John Travolta on Why People Speak Against Scientology; Actor Says Religion is 'Not Understood'

It is not surprising that John Travolta is once again defending Scientology.

The actor, 61, has been a believer of the religion for more than four decades, and the HBO documentary "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief," which criticizes the religion, has not changed his mind.

In a recent interview with Good Morning America, Travolta theorized the reason why people have such strong feelings against his religion.

"Mostly because it's not understood," he stated. "People really need to take time and read a book. You know, that's my advice. You could read [Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's] A New Slant on Life, you could read Dianetics. I think if you really read it, you'll understand it, but unless you do, you'll speculate. And I think that's a mistake to do that."

Travolta argued that the real problem with Scientology is that people have not actively tried to educate themselves about the major issues concerning the religion. He said detractors just didn't understand enough about such concepts as "thetans" and "e-meters."

As to why Scientology is getting targeted, Travolta said when something works very well, it becomes a target.

"Forty years for me, I've been a part, and I've loved every minute of it. My family has done so well with it. It's been a beautiful thing for me. I've saved lives with it and saved my own life several times. Through my loss of my son, it helped me every step of the way for two years solid, and here I am," he said.

Jett, Travolta's son, died tragically at age 16 after a seizure during a family vacation in the Bahamas in January 2009.

When asked whether he had actually seen the documentary that alleges physical and mental abuse, as well as corruption within the church, Travolta said he had not. "And I don't really care to," he stated.