Madonna defends Kabbalah studies

NEW YORK, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Madonna says she finds it strange people are so critical of her studying the mystical Jewish teachings of Kabbalah.

"It would be less controversial if I joined the Nazi Party," she told the New York Daily News.

The Michigan native was raised as a Catholic and is now living with her family in England. Madonna blamed the firestorm of publicity surrounding her Kabbalah studies to a lack of understanding.

"It's not hurting anybody," she said, comparing her situation to Tom Cruise and Scientology.

"If it makes Tom Cruise happy, I don't care if he prays to turtles," Madonna said. "And I don't think anybody else should."