How to Share Your Faith Using Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is in the news! And it's not just because he's on a publicity hunt for the upcoming release of his new movie War of the Worlds. (Stay tuned to Culture Commission next week for more on War of the Worlds!) And it's not just because of his recent engagement to actress Katie Holmes. Tom Cruise is also in the news for his religious beliefs!
Cruise is a long-time member of the Church of Scientology. In recent months he has become more outspoken regarding his religious beliefs, and you may have noticed that when celebrities speak - people listen. According to the search engine company Lycos, last week "Scientology" had leaped into the top 50 search terms, a 260 percent increase in interest - a spike the company attributed to the Cruise-Holmes effect. Lycos reported that Scientology was now the most-searched-for "ology," acing out the likes of geology, technology and astrology.
So what is Scientology? What do Scientologists believe? How do their beliefs differ from Christianity? And how can you use Cruise in the news to share your faith with your friends?
Contrary to its name, Scientology is not science. It's not even a religious philosophy that incorporates any proven science. Back in the 1950's when Scientology's founder first formed and published this new belief system, science was held up by many to be the hope of the future and hold all the solutions to the problems of the world. So labeling your new religion with a scientific sounding name may have seemed like a fresh, cutting-edge idea. But don't let the name fool you, there's nothing particularly scientific about Scientology. In fact, one of the central beliefs of Scientologists is that earthlings were invaded millions of years ago by alien souls sent here from outer space. That sounds more like science fiction than science!
What does this religious philosophy teach about God? Scientology does not offer any clear definition of the nature of God. On the rare occasions that God is mention he is defined vaguely so that each individual can reach their own understanding of God. This vague approach to God is very different from what the Bible has to say about God. The Biblical view describes God as eternal, infinite, all-knowing, all-powerful and relational. God has no beginning or ending (Deut 33:27). He knows everything (Ps 139:16). He exists everywhere (Ps 139:7). He is all-powerful (Revelation 19:6). And amazingly - especially in light of how incredibly awesome, eternal, infinite and powerful he is - he wants to be in relationship with us (Gen 1, 2)!! He is love (I John 4:8, 16) and He loves us!
One of the key beliefs in the Church of Scientology is that 'engrams,' unconscious mental images that negatively effect one's life, are learned from one's past and present lives. When these engrams are cleared by a process of counseling called 'auditing,' people are freed from mental blocks. Over the course of many lives and thousands of years, individuals can eventually be liberated from matter, energy, space and time and become one with infinity. Rather than liberating one's self, the Bible tells us that Jesus is our liberator (Acts 4:12) and his work of salvation is a free gift (Eph 2:8-9). As well, Scientology's belief in reincarnation is in direct contradiction with the Biblical teaching that people live one earthly life (Heb 9:27).
Here are a few ideas for conversation starters with your friends:
- Have your friends heard any of the news stories about Tom Cruise and Scientology? Ask them if they're interested in spiritual things. If they say yes or 'sort of', find out more about what they believe. You may find that many of their responses go something like this, "I don't really know what I believe . . ." or "It's OK to believe whatever you want as long as you're sincere." Ask if you can share what you've learned about God. For help with this, see The G.O.S.P.E.L Journey. Look for an opportunity to explain what you used to believe you had to do to get to heaven compared with what you found out you had to believe to get to heaven. Share how your life has changed since you've come to really rely on Jesus in your life.
- Just mentioning the term Scientology to your friends can raise all kinds of questions about God and Science. Explain that Scientology has nothing to do with science, while the God of the Bible is actually the Ultimate Scientist. God DESIGNED and CREATED the laws of science that govern our universe, like gravity, and wove together the truths of mathematics that are foundational to the way the physical world works! If you have friends with the impression that intelligent people don't believe in God, check out the God and Science website for more information.
Whenever a celebrity's religious beliefs hit the newsstands, it creates opportunities for us to share the best news of all - Jesus' Good News. Don't miss a chance to turn the conversation toward God and share what He's done in your life!
