BATTLEFIELD EARTH
Should Atheists Boycott Battlefield Earth

May 9, 2000

The “Psychlos” are coming!

This week, the movie "Battlefield Earth" starring John Travolta hits theaters around the country. The film is based on a book authored by L. Ron Hubbard, a pulp sci-fi writer who was also the founder Scientology.

Some critics charge that "Battlefield Earth" is based on teachings from the Church of Scientology and is even a "recruiting film" for the controversial movement. They intend to picket the openings, and encourage the public to boycott the movie. Others suggest that even with Travolta's star power, the film will "sink like a rock" at the box-office.

Ties between the Church of Scientology and the movie have been examined by major media, including The Washington Post. There are indications that revenue from the film is to be funneled through Author Services Inc., the firm holding trademarks for Scientology and the late L. Ron Hubbard, to various church outreaches.

We have only a couple of questions for this American Atheist Magazine poll. As usual, we encourage you to discuss this topic and leave your thoughts for others to read. You can get background on "Battlefield Earth" beginning with the FLASHLINE story at the American Atheists website.

Sites which defend or criticize Scientology are plentiful on the web. Helpful links include:

• The Church of Scientology
• Washington Post story on Travolta, "Battlefield Earth"
• More on Scientology, "Battlefield Earth"

What do you think? Should atheists -- and others -- boycott "Battlefield Earth"? Is the real, or possible involvement of the Church of Scientology sufficient grounds to stay away from this film? Should the personal, religious or political views of actors or others involved in a particular movie be considered when deciding to attend, or not attend, a particular film?

This poll is now closed. You can see the final results and reader comments. Remember to visit in time to participate in our next poll.

View

View Final Results

Comments

Read selected readers’ comments

Thanks for visiting!


Back to Magazine Index.



Previous polls:

Billboards of Hate
FCC Guidelines
Is Christmas A Secular Holiday?
Studying the Bible in Public Schools
Public Funding of Controversial Art Exhibits
Public financing of private schools
Intervention In Kosovo
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Public Piety in Sports
The Pope’s Agenda for America
Halloween
Blasphemy and the law
Church bulletin Discounts
Assisted Suicide
Paranoid Nation?
Boy Scout Discrimination
The Religious Freedom Amendment
The execution of Karla Faye Tucker.

Copyright © 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 by American Atheists.