Go Read the Scientology Article in Rolling Stone

Because, if you're like most people I know, what you know about Scientology scares you, but the most in depth knowledge you've ever gotten about it was from South Park (that episode, by the way, as a result from pressure by Scientologists, will never be aired again). This article's got a lot of really fascinating information. The writer got unprescendented access to some people and places, and took a lot of different approaches to shed light on different angles. I'm certainly just as, if not more, offput by Scientology than ever, but it's good to know that it's not unfounded. Here's a little sample:

Discussion, as some academics like Kentnote, isn't encouraged in Scientology, nor in Scientology oriented schools. It is seen as running counter to the teachings of Scientology, which are absolute. Thus, debate is relegated to those in the world of "Wogs" -- what Scientologists call non-Scientologists. Or, as Hubbard described them, "common, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, garden-variety humanoid(s)."

The Scientologist lexicon might be the most fascinating part of the article. I mean seriously -- they've got a word for Muggles. Oh yeah, and, that Tom Cruise can manipulate inanimate objects with his mind, trying to leave Scientology sounds like the most frightening process possible, and if you're a bad little scientologist, you get sent away to boot camp. Among other things. That's what happens when you're religion is invented by a science fiction writer. Anyhow, go check it out, it's worth a read. (In issue 995, March 9, 2006, with the red headed snow boarder dude on the cover.)