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)

Monday 05 October

By melanie

Vote down Vote up Report this

If a parent or guardian denies medical treatment to a child or dependant, especially for religous or cult reasons, and that person dies it is murder. Period. I too understand the pain of loosing a child to cancer, but would have NEVER denied her treatment. NEVER!

Tuesday 29 September

By kevin

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Iam of no church going group or organzation , but just like i question the system or belief of these groups i wonder how much truth thier is to this groups beliefs. as to call former members liars just cause they longer belivie is just outright wierd, it's like they are trying to cover something up or try to keep people from hearing what former members have to say .if have done nothing wrong let them speak about the group .

Wednesday 30 September

By Arlene

well Kevin as human beings we all have a soul and we all have to give an account for to God Almighty one day, because whether we live or die we are the Lord's

By live4 Christ

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

WELL KEVIN MOST PEOPLE THAT DONT BELONG TO CHURCH HAVE BEEN CONFUSED BY THE DENOMINATIONS THAT ALL TEACH DIFFERRENT BELIEFS OTHER THAN SIMPLY TEACH WHAT THE BIBLE SAY . ALSO FOLLOWERS DONT ? THEIR RELIGIUS LEADERS AS TO WHERE THESE TEACHINGS COME FROM BOTTOM LINE IF IT AINT IN THE DOCTRINE IT AINT TRUE

Thursday 01 October

By deaun matthews

NO religion is sad. God is wonderful and sees us through so much!

By Wendell

I am not a fan of Scientology, but I am a fan of both John Travolta and Kelly Preston as people and as talents. My heart goes out to them over their tragic loss. I know the loss of any of my boys would be devastating. I hope they can see their way out of Scientology and feel some relief. Whatever they decide to do with their religion however is up to them. No one should have to experience the loss of a young child. God bless them.

By TORI

JUST LOOK SCIENTOLOGY UP AND WHAT THERE BELIEF SYSTEM IS. I DOUBT SEEING THAT THE TRAVOLTAS WOULDN'T CLAIM THEY'RE SON WASAUSTISTIC THAT THEY WOULD'NT OF GIVEN HIM THE RIGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION HE DESERVED BECAUSE THEY'RE RELIGION HAS ALOT TO SAY AGAINST IT. THIS RELIGION IS A CULT, ANY RELIGION THAT SAYS NOT TO USE MEDICATIONS FOR SERIOUS ILLNESS'S IS NUTS!

By lathoga

IFthey would have got him treatment he would still be here, God put drs here for a reason and i think that is not a religion just a scam for mostly the rich and celebrities, Its time they woke up

By Patricia J Dean

Organize religion is a thing of the past, this organization are prepared to control people's mind and dictate life style, dress code, and your money.All of this organizations are destined to fade away, as the technology rises and the man is in the way to Mars, all this nonsense will finally disappear, modernism call for logic and real stuff.
Most religions prepare you for death, after death you will find a punishing God that will throw you in a pit of fire so you pay for sins, and if you are good you can be seated at the right or the left or the father.Wow! In the mean time this life is on stand by, because most people will forget the now to live a future with this absurdities that supposedly are waiting for you.I have no idea how scientology works but is the same pattern they are your subconscious mind, instead of your own intelligence, other people make decisions for you and in the long run the person's life become chaotic, I am pretty sure that Mr Travolta is reevaluating his believes and hopefully he will free himself from that.

By anne

Dear person....Religion says "DO" or "DON't" Jesus says "DONE" on your behalf..Seek the beautiful Savior...He is worth seeking out...the amazingness of His person and his deep and seeking love for you.ANNE

By Greg

Patricia,
I think you need to read the bible. Because your idea of how God is and how to live for him has been warped by listening and watching people. I encourage you to the Lord God of the bible. And the Lord Jesus reveals Himself to those who diligently seek His Face. No hocus pocus, just a real walk with the Lord. Read the bible for yourself, don't be misled by what others say or do.
And if you say you have read it. Well, I'm not going to call you a liar. But, I will say have you really??? Based on your earlier response anyway. God Bless and I hope you take this to heart, and read God's Word and call on His Name. Greg

By daniela

Dear Sookie,
if you do not have something nice to say please do not say anything at all.

By April

It bothers me when people simply bash religion outright, as well as the people that believe. There are more people that live effective lives because of religion then they would without religion. Especially when dealing with mental diseases, the mental health community often finds believing in a diety allows people to cope more with the problems in their lives. It also bothers me when people call religion a crutch. But even if it is a form of a crutch, or perhaps a prosthetic in more modern medicine, would you deny someone without a leg the chance to walk again? If religion is what people need, then let them have it. Ultimately, the harm is does is far more minimal than harm there would be without it. As far as Scientology goes, I feel they need to review their policies on some medications, but western medicine hasn't researched vitamins and herbal remedies enough to know how effective they are in the treatment of things like seizures, communication disorders and mental disorders. There is anecdotal evidence, but in the meantime, I feel we should go with what works and try to find things that work better for the future. In that respect Scientology has the right idea, but the wrong method of expressing it.

By Scott

Patricia,

FYI, Jesus died for your sins...you don't burn for your sins unless you are not a true believer. Jesus is the son of the living God and welcomes all believers (in him) and sinners just like me and you. He does not want you to live in misery. It sounds like you have been misled into what Christianity truly is...I agree religion is a bad thing...but a relationship with Christ is as good as it gets. We are not brainwashed...we simply believe that God has a plan for all of us and loves all of us unconditonally. None of us is perfect and he doesn't want you to tidy up before you seek him...He wants you just as you are...If you seek him he will soften your heart. Do not put your trust in people...we will always dissappoint...but seek the written word and I pray you find peace and become a true believer. A few scriptures to consider: 1 Corinthians 15:55... or try 2 Corinthians 1 ...it's a pretty good book if you take time to read it...lots of excitement and it has a pretty cool ending. Give it a chance...If you don't like it thanks for trying...If you are correct and Jesus is not God...then you've lost nothing...but if we are right and Jesus is Lord and Savior...you've lost everything. Jesus is a God of compassion...he is not trying to beat you down...we all fall short of his glory...Give it a look...if you seek him...you will find him.

Scott

By Walter

Dear Patricia,

I used to think along the same lines as you, but what I found out about myself is that my disbelief was merely a way of justifying my own actions: to live life on my terms rather than our Creator's. I am a scientist and the more that one studies science and technology, the more it is revealed that there can be no answer to the creation of our universe without someone pulling the strings. Macroevolution has not panned out as once thought and the Big Bang theory is the most reasonable explanation for the creation of the universe. If you look at all of the things that had to occur in order for this to happen, it would be like time and wind assembling a working wrist watch out of pieces scattered throught the Sahara desert. God loves you, and through Him you are saved from the pit of fire. I know that this takes a leap of faith, but believe me, it is well worth it.

Sincerely,

Walter

By Wayne

Patricia, Greg is so right. The Bible says nothing about being a good person and going to heaven. That does not save you, "For it is by Grace that you are saved." We are all worthless sinners, I am no better than anyone else. But my life has been a living testimony, and sinse I have accepted the Grace of God and invited Jesus into my heart, I have lived a life completely changed from where I was. You have no idea what God has done with my hard heart. I still continue to fail everyday. Don't think that just because people go to church they think they are any better than you, they are not. Jesus loves everyone of us the same, and he loves you and wants to open his arms to you.
You cannot have a relationship with anyone without communication, correct. Well than you cannot have a relationship with Jesus without reading the Bible. Open it up and just start reading, IT COULD CHANGE YOU HEART, and you life. I will pray for you and I hope you live a life filled with many blessing. Wayne

By Lily

Dearest Patricia, I agree with you. Religion has had a huge part in ruining our society, our minds, & our families. I am a Bible Believing Christian - unaffiliated with any organized religion. When our Lord Jesus walked the earth, He was always speaking out against the so called religious leaders calling them a den of vipers (which is what got Him killed eventually). But I must tell you that following the Lord's rules is not only to benefit our life after we die, but also for our life here on earth. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me,all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls, For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." My prayer is that the Lord gives rest unto John Travolta and his family's souls during this extremely difficult time of sorrow. Love in Christ, Lily

By Valeria

I don't ever remember the Travoltas denying that Jett had autism, they just never verified it. It was their personal business and they aren't required to tell the public. I just hope that whatever road they take, staying with or leaving Scientology, they find the peace and comfort they need to cope with losing their child.

By Fred Williams

Scientology is not a religeon...it is a cult. The brains behind Scientology was L. Ron Hubbard, a former science fiction writer that got lucky with his book Dianetics. Those that join Scientology are drained of their money by taking classes with the ultimate goal of becoming "clear". When a Scientologist decides to leave the cult, they are persecuted if they try to expose the cult's real purpose which is financial growth. Scientology uses famous supporters like Tom Cruise and John Travolta to legitimize their expansion goals. These celebrities are puppets and are treated far differently than a low life rank and file member that is being robbed of their spirit and financial resources. The government should have stepped in and put an end to this cult years ago. In my opinion, Scientology is more dangerous than what took place with the Rev. Jim Jones at Jonestown. Many Scientologists are brainwashed and turned into slave laborers that perform duties for the "church" without receiving minimum wage. My former sister-in-law continues to waste away her life in such a manner. This cult needs to be stopped.

Tuesday 03 November

By Bruce in LA

Bingo.

I had a former boss who spent $40,000.00 becoming a "good" scientologist, and this was 1980 !! They have a program tailored to take all your money. Period. He then went to Florida where he was to get higher learning, they had him doing dishes and he quit. I guess he was not "saved" in the end... Live this life, treat others as you would like to be treated, work hard and save your money.

wait.... I can start a religion with this concept !!

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