2:57 pm - 01/17/2013
Erika Christensen is the latest Hollywood star to clear the air about Scientology.
The 30-year-old actress -- a lifelong member of the controversial church -- chatted with her Parenthood costar Joy Bryant about the controversial religion in a recent interview on Bryant's Across the Board web series, poking fun at some of the public's misconceptions.
"[People assume] we're some kind of closed group and we're just the Hollywood religion and we worship rabbits," joked the actress of the faith practiced by Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Beck and other stars. "I don't actually know how many people think that."
Christensen explained that she was raised in the Church by her Scientology parents, Kathy and Steven Christensen, and would thus have no issue with introducing her future children to the religion's practices.
"I would expose to them, like, this is what I do, which is how my parents did it, because my parents are Scientologists," she said. "When I was seven, they did this demonstration. There is this thing in Scientology, it’s a study method to demonstrate things out."
"I would give them the option of, like, these are our study tools," she continued. "You can use them in school, get good grades, learn."
Though Scientology has often been characterized as a cult-like religion, the actress explained that for her, following its practices has always been more about the individual than the group.
"If I had to sum it up, the goal of Scientology is giving the person back to themselves," she told Bryant. "Like, your own power of choice."
Source
Erika Christensen on Scientology: "We Don't Worship Rabbits!"
Erika Christensen is the latest Hollywood star to clear the air about Scientology.
The 30-year-old actress -- a lifelong member of the controversial church -- chatted with her Parenthood costar Joy Bryant about the controversial religion in a recent interview on Bryant's Across the Board web series, poking fun at some of the public's misconceptions.
"[People assume] we're some kind of closed group and we're just the Hollywood religion and we worship rabbits," joked the actress of the faith practiced by Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Beck and other stars. "I don't actually know how many people think that."
Christensen explained that she was raised in the Church by her Scientology parents, Kathy and Steven Christensen, and would thus have no issue with introducing her future children to the religion's practices.
"I would expose to them, like, this is what I do, which is how my parents did it, because my parents are Scientologists," she said. "When I was seven, they did this demonstration. There is this thing in Scientology, it’s a study method to demonstrate things out."
"I would give them the option of, like, these are our study tools," she continued. "You can use them in school, get good grades, learn."
Though Scientology has often been characterized as a cult-like religion, the actress explained that for her, following its practices has always been more about the individual than the group.
"If I had to sum it up, the goal of Scientology is giving the person back to themselves," she told Bryant. "Like, your own power of choice."
Source
Seriously, I don't understand. How about we go after all fucking religions and the copious amount of hate they generate, rather than some stupid scifi bullshit that only hurts the wallets of the foolish.... or both. I'd be down for both.
Religion has its problems but with most, you can associate with who you'd like, decide not to give money, and you're free to come and go as you please. There are definitely people/groups who don't fall under that umbrella, but those are the exceptions. Every religion has its crazies and its problems, but Scientology's a straightup cult.
http://www.exscientologykids.com/eskfor
Edited at 2013-01-17 09:45 pm (UTC)
I actually saw one of their creepy screeds they sent to my sister's friend's apartment years ago -- it was addressed to the guy who lived there before her. IIRC one page was an invoice for a couple hundred dollars for auditing the guy took, and then it included a flier berating him for being a freeloader (alongside some LRH quote berating freeloaders LOL -- I guess it was from their Department of Redundancy Department).
ETA: Also, suing critics and people (actually, I don't know how prevalent it is in the Anonymous era, but it was really bad in the 90's) who share their texts and methods online on the grounds that it would reveal trade secrets? O RLY? Spiritual enlightenment is a trade? Fine, but then admit that you're in it for profit and stop masquerading as a tax-exempt church.
Edited at 2013-01-17 10:27 pm (UTC)
Also, I'm completely baffled as to how you can be a member of ONTD and not realize that religion in general gets shit on around here all the damn time. Have you been in any posts about Christianity?
The biggest difference being that a church doesn't prevent you from contact with non-church members or prevent you from leaving. They might be disappointed, but they don't stalk you for the rest of your life and/or chain you in a basement somewhere till you "change your mind."
Is that your scoot around saying worshiping aliens is less crazier than worshiping rabbits? I'd much rather worship cute little bunnies.
I expected better from Julia Braverman.