Letters

Scientology is a religious philosophy--a technology that addresses man's spiritual nature--and as such, is pan-religion. There are no worship services or dogma in Scientology. Additionally, it is not unusual for Scientologists to be members of other religions. In fact, the term "Scientology" means "the science of knowledge." Scientology's technology effectively addresses life's troubles from a unique point of view--your own. I know people who have used it to turn their lives around, handling personal problems ranging from drug addiction to financial success. I, personally, have experienced amazing results with it and have never witnessed anyone harmed by its application.

Mr. Ortega's article seemed to lack the in-depth investigation that should characterize credible journalism. Most of the "facts" seem to come from Jacobsen's sources or Jacobsen himself. They just don't make sense. For example: While I'm no entomologist, I have been exposed to cockroaches (as have most of us) all my life and I have never been bitten by one, nor have I ever heard of anyone ever being bitten. In fact, I didn't ever know that they bite! (Perhaps McPherson's corpse was a snack for the morgue's resident cockroaches; who knows?) I have spent more than a few days at the Fort Harrison Hotel and never saw any of the voracious little critters myself. (I could go on, but to what end? Look at your sources.)

There is a vast amount of reliable information available about Scientology and how it works. No article on the subject is complete without it. One good source is What Is Scientology, available in paperback at most book stores or libraries. As far as the technology itself, while it IS copyrighted, nearly ALL of it (several million words) is available to the public in books and on tapes, through any Scientology organization. My suggestion is that you find out about L. Ron Hubbard's technology for yourself. A good overview is A New Slant on Life by L. Ron Hubbard, again available in paperback at most book stores or libraries. The sign in front of the local Scientology organization says it fairly well, "THINK FOR YOURSELF."

Michael A. Scott
Chandler