by Amy Upah
Daily Lobo
Scientologist Sofia Milos is coming to UNM today to promote an important aspect of her religion - studying.
Milos, who has been on "CSI: Miami," "The Sopranos" and "Friends," will discuss scientology, which has gained popularity since L. Ron Hubbard founded it in the '50s.
"We are worldwide and the fastest growing religion on the planet," said Rob Ellis, president of Scientology for Students.
He said scientology bases its beliefs around knowledge and human survival.
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"There are spiritual aspects to scientology, but it's not like you go to church and worship God," Ellis said.
He said the philosophy is an applied religion, meaning it gives followers specific tools to fix the problems of everyday life. These tools are called study technology.
He said there is a God in scientology, but followers can be any religion they want to be.
"Most scientologists have some other religious connections, including Islamic, Christians and Catholics," he said.
According to Scientology.org, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley, Nicole Kidman and Priscilla Presley practice the religion.
Ellis said scientology is not only endorsed by celebrities and millionaires.
"People who get involved with scientology become more successful and overcome their obstacles in whatever they do," he said. "There are certain applied techniques that work to help you become successful."
Ellis has been studying scientology for two years and said when he applied the study technology to what he thought was dyslexia, he realized he had been misdiagnosed.
"Dyslexia wasn't a problem," he said. "I just had to learn how to study, and there are scientology courses that will help you ease the barriers."
He said these techniques are so easy some miss them.
"It could be that you're not looking up every word that you misunderstood," he said. "People get their ego involved instead of opening up a dictionary."
Promotion of scientology at UNM in the past week has been lucrative and lavish - yellow tents pitched and draped on campus lured students in to collect pamphlets, take stress tests, and acquire massages.
"Scientology is too good of a thing to keep to myself," Ellis said. "There is so much help in so many areas of life, especially with study technology."
Although new-age religions may seem foreign and cultlike to some, Ellis said he doesn't agree.
"The mind is like a parachute - it only works when it is open," he said. " If you are closed-minded, that means you are fearful."
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