After this week’s episode of Panorama about Scientology,* I thought I’d have a look at the Internet to see what’s there about Scientology. I discovered they have their own Web site and another Web site has excerpts from their handbook (by the man himself) where you can buy a book on how to bring up your child as a Scientologist for $5 - no doubt Tom Cruise has a copy to bring up his and Nicole Kidman’s children. It also tells you about their ideas about drugs. They say drugs are poisons. The OED says a drug is “[a]n original, simple, medicinal substance, organic or inorganic, whether used by itself in its natural condition or prepared by art, or as an ingredient in a medicine or medicament. Formerly used more widely to include all ingredients used in chemistry, pharmacy, dyeing, and the arts generally, as still in French. In early use always in the pl.”

Scientologists say that caffeine is a drug, which I’d agree with. They tell you that “[t]he degree [to which] they are taken determines the effect. A small amount gives a stimulant (increases activity). A greater amount acts as a sedative (suppresses activity). A larger amount acts as a poison and can kill one.” This means that “[t]wo or three cups [of coffee] stimulates” someone, whereas “[t]en cups would probably put him to sleep.” Tomorrow, I shall drink 10 cups of coffee, and see how sleepy I am then. I’ll let you know.

* You can also see the Scientology version of the documentary.