The Ideology of Scientology and Kabbala
A leader of the Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, once wrote, “A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists (3).” Alternative religions have had a dramatic impact on today’s culture. In the past few years, Hollywood has become “the cast of religious fads (2).” Many famous people such as Madonna, Roseanne, and Courtney Love have become products of the alternative religion, Kabbalahism. Others like John Travolta and Tom Cruise are well known, devote Scientologists. These two religions, Kabbalahism and Scientology have been the leading alternative religions and the cultural phenomenon of the 90’s. Our culture, Hollywood especially, has seen the biggest impact of this new phenomenon through the media.
Christianity has very defined principles. They believe in one god who is an all knowing, all loving, all forgiving, and perfect being. Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross for our sins. They believe we must live our lives striving to be Christ in hope that our souls will live in eternity, Heaven. Kabbalahism, too, states that individuals must always try to walk the way of the Creator, be attached to him and all one’s thoughts should be in regard to him.
Yet, Kabbalahists question the “Divine force.” Kabbalahists do not believe in an opposing evil force to God, or as they call it, “sitra achrah.” They believe all that we experience, both good and evil, is a direct result of the Creator. Kabbalahists feel that if God is the divine force whom created us all then why does he not show himself to us (1). Their belief is that life would be much easier if the Creator was visible in every way. Any doubts we once held of his existence would diminish, and we would realize the reason of our creation. We would be able to see his reactions to any of our negative mannerisms or behaviors. Our questions of why he causes our troubles would be answered and we would be able to change ourselves in accordance to do his will and get on the path to eternity.
Through this visual perception of the Creator, we would be able to live by his example. There would not be a need for educators.
The church of Scientology has been the subject of controversy since its inception. Its methods and beliefs have attracted the attention of scholars from around the world. The church has been under government investigation and has endured a countless amount of lawsuits (Reitman 14). It is also a hot topic by the media with several endorsements by some of the most recognized Hollywood celebrities. However, the main topic of debate regarding the Church of Scientology is its status as a religion. Some members claim that the church has helped them overcome their struggles and that they are happier people, while others condemn it as a dangerous cult (Sweeney). The church of Scientology is a religious group whose purpose is to retain their members with the promise of spiritual enlightenment. Its controversial history, beliefs, and practices reveal the church’s commitment to keep its members.
...e been possessed here or before because of her obvious deterioration from the weight she has carried from her known actions. She knows why she carried out the murders and what she was guilty of, and was not possessed and unknowing when it happened. The non-possession of Lady Macbeth seems unquestionable after looking at these three integral scenes from The Tragedy of Macbeth.
this world, and he is good, theists must then ask themselves what evil is and
Athletic Training plays a big role in the world today. Many people are on the go whether it is for sports or every day activities. Athletic Trainers can help with athletes of any age or industrial workers performing physical tasks or even an average citizen in recreational athletics. They help prevent injuries and help recognize injuries and treat them. They also help rehabilitate injuries that result from physical activity (Athletic Training Association). They are usually first on the scene of an injury (Campus Explorer). Athletic Trainers are health care professionals that work along the side of certified physicians. They also work for other health care professionals, coaches, or parents (Athletic Training Association). While working full time for a sports team, they are faced with tough decisions that could affect the players’ health or career. They must also be able to make fast decisions under pressure. A trainer working for a team can advance their job by switching teams or even becoming an Athletic Training director (Campus Explorer). Athletic Trainers are certified in prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate care, treatment, rehab and reconditioning, organization and administration and professional responsibility (Athletic Training Association). They help athletes prepare for practices, competit...
Near Death Experiences is a controversial phenomenon that has been debated among researchers, physicians, and the general public. The debate is whether or not what people think they experience is real or if it can to be explained by science. There are twelve characteristics of these experiences that are frequently experienced across the board including out of body experiences which lead to the questions: Does the conscious require the brain, or is it a separate entity that can exist and function on its own? Is there really life after death? Skeptics will answer in the negative and offer many possible explanations, but I can find no good explanation that can account for many of the experiences people have during an NDE.
Within the past twenty years scientology has dominated celebrity culture. The religion has increased its celebrity following, and as a consequence has been put in the spotlight. Scientology is a fairly new religion that was founded in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard started his career as a science fiction writer, but one day when he was under anesthesia at the dentist he had an epiphany that inspired Scientology. He believed he knew all the answers to the universe, and he wrote Dianetics, which has become a guide book for the religion (Christian Century). Scientology focuses on the soul and clarity of the mind. In scientology the soul is called a thetan, and followers are required to “undertake the path of mental liberation with the help of another person, a spiritual counselor called an auditor” (Molloy). Auditing how scientologists free and overcome problems from past lives that their thetan inhabited. Molloy says, that scientology has roots in Buddhism and Hinduism because of the connection to past lives and liberation of the soul. L. Ron Hubbard set out to make a thriving religion that would grow and prosper.
Scientology is a religion that is becoming more and more popular and known. One of the reasons for this is the amount of press it gets. One of the biggest churches for scientology is located in LA this could result in the amount of celebrities involved in this religon. There is also a great amount of controversy concerning this religion. After taking this world religions class I have come to learn that this controversy is true with all religions.
The Scientology religion deals with the human spirit and its relationship to the universe and its Creator. It teaches that its fundamental laws of life, when used, help people gain a happier and more fulfilling life. Scientology teaches many different methods that soon help with dealing with different life situations and personal belonging. It gives people another way of life. It attempts at bringing joy into peoples lives by being more of a personal counselor then anything else. It gives another way to help you with your life problems with giving people confidence once again in themselves . Some techniques are used to aid in the fights against drugs, crimes, and immorality. This religion is more of something that someone does, its not just a bunch of beliefs that people just learn and live by.
Usually the first thing an NDE begins with is an outer-body experience in which one’s spirit is disconnected physically from the body. In this state people can see and hear what is going on around them. Eventually there is a stage of the NDE where it seems you are traveling through a dark tunnel and then entering a “fantastic landscape and encountering beings that may be perceived as sacred figures, deceased family members or friends, or unknown entities.”().
He first became involved with the organization in 1990 with his first wife Mimi Rogers. Cruise battled dyslexia as a child and claims that scientology helped him overcome the battle. He campaigned for Scientology to become a recognized religion in Europe and promoted various programs that introduce people to Scientology. He even received the Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor in 2004. Scientology is well known for its opposition to drugs made to help with psychic type patients. His views have caused many media troubles as they are not popular and have even caused conflicts with co-workers such as Steven Spielberg. A documentary in 2015, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, casted a spotlight on Cruise’s support for and role in Scientology (Biography). Another notable Scientologist in the film industry is John
Christianity is mainly founded on the life, death, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christianity was developed from Judaism during the 1st century, it has several different branches and forms which accompany different beliefs and practices. Christianity
Research suggests that there is nothing paranormal about having a near death experience. Instead, researchers feel that these experiences are manifestations of normal brain functions gone wrong, during a traumatic or sometimes harmless event (Mobbs, D., & Watt, C. 2011). Research has shown that the main parts of the brain being affected during these events may be linked to malfunctions in the temporal lobe, and the basic arousal systems may be responsible for several of the components of the near death experience (Mobbs, D., & Watt, C. 2011).
Judaism does not accept the thought of original sin, the idea that people are bad from birth and cannot remove sin by themselves. An act of grace provided by the sacrificial death of Jesus as resentment for all of humanity's sins. For Christians, there are no other forms of salvation other than through Jesus.
There are numerous topics that can be compared and contrasted between the two faiths, however, a few topics can demonstrate the major similarities and differences. Islam and Christianity believe in one high power which is superior to everything in life. Pertaining to Christianity, Walsh and Middleton state, “All creation (which includes us as human creatures) is covenantally bound to God and is constituted essentially as a response to his laws” (1984, p. 51). Christians rely on God and make Him a priority.
There is a great deal of skepticism about near-death experiences. While there are many written accounts available in medical and scientific journals, which describe near-death experiences, the phenomenon still raises questions. Some think that they are merely dreams, while others believe that they are actual windows showing them of what is to come in the after life. In this essay, I will try to provide positive evidence to suggest that they are indeed real, through facts, polls, scientific studies and personal stories from near-death experiences.