Isaac Hayes was a great musician and will be well remebered. In the end, the only thing we can control is if we are happy with out life. I hope Hayes was happy with his.
RIP Chef, and stay away from Venus

This is joke, and a bad one at that. Or not? If not, that was the last time I am visiting Beliefnet. What a disgrace for you to play the rumor mill over a dead body.

I think, though, that if one can plausibly suggest that Scientology may be partially responsible for Hayes’ death, it should be mentioned.

Every time we say “God took him”, aren’t we accusing God of being responsible for the death of our loved ones?
The truth is, bodies get sick and they die. Sometimes it can be avoided, for example, by not taking harmful drugs. But a stroke can happen no matter what lifestyle the person lives.
At least try not to be a hypocrite when accusing another person’s religion of being the cause.

I won’t go so far as Soulman but the source article is very untactful indeed and I wonder what rode Mrs. Leventry to badmouth the real Soulman in her article. The first time I came across Isaac Hayes was more than 30 years ago and I have been following his career ever since. He was a great man, sometimes working day and night and never disappointing his fans. Sad as it is, I was not surprised to hear that a stroke “took him”. He has lived a rich live and I pray for him and his future, where ever and when ever that may be.

I loved Isaac Hayes and sad to see him go. Now will Memphis do the honorable thing and name a street after him? They haven’t named a street after Martin L. King so will they do right by Isaac.

Peace to you and your family, Issac.

Good article. I dont understand all these people who are “appalled” by an article exploring the possible connection between religious practices and Mr. Hayes’ death. The fact of the matter is that Scientology is right on par with Christian Science practices when it comes to illness. When left untreated in the conventional medical sense…. there is a good chance the illness may run its course quicker than if not treated.

@dude “The fact of the matter is that Scientology is right on par with Christian Science practices when it comes to illness.”
I don’t know much about Christian Science but I do know a lot about Scientology, also when it comes to illness. The Church of Scientology strongly recommends medical treatment in times of illness (and Isaac Hayes even had his own doctor, being treated for high blood pressure for years etc). It’s part of their doctrine to get properly cared for medically. You might have read a bit too much “internet” and too less Scientology.

@Scientologist “I don’t know much about Christian Science…”
I’m pretty sure Christian Science does not forbid medical treatment, but they do prefer to rely on prayer. But the comparison seems irrelevant to me. Honestly though, I think the article goes a little over the top reading so much into Hayes’s death. Still, the salient point of the larger debate is that Scientology forbids psychiatry and the use of medicines thereto related.

First of all, African Americans have a higher rate of stroke and heart attack because they lack the medical attention needed in this country which has much more to do with racism than religion. They are also likely to die earlier than their white counterparts.
I do not agree with a lot of Scientology’s practices and I think Tom Criuse is a nut but we have to stop standing in judgement of other people’s beliefs. What works for one person might not for another.

Nothing surprises me anymore in this day and time. Between Dr.s and the pharmacutical drug company’s they are killing everybody, why do you think more people are in search for Natural remedy dr.s ? They are out there, but very hard to find. Take care. Watch your dr. and the drugs he/she gives you. They are just as bad for you as a fifth of liquor a day !!!!!!!!!!

I hear your opinions but the facts are Scientology only has tools to help you lead a better life. That’s the only reason it expands and many bright people from all works of life use the tools they learn in the church help themselves and others. It helps you deal with the here and now. We respect others religious beliefs because people that practice Scientology are from every other beliefs Like: Buddhism, Christian, Orthodox, Mormon, Jewish, Presbyterian, etc. I’m still a Catholic and a Scientologist and friend to lots of races, colour and creeds. YES IT HAS HELPED ME TO HELP MYSELF AND OTHERS. My Income, Health, Friends, Joy of living and much more have increased markedly.
The only reason it won’t work for some is when they are I’ll intent in harming themselves and others.

“I’m still a Catholic and a Scientologist and friend to lots of races, colour and creeds.”
So you are admiting Scientology is not a religion? Than it must be treated as something else.

Check this out… I’ve always been an Isaac Hayes fan – he was, in my opinion the originator of “rap” – at least the kind of “rap” that I would prefer listening to.
Interesting article!
Vince

“Members of Scientology are required to sign a form promising they will never seek psychiatric or mental assistance.”
This so called “Church” set’s itself up as a cure for all mental problems by practicing a corrupted version of “Freudian” psychology. A person who has a severe and persistent mental illness can be irrevocably injured by this and can even become suicidal.
From outward appearances everything looks legitimate. From what has been shown historically, it’s nothing but a scam that milks money from the vulnerable.
L. Ron Hubbard was a science fiction author and this “Church” is also science fiction.

Losing Issac (and Bernie as well) when they had so much left to give the world saddens me deeply- as it does for most everyone. As for his involvement in Scientology….While I truly try to be tolerant of all religions, I can’t say I really consider Scientology to be a religion per se. An ‘indoctrination’, perhaps..called a ‘cult’ by some…but I believe that true religion relies on faith in something more. Yes, Jesus, Buddha, et al were all men, as was L. Ron Hubbard; but the former preach healing and acheiving Peace as to the means to heal the individual, while the latter calls fr strict adherance and denial of available services which CAN heal- even to the point of Death, so be it. If Issacs’ “faith” in Scientology is what ultimately led to his death, mores the loss…..but I’m damn sure Heaven is rockin’ the laughter from them both.

If Isaac Hayes was not taking blood thinning drugs, or high blood pressure medication, or being monitored, of course, he’d soon have another stroke. It’s so sad when extreme religious views rob us of such a wonderful soul–but that’s part of the freedom of being an American citizen–freedom of religion. It’s just so sad. It is even sadder to think that he was lonely enough and empty enough to need to find such an extreme religious group partially to feel as though he belonged and had an organized set of answers. Our society is missing something, we need to work harder to make all citizens feel loved and as though they belong. So many people feel alone in a crowd.

This article is a journalistic disgrace, taking a rumor from another gossip blog, adding more “mystery” to it and call it an article. Mrs. Leventry, have you ever heard of “journalistic integrity”? I wouldn’t be writing if the man wouldn’t be dead and thus incapacitated to speak for himself. But this type of reporting preys on the fame of others and tries to pull a great soul legend in the mud in front of his family and 12 children.
What’s your next step to bring down a dead man’s reputation?

Ali: “If Isaac Hayes was not taking blood thinning drugs, or high blood pressure medication, or being monitored, of course, he’d soon have another stroke.”
That is easy to find out, he even had his own personal doctor and was in medical treatment for years. The author of this ugly article either knew that and doesn’t care or is only capable in spreading rumors which she not even invented herself.

Those interested in knowing more about the “secrets” of Scientology may want to get a copy of “L. RON HUBBARD, MESSIAH OR MADMAN” before Scientology members make it unavailable.

@June K.: “L. Ron Hubbard said,”the easiest way to get rich is to form your own religion.”
Nope, he didn’t. You fell for “Internet Scientology” (which is very different to real life Scientology.

First I would like to say that we lost a great entertainer.
Secondly the problem with religions is that it is societies way of saying Denominations. We have to understand that with God it is about Relationship and not religion. Had Issac Hayes been in relationship with God thru Jesus Christ he may still be with us today. As believers we should all be Christians and not whatever religious affiliation we think is best for the way we live or what our parents say we are to be affiliated with. The Bible tells us to Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God and his righteousness and these things will be added unto you.(Matthew 6:33). It’s possible to say then that he may have been seeking the wrong thing(scientology) and that could have possibly cost him not only his earthly life but possibly his eternal life.

Internet Scientology vs. Real Scientology? I’ve been on the recieving end of “real Scientology” and it ain’t pretty. Ever been disconnected? I have. But by all means, read Hubbard’s “tech”. The best way to dissuade people from falling for this scam is to have people read, or better yet, hear him in his own words . . .
http://www.vimeo.com/1227000

I think it is good that Beliefnet reports about Isaac Hayes and his religious/spiritual background. That man has given us a spiritual heritage nowhere else to be found, and he was a cool guy. Nevertheless I am shocked that the author chose to use a bad rumor for her main subject. This has just no place on Beliefnet and it draws loads of trolls. Report about Isaac, his being “Black Moses”, a scientology person and spiritual man all at once but pleeease don’t become a tabloid in the process. Thanks for listening.

Ya know, it just doesn’t matter what a persons “religion” is. I believe that when it is a persons time to go, we go. He was a great man and will be missed greatly. His mission was complete on this planet, so he has moved on to the next life. Vet Smith

I am absolutely convinced that Scientology has some role to play in Isaac’s death. Most likely an indirect involvement. My first concern deals with why, despite being found unconscoius by a treadmill that was still running, an autopsy is not being performed to determine cause of death?
Second, because Scientology is so anti-psychiatry, it’s very likely that Hayes’ personal doctor is affiliated with the business, and that he was on a bogus regimen of vitamins prescribed by the business itself.
On the other hand, it COULD just be an amazing coincidence.

What’s interesting is that people tend to say religion doesn’t matter when there’s a negative context involved, but their position does a 180 when a positive context is involved (i.e. Their faith was incredibly influential in their charitable efforts). The nature of the article is speculative, as are most discussions based on beliefs held by a person whether alive or dead. I see no reason to be upset with beliefnet, seeing as how they portrayed Hayes with respect; there was considerable conflict with his involvement in the satire piece South Park and his membership in the Church (any research on CoS and their PR clearly shows they are aggressive and intolerant of criticism). Beliefnet is not, however, automatically obligated to only portray faiths and beliefs only in the light that said faith’s respective followers deem positive. For instance, would it be disrespectful to discuss how a specific sect of Christians who disbelieve in medicine may have resulted in the deaths of children with diabetes or other chronic illnesses that can be treated by today’s medical establishment? Or how radical Wahabbi Islam mobilizes underprivileged youths to martyrdom?
We cannot simply grant ‘respect’ (which has transformed into turning a blind eye) when potentially harmful ideas shield themselves behind the banner of faith. It is the very questioning of cherished ideas with unquestionable status that has lead to the greatest advances in science and social justice.
There is no need to sugar-coat Scientology. It is a self-help scheme, based on bizarre interplanetary metaphysical science fiction drama, a paranoia about the admittedly young and flawed field of psychiatric medicine, a great PR campaign using star power on its forefront, and aggression, intimidation, and exploitation behind the scenes. Maybe if the E! channel would pull its head out of its celebrities’ posteriors, they could do an expose on CoS instead of letting us know the latest asinine comments made by Paris Hilton or Brooke Hogan.

let the man rest in peace. i dont agree with scientology but if that was his belief then so be it. i just pray that at his last breath he came to know that jesus christ was his savior .

I do hope that the family reconsiders the advice of Dr. Kraus to not pursue an autopsy.
Since 25 percent of stroke victims will have another within five years it is important for the public to know the quality of care that Hayes received and if his pursuit of the physically rigorous purification rundown had anything at all to do with his death.
Hayes did not deserve to be forced into continuing to work after his first stroke. While the music industry itself is guilty of leeching its artists for their amazing talent, the Cult of Scientology is doubly guilty for the burdens they put on Hayes, and for their abuse of parishioners who are told that many medical conditions can be directly remedied by the Clearing process aka “The Bridge to Total Freedom”.

It’s definitely a possibility that Scientology had something to do with Hayes’ death in that his doctors could be unlicensed (Scientologists have been guilty of that before) and using vitamins, spiritual healings and such instead of proper medication.
Scientology was responsible for financial strain (they made Hayes quit hsi job) which would lead to mental stress which would lead to a stroke.
This article is totally legitimate. Those who are getting over-defensive are clearly Scientologists trying to save face.

Be aware, run of the mill Scientologists have to go through a lengthy, unpleasant, and expensive process called a Security Check or “SecCheck” if the even admit to reading a single critical article like this one.
The people posting in defense of Scientology, and it’s teaching that extensive exercise, vitamin overdose, and chugging of oil will purge the body of toxins and cure illness are NOT “public” ordinary next-door neighbor scientologists.
This is their job. They are paid (but not much) to try to distract the public from the facts about the corporation they work for. Ordinary pre-clears are forbiden to read or respond to stuff like this, they aren’t believed to have enough of the “Communication Tech” under their belts.
Christian Scientists should never be compared to Scientology – they’re just living out their beliefs their own way. Scientology is openly dedicated to destroying Psychiatry and Psychology.
There is a massive difference between people who only harm themselves and people who want to force the rest of us to limit ourselves to the medical treatment they deem fit for us to use.
Hayes died next to a treadmill, soaked in sweat according to the police. He was killed by scientologist “Purification RunDown”. There is no doubt about his immediate cause of death.
This is why there will be no autopsy.
*NO* Doctor would ever recommend this kind of extremely vigorous exercise for a stroke victim. Any of you who know anyone who has had a stroke…ask what their Doctor has to say about vigorous Areobic Exercise.
Just because he had a Doctor doesn’t mean that Doctor knew what his handlers were doing to him.

in reading this article it isn’t surprising of the contents. when people want to make a change in their lives its their right regardless of their religious beliefs. respect the man for his achievements no metter what his religious beliefs are. no matter what others believe or think when it your time to go you’re gone. celebrate his life and let God take care of his death.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Hayes family. May God keep you and comfort you during this time.

My condolences to the Hayes Family and Friends. A strokes are a terrible way to go -
Unfortunatly religion – all religion – kills. Adults that have imaginary friends, including telepathic experiences with invisible dead space aliens (All advanced $cientologists practice this), are willfully stupid. Scientologists are required frequently to profess their stupidity by doing a mimic of the recent Tom Cruise video (where he professes his belief that only $cientologists know how to handle accident victims through progressively more expensive courses. The belief that the teachings of $cientology can handle illness / injury is simply silly.
The loss of human life, even of those who are willfully ignorant, is unfortunate. We will miss you Chef.

You are useless to scientology unless you can produce. So, you pay for courses or you work at the organisation which pays for your courses. When you run out of money or your health fails you are disgarded.
One of the most important aspects in the cult is to keep your ‘stats’ up. When you fail to do so for whatever reason you must be brought back into line, or if that is not possible you must be ditched because you bring down the ‘stats’ of your immediate group.
However hard you may have worked for the org none of this contributes to your pension or health benefits or schemes. There are no retirement homes for old scientologists, no assistance to the unemployed, once you prove your uselessness you are pushed out onto the street. If you object you are disconnected from all friends and relations within the cult. If you annoy them further you are ‘fair Gamed’. This has been the fate of many and is the potential fate of all.

Obviously these comments are completely unmoderated. Well, here is a little bit what Scientology is all about:
The Scientology religion is an expanding new religion, founded by American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The word Scientology means the “study of knowledge or truth” and addresses the rehabilitation and salvation of the human spirit.
Churches of Scientology support more than a thousand social betterment groups, which utilize L. Ron Hubbard’s methods in the fields of education, drug and criminal rehabilitation, and moral rejuvenation.

Funny, Jeff, it seems to me they can barely afford rice and beans for the Sea Org. We’ve seen the two day old left overs from the Celebrity Center functions being fed to the staffers at Big Blue.
I guess that explains why you guys show up to disasters with “touch assists” instead of food and blankets like the actual religions? Because traumatized people need a quick groping more than they need a warm meal? Or because Miscaivage won’t spare the cash for real aid?
Tomorrow night at 10 pm on the WE network, a program will air with a young woman who spent most of her life in Sea Org. She’s going to speak the truth about your cults abuses, Jeff.
What kind of “religion” tries to silence it’s critics with lawsuits? What kind of “religion” has a pretend Navy? What kind of “religion” tries to tell people they owe a “freeloader debt” when they try to get out?
“Obviously Unmoderated”, translated from Scientologist to English, means that Jeff complained to the board Admin and they refused to remove what he didn’t want the public to see. It’s his job to try to control what is said about Scientology in the public sphere.
Flunk, Jeff. FLUNK. Do it again. Sound Familiar?
The Church Of Scientology doesn’t believe in Charity. Every group they front mines data in an attempt to find recruits. ALL of their front groups charge for their services, but they like to get government grants and then spend tax money while pretending to the public that they’re engaged in charity.
I’m glad you brought that up, though, Jeff. Most of the Public don’t know that Narconon and Crimonon are Scientologist Front groups with no independently verified record of success in their stated missions.
Why did you try to capitalize on the good name of 12 step programs when you named these front groups, Jeff?
There is nothing “anonymous” about them, they have nothing to do with the 12 steps (Scientologists believe that they ARE the greater power – in their belief, THEY are gods).
How come every independent study shows that children perform worse under the tenents of Applied Scholastics than under any other educational method, Jeff? Is it because Applied Scholastics is based entirely on the work of L.Ron Hubbard, who flunked out of college after a year?
Is it because very few of the people Scientology calls “teachers” have ever been certified to teach in any State?
If you’re so proud of the “work” The Church of Scientology does through these front groups, why didn’t you name them Jeff?
Is it because they would dry up as recruitment sources if it was public knowledge that they were operated by your cult?
Anyone who wants to know anything about L.Ron Hubbard can go to Wikipedia. He was no humanitarian. He also never earned a medal of valor, never suffered a combat wound, was never made a blood-brother of the Blackfeet (Blackfeet don’t even have a “blood-brother” tradition, Jeff) and never earned a degree of any kind.
Some, like Mr. Hayes, are just Dupes. Jeff isn’t, though. He’s part of the Churches internal security force. He’s responsible for trying to silence critics on forums like this.
So, Jeff, what you need to know is that the FBI investigation of Miscaivages corruption is not going to stop. The hammer is comming down, and if you haven’t been a party to anything worse than killing pets, it’s time to get out.
Make a run, and tell the Feds what you know. If you still believe in the Tech, the Freezone is there for you. Scientology is already free.
You don’t have to put up with David squirelling the tech every decade, Jeff. You can go to the Freezone and get it all just as Hubbard wrote it. The’ve got every lecture on tape for free, too.
Don’t you miss the friends and family you had to disconnect from? When you really reflect, didn’t you enjoy life as a Homo Sapien more than you’re enjoying life as a Homo Novis?

I’m glad someone finally wrote this article about the death of Hayes and the suspected pressures that Scientology may of had in regards to Isaacs connection with South Park series, after producing a program that not only made fun of Scientology’s poster boy Tom Cruse, but also released confidential material from the upper levels of the Bridge of Scientology called the OT levels. South Park made a laughing stock out of what many members spend thousands of dollars and months and sometimes many years to pursue. I know I have completed all these levels up through OT 5,
Over a year and a half ago I was put through a Kangaroo court and persecuted and put on trial, judged and labeled a black sheep for for studying other religions and practices. I know first hand the damage caused by the pressure from these power hungry staff members, controlled by the administration, and ruled by the head of Scientology, David Miscavige. I spent 30 years in this group and after I was dismissed, I felt really bad and my health was deeply affected by the stress that resulted from having several friends tell me they couldn’t talk to me anymore until I handled my condition with the church. That means one has to concede to the authority of the Church and give up whatever the administration deems as suspect, or suppressive, or what ever is in conflict with their strict guide lines of what one should study. Scientology probley gave Hayes an ultimatums, either quite South Park of face expulsion from the Church or worse be labeled a suppressive person. I am certain Hayes was back up against the wall, and forced to quit the show, which he loved and paid for his living. I spent at least $90,000 in 30 years which is really a moderate amount compared to allot of people higher up the Bridge. The pressure alone with coming up with all the money and trying to fit in time to complete all the courses and auditing, That alone can really stress you out.
I hadn’t realized just how much stress was produced by being a member of the church, until a year later , after leaving I realized I was finally free. and along with that I felt free to study anything I no longer had the subconscious quilt that would make be feel stressed to the point of adrenal exhaustion. This is a common problem with many members who work all day and do the courses at night and on weekends, , after maxing out their credit cards way beyond their ability to pay. I felt a sense of relief after I realized all this. This brings me back to the death of Isaac Hayes, and the first thought I had was the Church’s administration was behind the cause of the stroke. I’m sure some close friends have more information on this, then all out speculation, but my intuition tells me that the church had a very big factor in his health deterioration which lead to his death.
I’m sure eventually his wife or some close friends will clue us in to all the details. I feel there should be a black box warning on every Dianetics book sold, “Caution this book and any connection to the group associated to this practice, could effect your health and could lead to serious health conditions, and even death”.

It seems to me that beliefnet, which was once moderated a fine springboard to discuss faith, to compare one’s religion to another’s, to even ask questions about other faiths, has degraded into a sniping contest. Into a place to degrade and publicizes one’s personal degradation. Into a blog to squash, degrade, suppress and belittle faith and the good works and good help religious persons do. Hayes was well known to many, he entertained us with his voice on several platforms. He established educational institutions in Africa, he was recognized and beloved. But here on beliefnet, none of that meets the light of day. Oh no, instead his misfortune is used as a club to pound the table, to raise distrust about religion. And the comments following the article hold the article in high regard. Drivel and trash, you want to talk trash, go to alt.net.scientology or similar newsgroup. Woe, beliefnet.

For Scientology information read as much information as possible.
For balanced information
Wiki Scientology
Wiki L Ron Hubbard
For subjective views
Scientology.com
Xenutv.org
It is easy to make up your mind. Very Clear cut.

Jeff, whoever you are, you’re pathetic. Humanitarian? He was a failed writer who himself abused both legal and illegal drugs throughout his life. What did he ever do to help other people? He built a cult to make a quick buck. If you want to shower praise on you evil religion, why don’t you move to Xenu with your fellow scientologists? You people make me sick.

In a world where civil society and its principles of ordered liberty is under assault from every quarter you folks starting from Friedman on down to Natalie, John, Terryeo et al. focus on one man who demonstrated to anyone who was paying attention what it is to live a life of self determined reason and action. 
Isaac Hayes was very much his own man, who saw himself not as an isolated individual but part of greater whole. He saw that good people are under an unrelenting barrage of behavior aimed at degrading the soul.  Isaac being a man of principle used his talent and celebrity to stand athwart this dwindling spiral and say stop. His actions were that of rational human being whose contributions were towards raising the spirit. 
He chose to do that with a group of individuals who agreed with him and would stand shoulder to shoulder to bring their shared vision of a better world into reality. He was part of an organized group who will not stand idly by and watch society become one of perpetual conflict. A group of self-determined individuals who are working to hold back this apparent tide long enough so that more and more people like Issac can see that they can be right too.
He chose to BE some one and he chose to be a Scientologist.

“He chose to BE some one and he chose to be a Scientologist”
And that is what killed the man.

This is really old, but I find the blatant trolling by obvious Scientologists hilarious in the comments.

If you think Scientology is completely innocent with their whacked out treatment of people and the control they take over their lives, I have some oceanfront property in Kansas you might be interested in.

Scientologists fear psychology because its the only thing that can potentially break the mental spell they put on people. Why else literally forbid it in your rule book?

Hayes is as much to blame for his death as the poor souls in Jonestown.