because they are used to it, it is part of popular culture. If I was the only one in the

world that believed a 2000 year old zombie watches over me, I would probably

be committed to a mental institution. But because millions believe this, it is called

a religion.

He has not and unless you have watched his film I don’t think you can even give a fair opinion about if the film makes such criticism.

I actually don’t know what your thoughts are with regards to religion or discussion of it.

You state in your response:

“Still, I am surprised when people say that Christianity and Islam are criticized so often. I would say the opposite.”

The fact is, Sean, that I was not at all critical of religion in the reply I wrote but I was critical of this article you wrote. Particularly the headline, which asks if Mr. Anderson has been “Crossing the Line by Criticizing Scientology?” which made me think when I saw it that he had personally made some comments or statements to that effect.

He has not and unless you have watched his film I don’t think you can even give a fair opinion about if the film makes such criticism.

I actually don’t know what your thoughts are with regards to religion or discussion of it.

You state in your response:

“Still, I am surprised when people say that Christianity and Islam are criticized so often. I would say the opposite.”

Really? Christianity has been deeply criticized throughout its history. Islam has been criticized for engendering violent, oppressive and brutal social norms in the societies where it is practiced and just made headline news again with the public execution of a woman that was raped, then charged with adultery, then tortured, then shot 9 times in public.

The Israelis put the Jewish faith on the block every time they kill innocents in the Gaza Strip. Of course when the Palestinians respond this puts Islam in the news. It is a vicious cycle.

Religion is under fire and heavily criticized all the time and in most cases it is well deserved.

Scientology works as a pyramid scheme and should not even be characterized as a religion but rather a business with a self-help philosophy. It has also been in the news recently for the mistreatment of children and treating them as slave laborers while keeping them imprisoned under threat…including physical abuse.

The FBI has an on-going investigation.

Do I think all that is open to debate and criticism? You bet I do.

Still how does this relate to a film that has not even been released yet?

Still, I am surprised when people say that Christianity and Islam are criticized so often. I would say the opposite. The whole reason for posting this topic is because I felt like Scientology is open game while other religions are not.

The Master is a fictional film that will tell a fictional story. Scientology is not mentioned in the film nor is L. Ron Hubbard.

Did you think perhaps that Mr. Anderson may have screened the film for Cruise to show him that there is no focus on or criticism of Scientology present?

From the clips now available from the film what it appears to be is a rather intense character study and not a vicious howl about any religion.

Basically I think it is fairly irresponsible to promote the idea that this film is criticizing anybody or their religion as that is tantamount to suggesting that artists or any citizen in this country should consider censoring themselves before creating a work of art, putting pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, or even opening their mouth. What exactly was your point here Sean? Have you even seen the film yet?

We live in a country where freedom of speech is our right and if I wanted to compose or create something critical of another person’s beliefs, particularly a religion, I or we may do so and people that hold those beliefs are free to respond.

So frankly I do not even see what you are getting at here other than stirring the pot…