‘Going Clear’ in Scientology, Religious Exemptions for Vaccines, and More

Scientology teaches that we are immortal spiritual beings, with unlimited potential. It also tests the limits of what counts as a religion. Here’s what you can expect from this week’s installment of Interfaith Voices:

Interview with Lawrence Wright, author of Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood and the Prison of Belief:

Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard taught that we can rid our minds of unwanted memories, and ultimately transcend the boundaries of matter, energy, space, and time. Through spiritual counseling called auditing, we can overcome the limits we impose on ourselves, becoming “Clear.”

This is the promise of Scientology, the religion founded in 1952. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist explains Scientology’s beliefs, and uncovers new alleged abuse by its leader, David Miscavige. 

Need a Religious Exemption? Check the Box for ‘Yes’

Nearly every state offers a religious exemption for vaccines, for everything from pertussis to polio. More and more parents are choosing this option, which can be as easy as checking a box and signing your name. This segment features an interview with Jason Schwartz, a fellow in bioethics from Princeton University.

 


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