it's interesting that we can laugh at scientoligists but we're not supposed to laugh at christians (notice that i don't mention mulims...people don't laugh at islam - it's too dangerous too).

personally, i think all religions should be regarded in their ridiculousness as equal.

p.s. i wonder if this'll be posted

james, london,

Please explain how Scientology is any more ludicrous than the doctrine of transubstantiation, the rules in Leviticus etc. All religions are an insult to our intelligence and dignity.

julia, london,

“I would read their books; visit their sites and go to their churches to get the real skinny.”

IF anyone were trying to get the information on any religion, cult or even theory the way to do that is to read a section of works from detractors and from adherents, and if they exist, scholarly works. That way you have ALL the information to make a decision yourself. Reading only biased views either for or against just gives you a biased view not an informed one.

However with scientology the fact that you can’t get their honest views unless you pay for it should give people a hint as to whether they are genuinely charitable or genuinely a scheme to con the gulllible mascarading as a church or charity depending on the tax treatment and laws of particular countries.

Joy, London,

Watch out - There are aliens about !!!

Tim, Paris, France

Well, I guess he was pushed too far.
A Bridge to far,
Can you read theis?
Thank a teacher. Don't ask her/him.
You should have done your homework!
By the way, I'm being flooded by milk!
I wonder why....

Carlyle, mighty mighty croydon, latin rules!

The comments Mr Cruise makes with regard to road accidents are almost certainly to do with Scientology "assists"
which help an individual recover from the spiritual and emotional trauma of an accident illness. You can read about these online in the Scientology Handbook. He is NOT denigrating or criticising anyones willingness to help others or referring to medical treatment! Thats the trouble when materials are taken out of context or released to audiences who are not familiar with the background of what is being discussed.

Mark Gardner, West Sussex, United Kingdom

If you want to get an overview of Scientology read "Bare Faced Messiah" about the life and times of L.Ron Hubbard - a hack SF author who had links with the OTO and Crowley (although Crowley - to his credit - disavowed LRH) - and which the Scientologists tried to suppress ...

.. and no - I am not an "SP" - I just make links between the behaviour of Hubbard in his final days with the behaviour of other "cult leaders" such as "Bhagwan" (recently rebranded as "Osho") who died owning nearly 100 "Rolls Royce" cars donated by his followers ..

paulandviv, honor oak, uk

What a ridiculous parallel to draw. It says more about the historian than Tom Cruise. I'm on Tom's side, this is a waste of newsprint and an insult to the intelligence of readers.

Paul, London, UK

The physically small but perfectly formed Tom, makes a stark contrast with say, the physically disabled Stephen Hawking.
The Almighty, if He or She exists, must have a wicked sense of humour.

Christopher Hanley, Melbourne, Australia

I have never seen in all my life so many attacks, bullying and lack of respect towards a human being due to his religious beliefs. Where is the famous "freedom of thought" from the Constitution? Or the "freedom of thought" from the Human Rights? It's so low... if that's not pure bigotry you tell what it is...

Joxe Arkaitz, LA, CA

This website says: "Have your say." What's the point? All comments are the same. No matter which ones you read on any site criticizing Tom Cruise it's all the same. People criticizing what something I don't think really know about. In the famous words of George Lopez: "Don't look at it if you don't like it."

Eva, Pasadena,

I understand Germany being paranoid about their past nazi history but you would have to be nazi minded to see that speech of cruises for that! Plus you just never read the almost 35 books, 12 volumes on the human spirit, 12 or more volumes on management, over 100 research volumes and about 3,000 lectures from Mr Hubbard. Also the Christians believe that God came down from heaven and somehow was reborn in the virgin Mary. Catholics believe that at communion you eat the body of Christ and drink his blood............

Nate , clearwater , florida

In the positive about him I would think that he truly is trying to better himself and those around him. I think that somewhere along the line Scientology must have clicked with him and therefore helped him in his life, that must have happened or he wouldn't have become such an outspoken person for this Religion. However, I think in the full footage it comes across as if only Scientologists have the power and the answers and there doesn't seem to be the comprehension that in all walks of life, in all different ways people are contributing to life, some more able than others, but ultimately all life is sacred.
I would say that the language which is spoken in the footage is very forceful and the words chosen and how they are spoken are intense. This is probably just his way of speaking, only he knows his truth.

Jane, california,

Scientologists believe that zillions of years ago an intergalactic warlord captured alien beings, dropped them into volcanoes in the pemordial earth and the souls of these aliens exist within us.

(By the way, I'm NOT making this up. I don't think I could).

They charge you a lot of money to hook you up to a biofeedback machine to remove these alien souls.

Scientologists also believe that when you die, your soul goes to Venus where aliens there tell it a lot of lies, stuff it into a capsule and drop it off the cost of California.

Obviously they don't get into the crazy stuff until you're fully brainwashed, they know all your dark secrets and you've paid them up to half a million to reach the highest levels of their cult.

They start out claiming they can help you.

It's a cult, plain and simple.

Joey, Chicago, US, IL

Jeese...maybe someone should pull Cruise back to reality. I think I will take my chances with the "christian cult". I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as long as it stays just that, their own opinion and not pushed onto others. I guess we all can't be perfect.......like Tom....

I agree with Doug, San Francisco....either you are nor your not.......as for me and mine....We are not.

Momof4, Wichita Falls, TX

Carol from America said ....

....Scientology is no more bizarre than Christianity or Judaism, Muslim, etc.....

Absolutely correct .... they're all nut-jobs. If they kept their imaginary friends to themselves, it'd be fine. Instead they continually inflict them on rational people and expect special treatment for beliveing what they believe.

Bill Daniels, Liverpool, England

lawl

tim, london,

I, for one, think that Tom Cruise is sincerely a 'good person' and based on the video, thinks sincerely that Scientology can help others. That he's passionate about things does not come as a surprise, so I don't really get what the big hoopla surrounding this video is about?

Hub Robbard, Dunedin, New Zealand

Someone should ask Tom Cruise about what he wants to do to "SP"s. Does he wish to convert them or get rid of them? He sounds kind of sinister when he discusses them. His answer would be interesting.

Elroy, Cleveland, OH

Cruise was a cult member waiting to happen. Could have been this one, could have been the Kool Aid one, or any one of dozens who are just like the Scientologists in their methods. Take a vulnerable person, convince him you're his friend, make him dependent on you, then demand money. Works every time. Scary, but then again people are scared by what they think the future holds for them, and some are ignorant enough to believe that the cult's got all the answers.

Beth, Washington, DC

He doesn't seem to be motivated by compassion with regards to him talking about helping others. It is all ego and condescension.

Val, Colorado Springs, USA

The absolute worst place to find information on a particular subject is a "hate club" an anti-group. Example, if I wanted to get more information on the Buddha religion, would I got to a “Buddha hate site” or read an anti-Buddha book. Are these “hate sites” or books the authority on the Buddha religion? Heck no! That’s stupid! I would read their books; visit their sites and go to their churches to get the real skinny. Don’t let other people look for you. Look for yourself.

Shawn, Centennial, Colorado

I don't understand what the problem with this video is. Wouldn't any adherent to any religion think they are right? Why else would they believe what they do?

Besides the video is so badly edited, removing the questions asked, that you cannot see the context of what he is saying. If the contents are so damning why not show all of the video?

Phil, Birmingham, UK

My issue with Scientology is that it appears (to me at least) as nothing more than a money making machine. What other religon in the world says we can help you ONLY after you pay for each course and level of help. If I wanted guidance on how to improve my life, if I felt lost and in need of help why should should i pay for teh priviage of the religious instruction. If I am to pay I will go to an accreditted professional who is non-biased (professionally) and pay for the expertise. If I want spiritual instruction there should be no charge.

L. Ron Hubbard famously said religion is where the money is. Tom Cruise is the most famous spokesperson for this money making machine and for that reason I have lost respect for him. Not as an actor but as a fellow compassionate human being. This is my opinion. I may be mis-informed but have seen nothing to challenge this belief.

Dan Gill, norwich, UK

I don't see on thing on this video that is out of line. He's very passionate about his beliefs. This whole thing is overkill. If that book contains lies, he should sue and I hope he wins.

Steve, Tampa,

Youtube has the set of 6 videos this one video mentioned in the article came from.

Carole probably been a Scientologist for a long time. They all say that when these items come up and they're "hatted" to go on the net and pump it up for the cult. It's they're duty as devoted members of the "Church" of Scientology. They have spammed the major critic websites for years and tried to get a major newsgroup wiped of the net completely. They can't abide the notion of Free Speech. Hubbard is all they know, all they read, and all they want to push down the throats of people everywhere. The rest of the videos where that one came from are on youtube now. It's very scary totalitarian indoctrination.

LadyXenu, Teegeack, Galaxy

Cruise doesn't come off very different from any other religious nutjob. What's depressing is how unintelligent and inarticulate he is.
He's an actor, and spouting lines written by smarter people than himself makes him feel smart.
As others have said, the difference between a cult and a religion is two hundred years. Scientology is no nuttier than any other religion.

Jim Houghton, Los Angeles, CA, USA

For those who think Scientology doesn't cause any harm, I suggest you check on the internet for stories of those who have left. A good friend of mine is an ex-scientologist. He lost 10 years of his life to this cult, a great deal of money and his wife and children (they chose to remain in the cult which does not let them have contact with him). It is very disturbing to me that they are given "church" status in this country. As for Tom - what a nutter!

Helen, London,

This organisation is long overdue this kind of press. From draining the life savings of the vulnerable members who are attracted to it to the policy of cutting off people from their non-Scientologist families to the horrendous fair game policy which is unofficially still in place, the modern world should not have cults like this.

It is reprehensible that a public figure like Tom Cruise is touting this, clearly his money wasn't enough and he wanted power too, even if it is only power over deluded brainwashed people.

Alex, York, UK

Do/ don't do. You're either in the playing field or you're a spectator. All the people depending on us....

What exactly is he talking about?

Gareth, Melbourne, Australia

I have no problem with his beliefs until he criticized Brooke Shields for her decision to take anti-depressants to help her get over her postpartum depression. To take his beliefs and tell the rest of the world that the field of psychology and psychiatry is a pseudo-science is totally out of line. It's a real double standard. He can label mainstream medical science wit h his opinions but if anyone dares breathe one negative thing about Scientology, he/they (the cult) files a lawsuit. Nicole made a lucky break.

Jo, Los Angeles, USA

Part of every dollar you spend on Tom Cruise movies goes to Tom. Part of every dollar that goes to Tom goes to support scientology. I can agree with him on one point: "... I'm going to do it, or I'm not going to do it. Period."

Doug, San Francisco, CA

When the subject of scientology crops up, it would be helpful is someone would briefly describe the absurd "beliefs" that scientologists hold. We could then laugh scientology out of existence.

alan, Germany,

Something must be happening or you all wouldn't be listening, watching and commenting. The only thing people fear is the unknown.

Lori, Los Angeles,

To Terryeo - the CoS doesn't need to point its finger at suppresives anyway. It's THE suppresive organisation par excellence. Try to view the video of Tom on You Tube and you'll see the not surprising notice (if you know anything about the cult) "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Church of Scientology International "

Classic case of suppressing what they find embarrassing.

Bruce, Scotland,

I really thought he was great with movies but after the last press interview, I saw on TV. I really was disapointed he seems to be quite weid and I really lost all respect for him trying to change other people by his statement of his way is the right way.
That is what I reallly think people are upset about if he wants to live that sort of life fine but to tell people that they should follow him is no more than a controling freek.
He can follow what he thinks why should other humans not be allowed to do the same.
I really think he is making a fool of himself.

cassandra cooke, malabar, NSW

The sily little man has turned into a pointless waste of blood & organs - lets get Richard Dawkins on the case, that'll show 'im...

Dan, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

Carol, can I ask how long you've been
a Scientologist?

bob dobbs, rochester, ny

I like Tom Cruise the Actor, and he can say what he likes, but all those words, are they in the right order ? Man.

This is Tom Cruise scrambled. Bless him.

Yoikes, London, UK

Such a shame. He's made some great movies.

Robin Laundon, Cambridge, UK

The book "Dianetics" reads like it was penned by a hemp-impaired teenager: neologisms and preachy psychologizing delivered with laughably incomprehensible syntax. What astounds is not that a religion claiming a scientific basis should spring up--it was bound to happen--but that it should spring up from *this*. Yowza

Peter Abelard, Dedham, MA

How are scientologists better equipped to render first aid, stop bleeding, manage traffic, than the rest of us? The answer is that they aren't, anyone who gives that assistance is "really" helping, in that they are ACTUALLY saving life. I dunno, maybe scientology works better on corpses or something.

To be honest I've met "christians" who think that praying is more immediately useful than appying pressure, supporting the neck and so on... And I find that attitude pretty offensive too.

Rob, Southampton, UK

Does anyone else think that Tom Cruise has done more to damage the image of Scientology than the religion itself?

Zaeem, Manchester,

Mr. Cruise mentions "SP" which means "suppressive person". These are the people who will happily harm . Artists are a prime target and receive outrageous offers to "further their career" in ways that later prove harmful. Whereas the articles implies suppressive persons are people against Scientology, the term means; persons who suppress, degrade, or reduce positive effort. For example, Hitler was an SP.

Terryeo, San Francisco, USA

What does Tom Crusie intend to gain out of this public
message

Ms Maise, london,

A L.Ron Hubbard Quite: “Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion” - Hmmmm, interesting!

Renold moosely, Croydon, London

i get it now, i really do. in 20yrs time tommy boy is gonna bring out a film about how he has fooled us all.
it will be brilliant and he will sweep the oscars.
the man is a Legend, what a pity i saw through his acting 20 yrs too early.

Andy o'neil, Liverpool, England

Scientology is a dangerous cult, otherwise Mr Cruise's comments would just be laughable. The CoS hurts real people in real ways. It should be banned.

Trink, Vermillion, South Dakota

Oh I don't know, all looks pretty reasonable to me.....If you are a self infatuated man suffering from an enormous superiority complex caused by having loads of cash and loads of admirers.

Leave him alone, hes doing nobody any harm. I just hope when I have my accident its the doctors that turn up and not him.

Smithey, Bedanall, UK

Frightening, what's he on?

Will the intergalactic thetans hunt me down and zap me with lasers for writing this?

Geoff, Knysna, South Africa

Why do people have to be so judgemental? Why are people so threatened and angered by his beliefs? I don't care what he believes in and neither should anyone else. Nothing riles people up in this world more than religion. Scientology is no more bizarre than Christianity or Judaism, Muslim, etc. Some say that ALL religions are a cult. I for one don't subscibe to any religion because I think they are all silly. I'm more of a spiritual person. If Tom Cruise truly believes that Scientology has helped him then good for him. Is the man out there doing drugs, or murdering people? He seems to be happy and I think people are just JEALOUS! You people should really look at yourselves at why some actor's beliefs are so bothersome to you. IT IS SO ABOUT YOU NOT TOM CRUISE.

Carol , Falls Church, VA

What a load of old rubbish. Tom Cruise has always been a mediocre actor but now he has the front to be looking down on people who haven't been stupid enough to join this unrealistic cult. A total confirmation of not living in the real world. Good job he already lives in LA LA land!

BenG, London, UK

what a freak

loz, london, england