Is John Travolta Leaving Scientology?

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 29th 2009 03:01PM

After John Travolta took the witness stand last week and testified that his late son Jett was autistic, people wondered if The Church of Scientology would soon lose one of its high-profile members. Until then, Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston said their son had Kawasaki disease, a rare condition that causes arterial inflammation because autism is not recognized in the church.

Because autism is often treated with the types of mood-stabilizing drugs that Scientology opposes, Jett is believed to have gone without appropriate treatment for years because of the church's teachings.
Back in July, the 55-year-old actor denied reports claiming he was abandoning Scientology following the death of his son Jett (via PEOPLE.) But now, he's keeping quiet and refuses to comment on his relationship with the church.

Tory Christman, an outspoken Scientology critic who left after more than 30 years in the organization told The Daily Beast that Travolta's admittance of Jett having autism was a sure sign he'd be leaving the church.

"My hope for him is that he starts looking" at what really happened, she said. "He'll reach the right decision... I just don't want him to be used by the church. It's horrible he lost his son but change something. He's a guy who could really make a difference."

Christman, who is epileptic, said the institution has little tolerance for chronic conditions and pushed her to stop her medication and use vitamins and supplements instead. The first time she cut back on her medications, she had a grand mal seizure in her bathroom and knocked out her front teeth. She says she resumed her medication but tried to stop again in the face of continued objections from the church-- and again faced disastrous results.

Tommy Davis, a spokesman for Scientology, denounced former Scientologists who are critical of the church as "liars," adding, "It's a horrific, horrific thing for these people to take the tragic death of a young boy and try to turn it on his parents' religion."

"This religion is utterly and completely about helping. It's just insane to think that Scientology would be a factor in somebody not getting all the help they need," Davis added.

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Travolta in Bahamas

John Travolta and Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta testified against two people accused of trying to blackmail him with private information regarding his son's death.

John Travolta Photos

US actor John Travolta, left, and his wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta said Wednesday he tried desperately to save the life of his seizure-prone son as he testified in the trial of two people accused of trying to blackmail him. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

US actor John Travolta, left, and wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta said Wednesday he tried desperately to save the life of his seizure-prone son as he testified in the trial of two people accused of trying to blackmail him. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

U.S. actor John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta described the moments before his son's death in the Bahamas as he testified Wednesday against two people accused of trying to blackmail him with private information about the rescue effort. (AP Photo/Kris Ingraham)

(FILES)Actor John Travolta smiles at the premiere of "Bolt" in this November 17, 2008 file photo in Hollywood, California. John Travolta arrived in the Bahamas September 23, 2009 to testify at the trial of two local men accused of trying to extort 25 million dollars from him following the death earlier this year of his teenage son.The two-time Oscar-nominee, who starred in the hit films "Saturday Night Fever" and "Pulp Fiction," arrived here under tight security for the trial of ex-senator Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne. AFP PHOTO/Gabriel BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

(FILES)Actor John Travolta delivers a speech during the ceremony to honor movie mogul Michael D. Eisner by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, in this April 25, 2008 file photo. Hollywood star John Travolta arrived in the Bahamas September 23, 2009 to testify at the trial of two local men accused of trying to extort 25 million dollars from him following the death earlier this year of his teenage son. The two-time Oscar-nominee, who starred in the hit films "Saturday Night Fever" and "Pulp Fiction," arrived here under tight security for the trial of ex-senator Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne. AFP PHOTO GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

ASSOCIATED PRESS

U.S. actor John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston, obscured, arrive to the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta described the moments before his son's death in the Bahamas as he testified Wednesday against two people accused of trying to blackmail him with private information about the rescue effort. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

This combo pictures shows Former Bahamas' Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, right, and paramedic Tarino Lightbourne upon their arrival to court in Nassau, Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. A jury was selected Monday for a trial that could see US actor John Travolta take the stand against Bridgewater and Lightbourne, accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star following his son's death in the Bahamas. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

Bahamas' paramedic Tarino Lightbourne arrives to court in Nassau, Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. A jury was selected Monday for a trial that could see US actor John Travolta take the stand against Lightbourne and Bahamas' former Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star following his son's death in the Bahamas. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

Tags: john travolta, JohnTravolta, scientology

Comments

(782)

Wednesday 30 September

By melanie

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Oh, Juanita, get your facts straight. Christianity does not encourage just prayer for treatment. What gave you that idea? Only a couple fanatical religions practice that. Nowhere in the bible does it say not to treat illness.
Scientology is not a religion because they worship money and Ron L. Hubbard over God and was formed to be a tax free organization by calling themselves a church. This occult is based on a fictional novel.

By Princess

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I believe it is a wake-up call from Highest Above and God for them both to see the truths about the church and their beliefs. No one should be judging what they did to their son. It is God's work and only Him judge them and the church. They are in my prayer.

By Garry Boie

Simply put...Scientology is a made up religion (if you can call it a religion) It is not a part of the 3 religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism). I think it is an organization to help people..but not medically when needed..Good to stay away from this one, especially if you have medical issues.

By DD

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I don't agree with the Scientology beliefs! I do love John and Kelly Travolta and do believe that they are a powerful force together. I feel that they should channel that force for the good of GOD not scientology and start believing that GOD our Father is THE ONLY WAY to get through life not through some "made-up" beliefs!

By shanin

It took me awhile to pull my mother out of Scientology. It is not an easy thing especially for someone who has been involved in it so long. I have always respected others rights to their beliefs and I do not judge Travolta for his, but I would be cheering if he left Scientology. I believe in peace and humanism, so long as what you do has no adverse effect on others believe in whatever you believe in...the important thing is to believe in yourself first!

By Connie

Those are very strong words. - "They basically killed their son" - It's very easy to make statements judging people when tragedy happens. Hopefully this person will never suffer the tragedy of loosing a child. There are no words to describe how you have to live the rest of your life with a broken heart.

Connie

By rose

How DARE you say something so cold that John and Kelly basically killed their son!!!! You were not there - so your opinion means squat!!

By Raven

Co$ is responsible for plenty of deaths beyond this one. At least this one might make people more aware of what kind of organization this is. Look up other scientology deaths, it's disturbing.

By jeff wecker

Scientology is a cult, just like the SDA

By James

Melanie: I agree that Scientology is a cult but I would suggest a little charity when making the comment that they killed their son. They must be terribly heartbroken and questioning. Now, is the time to pray for the Travolta's and that they may find love and forgiveness in Jesus.

By Kara

I agree 100%

By Adrian

i myself enjoy Buddhism which promotes inner peace and you can take it as far as you want, scientology is far out there and will never catch on

By Betty

If God didn`t want us to have help in physical healing he would`nt have let us be smart enough to have Doctors!!! We have one God and they are not even in his league!! So who are they trying to play?

By ProphetessJoanRogers

I have only one comment, it is all about God & never ever is it about a church or religion. Know God & Know His Word (The Holy Bible)Never follow man, follow the Lord Jesus Christ alone,have a relationship with God * & God alone.Jesus saves John14:6 Not any church or religion.Study Matt.23,learn how religion is not of the Lord.

Friday 02 October

By Glenn

This is nothing but a CULT.... Look who was the founder, a science fiction writer. Come on , wake up and see the ufo's. Religion in general has seen it's day. It is no longer needed to explain the unexplained in the world, there are answers as to our beginnings and why natural occurences happen. Although a grand creator and the story behind that is really a nice story, it leaves a whole lot to faith... and I just can't take that leap anymore.

By dkcont479

I so agree I was just watching a trial on court tv a couple called the elders of there church to pray over there sick child, the child died. They are now on trial for the death, whats diffrent!?

By Marie

It's true, they are not a religion. They make money on everything they do and have been known to scam and steal money from older people. I have many family members who are affiliated with Scientology and I can honestly say I can't stand to be around many of them. I have no relationship at all with my "father" because of it. They believe they can fix anything by vitamins and holding some tin cans while being asked questions, it's really ridiculous and trust me, I have way too many years of experience with them and know exactly what goes on.

By marcie

This is a very sad end to a tragedy for this family. To have to go to court for this...those people whom took those pictures should be shot.

As for the church of Scientolgy I don't believe in it never will. I'm a Mormon and the comments of "webkitty" bothers me. You may look down on us but do as I did visit all religion's before you judge them. Webkitty saying that the Mormon's are not real, is also like saying the Jewish are wrong because the don't believe that the first coming of Christ has come yet. You believe what makes you feel at peace.

As for the scientology people...for a group to MAKE you follow what THEY want and not for you to learn for your trails in life...is wrong. God knows we are human, he should, he made us. God, however, doesn't want to CONTROL us.

I hope that Mr. Travolta and his wife may find the peace they need to stay strong. God is looking over them and cares for them a great deal. Jet is in a great place and is wainting for when they will be together again, at God's doing.

By Leslie Grimes

I hope and pray Mr Travolta has the courage and strength to leave Scientology and to help other leave it too. It is a very difficult process to free yourself from this so called church..I know this because my friends brother belong to this church and it was very difficult to leave...let's just say they don't like it when people leave.

Mr Travolta can do a lot to save other children whose parent my not want to recognize their children have a disability(and this happen regardless of what religion you are)and by doing so his own Son's death will not be in vain. God has a way of making everything serve a purpose,even though it may be a painful for experience for some, God can comfort those that are hurting and turn this child's death into something that may save many other children...I hope Mr Travolta and his family can find some comfort in knowing his son may help other children.

By Judy

As a mom of a son who has Autism and other issues as well I for one know my son would not be where he is today without the proper medication. This church beliefs can kill people indeed.

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