The Nose: What To Think About Scientology
The Nose talks about Lawrence Wright's expose on the world of Scientology.
As a former religion writer, I struggle with the whole idea of branding any particular religion as a "Cult."
You know the old saying comedy equals tragedy plus time? Often religion equals cult plus time. Late 19th century America was a breeding ground for religious movements, many of which have settled in fairly comfortably during the ensuing 100 years. Mormonism, Jehovah's witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists and Christian Scientists -- they all seemed a little odd in their early stirrings. Some were actively persecuted. But, with varying degrees of success, they've found acceptance and a place on the American religious continuum.
The 1970s were, for some reason, a comparable era. The Unification Church, Scientology and, the Divine Light Mission were among the new movements I covered as a journalist. But really, the only one people still talk a lot about is Scientology.
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E-mail from Martha
Colin -
The American national anthem should not be a performance piece ...I can't think of another national anthem, except our's and Canada's, that are "performed."
I am not super patriotic, but it burns me to hear the continual bastardization of The Star Spangled Banner. Even the little kids singing the national anthem at CT Sun games feel the need to embellish the melody.
E-mail from Roger
There is, quite simply, not one shred of evidence for the existence of the engram. None. Zip! People have sad memories, happy memories, whatever, but they do not prevent us from thought and growth.
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