How would you react in this situation?

I think Shryke is probably closest to my thoughts on Cruise. I like quite a lot of his films and think he can come across quite impressive when interviewed. Once read that he has it in his contracts for movies that no matter what scene they're in the middle of shooting that if his kids call his phone, he's entitled to answer it, regardless of the cost of blowing the scene. As a father I respect that and envy the power to demand it tbh.

His religious beliefs are nuts. But so are those of the Pope, George Bush, Tony Blair, Enda Kenny and most other world leaders. Yes, Scientology's youth makes it more incredible that people fall for it but it's just old enough that we're beginning to see the first generations of those who've been indoctrinated into it from childhood (Giovanni Ribisi for example).

It appears that Scientology has a rather darker edge to it than many of the more established religions but, then again, maybe we've simply become desensitised to many of the darker longer running religious traditions such as ritualistic circumcision of Jewish boys, conveniently forgotten the likes of the Indulgences practised in the past by the Catholic Church, tolerated the treating of women as chattel by some sects of Islam etc.

dermiek wrote: »

I remember hearing once that the rumours around hollywood are "he's not called Cruise for nothing...."

Who cares if he's gay?

While I'd prefer to see someone of his profile be open and honest about his sexuality as it could help normalise society's attitude to sexual choices, I wouldn't condemn someone for staying in the closet if they believe coming out would damage their career. Let's face it, there's a significant number of homophobes amongst the right-wing of American Christians.