High-profile supporters of the controversial religion
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To coincide with the release of The Master, a film loosely based on Scientology, we take a closer look at the high-profile Scientologists in Hollywood. The film, which won the top accolades at the Venice Film Festival, sees Philip Seymour Hoffman play a larger-than-life character not unlike Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard.
Tom Cruise and John Travolta are the best known faces of the church, but there are many A-list stars who are 'secret' Scientologists, in that they don't flaunt their beliefs. Take a peek at which A-listers are members of the controversial religion.
I usually feel great sympathy for major celebrities because they can't go out in public and just enjoy a day or evening of fun or relaxation without a camera getting stuck in their faces; but I wonder how much sympathy these same celebs have for the Sea Org members who are treated like slaves? We know someone personally who escaped this cult in the early '80's and I, for one, believe the stories being told by those who've left this 'church'. Just because it helps a few big names at the top, doesn't mean it's good for the 'workers' below them. I've also been disgusted when I see celebs like Tom Cruise, Jon Travolta and others being asked about certain tenets of Scientology and lying through their teeth about them. They deny any knowledge of "Xenu", volcanoes, alien connections, etc. that former adeherents say are part of the teachings. I despise all liars, but those who lie when defending their religious teachings are the s****miest.
