Wikipedia lists 75 "celebrities" who adhere to the teaching of Scientology. This list is paired with a similarly long list of "celebrities" who are former members of Scientology. I put the word "celebrities" into quotation marks because, while some names are universally applauded Hollywood mainstays (John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and Kirstie Alley), others have minor parts in current sitcoms or played bit parts on Broadway shows.
Since 1955, when L. Ron Hubbard, the sci-fi writer who founded Scientology, began Project Celebrity; the church has offered rewards to members who could recruit celebrities. At least this is what the Church of Wikipediology teaches. I'm a devout believer.
Scientology claims 8 million adherents worldwide, with 3.5 million of those living within the United States. However, these membership statistics lack credibility. Census reports show that only 55,000 people in America count themselves as Scientologists.
Very interesting. I'm fascinated by this religion because it is so "out there." It doesn't make any sense to me; which isn't necessarily a value statement.
The evangelical church in America is thoroughly modern - and one trapping of this sad fact is the constant presence of apologetic appeals toward the rational, logical nature of the Christian faith. I don't really think that Christianity is either rational or logical. Our faith really doesn't make much sense - just ask an outsider.
Our faith is real - it is true and holy - but that doesn't mean that it should make sense to our minds. I'm not saying that reason is the enemy of faith ... but I do think that faith should transcend reason. If every aspect of your religion makes logical sense it has lost all sense of the holy and mystical touch that separates religions from philosophies.
Christianity is quickly fading with my generation, because we don't need a new life philosophy ... we need a religion. A faith that transcends our current knowledge of the world. A master who asks us to do something that will change the world.
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Hey Michael,
I'm not sure you need a religion - it's the next point - a faith. Your generation needs what every generation needs - Jesus. My parents found him in systems and doctrines and traditions. My generation has found Jesus in coffee during worship and cheesy 80s pop masquarading as worship music. Where do you find Jesus?
Yeah, that's oversimplified, but you can't expect us to do it for you (and I know you don't) - it's finding faith - or, hmmm, maybe letting faith find you?
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