the day.

So now that the "cult" comments are nothing more than smoking wreckage...I'll get off the soapbox and let the thread continue. But that post was too good (and I'm always too damn serious anyway) of a target to pass up without firing off a response.

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:48 am

Kinetic V wrote: He's sure got a hell of a lot of volunteers out there making decisions...the guy doesn't micromanage the whole event from top to bottom. My point is almost every single point raised to support the "this could be a cult thing" can be quickly shot down with a few shots of cold hard facts. And without going into details, BM has actually created new religious movements and offshoots that are growing by the day.

Wow, I didn't see the similarities of BM to Scientology. Both volunteers pay to be volunteers, the sleep depro, constant chanting or music, mind alter-experiences!

Hey, and its not just a camping trip!

But scientologist's volunteer can get credit to attend the dianetic that they can pay back for thousands of years after death. And if you are reborn, do you rack up a new credit line or is that just added to your old credit line in which it will take millions of years to pay off or never. That can be like selling your soul, not suck up by evil xenu, but the church. Is this true or is it anti-church lies.

Other then that, I think we scared off mereth. Please come back, I wish to know the true instead of the lies about your church.

Mereth maybe you should use some name other then your own in case they have you under surveillance. I don't want you get you in trouble.

Mereth said that they have dropped the Xenu stuff.

AIIZ

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:36 am

Apollonaris Zeus wrote:

Other then that, I think we scared off mereth. Please come back, I wish to know the true instead of the lies about your church.

Mereth maybe you should use some name other then your own in case they have you under surveillance. I don't want you get you in trouble.

I think if "they " are watching Mereth, then it too late for
Mereth to hide behind the guise of another sock puppet.

But I agree, I want to know more about scientology too.