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Scientology church emphasizes human connectivity
By Caroline Page
What goes on inside the Drag's own Church of Scientology? The Church of Scientology of Texas is located across from the heart of UT's campus, but there are few students who come to the center, said Director of Special Affairs Cathy Norman. "Although we're located near campus, we're not exclusively students," said Norman, who got involved with Scientology in the 1970s when she was a UT student. "The outreach is to everyone." There was a higher percentage of student involvement and interest when the center moved to its current location in 1980 because the Scientology movement was fairly young then, she said. There are not any certain programs aimed towards students now. Scientology literally means "the study of truth," according to the religion's official Web site. It is about a set of ideas connected to the human mind and spirit and a set of practices that can be important to people, Norman said. There are classes offered seven days a week and people can watch videos about Scientology at the institution, she said. At its most introductory level, Scientology can have a self-help feel. People from all over the southern part of Texas come to the institution, so the church serves a large geographical area, but there are about 300 adults who are consistently active, Norman said. Visitors from out of town like the location because of its proximity to campus, good restaurants and activities. Norman said though the center hopes to attract students, it appeals more to non-student adults. Scientology is a minority religion, but Austin and UT are tolerant communities, she said. "I have always felt welcome here in Austin," Norman said. "Minority doesn't make me feel isolated." The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 40
Terryeo
posted 11/08/07 @ 4:13 AM CST
It is nice to read a religious article without emotional bias, criticism, or sarcasm.
Dave Farquarson
posted 11/08/07 @ 7:06 AM CST
"What goes on inside the Drag's own Church of Scientology?" It seems they outreach but not exclusively to students, watch videos and take classes.
Anything else? While lack of "emotional bias, criticism, or sarcasm" may be nice, it's not if it also comes with a lack of meaningful information. (Continued…)
RonS
posted 11/08/07 @ 7:09 AM CST
A useful resource for students:
http://www.cultsoncampus.com/
What ???
posted 11/08/07 @ 9:32 AM CST
Scientology was founded by science FICTION writer Ron Hubbard. This is more of a cult that doesn't believe in doctors (phychology, etc) . It also doesn't approve of people who have handicaps , or minorities. (Continued…)
Caroline Letkeman
posted 11/08/07 @ 9:34 AM CST
Scientology does not emphasize human connectivity. They emphasize connectivity with what's in your bank account, your credit card and your wallet.
Patty Pieniadz
posted 11/08/07 @ 11:22 AM CST
Scientology does not emphasize human connectivity. They emphasize human disconnection.
Scientology enforces disconnection when one family member no longer wants anything to do with Scn and speaks out against the Church. (Continued…)
Justin
posted 11/08/07 @ 3:01 PM CST
Scientology makes all sorts of claims that it has "Tech." This organisation can not produce scientific proof of their claims. It is not like the Christianity where it is stated that scientific proof is not as important as faith. (Continued…)
Chewyandbert
posted 11/08/07 @ 4:18 PM CST
Dave, Your bias stems from not reading Hubbard's other books. Scientology is akin to Eastern Philosophies such as Buddhism, which are not readily understood in Western Cultures. (Continued…)
Red Pill
posted 11/08/07 @ 6:47 PM CST
To Chewy:
Dave should not need to read anything beyond Dianetics for a basic overview of the tech, and even thats not a prerequisite to an opinion about the Church of Scientology. (Continued…)
Brian Proudfoot
posted 11/08/07 @ 6:47 PM CST
Well Chewy & Bert, I do understand scientology. It is not akin to Eastern Philosophies so much as it is akin to Amway, Flash Gordon, P.T. Barnum and Dale Carnegie. (Continued…)
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