Scientologists tune in to TV advertising

by Staff, Brand Republic 17-Jun-09, 09:30

NEW YORK - The Church of Scientology has turned to the power of TV ads with a spot that trumpets its ability to "lead people to the truth".

The 30-second ad is running on CNN and shows a series of people deep in thought while a voiceover intones: "Some of us have been looking their whole lives. Most don't even know what they are looking for, but we all feel it ... that unexplainable emptiness that can only be filled by one thing ... the truth."

On the final words the blue-toned ad dissolves into a black screen into which flares the web address for the Scientologists -- Scientology.org.

It is not clear how long the ad has been running but since the middle of May traffic to the website has surged according to Alexa, from a 0.001% share of all internet traffic to 0.02%.

Back in the pre-internet 1980s Scientology ads relied heavily on synthesizer soundtracks and pushed founder L Ron Hubbard's book 'Dianetics' as 'The Owner's Manual for the Human Mind'.

Back in the present day there is speculation Peaches Geldof has become the cult's latest celebrity recruit. Reports claim she was seen leaving a Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood holding documents about the movement.

One of Scientology's deepest secrets (until it was revealed in the press) is that each human being is full of "Thetans", the dead souls of an alien race.

Famous Scientologists include Tom Cruise, John Travolta and 'My Name is Earl' star Jason Lee.

Comments

John Gallen - 17/06/2009

There's a sucker born more than every minute.

Gordon Macmillan - 17/06/2009

Really disappointing to learn Jason Lee is a scientologist.

Bob Dobbs - 18/06/2009

How hard is it to fact check, folks? The proper definition of a Thetan can easily be found in the numerous glossaries and FAQ pages of official Scientology websites, and it has NOTHING to do with dead souls of alien races. These "deep secrets" you speak of were not revealed in the press, they were revealed in a bogus document called the "Fishman Affadavit" which has long since been proven false. Oh, but that's no fun for hecklers like "South Park" and gossip columnists, so the "Scientology Aliens" myth keeps perpetuating around the net anyway. And why is it "really disappointing to learn Jason Lee is a Scientologist"? If you knew the identities of even a fraction of celebrities who are quietly practicing Scientology, you'd have to be disappointed with half of Hollywood!

sue turner - 18/06/2009

Peaches Geldof: proof of alien life-forms.

John Gallen - 18/06/2009

Good man Bob, air that other voice and knock the hecklers. Jeez Louise ! It's still scientology nonsense whatever way it's buttered.

Dobb Bob - 19/06/2009

Scientology is a hate group. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pu0iVjJGwE&feature=channel_page

Real Bob Dobbs DObbs - 21/06/2009

Is there any reason the Scientologists need to steal my nick to shill for their cult? I thought the thousands of dollars people pay Scientology is worth it because Scientology produces creativity.