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)

Tuesday 29 September

By emanon

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No one of the Travolta stature would be 'allowed' to leave the church.

By Hey Sunshine!

It's not that they are not allowed to leave the church. There was a story about the Travoltas possibly leaving the church and the article says that the heads of the church (cult) have secrets about their high profile members that would be very embarassing if they got out. This is why there is no guaratnee that John Travolta will leave.

By Sarge

Scientology is no religion, it is nothing more than a cult just like the followers of Charles Manson, and that Jim Jones. It is a tax evading boil on the face of America. The founder of the so called religion was noting more than a fiction writter, so how3 can that be construded as a religion. It is a religion of the stupid if you follow it. America should wake up and find out who are all the professors of this religion and boycott all of their films like I have, and movie or DVD that I had of Travolta and Tom Cruise I have destroyed, and will not watch any of their films on TV.

By Sheila Bangs

Isn't it a crime for these cult religions to influence people to do things that will harm them. People with autism can live normal and productive lives if given proper care, medication and attention. To think that this awful religion influence the Travoltas not to admit that he had autism is heartbreaking. They obviously loved their son, but loved this crazy religion (it is not, repeat, not a religion - it is a cult founded by a nut ball space cadet) more. How very, very sad. And it appears they make be realizing what a horrible mistake they made in not admitting his autism. Sad, sad, sad.

By mandy

If Preston and Travolta did not give their son the medical help he needed because their "religion" was against it, then I have no sympathy for them. They are no better than other parents in the news who have not gotten their children medical help for religious reasons. If they did this, then they should face criminal charges just like those other parents did.

By shelley

I also have no firm religion, and I am all for freedom of choice for those who choose a certain religion no matter what it is. My heart goes out to the Travolta's on their loss, I am sure a part of them has been ripped away, what bothers me is that if the Travolta's denied that poor child medication that could have helped, controlled it somehow or even lessen that child's pain, then shame on them !!! This Child was not old enough to make his own desisions and trusted his parents to help him. I really do hope they didnt deny him medication because of their religious beliefs.

By Linda

Maybe he should go back to his Catholic roots. They are much more open to people with disabilities.

By cappy

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Unless you're a little boy... and then the Catholic priest will have you bent over a pew. That's probably why the Travoltas opted out of the Catholic church. It's a pedophile's playground.

By Taylor

In response to Linda's comments...

"Maybe he should go back to his Catholic roots. They are much more open to people with disabilities"

Thats the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. The catholic religion is one of the most judgemental. I was raised catholic and have realized with time and wisdom, you see the light that the bible was written many years after the fact, by "good ol'boys", writing their beliefs and perceptions and calling it the "word of God". There is a higher power, but don't believe everything you read in the bible. It's man's words, not the higher power. Open your mind to the possibilities.

Wednesday 30 September

By Lori

Linda, as a Catholic I agree. I was not raised Catholic, but found the best church home. Taylor, I hope God provided you a place that fits your needs. You do sound angry, and the love that is found in Christianity has no place for anger. Those of you who believe that herbs can cure disease, I have the loss of my Father to prove they do not work to cure only maybe to help. Those of you without faith in Jesus Christ.....The word is FAITH. Love of faith, family, and yes the unseen. I will pray for the angry(including me) about the loss of the Travolts's son and for their sorrow, I will pray for peace for the angry, for in love there is no place for anger. For the unbelieving, I pray for revelation. In this time of sorrow, is this what is needed. Could we leave all this curelty and anger away from this family. They may read this. I will be prayerfully and peacefully remembering the Travolta's.

By Sonja

Sure is a shame when "religion" takes away common sense which seems to be the case here. No wonder they've take so long to come back out into public after their child's death because they are partially responsible for it for not having him take medication for seizures.

By Liz Kimble

Isure hope that JohnTravolta and Lelly Prestonro leave the church of scientology before they have any more illness in their family. All this church is interested in is MONEY MONEY MONEY

By Amy

I always suspected their son had autism even before his death. My son and their son are the same age-I would see pictures of them walking around holding his hand like a small cild and I thought if I did that with my teenage son he would be appalled. Since Scientology doesn't believe in treatments like drugs for seizures-it is possible this contributed to his death. I remember when Brooke Shields told her story on having postpartum depression(which I was impressed with her doing) and that litte shrimp Tom Cruise blasted her for it I wanted to wring his 5'4 neck. He seemed to think exercise and vitamins woujld do the trick. Must admit I wanted Katey Holmes to get postpartum depression. I'm sure he would have slapped her butt on the treadmill to cure it. CAN"T STAND TOM CRUISE NOW!-I refuse to go see any movie he's in.

By johnny simancas

Scientology son unos coño e madre todos

By thecracker531

I'm glad to see that other on here are enlightened on Scientology's true colors.

For those still in doubt, even the FBI has had run-ins with the group. Just google Operation Snow White.

I don't understand how celebrities can be so senseless as to believe in Scientology. Their beliefs are not the problem but how they run the show. Any "religion" that has you pay to learn more is just a cult and nothing more.

By Lita

I have enjoyed many of John Travolta's movie performances. This, however, does not give me the right to nose into his personal business. (I would be offended if he tried to snoop into mine.)

Is John Travolta leaving scientology? Is that really anyone's business, other than the Travolta family?

I wish all of these celebs--the ones who aren't out there pulling look-at-me, look-at-me stunts, would pool their money and start a fund with the sole purpose of snooping into the personal lives of the people who own and work for these tabloids magazine and web sites.

By Tom

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Scientology is no wackier than christianity or any other religion. Faith is the belief in something without reason. As soon as a person gives up reason, look out. In this instance, the Travolta's gave up on traditional medicine. It probably cost them their son's life.

Friday 09 October

By marilyn zych

In the seventies I knew people who tried to leave scientology were never seen again, accused of "TREASON"(maybe dead?)...The leader has been followed by at least one son, heir to the repressive dynasty. Part of the "therapy" is to require members to admit sin, on film/tape which, unlike confession in a real religion, is used as a threat if you try to leave. Why do you think he was thrown out of England and made a man without a country? Set out to sea, noone wanted them. They reportedly have (or had) a navy!

By Karen

My heart breaks for these poor parents. theya re in such deep pain. Leve them ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By looch

All I can say is that scientology must have something personal on any of those who belong to that cult. If anyone like Travolta or Cruise tries to leave, they will use that information and try to destroy their career. Seems to me that they are both stuck.

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