Few doubt Cruise's sincere belief in Scientology. We all turn to different things to get us through the day. The problem is that it was Cruise who put the issue of Scientology forward, and the more you know about Scientology, the stranger it gets…
Basically, Scientology is a belief system created by a science fiction writer, L Ron Hubbard, which maintains human unhappiness is the result of ancient alien presences within our minds. Scientology is an expensive way of ridding oneself of unwanted baggage.
Katie Holmes followed Tom into Scientology
Cruise says his Catholic-born fiancée, Katie Holmes, has joined him as a follower of the Church of Scientology. She may have been born and raised as a Catholic, but Katie Holmes' first baby will certainly not be raised in the same religion as her.
Cruise’s and Holmes’ child was born under the Scientology doctrine of “silent birth”. Cruise and other followers believe the absence of talk and other noise in the delivery room is more healthful for mother and baby.
Controversially, dedicated Scientology followers actually separate mother and baby for the first few days of its life. And instead of feeding on mother's milk, they drink just Barley Water - which contains virtually none of the nutrients babies require. If sick, babies and toddlers get a "touch assist" - where an adult will prod them with a finger until the child says they feel better.
Children are later taught that humans are immortal and bring illnesses on themselves.
Does this sound odd to you? Could be, however, is it any odder than the core ideas at the heart of almost any religion? Most religions are pretty far out there. Today's cult may very well be tomorrow's mainstream faith or denomination.
Cruise as the front man of Scientology
The irony is that Cruise's PR offensive on behalf of Scientology may have been the worst thing that ever happened to it. Before he started venting about Scientology-based birthing procedures and the evils of psychiatry, most of us had only the vaguest notion of what Scientology was all about. Cruise had better kept his beliefs to himself.
Now Cruise has made his religion an issue, and the media and the Web are full of eye-opening information about Scientology. Most of us are amused. Some of us are offended.
Setting up Cruise as their Front guy may have been Scientology’s biggest mistake. The sect is in definite need of damage control. I believe in practicing religious tolerance but Tom had to go open his big mouth. Hope it doesn't come back to bite Cruise in the rear and leave him only with supporting roles.
