Angel Heart
Conservative Hippie
Television Star Exits Scientology
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
By Roger Friedman
Ruggedly handsome actor Jason Beghe was best man at the wedding of "X-Files" star David Duchovny (his childhood pal) and actress Tea Leoni. In 1998, he starred as Demi Moores love interest in "G.I. Jane." Hes been featured in numerous TV dramas such as "Criminal Minds," "Numb3rs" and "CSI."
In 2005, Beghe appeared in promotional spots for the Church of Scientology. But now, Beghe has escaped the church after taking courses since 1994. Hes made a video thats up on YouTube.
This is what he has to say: "Scientology is destructive and a rip-off."
He also says: "Its very, very dangerous for your spiritual, psychological, mental, emotional health and evolution. I think it stunts your evolution. If Scientology is real, then somethings f---ed up."
You can see from the video that Beghe does not mince words. But his refreshing candor about the religion he joined in 1994 should shake the Celebrity Center to its core.
"It aint deliverin what its promised. It sure has not."
The video is billed as a three-minute teaser to a longer interview with Beghe thats on its way. But the short video packs a powerful punch. Beghe still uses a lot of Scientology lingo like "OT" and "clear." Still, its quite easy to understand the point hes making. After 14 years and a tremendous amount of money, hes seeing Scientology in a different light.
Beghe has completed so many courses that hes considered a top Scientologist, or "OT 5" similar to Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. But Beghe reveals: "The further up the bridge, the worse you get."
He adds: "I dont have an agenda. Im just trying to help. I have the luxury of having gotten into Scientology and after having been in it, been out. And thats a perspective that people who are still in and not out do not have."
More to come
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