DiscussMormonism.com

My latest book review:

Reitman paints a very sympathetic picture of L. Ron Hubbard, that is reminiscent of Fawn Brodie’s treatment of Joseph Smith, and in a lot of ways, both men are a lot alike. It’s interesting to note how both Smith and Hubbard were both intensely bright and intelligent men, but for all intents and purposes, were complete outsiders to the fields they attempted to reform. Joseph was a complete neophyte when it came to Theology and pastoral studies, but he attempted a complete overhaul of the Christian Church by restoring the ancient church here in America. In a similar vein, Hubbard was also a complete neophyte when it came to the burgeoning field of Psychology and Psychiatry, but that didn’t stop him from try to sweep both away with his own system. Both men possessed a fierce charisma, that allowed them to not only disarm potential skeptics, but convince people of all walks of life that they were the real deal.

SAUCE

Well done, sir.

Through conversations with Robert Heinlein, Hubbard revealed that he was approaching religion as a way to bring in more bucks than writing could ever provide. To that end, he looked for element to incorporate within that religion which would sell. Being a SciFi writer, he was very creative.

Whatever similarities there are, or were in the nascent stages, the evolution of both religions (churches) has gone down a very different path.

SCIENTOLOGY LABELLED CRIMINAL IN AUSTRALIA news today morning

Scientology: The Ex-Files

One must also bear in mind that Australian Mormons, generally, don't take the same approach as "Utah Mormons", for example. I think the treatment of many ex-Mos in America has been appalling. Don't forget, though, that in the case of the "anti-Christ" of Salt Lake City (Sterling McMurrin), the very president of the Church (David O. McKay) said he'd be the first to come to his (McMurrin's) defense should he ever be summoned to a "Church court". It is widely believed now, and probably true, that McKay saved McMurrin from excommunication.

There are some subtle (or not so subtle) differences here (between Scientology and Mormonism) that one must also take into consideration. Mormons don't encourage "forced abortions", and they have, to my knowledge, never come under serious parliamentary scrutiny for "misbehaviour" in Australia. The founder of the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption), was in fact a Mormon, Gary Sturgess.

I communicated (by snail mail) with Gary in the late '80s (and served with his brother on a mission), and at that time I understood him to be a somewhat "liberal thinking" Mormon, whose views appealed to me. I haven't had contact with him for some 21 years now, but I do know that he has contributed to the Maxwell Institute.

Gary L. Sturgess, LL.B., is the principal of Sturgess Australia, a Sydney-based public policy consultancy.

Very interesting, Stak and Ray.

I have nothing of substance to add, except to say that both men had a penchant for playing dress up.





Coincidence?

Kishkumen wrote:Very interesting, Stak and Ray.

I have nothing of substance to add, except to say that both men had a penchant for playing dress up.





Coincidence?

Kish, inquiring minds want to know: Who would win in a celebrity death match, SeaOrg or the Nauvoo Legion?

Nauvoo Legion hands down.

MrStakhanovite wrote:Nauvoo Legion hands down.

I have to agree with Stak. The Nauvoo Legion was and remains one of the most effective civilian fighting forces in North America.

ray;

the LDS will only comment on or criticize someone if:

- the offense is laughable and/or way out of the ball park.

- if that person has no amount of lagit backing within society or the confines of the official doctrine.

the church wont touch it the subject publicly and they will attempt to discredit the person with lies if the apostate isn't that weird or out of touch.