Scientology

[Ugly Dougly]

Ever meet a Mormon at BM? That would be strange.

I am an honorary Moron. I guess that isn't close enough...

[DVD Burner]

Scientology like any other religion is just a shortcut to enlightenment.

[mereth]

OED, there's a good side and a bad side to the idea of a Scientology trivia game:

Good: Most of the basic books on Dianetics and Scientology are available in many public libraries or in major bookstores like Barnes and Noble or Borders. I would suggest Dianetics (obviously), A New Slant on Life, or Problems of Work for starters.

Bad: Most of what's in Dianetics or Scientology builds upon earlier ideas and invents new terms for a concept for which no word for that exact idea previously existed. Just the Scientology-only terminology alone is enough to have its own sizeable dictionary. As such, in order to come up with an obscure trivia question, you'd have to understand the words being used and the concepts that go with them. And that would take more work and study than I think you had in mind.
But, if you chose a question out of the basic books where there isn't as much new terminology being used, it wouldn't fit the definition of trivia (not obscure) at that point.
Even after finding something that to a Scientologist is obscure, to everyone else it would be like asking a college-level calculus question to an audience that never took algebra or trig. You might luck into the right answer, but you wouldn't fully understand the question or how/why that answer is the right one.

Geddit?

[BAS]

Well, I am fairly familiar with the three cases I mention, more so with Keith Henson's as I saw the postings which Scientology initially sued him over. You can believe in whatever you like, but I do draw the line when it comes to how those beliefs are put into action.

By the way, what Henson is now in prison for is that the Church of Scientology felt threatened over the fact that he is a fire festival enthusiast.

[mereth]

By the way, what Henson is now in prison for is that the Church of Scientology felt threatened over the fact that he is a fire festival enthusiast.

"fire festival enthusiast", eh?
Well, the church hasn't come after me for being a BM enthusiast.

I agree that the church is sometimes too litigious IMHO. But, not having all the data, I cannot pass judgement.
It's a side effect of being a pacifist. Like the t-shirt?
http://skreened.com/irregularwear/the_d ... st_t-shirt

[Badger]

If one were to really feel like offering the greatest offering, the most expansive expression of Zsu-Zsu love in the form of a 'geeft' one might consider going online and finding one of the anonymous servers in the Netherlands that mail out entire copies of the Scientology OT Levels.

The OT Levels are the core teachings of L. Ron Hubbard and the foundation of Scientology. These 'teachings' - actually ramblings dictated by Hubbard in a drug-induced haze - are what Tom Cruise and other very rich, very well-too-do patrons pay upwards of $250,000 to read and complete.

Were one to 'geeft' a CD to every person entering Black Rock City as an expression of adoration to Zsu-Zsu well.... let's do the math.

~48,000 participants x ~$250,000 = $12,000,000,000

Surely Zsu-Zsu is worth such love.

[mereth]

Wow. I didn't think it was possible to be so offended by a gift...

From the Scientology website FAQ:
"Why does the Church have confidential scriptures?

"The vast majority of Scientology scriptures are widely available to the general public and can be read and studied by anyone. However, a very small portion of the scriptures that deal with the most advanced levels of spiritual counseling is restricted to those parishioners who have attained the prior levels of spiritual awareness.

"Scientologists believe that one must be properly prepared — spiritually and ethically — to receive these materials and that premature exposure could impede spiritual development. For this reason, the information in these advanced scriptures is kept confidential.

"It is not unusual for a religion to have confidential scriptures and practices. Similar religious practices exist in Judaism and Mormonism, for example."

Besides I thought everyone was in agreement that it was a bad idea to hand out flyers, books, or any Scientology materials...

[Kinetik V]

"The vast majority of Scientology scriptures are widely available to the general public and can be read and studied by anyone. However, a very small portion of the scriptures that deal with the most advanced levels of spiritual counseling is restricted to those parishioners who have attained the prior levels of spiritual awareness.

"Scientologists believe that one must be properly prepared — spiritually and ethically — to receive these materials and that premature exposure could impede spiritual development. For this reason, the information in these advanced scriptures is kept confidential.

"It is not unusual for a religion to have confidential scriptures and practices. Similar religious practices exist in Judaism and Mormonism, for example."

I call bullshit, it's just another ploy to push exclusiveness on a small segment of the population that can pay for such things.
Any religion that claims that post partum depression for women is just a made up problem created by women to gain attention is fundamentally fucked.
I want to be nice and practice tolerance. But I was raised to call bullshit bullshit. It doesn't matter how you package it, Scientology stinks. The German Government gets it. 3/4 of Oprah's audience got it. I could keep going but I think I made my point.

Moving on, let's rephrase this statement: ""Scientologists believe that one must be properly prepared — financially — to receive these materials and that premature exposure could impede our accountants from making sure that ample funds are available to be transferred into our coffers. For this reason, the information in these advanced scriptures is kept confidential..or at least we hold on to it until the wire transfers are complete and the funds are safely secured in offshore accounts. "

[Toolmaker]

[youtube][/youtube]

[Badger]

Scientology like any other religion is just a shortcut to enlightenment.

Spoken like a badly worded bumper sticker.

[mereth]

Any religion that claims that post partum depression for women is just a made up problem created by women to gain attention is fundamentally fucked.

Umm, no. I would never presume to say that. I just think it's treatable without having to resort to psychopharmaceuticals.

As far as everything else you said, well, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

[Badger]

As far as everything else you said, well, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Why? What's wrong with challenging you on your belief systems?

[mereth]

Did I ever say there was anything wrong? In point of fact you all are making me re-examine my choice in pursuing Scientology, but I see that as a good thing, but maybe not for the reasons you might think.

[I Will...You Will...]

Umm, no. I would never presume to say that. I just think it's treatable without having to resort to psychopharmaceuticals.

oat bran the new cure for cancer ... are you serious lady

[I Will...You Will...]

Did I ever say there was anything wrong? In point of fact you all are making me re-examine my choice in pursuing Scientology, but I see that as a good thing, but maybe not for the reasons you might think.

I would hope you are re-examining ... any religion that causes Tom Curise to turn into an idiot and has more bad publicity then Brittney Spears needs to believe in aliens.

[mereth]

oat bran the new cure for cancer ... are you serious lady

WTF?

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/ ... ekey=50856

for a more accurate example...

[Kinetik V]

Toolmaker's YouTube clip seems to capture my viewpoint on Scientology perfectly. It had me laughing so hard it hurt. Great post!

[I Will...You Will...]

WTF?

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/ ... ekey=50856

for a more accurate example...

Exactly that’s how stupid you sound … post partum depression is a chemical imbalance and can not be treated at home …

[AntiM]

Keep it above the belt folks ... no name calling. Don't make me pull this bus over.

[I Will...You Will...]

Keep it above the belt folks ... no name calling. Don't make me pull this bus over.

No disrespect … but I did not call her stupid I said her argument sounded stupid … big difference!

[dragonfly Jafe]

I have always thought it a little strange that "Scientology" literally means the study of science.

I have also always thought it a little curious that the Creator of Scientology is a renowned fiction writer (although I do enjoy reading his stories).

I also see no reason to pick at another Person's religious beliefs (unless they include a need to kill me).

[mereth]

For anyone who couldn't or didn't click on the link: my "argument" was a link to an article on a medical website that went over a study that showed that exercise helped depression more than pills. The reasons given in the article for why that is is something I have personally seen to work and thus believe is true.

The original point of this thread was El Wire was concerned that there would be Scientologists at BM proselytizing. While I think I've been pretty upfront about my being a Scientologist, I think I've established by now that I'm not going to be proselytizing while at BM.

I'm not looking for conversion, people. Not really even acceptance, per se. I am however looking for tolerance. And I would think that that is something that I should expect from a crowd as educated as those that I've seen attend BM.

I don't normally do this, but I'm going to post part of something that BoxBurner wrote me in a PM (BBurner if you have a problem with this, I'll take it down):

As I said, Everyone walks their own path and everyone has to decide for themselves what to believe. What works for you may not work for them and visa versa.

do not try to defend your faith (whatever it is). Do not attack someone elses faith. Niether course will do anyone any good. Faith can neither be attacked or defended. Rather, discuss what is good. For the things that are good are universal.

I'm done trying to defend my faith. If anyone is interested in what Scientology has done for me personally or looking to clarify what it IS, then we can further this discussion. Until then, this thread is leading nowhere but down and I'm done.

[AntiM]

"That's how stupid you sound" you said. That pretty much calls her stupid, not her argument. This is eplaya, you don't get to rearrange your words. Perhaps you didn't mean it the way it came off, fine, say so. I just call 'em as I reads 'em.

I rarely ask people to tone it down, but this thread is going downhill at a rapid rate, I'm just trying to head off the personal attacks. We've played so nicely for so long! Nothing as good as a nice contentious argument to liven up the winter months.

[oneeyeddick]

"This is eplaya, you don't get to rearrange your words.

you get to for the next 60 minutes .

Where is Simon with something profanely blasphemous to
really put these ungodly Scient-ologists back into thier place ?
(which will be Hell if they don't change thier evil ways and accept the Good Lord Jesus Christ soon) Amen !!!

[mereth]

OK. Not quite done yet apparently:
Badger: Please read this article re: the confidential materials
http://www.religioustolerance.org/scientol4.htm

Dragonfly: The word "Scientology" means "the study of knowledge or truth." "Scio-" is the root word part that was used in forming the word Scientology and this same root also (etymologically-speaking) formed the word science.

Hubbard started writing fiction before he went into the research that led to Dianetics. My understanding is that his reasons for this were twofold: 1) to hone his writing skills and the ability to quickly communicate an idea through writing and 2) to make money to fund his research (there was a boom of pulp sci-fi writing in New York at the time).

AntiM: I definitely appreciate the assistance. Do we need to break out the Kumbaya?

OED? :

[Badger]

I'm done trying to defend my faith. If anyone is interested in what Scientology has done for me personally or looking to clarify what it IS, then we can further this discussion. Until then, this thread is leading nowhere but down and I'm done.

Did I hear the sound of champagne bottle popping?

[thisisthatwhichis]

Thanks, AntiM...

For the record, mereth, I've enjoyed your (and everyone's) veiws on this topic......

BoxBurners quote makes me want to hug that guy again....... Way to go BoxB...

It seems to always be the same... you have a few cocktails...



Start talking politics or religion......... and the the chairs start flying...... Not to worry, we love you all..........




Oh..... ..... wait this isn't the bar thread?...... nevermind... carry on......

[theCryptofishist]

I have always thought it a little strange that "Scientology" literally means the study of science.

If you think of it as "Huckster inflating value of his product" it's not strange at all.

[Apollonaris Zeus]

Again, I believe that it is wrong to charge for enlightenment as it corrupts the very foundation of the spiritual being. To be indoctrinated, by a slow process of mind control and then to have some incredible thought revealed to you will do only two things. 1- that you accept the believe as real or 2- you just sunk alot of money into a phoney concept that you could have discovered in some SiFi mag which is why many mormons and scientologists are excommunicated from the religion. Excommunicated because they saw the light of scam and will tell others that its all a scam. So those persons are elliminated from the group like a desease and you can't ask for a refund. You only enlightenment was you were born a minute after the last fool.


Bow down and open wide to accept the will of "Smegma" it is real and you can taste its power, but only those that are uncut are pure and holy are the only ones that can receive it magic.

Smegma
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This article is about smegma, a secretion of mammalian genitals. See Vernix caseosa for the substance that covers the skin of a baby at birth. See Smegma (band) for the experimental noise band.
Smegma, a transliteration of the Greek word σμήγμα for sebum, is a combination of exfoliated (shed) epithelial cells, transudated skin oils, and moisture, and can accumulate under the foreskin of males and within the vulva of females. It has a characteristic strong odor. Smegma is common to all mammals, male and female. Mycobacterium smegmatis is the characteristic bacterium involved in smegma production, and is generally thought to form smegma from epidermal secretions.


In healthy animals, smegma helps clean and lubricate the genitals. In veterinary medicine, analysis of this smegma is sometimes used for detection of urinary infections, such as trichomoniasis. Some have recommended periodic cleaning of male genitals to improve the health of the animal.[1]




Contents [hide]
1 Human smegma
2 References
3 External links
3.1 Images of Smegma



[edit] Human smegma

Smegma allowed to accumulate long enough to become visibleBoth males and females produce smegma. In males smegma is produced and accumulates under the foreskin of uncircumcised individuals; in females it collects around the clitoris and in the folds of the labia minora.

Smegma is noticeable as a smooth or moist texture until it is allowed to accumulate, when it takes on its characteristic texture and appearance described in many texts as "cheesy". Because smegma tends to accumulate under the foreskin in males, its presence is less common and less noticeable in circumcised males.[2]

The subpreputial moisture keeps the glans moist and may lubricate the movement of the foreskin. However, if allowed to accumulate and decay in the foreskin cavity it can provide an ideal medium for potentially pathogenic bacteria to colonize;[3] current medical opinion is that allowing smegma to accumulate freely is unhealthy. Accumulation of smegma can cause or aggravate a variety of irritations known as balanitis. Early medical studies such as those by Plaut (1947) and Heins et al (1958)[4] claimed that smegma accumulation led to the development of penile cancer, but the American Cancer Society states that more recent studies have failed to support this.[5]

Preventing accumulation is best done by rinsing the area with warm water. In females, the hood of the clitoris can be gently pulled back to wash away accumulated smegma. Some argue that soap is best avoided because it depletes natural skin oils and may cause non-specific dermatitis.[6] Noticeably unpleasant cheese-like odors can be an indicator of a potentially serious medical problem, or a need to gently wash away excess with water. Deodorant sprays or washes may cause thrush or thrush-like conditions — washing using warm water only is recommended by health professionals if you have senitive skin, or suffer from dermatitis reactions to using soap like products.[citation needed]

Smegma has become part of a campaign being waged by a small but vocal[citation needed]anti-circumcision movement, with the movement citing the potential usefulness of smegma, which is generally lost following circumcision. Medical opinion is split on the whether this may be true or not.[citation needed]

The term is one of the few English words referring to aspects of human genitalia that is of Greek and not Latin origin.

Stay pure, Stay uncut and the unlimited power of Smegma will envelope you! (but please wash often)

Anyone care to taste the power I hold?

AIIZ

PS- sorry, I was sexually mutilated as child I can't really help you!

[oneeyeddick]

I was not circumsized as a child, yet I do not have an excess of loose skin....
Does that make me "the Chosen One" ?