As a parent, it's impossible not to feel the anguish that John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, are feeling right now as they mourn the death of their son, Jett. It makes you want to hug your kids a little bit more, keep them close. There are truly no words to describe the sense of loss I am sure they are feeling.
Still, the couple are Scientologists, and all things Scientology seem to ignite controversy, especially on this World Wide Web of ours. It's not my place or purpose right now to pass judgment on the family, on Scientology, or on those who speak out against it. More than anything, I want to express my sorrow and condolences and remember the life lost. Please add your own prayers and words of support to Beliefnet's prayer circle in memory of Jett Travolta. You can find it here.
When it comes to Scientology, we tend to hear a lot from the religion's spokespeople, from bloggers (especially critics), and from the media reporting on the sensational and celebrity angles. It's not often you hear from or about a practicing Scientology layperson, and so I was fascinated to stumble across a blog by just that sort of person.
He identifies himself just as Grahame, a Clearwater, Fla. (where else?), software developer. I was struck by Grahame's post reacting to Jett's death and the way he addressed rumors that Scientology played a role. Here's part of his post:
It never fails to astound me how people who hate my religion will take any opportunity, no matter how ghoulish, to attack my Church.You have all probably seen the news about the tragic death of Jett Travolta. He was 16 years-old and suffered from seizures. It seems that on Friday he had a seizure, fell and hit his head on the bath tub. The medical examination has not been completed so it is too early to say exactly what happened.
However, some ghouls have decided to use this tragedy to attack Scientology. Can you imagine what sort of creeps would do something like that? Take a terrible family tragedy and twist it into some perverted attack on the family's beliefs. That is so sick.
The rumors these sickos have started are now getting into the media (which contains its fair share of ghouls), so the Church of Scientology has had to give out a press release telling the truth about Scientology Members position on medical care.
Just the fact that the Church has had to do that is a sad reflection on our society and the ease with which false rumors can be gotten into the media and circulated world-wide.
I can understand his anger; it's gotta be hard to see your faith attacked day in and day out in the media.
Contrary to so much of what I've seen in the blogosphere, Scientologists do believe in medicine, healthcare, and doctors, as Grahame says in his post.
It's also true that Scientologists do not believe in psychiatry and psychiatric medicine. I don't know if Jett Travolta suffered from a mental illness and could have benefited from treatment--but neither does anyone else, aside from the family, their doctors, and whoever else they decided to tell. Certainly not any of the bloggers using this as another opportunity to slam Scientology. While I agree with kris Rasmussen of Idol Chatter that a fuller accounting from the family can help quash rumors and educate the public, that's their call, and it's a personal one. For the rest of us, let's let Jett Travolta rest in peace, and let his family mourn in peace.
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Dear John and Kelly,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I have grown up with you and I know what pleasure your family gives you and how much you love each other. I pray that God will comfort you and help you through this tough time. I lost my Father this past September and it still hasn't sunk in. You have a rough road ahead of you and I pray God's mercy, strength, love, help, hope, and healing for you both and the rest of your family. I know that he will be missed and that nothing can ever replace him. Try to remember the wonderful times you had together, the fun times, the quiet times, and reflect on the fact that you were able to share in his life for a time, and it's easier said than done, but try not to be bitter to have lost him. There is "A time to live and a time to die" it says in the King James Bible. You were blessed with the time he had to live on this Earth. God always has a reason for everything that He does, but I know that doesn't ease the pain. We won't know the reason for most everything that happens in our lives until we get to Heaven. But then, we will be face to face with Christ and He will have the answers for the things that we could not understand. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. God Bless.
Because of Christ's Grace, Mercy, and Love,
Mechelle
May GOD BLESS Travolta and family throughout their lives...and peace
Be with them forever.
The death of any young person seems like a greater loss. Just think how wonderful it was to have known him and all your good times.
Jayby
Dear Travolta Family
My prayers are with you for the loss of your son Jett. I feel your sorrow as I too have lost a loved one. I know how it is also to have your Faith attcked. I am a Mormon. I too know the conflicts people have on both our preferred religion. God is watching over you & your family during this time of loss. I may never get to meet you in person, for you are one of my favorite actors, but more than that, you are a person with a family and you love each member of your families. NO ONE should pass judgement on you for just being a christian in a different sect than others. You believe in GOD & that's all that matters. You know the truth as all parents do. You take care & God Bless you & your family.
Sincerely with love & friendship - Shirley, Ron Sr & Ronnie Jr - the Autry Family
Dear Travolta Family
My prayers are with you for the loss of your son Jett. I feel your sorrow as I too have lost a loved one. I know how it is also to have your Faith attcked. I am a Mormon. I too know the conflicts people have on both our preferred religion. God is watching over you & your family during this time of loss. I may never get to meet you in person, for you are one of my favorite actors, but more than that, you are a person with a family and you love each member of your families. NO ONE should pass judgement on you for just being a christian in a different sect than others. You believe in GOD & that's all that matters. You know the truth as all parents do. You take care & God Bless you & your family.
Sincerely with love & friendship - Shirley, Ron Sr & Ronnie Jr - the Autry Family
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