The controversial Church of Scientology has been making headlines daily due to the pending divorce of the group’s most high profile member, Tom Cruise. Rumors continue to swirl about the possible role Scientology may have played in TOMKAT’s break-up and how much the couple’s daughter, Suri will be exposed to the religion. While Tom Cruise may be the most notable member of the Church of Scientology, he is but one of a host of celebrities who are listed as members on the church website.
Whether or not Scientology had an impact on Katie Holme’s stealthy efforts to divorce Tom Cruise is something only the couple themselves will ever know. Scientology, whether you consider it a valid religion, positive lifestyle mindset or a destructive cult – has attracted dozens of successful actors, musicians and artists.
What Does Scientology Mean?
The word Scientology, conceived by L. Ron Hubbard, comes from the Latin scio which means “knowing, in the fullest meaning of the word” and the Greek word logos which means “study of.” It means knowing how to know. Scientology is further defined as “the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life,” according to the Church of Scientology website.
Church of Scientology Principles
As noted on the Church of Scientology website: “Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these are: Man is an immortal spiritual being – His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime – His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized. Scientology further holds Man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself,his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe. Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to accept anything on faithalone. On the contrary, one discovers for oneself that theprinciplesofScientology aretrueby applying its principles and observing or experiencing the results. The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom.”
Church of Scientology’s Celebrity Members
John Travolta became a Scientologist in 1975 after reading L. Ron Hubbard’s book “Dianetics” while on location filming a movie in Mexico. Travolta’s actress wife, Kelly Preston is also a member of the Church of Scientology, accordng to the Huffington Post.
“Mad Men” star Elizabeth Moss is an active Scientologist but has “spoken out” about the church’s alleged beliefs about gay relationships. Moss noted that one of the most important things she takes from her church is the idea of personal freedom and individual’s rights as human beings. She also stated that if “we are all supposed to have the right to the life that we want to lead, then that should apply to the gay community.” Moss also commented during The Advocate interview that there is not particular “dogma” or “scripture” about homosexuality in her church, that the subject is open to “personal interpretation.”
Kirstie Alley was raised as a Methodist but has been a Scientologist for many years. “To tell you the honest to God’s truth, without Scientology I would be so dead. So I can highly personally recommend it,” according to Alley quotes republished by the Huffington Post.
Giovanni Ribisi was raised in Scientology along with his sister Marissa. Ribisi noted on the Church of Scientology website that he feels there is a “certain aspect” of Scientology that helped him “stay on his own path in creating life as a new game.”
Juliette Lewis became a member of the Church of Scientology in the early 1990s and credits the group’s Narcanon with helping her kick her bad habits. She stated on the church website that she is “no longr stuck in the bottomless pit of despair and apathy. Lewis also notes that she has achieved the “state of Clear” and that it is the single most important thing she has done for herself.
Danny Masterson was raised in the Church of Scientology and is quoted on the church website as saying, “I have to say that the most important thing Scientology has given me is the ability to keep my integrity together.
Lisa Marie Presley and her mother Priscilla Presley are both members of the Church of Scientology. Huffington Post notes that there have been rumors that Lisa Marie has become “disillusioned” with the church and cut ties, but she remains listed on the church website as a member.
Jenna Elfman joined the Church of Scientology in 1995 after she her husband Bodhi who introduced her to the religion.
Christopher Masterson and his acting brother Danny were both raised in the Church of Scientology and are practicing members.
Jason Lee has been a Scientologist form many years. Lee’s ex-wife Carmen Llywelyn blamed his alleged “obsession with religion” for their 2010 divorce.
Leah Remini is opted touted as a “big proponent” of Scientology, the Huffington Post notes. “Scientology has been my road out. There is nothing about my life that I feel apathetic or unhappy about. Scientology gives you hope and the certainty that you can improve any condition,” Remini noted on the Church of Scientology website.
Late actor Sonny Bono was raised Catholic but began taking Scientology classes with his wife Mary before his death.
Fox News journalist Greta Van Susteren has been a practicing Scientologist for many years.
Erika Christensen was home-schooled and raised as a Scientologist. She also attended the Delphi Academy, a private school that teaches the Study Tech educational method created by L. Ron Hubbard. She told the New York Daily News that Scientology has helped her develop an awareness of herself and helped her focus in acting and communication.
Laura Prepon of “That 70s Show” fame concerted to Scientology several years ago. According to Women’s Health excerpts republished by Huffington Post, Prepon had this to say about her conversion to the controversial religion – “Anyone who knows me is just like, ‘Wow, if Laura is a Scientologist, then there has to be something to this.’ When I hear something negatie, I don’t get defensive. I know what’s true for me and what works for me.”
Musician Beck Hansen and his wife Marissa Ribisi are both members of the Church of Scientology. The Huffington Post reports that in 2005 Hansen defended the church to reporters, stating that “There’s whole aspects” of Scientology that people probably do not see. Hansen maintains that the Church of Scientology has a great success rate of getting “hardcore addicts” off drugs. Hansen also notes that “If it’s something that helps you in your life it’s a positive thing, so all I have to say is that you can’t really make a judgment on something unless you know something about it first-hand.”