Panorama on Scientology

[craigiep]

What did you make of the Panorama programme on Scientology? I was frustrated it didn't go on longer - seemed strangely brief to me

[DavidDownes]

I saw this too and would have like to see it go on for longer. Sinister group.

[bloodycheap]

bunch of willie wonkers.

[bloodycheap]

Did you see John Travolta?....... what 40 years of eating McDonalds does to a man.

[Neilzulu1]

Brainwashers, idiot celebrities throwing money at freaks.

[tiny e.a]

I thought it was hilarious, could definitely see why John Sweeny lost it, though I wish he hadn't because that man was so satisfied by it. He would be so annoying to talk to! He was so smug and obviously scientologists believe that he's an excellent public face for scientologists but all he did was make them look absolutely mad, controlling, bullying and ridiculous!

[craigiep]

Beariung in mind the behaviour of the Scientologists shown in this programme, do you think it was them who exposed Sweeney's rant (prior to the programme being broadcast) to the media - to make him look out of order?

[tiny e.a]

I'd say so, or at least that I'd be surprised if it wasn't judging by their campaigns in the programme. BBC footage of the scientologist being angry apparently also appeared on youtube before the programme went out though so perhaps it's a bit of six of one?

[Reverandfunk]

Like all religion : Sad.

[sp1814]

Why is it called a religion?

What is the difference between a religion and a cult?

Like some of the other posters here, I was disappointed it was so short. I could've happily seen another half hour of it.

After seeing how he was goaded, I fully understand how Sweeney lost it. I was disappointed that he did, but I could understand it.

Also - deeply creepy was the fact that the film crew were being followed around by what we can only assume was goons hired by the Scientologists. Just wrong.

[craigiep]

With regard to the brevity of the programme, remember that is was to have featured a string of interviews with celebrities about Scientology but they were withdrawn. And one wonders what else the BBC were forced to drop.

[sp1814]

craigiep

Good point...I'd forgotten about that bit.

[tiny e.a]

What about the religion of funk reverend?!

[Llamatron]

I remember reading somewhere that L. Ron Hubbard started it as an experiment to prove to a pal that people would believe anything.

[Hammer Head]

It just struck me what thoroughly horrible people the scientologists were. It seems quite obvious that they have something to hide. I also thought that some or all of the celebrities linked with scientology refused to speak because they either knew little about it and had just jumped on a trendy bandwagon, or they wanted to preserve what credibility they had and not get involved in a controversial debate.

[sp1814]

Absolutely agree with HH.

There was something deeply, deeply, deeply wrong with the bloke (I've forgotten his name - the one who looked vaguely like Tom Cruise). His manner was all wrong. He just seemed programmed in his responses.

Scientology is a very rich and powerful relig...

Hang on - is it wise to criticise them even on this site?

I take back everything I've said about them...they're all lovely.

It was all Hammer Head and craigiep.

Get them...not me.

[NJOK]

You're right - half an hour for Panorama is too brief.

And it makes the decision to shave off even more time so that Jeremy Vine can introduce the show and then sum up at the end even more bizarre. What IS the point of that?

[cardi88]

what got me was the reaction of all the celebrities when told the basis of their religion - they all laughed and looked bemused by the madness of it, how can you fully belive in a religon when you dont even believe the foundations of it? and some of these were a higher level in the 'organisation' how long will it be before the bekhams start looking into it?!! - by the way my sister told me to say all of that!!!

[dyli795]

It's just a cloaked money making operation for sad people.

[dyli795]

I said that. Having first hand experience, I can.