A walk through Clearwater, FL reveals fancy signs, magnificent buildings, and a certain amount of secrecy. If you wouldn’t know better, the reason for these appearances stays forever hidden. Take a stroll through town with us and read the captions by hovering over or clicking on the images of this photo story.
We had no idea when we parked Zesty along the street, next to this imposing white building in Clearwater.
Mark browses the center during the day. I return at night to attend an “on the air theater” event, based on Hubbard’s story “The Mad Dog Murder”. There was free food and drink, you see. Someone filmed the audience. Creepy?
The Scientology cross is one of the principal symbols of Scientology. It is most often used to represent the Church of Scientology. The cross closely resembles the Christian cross, but differs from it with the addition of four diagonal rays between the conventional horizontal and vertical arms. The eight points of the cross represent the eight dynamics in Scientology:
- The Self
- Creativity, sex, and procreation (family)
- Group, society, community
- Species survival (humankind)
- Life forms in general
- Matter, Energy, Space & Time (physical universe)
- Spirit (self or others as a spiritual being)
- Infinity or Supreme being
(Source: Wikipedia)
Promotion material is easy to come by. No, I haven’t read or watched any of it. We have nothing that plays DVDs anymore.
Mark and I have watched several documentaries about Scientology in the past, have tried to understand why people like Tom Cruise join, and are aware of the influence this institution has on the residents and city of Clearwater. For two interesting articles, check out the history of Scientology in Clearwater here and its impact on downtown here.
This is my contribution for Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.
Have you ever heard of Scientology? Experiences? Thoughts?
July 11, 2020 at 11:51
What little I know about Scientology makes me skeptical. Sounds like you know more but still feel the same way.
July 11, 2020 at 14:30
Hi Leslie! We have gotten a pretty good understanding about Scientology through documentaries and a couple of articles – it’s not pretty. Yet, when being around the people during the show I watched, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I’m curious about meeting a member one day and having a conversation, because all we’ve been experiencing is quite negative.
July 11, 2020 at 12:05
Interesting post. We lived in Tampa for a few years and experienced their presence. Very creepy.Its a cult not a religion in our opinion. What they do to former members that leave or are trying to is immoral!
July 11, 2020 at 14:33
Totally agreed! You wonder why people join in the first place, as I’m sure the littlest of research reveals the immorality and “extortion” used in their methods. Yet, this cult is very popular! The only reason it is called a religion or a church is to avoid having to pay taxes.
July 11, 2020 at 14:21
I must admit I don’t know a lot about Scientology, but whatever I have heard or read has had a negative bent to it. My understanding is it is a cult around some key figures, and is extremely aggressive in its defence of its confidentiality in particular in regard to former members who escape and reveal the ongoings to the outside world. I recall members writing about the brainwashing that occured.
That architecture DOES look imposing and the interior seems devoid of any charm. Definitely got a creepy feel. Not sure I would want to accept their food and drinks, free or otherwise 🙂
Peta
July 11, 2020 at 14:45
Your understanding seems pretty much on the ball, Peta. I didn’t put my opinions about Scientology in the blog itself, as I enjoy having the conversation in the comments and to not influence anyone one way or another. Most people – who aren’t members – probably have similar opinions, if they have read or seen anything in relation to this cult. I do find it all fascinating nevertheless, which brings me to your last statement.
You have more principles than me. In this situation anyway. First, I love free food and drinks and second, my curiosity level for things like these – especially new experiences and discoveries – gets the better of me. Mark didn’t join me to the event I attended and I debated going for a little while too, before biting the bullet. For the same reason, I attended the Rock Church in San Diego, CA a few years ago. It’s all an adventure. 🙂
July 11, 2020 at 15:01
I don’t know much about Scientology, but if Tom Cruise promotes it, I know it’s not for me. What little I heard about it years ago, it sounded like a cult.
July 12, 2020 at 12:17
It certainly is a cult, Jill. We think that “they” probably have enough “dirt” on Hollywood members like Tom Cruise that people like him are forced to stay and keep promoting it.
July 11, 2020 at 15:21
Definitely a cult, Liesbet. Interesting you got to see the inside and visited the facility. You guys must been bored and needed something to do 😉
July 12, 2020 at 12:18
Haha, Terri. Not sure whether we were bored, but we ended up “stumbling” across this town and the presence of Scientology and our curiosity had to be somewhat satisfied. 🙂
July 11, 2020 at 16:32
It seems to me a total invention by one man and so I’ve never understood what attracts people. But then I don’t seem to have the gene for seeking out (quasi)religious experiences.
July 12, 2020 at 12:24
The entire concept of Scientology is quite insane, Anabel. You are right. It was just one man who used his creative juices as a sci-fi author to build an entire “religion” based on nonsense. I hear you about that not seeking out religion thing. Being true to ourselves seems like the best approach to me!
July 12, 2020 at 12:58
Me too!
July 11, 2020 at 16:44
When I worked in the airline industry during my twenties, I would visit Clearwater Beach regularly. I remember locals telling me to stay away from ‘those people’ because they are dangerous and shouldn’t be trusted. I was perplexed by the comments but heeded the warning. After watching several episodes of Leah Remini’s documentary on Scientology, I finally understood. You have to wonder why folks would get involved in such a cult … desperation perhaps.
July 12, 2020 at 12:28
Right, Ingrid? Mark and I are still wondering what in this cult attracts so many people? Maybe you’re right and it is desperation. That would make sense. But it’s so expensive as well!
Interesting that “back in the day” you were actually warned in person to stay away from them. Can you imagine living in Clearwater without being a part of this? It must be quite tough to see your “adversaries” take over the town you love or grew up in. If you noticed all this by just traveling through… crazy place!
July 11, 2020 at 17:49
I try to understand too but it just befuddles me.
July 12, 2020 at 12:31
Well, just look around you (in real life or in your virtual life)Jacqui … What people believe in and support is often too unbelievable to grasp. These last years in the US sure makes me less surprised about people and their convictions or cults.
July 11, 2020 at 18:50
Liesbet, An interesting tour behind the building facades. Looks like a lot of money generated from taking advantage of human vulnerability and wasted on materials to show off power.
July 12, 2020 at 12:33
Hi Natalie! Your comment is the perfect summary of what is going on in Clearwater and within this organization. You phrased it so nicely that I wish it was part of my original post! 🙂
July 11, 2020 at 19:45
The whole thing is a scam… members end up paying lots and lots of money to learn magic secrets written by a guy who wrote sci/fy novels. The closer you get to the big reveal, the more it costs. I am amazed how many people fall for these things.
July 12, 2020 at 12:38
Doesn’t it sound insane? Yet, the way you describe the scheme/scam is exactly what this is. How can people fall for this, eyes wide open, as it is not a secret what is going on in Scientology and how it started. You got me! We were just flabbergasted at the stream of “bell boys” that kept entering the facilities… I wish I could understand all this a bit better. Members must get something out of the tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars they handed over…
July 11, 2020 at 20:32
Too bad Scientology doesn’t have science as part of their doctrine (not that many/most/all religions do). I always thought the whole thing sounded crazy… and the fact that, apparently, they are exempt from paying taxes is nuts. Perhaps I should start a religion so I can take advantage of that loophole… wanna join (free snacks!)?
July 12, 2020 at 12:43
Now that’s a good idea, Janis! Sure, I’ll join your new “religion”, but you’ll have to throw some free drinks in as well. 🙂 See, if members would actually “get” something in return for believing or joining a cult, instead of the opposite – spending a fortune on a make-belief concept – it might start to make sense to me.
Scientology is a crazy concept and you are right, they don’t pay taxes, because the institution is defined as a “religion” (hence the name “Church of Scientology”). There are parties who have been challenging this status, but by now the power of Scientology is such that it seems like no rules apply or no justice can be done. 🙁
July 11, 2020 at 23:13
Hi, Liesbet – I admire you and Mark trying to learn more about Scientology. The little I know about it makes me run away screaming. Definitely a cult in my mind.
July 12, 2020 at 12:53
I find the whole Scientology circus fascinating, Donna. Scary, for sure, but why oh why do they manage to attract soooo many people? Smart people even. You got to give it to L.Ron Hubbard for creating all this out of his imagination! 🙂
July 12, 2020 at 11:45
Liesbet I can’t say I know very much about Scientology but it all seems a bit creepy and cultish to me. good for you to learn more about it. I didn’t like the idea of them filming the audience. Gives me the shivers.
July 12, 2020 at 12:57
Entering the vault of Scientology – even trying to understand or experience a bit of it – felt like entering a lion’s den in some ways, Sue. Nothing really happened, but I felt a tad on edge. Even when walking through the city, I felt “watched”, let alone posting and writing about the topic… Creepy, indeed! But weird that this one cult has such an influence and (perceived) power over me, somehow.
July 13, 2020 at 11:27
I’ve heard of it, but mostly it’s been mocked or viewed with fear, as some of its members seem to completely lose their minds (Tom Cruise is a great example.) Creepy!
July 15, 2020 at 09:50
The Scientology members can be quite intimidating as we’ve experienced and viewed in documentaries. Their reputation follows them, yet, their membership keeps expanding it seems. Creepy and weird!
July 13, 2020 at 17:30
What an interesting place to stumble upon. The west coast of Florida seems to attract cults and people with interesting religious ideas. When we were in Fort Myers, Florida years ago we visited the location of a 19th century cult that believed we lived on the inside of the earth.
Glad you guys weren’t indoctrinated. Great pics!
July 15, 2020 at 09:55
Huh? A cult believing we lived on the inside of the earth? What a dark existence… I assume they never left their (indoor) premises? Was there an exhibition about this cult on the site you stumbled across? Food for discussion, whenever we meet face-to-face again. 🙂
I think it’s pretty tough to indoctrinate skeptics like us. We recently made a friend – a sailor and ex-pilot ship captain from San Francisco. Awesome guy and amazing with card tricks. He pulled a few incredibly well-done tricks on us (he calls it magic). While the others were in awe and the amazement shone off their faces and exclamations escaped their mouths, Mark and I kept staring at him, trying to figure out how he did this!
July 13, 2020 at 19:21
Interesting post. I’m going to click on the link and read how scienology got started, I’m curious to know where it came from.<3
July 15, 2020 at 10:02
That link mostly documents the “church” and its evolution in Clearwater, FL, but there is a tidbit about the start of Scientology. The whole idea cracks us up – how a sci-fi writer turns his fantasies into reality, with millions of followers… Crazy, right? But, as you know, idiots can run a country and the herd mentality, plus a brainwashed following, can mess up more than one city!
July 16, 2020 at 08:23
Boom! Your last sentence was a perfect summation! 🙂
July 16, 2020 at 14:07
I knew that remark would resonate with you! 🙂
July 15, 2020 at 19:05
Religions are fascinating – I didn’t realize there was a “Scientology capital of the world”. I don’t think I’d be comfortable there…
July 16, 2020 at 11:00
Yeah, I don’t know how anyone feels comfortable living in Clearwater with such a “power” and presence looming above everything. Except for the Scientology members, of course. The city is in a tough spot. Hopefully other cities and communities learn from this – how fast an empire can take over…
July 16, 2020 at 15:59
This was one of those posts where the comments were equally interesting to read.
I have such a deep cynical opinion of organized religion in general, so Scientology is just another one on the list. All I have to do is see the buildings that are making up what appears to be a compound of sorts, and know that wealth accumulation is its primary purpose. To me it screams Vatican 2.0.
July 18, 2020 at 11:48
Thanks for your input here, Joanne. You and I think alike when it comes to organized religion! Wealth and power are too much in control of many facets of our society, unfortunately. And, don’t get me started on the hypocrisy and sneakiness of it all… Whether it is politics, business, health care, or religion, what happened to caring for and wanting the best for the people??
July 20, 2020 at 07:21
I’m afraid it’s become a radical idea. It’s increasingly apparent that caring for others actually translates into “caring only for my own”.
July 20, 2020 at 09:59
It’s a sad world. 🙁 But, luckily, there are still people around who care and attempt to make this world a better place, without being (too) selfish!
August 13, 2020 at 13:26
Like Joanne, I really don’t understand people’s willingness to believe quite bizarre and oppressive systems of belief, whether Scientology or some other religious doctrine. Invariably, they seem to prey upon people’s fears in order to further the interests of some elite that has the aim of amassing power and wealth.
Jude
August 13, 2020 at 15:46
Jude, if there is one thing I have learned these last few years, it is that people believe (in) anything. It’s just crazy how common sense, facts, and research pale against the herd mentality, stupidity of some, or the belief in convincing liars. Aaargh… Let’s not get in a bad mood. But, speaking of fear (real or imagined), many dictators and other leaders have used that sentiment to their advantage (or even created it for that purpose).