‘Why I’m a Scientologist’
The recent opinion article written by your Opinion Editor painted a false picture of Scientology. The article was misinformed by its Internet sources that Scientologists refuse medical care. No Scientology dogma refuses medical treatment. In fact we have many medical doctors who are members, and if a trip to the doctor or hospital is necessary, then we go. But rather than disprove the opinion article point by point, I would rather just give you an idea of why a typical Scientologist becomes one to begin with.
I am 20 years old. I became a Scientologist when I was 17 years old. I had a lot of questions I couldn’t answer. Not just, “Who or what is God?” or “Where do I go when I die?” but “Why is this world so messed up?” , “Why are there so many on drugs?” , “Why is it so many people can’t read?” , “Why all of these wars?” and “How can I make a difference?”
My first inkling of an answer came when I stumbled upon Scientology’s “Basic Study Manual” by L. Ron Hubbard, author, humanitarian and founder of Scientology who did extensive research into how people actually learn, and from there developed tools that let you study easily and rapidly.
I started using Scientology’s study material and realized at once that I no longer doped off or fell asleep while trying to study, I no longer had to cram for tests but was able to understand and remember the information as I was given it, and study was a great deal easier. Using this material, I scored a perfect score on my ACT and SAT tests (36 ACT, 1600 SAT). I then went on to help others using the same tools and reliably improved their test scores and study skills as well. I went on to discover what else Scientology had to offer. Unlike other religions and philosophies, you’re never asked in Scientology to change your beliefs. You’re never made to accept some doctrine. You are only asked to think for yourself. And so you take some piece of Scientology, look at it for yourself, and decide, “Is this for me?” If it is, you use it, and if it isn’t, you don’t. That’s the beautiful thing about it. I now work at the Church full time and am training to be a minister. The people I help day to day come from all religious backgrounds and walks of life. I am a Scientologist because it has real answers. I use Scientology because it helps people overcome the barriers in their lives to being happy and productive. We get real results. We’re a very open, exciting group. I would be more than happy to personally give you a tour of our church at any time.
Craig GehringChurch of ScientologyMission of Baton Rouge
UCourt decisions reflect corruption
Even campus politics reek of the legal stink that pervades every other level of government. The University Court struck down several provisions of the Election Code – provisions which rendered actions taken by Campaign for Change, who will be running for the upcoming elections, as illegal. For instance, the Change ticket had the endorsement of a registered student organization of the same name and leadership, even though the Election Code clearly forbids such endorsement. Instead of taking action against Change, the University Court simply struck that part of the Election Code. And though it was considered unlawful for Change cohorts to wear campaign t-shirts, the University Court still did not condemn them. Rather, they struck that part of the Election Code as well! I was personally going to run for a Student Government position, but how is an honest student supposed to have any chance against this type of political sewage, especially when the changes come only two days prior to filing for elections?! Once again, it seems like the big man is strangling the little guy. As Ghandi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” And if that is the kind of movement Change is promoting, well then I’d rather not change at all.
Sean Rogersjunior, political science, psychology