I'm sort of embarassed to say that I read Dianetics about 10 years ago and was very intrigued by the concepts and ideas. I'm surprised that so many people actually try to make their lives living examples of what it is to be 'clear'. It's no different to me than a Christian who claims to have been 'saved'.

It's living the life that you've had defined by a preconceived notion that there is a purpose to life and there awaits some sort of reward at the end of your journey, whether it is admittance into heaven or a more fruitful career or freedom from aberrations.

I don't think there is anything flakey at all about Scientology, but I do think that some of the people known to have embraced it are a bit off. And just like any other faith or belief, you do have your zealots.