That’s not surprising – both are full of stories of people and their relationship with life beyond the material. That Smith doesn’t see much of a difference doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a Scientologist. It may just mean he’s able to see both of them for what they are – attempts to explain the unexplainable.
That being said, I don’t know of any wars fought over Dianetics.

will smith may not be as bright as he thinks….i hope he was taken out of context. the biggest difference in the two books would be scientology thinking you can save yourself, while the new testament is about being saved! big diff!!!

Seems like the media can alway put a different spin on anyones words.
Will Smiths comment would say to me that although he has a belief, he is open minded and likes to study the different paths that man takes.

He doesn’t see the difference because the devil has deceived him, as I once was deceived, as well. That cunfusion keeps you from accepting Christ as your personal Savior. We must pray that God’s precious love for him will fill his heart so that he may see the truth.

He doesn’t see the difference because the devil has deceived him, as I once was deceived, as well.
Maybe he doesn’t see the difference because there *is* no difference, functionally.
Devil? Pfft.

I wish we, the descendants of slaves, would not close down to different ways of thinking. I myself do not subscribe to Scientology but I believe in the right to believe. I know so many people who speak about their commitment to Christianity in the abstract but when it comes down to living it day to day, they fall short.
Anyone. I repeat, anyone, who finds a principle system that allows them to gain access to The Source I say more power to you. There is enough negative energy when Brothers speak with authority. Say what they feel. Take a stand. Will Smith is an incredibly successful actor, producer and film maker. Instead of us being proud of all the barriers he’s broken they chose, in the article, to portray his commercially successful, both in season, and in syndication, series to an Emmyless failure. Now I don’t know about the next man, but if I’m not mistaken Will Smith is the descendant of a slave, made his money without going to college. Is a family man. And as far as I’ve seen him in the public eye is a pretty decent guy. I haven’t heard of any DUIs. He’s never been caught with DRUGS or GUNS. No gang affiliations to my knowledge (not that that’s a bad thing my baby momma’s cousin Pookie bangs and he’s cool.) And he’s consistently profitable as a talent. Can we please give this positive brother a break? Let’s focus on a stronger Egyptian/African curriculum for the youth. Let’s give Hip Hop a hand. In the words of Mavis Staples “just get out the way and let the gentleman do his thang”.
Peace…

Religion is religion and yes there is a difference in scientolgy to the organized religions..Funny he doesn’t mention Judaism..I guess thats taboo , right???…………

This all goes to show that Truman Capote was correct: these actors are good at what they do but they are not particularly bright.

while he may be right that most religions are about 98 percent the same, it is that remaining 2 percent that make them so different. Either you believe Christ died for your sins or he didn’t. That is what makes you a Christian. Most religions have similar guidelines on how to live, and stress the importance of praying and listening to God, but exactly what God is makes them different.
It seems very P.C. to say all religions are the same, and that everyone is good as long as they are sincere in whta they do, but in reality, that is not true. I’m sure that people who are devout in whatever religion they practice will disregard any statement that someone makes saying that all religions are basically the same.

It all depend how you see and what you take from religion.I studied many religions in school and on my own.The basic tenants are very similar across the board for Christain,Muslim,Jewdism and Hinduism.I have not delved in to Scientology.
The similarties are
1. Treat others as you would like to be treated
2,Do not Judge others(seems to be alot of that here)
3.Forgive
4. help others
I could go on but it should be clear.If you want to to have a chance at an after life be it heaven or rencarnation you need to be a good citizen and a steward of our world in this one.Each religion has a diffrent idea of what rewards such things will bring in the future however no two people see it as the same thing even if their religion is the same.

I agree that Will Smith may just be studying different beliefs to see the similarities, and/or differences, he says… “98% is similar” (so there are differences, and …”that his grandmother would turn in her casket”.
He also has a right to study as God made us with a free will and wants us to love Him unconditionally but He also wants us to be intelligent and use the brain He gave us to learn. I appreciate that he (Will Smith) can accept other’s beliefs. I try to also, and yes I am a Christian, and proud of it! But I sincerely believe that we all believe in he same God no matter what we call Him, God, Jesus Christ, the Great Spirit, or whatever. Hopefully, we can all learn to be more accepting of each other’s differences, not only our various religious beliefs but all differences, color customs, languages etc. and learn to accetuate the positives we have in common, that we are all God children and eventually answerable to Him on the final judgment day and not to our fellowman here on earth. So let us all try to be accepting and not so judgemental of others.

It was stated that this religion scientology is on the same level as my belief in Jesus Christ. Well, who saves them from their sins. Stop the farce and believing that you can control everything or get up on a cross and die for me. I don’t see these people out and about tell others of their beliefs. Why are they so much in a cave? This is just another hollywood person thinking because they have lots of money that they are untouchable. Jesus only saves, not man!!!

I believe it was Billy Graham that said most religions are 98% the same. His point was we shouldn’t condemn and behave in a disgraceful manner over 2% differences in our professed religions.

IT WOULD BE BETTTER, TO BELIEVE IN JESUS, & DIE & FIND OUT HE IS REAL, THAN TO NOT BELIEVE IN HIM, & DIE & FIND OUT HE IS REAL!!!

To find out if all the other religions are the same, first look at the 10 commandments and read them. There is one of them that does differinciate most religions .”Keep the Sabbath Holy”. Think Which religions keep their Sabbath Holy?, instead of Sunday worship?
God also said: “If you do not keep ALL of the commandments, you break them all.”

One of my favorite quotes came from an Islam leader who said that “human beings are the only species that go to war over whose invisible friend is better.”
I consider myself to be a Unitarian Universalist (a religion that believes that all religions are valid in one way or another) so seeing Mr. Smith looking into other beliefs just shows that he is open minded. That is something that I wish more people.
TS

I don’t know much about scientology, but one thing I do believe is this, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Everything we see or hear of that is supposed to be brand-new, unheard-of, and profound, took its root from something else, so if anyone is looking for a “new” religion, it’s not gonna happen. There’s right, and there’s wrong, there’s sin, and there’s forgiveness. The question is, who will you serve. The Bible says, choose ye this day whom ye will serve. The Bible also says, no man can serve two masters. So the question is not really, what is your religion. The question is, do you know who your Master is, and if not, you have already lost. As far as Will Smith goes, he is just a man, and all of us have questions about our identity and what we believe, Hollywood is not exempt. The point is, let Will Smith be convinced in his own mind of what he thinks is right, and we each need to do the same. Shout out to all the true Christians, and everybody else in the world! God loves us all as if we were the only one, and Jesus died for us all, as if we were the only one! Peace be unto you.

2,000 years ago, Jesus brought new hope to man by preaching that this life was not all men might hope for, that man was more than flesh and would continue to live even after death. Though crucifed, the hope that Christ brought to man did not die. Instead, his death became symbolic of the triumph of the spirit over the material body and so brought a new awareness of man’s true nature.
Man can find answers to his timeless questions and gain true spiritual freedom—with Scientology.
Throughout history, religions have traditionally published summaries of their basic principles in catechism form. The following chapter will answer some of the most commonly asked questions people have about the fundamentals of Dianetics and Scientology.
When individuals first hear about the subject, their questions are usually quite diverse. They range from “Why is Scientology called a religion?” and “What is the difference between Dianetics and Scientology?” to “Who was L. Ron Hubbard?” to “What is the E-Meter and how does it work?”
These questions, and many others, are answered in the following pages.
Q& A: http://www.whatisscientology.org/html/part12/index.html
(A Scientology Catechism)
“If you’ve ever felt there was something holding you back in life, ruining
your plans and stopping you from being who you want to be, you were right.”
Find out More!
Go to:
http://www.FreeTest.2ya.com
==========================================

JESUS SAID: “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LITE, NO MAN COMES TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME.
I THINK THAT SAID IT ALL, MR. SMITH, INSTEAD OF LOOKING INTO SOMETHING NEW, GO BACK TO YOUR ROOTS

I’ve tried other ‘faiths…..no beliefs hold ‘water’ in contrast to JESUS.

I am so surprised at the comment made by Will Smith. There is no similarity between Christinity and Scientology. Scientology is what I would call a New Age Way of Thinking” and not even a religion.

If you are looking at mere morality, then you can look at most any belief system and come away with the same conclusion- however; this is too superficial a way to look at the matter. If you take a cold, hard look at what they are all saying, Scientology included, you will find that yes, there is plenty different between different systems. The most glaring one between Scientology and Christianity is regarding access to its teachings. Scientology charges for its services, etc., and so on; Christianity is proclaimed openly for all willing to listen. Scientology, to my knowledge (and encounter with it) is a secular organization; Christianity is spiritual. Actually, if Will Smith were reading these posts, I would recommend he seek out Tim Keller of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. This is a highly intelligent and articulate seminary professor, speaker, and pastor uniquely talented regarding this sort of discussion.

Scientology is very scary stuff! It is Godless. It’s about $ & self indulances. Some good people have been really taken for lots of MONEY because it cost more & more to advance with these folks. Just try & work for a company operated by scientologists. If you do not do it their way you are fired & you have no futher conctact with them unless it is to get more money from you. They stick together. Selfish. Frightening stuff & way of life. Increased income is the only line at the bottom. They break the laws the USA was founded upon. There is no spiritual uplifting at all & it is not for the poor or down troden. Stay away from this if one has value on one’s very life and, especially, soul!!!

WILL Smith, I love you as a brother,but you know that Jesus is the only true and living God. We sometimes fall off of our path,but it is time for you to get Kingdom and get back to Jesus. Instead of following Your friends have your friends follow you. Be a fishermen for God and bring them to the throne of grace and mercy. Do not let mankind send your soul to hell.Grandma had you on the right path stay there, and learn the Bible for yourself. Pray for understanding before you read the bible and God will give you that understanding.May your soul be blessed…

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;…”
Ephesians 4:4-14 (King James Version)

As someone who is not a Christian nor a Scientologist, speaking from the outside of both, I have to say the two faith are only similar in a very superficial sense. Like all religions, they both strive help a person become better than they are. Both also focus on helping deliver the individual from their past sins and/or spiritual bondage.
But Scientology is based upon Hubbard’s brand of psychology. The Bible doesn’t know much about psychology in the technical sense. Christianity is a mystery religion focusing on release from sins by a dying Divine Savior. Scientology find release from inner trauma through focus exercises, certain kind of meditation, and dubious equipment.
Both religions have a certain kookie-ness if you ask me, but they are very different.
blessed be,
Cern

Will you are an excellent actor, but as far as knowing the bible you are in left field brother. Please don’t be left behind. Hurry and get yourself into a bible reading bible preaching and teaching situation. Scientology is no more like the Bible than Santa Claus is to Jesus. Study to show yourself approved. I mean really study!!!

Will Smith is an excellent actor and I respect him,but God needs to show him who HE (GOD really is).Let him have to really need a miracle and see who who calls upon. Not the God of science but the God of the whole universe.The bible speaks of the last days how man will try and invent things and other religions contrary to the truth but, when they have tried every thing else,and the one that they really need to try,and the only ONE TO TRY IS CHRIST.For some, waiting too long, will be too late after HE has come.It saddens me to see after the Lord has prospered all of these people,they try to find something or someone other than God to waste their money on instead of giving God all of the glory for their successes.

Judge not….. let God judge us all…. as we set out to comment on another man’s faith (let us ask ourselves that). Yes, I agreed that there is only one God….. and let that GOD have his way no matter what. It’s not up to us to question God. My favorite saying is “I have a good God,” which my brother always comment to me, and says, “we got the same god” and my response we can’t be serving that the same God because my God does not approve of certain sin that you commit in life, so to me we serving different God. But, then I think about it, I do have a good GOD, because we are all his children and HE will bless us of all. We will be judged differently, we all will receive his blessings at one time or another, but HIS Grace, oh, it’s earned, Oh, My God!

Don’t believe one optimistic word from any public figure about the economy. They are all part of the problem. Its like a game of Monopoly. The richest 1% of Americans now hold more than 1/2 OF ALL UNITED STATES WEALTH. That is more than the upper, middle, and lower classes combined. This is EVEN AFTER you account for all of this ‘good will’ ‘humanitarian’ BS from celebrities and executives. As they get richer and richer, less wealth is left circulating beneath them. This is the single greatest underlying cause for the state of our economy. Now, a recession is inevitable. The middle class can no longer afford to sustain their share of the economy. Their wealth has been gradually transfered to the richest 1%. But the rich won’t stop. They will do whatever it takes to get even richer. Leaving even less of the pie for the other 99% of us to share. This is going to end just like a game of Monopoly. A total collapse of the US economy. Probably within a decade. The richest 1% will live like royalty while the rest of us fight over jobs, food, and gasoline. So Don’t fall for all of this PR CRAP from Hollywood, Pro Sports, and Wall Street. Remember: They are filthy rich EVEN AFTER their tax deductable contributions. Greedy pigs. Now, we are headed for the worst economic and cultural crisis of all time. Crime, poverty, and suicide will skyrocket. SEND A “THANK YOU” NOTE TO YOUR FAVORITE MILLIONAIRE. ITS THEIR FAULT. I’m not discounting other factors like China, sub-prime, or gas prices. But all of those factors combined still pale in comparison to that simple equation at the top of this entry. Anyway, they are all related. If it weren’t for the OBSCENE distribution of wealth within our country, then the middle class would have had a much better bottom line over recent years. There never would have been such a market for sub-prime. Which by the way, was another trick whipped up by greedy bankers and executives. IT MAKES THEM RICHER. Anyway, the credit industry has been endorsed by people like Oprah, Ellen, Dr Phil, and many other celebrities. So don’t fall for their ‘humanitarian’ BS. ITS A SHAM. Bottom line: The richest 1% will soon tank the largest economy in the world. It will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. God help us.

I don’t know much about Scientology, but I do know that Jesus died for our sins and He rose again the third day for our justification, and He now sits at the right hand of God the Father, daily making intercession for us.
Whether you believe it or not, God said it and that settles it!
Jesus is coming back again, whether you believe it or not, God said it and that settles it!
Heaven IS a prepared place for a prepared people…You better get ready…You are in the dressing room now…Sinner, PLEASE, get your house in order!!! We have a heaven to gain and a hell to shun…Get ready to meet the soon coming King! He is coming in GREAT glory, splendor, magesty, and POWER, and all the holy angels will be with Him! The Bible says, For the Lord Himself shall desscend from Heaven with a shout…1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Get ready…Get ready…Get ready!!!
In the service of the King,
Evangelist Earlene Johnson

I do know quite a bit about the differences between the Bible and Scientology, and Will, you are quite mistaken. Scientology is a GODless religion, in fact they try to dispell your “eroneous” ideas about GOD and undo whatever “Brainwashing” they believe the religion of your family or culture has done to you, to “Clear” those previous ideas and ideals. Scientology focuses on HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT not how to do GOD’S WILL. Scientology intimidates those in their group who wish to leave, destroyes the reputations and lives of those who disagree with them, and has NO COMMON GROUND with those religions which believe in the teachings of the Bible. The Bible teaches that GOD is in charge of the universe and to serve GOD and your fellow man as the way to happiness…Scientology teaches you to serve yourself and get what you want and to attack all those who try to get in your way. Many like Cruise are deluded into thinking this man made religion (Elrond Hubbard decided on a bet to build a religion and he went about creating Scientology – he was a crazy dude – but crazy like a fox, because he did do what he set out to do) and now it is one of the most dangerous cults in the world, even being banned in some countried (like Germany) for its evil and destructive policies. Scientology can intimidate anyone, including the US Government, and the IRS. You can’t say that about too many other cults around. Check out their legal battles history.

Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times…Will, this now applies to you…it is so appropriate to your situation that you have to be blind not to see it.

I would love to have a word with a person who gave a comments that Scientology is showing you to how to get what you want.
I would love to ask you; How do you know?? where did you get that data? Have you done any courses in Scientology?
At least Scientologist respecting others believes and never pull anyone down!!
You know how many lifes Scinetology saved? You know how hard they working to help people?
Tom is a great being and what he is doing is great.