John Travolta appeared on Good Morning America on Monday, and the topic, of course, turned to Scientology. He was there to promote his new film, The Purger, but seemed to have quite an agenda regarding his religion, too.
“People really need to take time and read a book. You know, that’s my advice. You can read New Slant on Life, you can read Dianetics,” he said. “I think if you really read it, you’ll understand it, but unless you do that, you’ll speculate, and I think that’s a mistake to do that.”
It was only a couple of weeks ago that HBO aired Going Clear, a documentary that resulted in many questions about Scientology. Alleged abuses by the church are at the center of the documentary, which features former members of the organization who are highly critical of its practices. It even references John Travolta.
The Church of Scientology’s own publication, Freedom, says that Going Clear is “glorifying admitted liars” and that the film and the book that inspired it are “transparent vehicles for their vendettas against all religion and people of faith.”
"It seems to follow me wherever I go," said John Travolta when we played Stayin' Alive! – @arobach pic.twitter.com/hb7ZUeWmI5
— Good Morning America (@GMA) April 20, 2015
John Travolta offered his own explanation during his GMA interview Monday about why Scientology comes under so much scrutiny and criticism.
“Sometimes when something really works well, it becomes a target,” he said. “You know, 40 years for me, I’ve been part, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
His family has also done well with Scientology, John Travolta claims.
“I’ve saved lives with it,” he said. “Saved my own life several times. Through my loss of my son [Jett, in 2009], it helped me every step of the way for two years solid.”
What’s your take on Scientology? Do you believe people like John Travolta or do you think they’ve been brainwashed? Is the ‘religion’ a haven for wealthy Hollywood types like Travolta and Tom Cruise?
Even if you’re not a proponent of Scientology, you may still wish to check out John Travolta in his upcoming film. The Forger opens in theaters on Friday.
