Scientologist Views On Medicine Questioned
Even as John Travolta and his wife mourn their son, Jett, some critics of the Church of Scientology are pointing to what they say is a negative church position on medications and medicine.
The Travoltas are Scientologists.
Early Show National Correspondent Hattie Kauffman reports that, since an autopsy showed Jett, 16, died of a seizure, his family now acknowledges Jett's been suffering seizures for many years.
The Travoltas have always been private about their son, Kauffman points out.
"John Travolta's friends who are lawyers indicated Jett had been on a psychiatric pharmaceutical drug that specifically intends to address issues about seizures," says University of Alberta Alternative Religions Prof. Stephen Kent. "They also went on to claim Jett was removed from that drug because it was causing organ damage."
One ex-Scientologist says when she suffered epileptic seizures 30 years ago, the church told her to stop her medication.
"So I started having grand mal seizures," recalls Tory Christman, "and I wasn't even off the medicine. I was only off part of the medicine, and I started having very bad grand mal seizures."
A Scientology spokesperson told CBS News the church doesn't get involved in medical decisions. The statement says, "Scientologists seek conventional medical treatment for medical conditions. Scientologists use prescription drugs when physically ill."
But skeptics point to the writings of the church founder.
"There are definitely some policies that L. Ron Hubbard wrote in the '60s where he was very critical of the medical profession,' says former Scientologist Bruce Hines.
Scientology's most famous member. Tom Cruise, has made it very clear the church is against psychiatric drugs.
"It sees psychiatrists as being enemies -- not only enemies on this earth, but also cosmic enemies," says the University of Alberta's Kent.
But Scientologists do believe in a purification program that Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, reported using to treat her son, notes Kauffman.
"People go thru periods of physical exercise combined with large doses of vitamins including niacin and then hours in the sauna," Kent says.
Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved. The Travoltas are Scientologists.
Early Show National Correspondent Hattie Kauffman reports that, since an autopsy showed Jett, 16, died of a seizure, his family now acknowledges Jett's been suffering seizures for many years.
The Travoltas have always been private about their son, Kauffman points out.
"John Travolta's friends who are lawyers indicated Jett had been on a psychiatric pharmaceutical drug that specifically intends to address issues about seizures," says University of Alberta Alternative Religions Prof. Stephen Kent. "They also went on to claim Jett was removed from that drug because it was causing organ damage."
One ex-Scientologist says when she suffered epileptic seizures 30 years ago, the church told her to stop her medication.
"So I started having grand mal seizures," recalls Tory Christman, "and I wasn't even off the medicine. I was only off part of the medicine, and I started having very bad grand mal seizures."
A Scientology spokesperson told CBS News the church doesn't get involved in medical decisions. The statement says, "Scientologists seek conventional medical treatment for medical conditions. Scientologists use prescription drugs when physically ill."
But skeptics point to the writings of the church founder.
"There are definitely some policies that L. Ron Hubbard wrote in the '60s where he was very critical of the medical profession,' says former Scientologist Bruce Hines.
Scientology's most famous member. Tom Cruise, has made it very clear the church is against psychiatric drugs.
"It sees psychiatrists as being enemies -- not only enemies on this earth, but also cosmic enemies," says the University of Alberta's Kent.
But Scientologists do believe in a purification program that Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, reported using to treat her son, notes Kauffman.
"People go thru periods of physical exercise combined with large doses of vitamins including niacin and then hours in the sauna," Kent says.
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Ads about this and that drug would be done without the part about the side affects. Even those are rushed by so we ignore the truth. If they Want to stay away from the poisons that the medical establishment is told to prescribe then they probably are doing more good for their people then we are in believing our Doctors all the time. Leave these people alone to grieve, while we grieve for the tens of thousands that die from the doctor proscribed helpful drugs that kill them.
Tory Christman affidavit is the best proof there is that Scientology is not against seizure medicines where needed.
Google "Tory Christman" affidavit 2003
Don''t you think if Scientology actually cured things that Scientology would be more popular than it currently is!
There was no alternative-therapy-nonsense suggested at all. "You have a physical problem go see your doctor". Is about the best way to sum up the point of view I observed them pushing.
That EXPERIENCE seems inconsistent with claims that Scientologist are in some way against medical treatment.
The hard line stance against psychiatric "abuse" that most Scientologists support should not be confused with a rejection of all medicine. It would be a grossly unfair and untrue characterization.
There are medical problems with medical remedies. To suggest that any Scientologist would allow themselves or someone they love to be harmed because of some misguided rejection of medicine is patently offensive.
...and in the end you die just like everybody else from the same stuff us!
L Ron Hubbard suffured mental illiness which is why he was so against it! a loon in his own right and medocre writer at best. CoS is not recognized by Germany and only recognized un US after blackmailing government officials.
do not believe ANYTHING CoS says!!!
those wacko''s have made it clear that ANY method to include subversive tactics, lies, and maniplutation is acceptable against anybody who speaks porrly or against the group!
Yjidam go sell your BS somewhere else to idiots who might buy into it!!!