Doesn anybody know anything about Scientology?

[walls83]

This whole Tom Cruise thing and then Scientology trying to shut down the scientomogy site got me curious.  Frist thing I would say is WOW what abunch of dangerous loons.  here is a intro into scientology if your curious.

http://www.zipperfish.com/free/yaafm11.php

Xenu 4 LIFE..!!!

[MustardTent]

Go to Operation Clambake and have a look.  Scientology is not nice in my opinion.

Nothing else to say about it.


Edit: Changed post to be less negative.  Don't want Saint to get sued (it has been known to happen to other websites).

[shmokes]

I know that they're bat ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- crazy.

[Harry Potter]

Only in America.

[Dartful Dodger]

Only in America.

Freedom of expression is a good thing.

[ChadTower]

It makes me laugh that the autocensor misspells Cleveland.

[MustardTent]

I was just searching for that.  Thought it was another inside joke.  ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---

[Harry Potter]

Only in America.

Freedom of expression is a good thing.

Wackos have no business starting religions. They should go into politics. Take Australia... 

Edit: Freedom of expression includes their practice of Fair Game

[SirPoonga]

Only in America.

At least it isn't a Jedi religion like in the country across the pond....

[Harry Potter]

Only in America.

At least it isn't a Jedi religion like in the country across the pond....

You're thinking of New Zealand

[SirPoonga]

Only in America.

At least it isn't a Jedi religion like in the country across the pond....

You're thinking of New Zealand

I didn't say which pond, now did I

I just remember news in the UK of some government official claiming to be a Jedi, or something like that.

[ChadTower]

Wackos have no business starting religions.

But that would eliminate nearly all religion at the source.

[Harry Potter]

Only in America.

At least it isn't a Jedi religion like in the country across the pond....

You're thinking of New Zealand

I didn't say which pond, now did I

I just remember news in the UK of some government official claiming to be a Jedi, or something like that.

I was thinking of the time when they had the Census in new Zeland and people were putting down their religion as Jedi.
Apparently for a religion to be officially recognised, you need about 10000 people to confirm that they follow it.
Sufficed to say, the force was not with them. 

[Havok]

And Battlefield Earth really stank too...

[Harry Potter]

Wackos have no business starting religions.

But that would eliminate nearly all religion at the source.

As long as I end up Emperor of Earth, I don't really care. 

[Harry Potter]

And Battlefield Earth really stank too...

Book was OK, if you look past the author.

[Grasshopper]

Only in America.

At least it isn't a Jedi religion like in the country across the pond....

You're thinking of New Zealand

I didn't say which pond, now did I

I just remember news in the UK of some government official claiming to be a Jedi, or something like that.

The same thing happened in the UK. We had a census and a bunch of people (including myself  ) put down their religion as Jedi. I think the threshold for official recognition was actually reached but the government chose to classify all the Jedis as being atheists.

[Harry Potter]

Only in America.

At least it isn't a Jedi religion like in the country across the pond....

You're thinking of New Zealand

I didn't say which pond, now did I

I just remember news in the UK of some government official claiming to be a Jedi, or something like that.

The same thing happened in the UK. We had a census and a bunch of people (including myself  ) put down their religion as Jedi. I think the threshold for official recognition was actually reached but the government chose to classify all the Jedis as being atheists.

That's when you should have stormed number 10 with lightsabers.

[MustardTent]

But that would eliminate nearly all religion at the source.

There is some serious anti-religion sentiment around here...

[Grasshopper]

Only in America.

At least it isn't a Jedi religion like in the country across the pond....

You're thinking of New Zealand

I didn't say which pond, now did I

I just remember news in the UK of some government official claiming to be a Jedi, or something like that.

The same thing happened in the UK. We had a census and a bunch of people (including myself  ) put down their religion as Jedi. I think the threshold for official recognition was actually reached but the government chose to classify all the Jedis as being atheists.

That's when you should have stormed number 10 with lightsabers.

Unfortunately Tony Blair and his Sith mind tricks got the better of us.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

There is some serious anti-religion sentiment around here...

Religion has only itself to blame.


mrC

[MustardTent]

That may be true, but it's interesting that on public forums like these the anti-religious people are more vocal about their beliefs than the religious types by far.

[ChadTower]

That's because the religious types are doing it IRL while we are typing about it here.

[Harry Potter]

Not really,

Pleanty of my friends are religious (me including. Sorta) but they're not all that vocal. As far as they're concerned, they have their faith and no one's going to tell them otherwise.

Also they're sensible enough not to push their beliefs on people who do not wish it.

[MustardTent]

I'm not sure how this isn't real life.  We're not playing some MMORPG or something.  We are communicating with each other over a some eletronic medium.  No different than a telephone.

[ChadTower]

This sure as hell is an MMORPG.

[MustardTent]

Not really,

Pleanty of my friends are religious (me including. Sorta) but they're not all that vocal. As far as they're concerned, they have their faith and no one's going to tell them otherwise.

Also they're sensible enough not to push their beliefs on people who do not wish it.

This describes me pretty well. However, does your comment mean that some here are not sensible enough to not push their anti-religious beliefs on the rest of us?

[Clonedsheep]

I'm not sure how this isn't real life.

[ChadTower]

Stick around a while.

[MustardTent]

Stick around a while.  Some people around here are not sensible enough to refrain from teabagging people.

Assumptions based on post count.  I know I'm more of a lurker than anything, but I've been around here for quite a while.

[ChadTower]

Post count is more a factor of typing speed and if they can BYOAC from work.

[Harry Potter]

Not really,

Pleanty of my friends are religious (me including. Sorta) but they're not all that vocal. As far as they're concerned, they have their faith and no one's going to tell them otherwise.

Also they're sensible enough not to push their beliefs on people who do not wish it.

This describes me pretty well. However, does your comment mean that some here are not sensible enough to not push their anti-religious beliefs on the rest of us?

I'd say most people here are sensible enough not to do that.
But then again, most people here don't push any agenda (except the old plexi-glass argument  ).
They do defend their beliefs. If there's any pushing of agendas around here, it usually ends up in a flame war and locked topics.

So yes, people here are very sensible here.

[Harry Potter]

Post count is more a factor of typing speed and if they can BYOAC from work.

If I could get it at work, my post count would be in 5 digits.   

[shmokes]

The census in the U.K. showed more than 200,000 Jedis, more than Jews, Bhudists and....hmm....I forget......another common religion.

[Dartful Dodger]

The census in the U.K. showed more than 200,000 Jedis, more than Jews, Bhudists and....hmm....I forget......another common religion.

It's Scientology, the subject of this thread.

Try to stay focused.

[TalkingOctopus]

When I spent the summer in Redmond WA, there was a scientology church(?)  a block away from where I lived.  I never saw anyone go in or out.  It must be haunted or something.  Does anyone else live near one of these?  This was the first time I encountered one.

[Havok]

When I spent the summer in Redmond WA, there was a scientology church(?)

[MustardTent]

Post count is more a factor of typing speed and if they can BYOAC from work.

Or if you're just a lurker who likes "reading" all of the cheesecake posts here 

Edit: put reading in quotes.

[DarkKobold]

That Y.A.A.F.M. was good. However, it is still a bunch of propaganda B.S.

I got pissed watching the Michael Moore one. Blah blah blah, Moore is an american hating socialist, here is a quote taken out of context to prove it.

The first one had me rolling. Y.A.A.F.M. says "Michael Moore wants Sadam still in power. [insert quote about insurgency rising in Iraq] [Post picture of Sadam falling] Looks like you were wrong Moore!"

Except, Moore wasn't wrong. If Moore was wrong, we would be out of Iraq. Post election, we still haven't pulled out. Hmm. I guess the insurgency is still there. Hmph.

[Dartful Dodger]

I wasn't wrong.  Post election, Moore is still fat. Hmph.

[DarkKobold]

That was NOT going to change.

[Zero_Hour]

Only in America.

Freedom of expression is a good thing.

Indeed it is. Scientology has a long record of being very much against it.

[Harry Potter]

Just for that, you're 'Fair Game' 

[Sephroth57]

all relgions are tax breaks and false faith to make weak humans feel better about their lives. if you think logicly about it there can be no god

[Sephroth57]

*waits for controversy* lol

[Harry Potter]

all relgions are tax breaks and false faith to make weak humans feel better about their lives. if you think logicly about it there can be no god

You have angered the Saint.

[RayB]

I have some first-hand experience with Sciento1ogy AKA Dianetics (early 1990s). They use alot of deception and forceful sales tactics to get people in. (Let's just say the best people to work for Scientologists would be successful used car salesmen).

They prey on the weak, directionless, and those with "voids" to fill.

They go door to door. One of the questions they ask is if you've heard of "Dianetics". If you say no, that's green flag #1 for them. (An "unbiased" mind so to speak). They claim to be doing research by administering what they call a "personality" test.

When this happened, I was 21, innocent and prone to depression. I lived in an upper middle class city. I figured why not fill out the test. I had nothing to do. It was just a simple form to fill out and the lady would come back later to check get it. So I filled it out.

There were at least 100 questions. Alot of them were repeated questions worded slightly different. The types of questions indirectly covered things like personal happiness, philosophy, religion, etc. Basically, answers to the questions would easily reveal a person's weaknesses (especially if you are unhappy, not assertive, looking for life answers, things like that).

So then the lady comes back for the test and reveals that they need to process it at their office. So a week later I get a call, and what do you know, you have to come in to their office to get the results of their "test". Oh ok. It would seem my answers raised green flag #2 for them. Probably my lack of religion, my problems with depression (at the time), etc.

I don't know why, but I went.

[Dartful Dodger]

So basically they are rounding up the people who usually get in my way and redirecting them into another direction.

Hey Cruise!
Keep up the good work.

[duffjr]

where can i watch the film?  i want to bomb my way out  when i find that the door is locked.  i'm sure they can't sue for "kidnapping."

[Bones]

Scientology is for ass-hats and their distant cousins, the ass-clown.

[DrewKaree]

I wasn't wrong.  Post election, Moore is still fat. Hmph.

That was NOT going to change.

Of course not, since the Bush administration wouldn't sign into law that ban on dinner forks.  Remember folks, people don't make themselves fat, FORKS make people fat.

We need a ban on forks, and we need it now.  A salt fork is deadly just lying there on the table.  Today forks, tomorrow spoons!

Bones is in love with the phrase ASS HAT!

[SirPoonga]

I know this is an older thread for EE, but anyone see the South Park episode.

Ok, I am convinced scientologists are in it just for tax exempt status.

[mpm32]

And to provide a normal looking life for Rock Hudson type actors and performers.

[Harry Potter]

And to provide jokes to MAD for years to come.

[patrickl]

I always find it funny how they are "at war" with the german government.

[SirPoonga]

They are at war with everyone that isn't in. 

So, did anyone see the south park episode last night?

[Hoopz]

They are at war with everyone that isn't in.

So, did anyone see the south park episode last night?

Yep.  My wife, who usually doesnt watch SP, actually asked me if thats what Scientology actually believes.  I told her pretty much....

[USSEnterprise]

Don't watch it much anymore. I watch Drawn Together, though

[fredster]

Didn't Hubbard just invent that "daentics" so he could evade taxes?

I actually tried to read that some time back.  I have never stopped reading a book before or since, but I did about 2/3 of the way through that. 

It was so bogus I just couldn't continue.  I could have made up a better religion.

[Santoro]

I was rolling on the floor when the graphic across the screen said in bold letters:

[SirPoonga]

The part about the souls and soul catchers reminds me of darwinia

[cw]

[AC.]

I know this is an older thread for EE, but anyone see the South Park episode.

Ok, I am convinced scientologists are in it just for tax exempt status.

GOOD story RayB, cool, glad you escaped.

YES, I saw southpark, I then spent about 2 hours online looking up Scientology.  It is pure science fiction. 75 million years ago the Thetus souls were banished to earth and dropped in volcanoes where they escaped and infested early-caveman, and they are still there in us today.  Their anger at being banished is the anger inside us --- or something equally whackpac.

What I don't get, is how someone can get hooked on an idea.  Drugs I can understand, but an idea?

the IRS revoked the tax-exempt status of Scientology many years ago.

[SirPoonga]

The thing is they don't have to believe in it.  The story isn't revealed to them until they reach that top level, which not many people have.  But it's the fact that story exists.

[menace]

Yeah watched the SP episode on wednesday--busted a gut the whole time--i love it when they rip into these hokey religions (does not include the force or force based religions)  I liked how all their credits were john or jane smith--like the mormons made it to put down scientolgy--brilliant!  I remeber taking cults in north america in university scary fascinating stuff there--this one was so clearly fabricated for money its unbelievable anyone would sign, I mean come off it--you can't attain the next level of enlightenment unless you pay for it?  --makes me question the intelligence of my fellow man!

[AC.]

The thing is they don't have to believe in it.  The story isn't revealed to them until they reach that top level, which not many people have.  But it's the fact that story exists.

Right.  I don't understand the initial idea that gets them started.  If the basic experience is like RayB - who the hell continues with it?  The convert must think it is some form of psychotherapy since they have to pay for it.

[SirPoonga]

Their main "reason" for entering into it is a form of protest against modern psychology.

[fredster]

How about we start a religion and call it

ARCADEOLOGY

We will worship PAC MAN.  And we will say that the space people are only trying to get us ready for what's about to happen.

That we will be thrown into space and we will have to deflect ASTEROIDS and then be a DEFENDER of the weak.

Then, we'll have to communicate with the ROBOTRONs in 2084.

Huh?  Wadda ya think? Has potential doesn't it?

[SirPoonga]

Huh?  Wadda ya think? Has potential doesn't it?

almsot has potential, other than that stuff has been copyrighted/trademarked already   So you couldn't be in it for hte money

[Havok]

Huh?

[patrickl]

Yeah, we must eat powerpills to ward of the evil ghosts!

HAIL P@C M@N!

[RayB]

Right.

[fredster]

We are scientific people here on the BYOAC.  We need proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

So we can worship arcade machines. Like Druids and trees.

We can meditate as we try to beat the high score, it puts us in touch with our "Ki".

The highest awarness is reached when you finally achieve it.

So we must help those in need.  Bring your quarters....

[AC.]

How about we start a religion and call it

ARCADEOLOGY

I like what I hear, and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

[AC.]

Interview with the Scientologist was on TV tonight.  It starred that vampire tom cruise.

[SirPoonga]

Teh church of arcadeology.  Think of the building we could have.  Literally take people's quarters.  Loud 80s music....

[Havok]

Teh church of arcadeology.  Think of the building we could have.  Literally take people's quarters.  Loud 80s music....

I say we have David Lee Roth as our spokesman...

[fredster]

Are you lost? Are you down trodden? You have no purpose?

What has happened is your soul has been infected by ghosts. Come onto us and we will show you the path.  We will show you how to powerup and turn these evil colors to Blue.  Then with the new power you have your soul can consume these evil thoughts and desires in on gulp.

And with each evil thought and motive that's consumed, you will receive bonus points that will get you into the great arcade in the sky.  Where the machines are always on and always set on free play.

Give onto us your quarters so we may build a great Church, one with blacklights and mirror balls.

[SirPeale]

http://www.zipperfish.net/free/yaafm11.php

[Santoro]

Classic.  I had no idea.

[fredster]

YAAFM

It goes to show that people need some kind of hope.  That they need to believe that this is not all, that there is more to life than just life.

They want to believe that they can live on after they die, and that their problems can be solved and they are not at fault for what happens to them.

It's a fear of mortality. It's a fear of responsibility for your actions. It's fear, period.

But, it it works for Cruz, we can capitalize on this and make a few bucks.

Let's tell them we'll pay them back with interest in the Arcade in the sky....

[RayB]

Anyone here want to seriously start Arcadeology?
From what I have read, in order to qualify as a real church, we need at least a few followers. Then one of us can be ordained as a real minister of this church.

Hopefully "Wakka Wakka Wakka" can be our "amen"

[fredster]

I nominate RayB to be the Pope of Arcadeology.

Anyone second me?

[AC.]

2nd.
All in favor?
All opposed?

the ayes have it.  RayB is now declared pope.

I'll be the treasurer.  Start sending dues to my paypal account.

[SirPoonga]

2nd.
All in favor?
All opposed?

the ayes have it.  RayB is now declared pope.

I'll be the treasurer.  Start sending dues to my paypal account.

I oppose,  saint should be
We even have the bible of arcadeology.

[Harry Potter]

That's a shameless plug Poonga.

[fredster]

Hail The new Pope!

Now you'll have to adopt a new name.

Like Pope Mario the first.

[SirPoonga]

That's a shameless plug Poonga.

You can't handle the truth yet.  You haven't bought leveled up enough to be told the truth.

What scientology does isn't a shameless plug?

Actually, the leader should be called "1UP" because he will guide you to receiving an extra life.

[AC.]

Has Saint entered his bid to run?

Has he sent the campaign-running fee to my paypal account?

[SirPoonga]

Why would he have to do that.  He wrote a book.  That was good enough for L Ron

[AC.]

Hmmm,maybe we should reconsider this arcadeology religion.  There is already too much disagreement and infighting.

On the other hand, Saint does not seem crazy enough to be an effective leader.  What are his views on the celestial origins of the code for Atari's Star Wars?

[SirPoonga]

On the other hand, Saint does not seem crazy enough to be an effective leader.  What are his views on the celestial origins of the code for Atari's Star Wars?

Galileo realized stars flickering was actually binary code?  That's the real reason people thought he was crazy, not the sun being center of galaxy thing.

[fredster]

Computer Techonlogy was only granted to us by the Galagans because they needed to contact us and train us for the impending war in space.

Against the bees.

Be warned, the swarms will be many.  Few will survive.

[SirPoonga]

Computer Techonlogy was only granted to us by the Galagans because they needed to contact us and train us for the impending war in space.

I htought it was the Galaxians?

[AC.]

Sir! we are loosing ships! What should we do?

Drop down one level and speed up.

[SirPoonga]

Instead of 8 operating thetans we have 255 levels (8bit, right?).  In order to achieve the next level you need to confront and conquer your inner "boss", collect something, or gain enough experience points..

[SirPoonga]

Sir! we are loosing ships! What should we do?

Drop down one level and speed up.

Drop down one level , reverse direction, and speed up.

[RayB]

You guys seem to be doing a good job working out the details.
 

[AC.]

Instead of 8 operating thetans we have 255 levels (8bit, right?).  In order to achieve the next level you need to confront and conquer your inner "boss", collect something, or gain enough experience points..

Thats good stuff.  Next Level, inner boss, experience points. 
The negatives will be bad maps, clipping, lag.
After nirvana, after final completion, its GOD MODE.

I want to subscribe to YOUR newsletter.

[jbox]

I want to subscribe to YOUR newsletter.

It has already been published, you simply need to bump the right block to get it to fall out...

[fredster]

Indeed you are wise SirPoonga.

Fygar has blessed you. To achive final credits, you must confront the boss.

Atari, chapter 2 verse 3: Dig at what has been dug.

[AC.]

It has already been published, you simply need to bump the right block to get it to fall out...

Ummmmm, Zelda? Mario? Leisure Suit Larry? . . . . . ET?

[fredster]

It has already been published, you simply need to bump the right block to get it to fall out...
Ummmmm, Zelda? Mario? Leisure Suit Larry? . . . . . ET?

No, the Chronicles of Arkanoid, Chapter X, Verse VI

You will move left or right just to stay alive, but if you do, good things will fall upon you.

[SirPoonga]

<><>^v^vAB Select Start is a good way to get to a certain level quickly.

[AC.]

<><>^v^vAB Select Start is a good way to get to a certain level quickly.

I recognize that - Contra for the NES.  that code even works on the emulator version.

[SirPoonga]

Yep, and it works in so many other Konami games   Konami even uses in today's titles, like metal gear.

[fredster]

While cheat codes make life easier, do they really fulfill us?
Are cheat codes allowed on the way to final credits? No. They are not.

For cheat codes are hollow, and allow us only to pretend to walk the path.  We can claim no level, because they were given, not earned.

The great prophet Qbert was once quoted "@!#?@!" 

Indeed.

[AC.]

Thats right -- what place to cheat codes have in Arcadeology. 
I guess there does need to be good and bad.

[hypernova]

my memory tells me it was ^ ^ V V < > < > B A (select) start.  (select being optional if you were playing 2 players.)

using cheat codes will afflict you with pneumonia, (i think that's what the test said on xenu.net) because you will be taking in information that is beyond your comprehension!

the jedi can be our "brother" religion, on account of the star wars games.