Scientology

[jafink]

Do you think Scientology should be considered a legitimate religion, and treated as one in the country in which you live? Or, do you think it should be treated as a business, or some sort of cult, or illegaled?

I personally do not consider it a legitimate religion, I think it is a money making scam, and should be treated like a business.

 

[skadistic]

See Cheezy the Wiz's sig for my opinion.

 

[Azale]

Cult. Ban it.

 

[LightFang]

People have the right to believe what they wish.

Even if it's a money scam.

 

[Aramazd]

See LightFang's post.

 

[ybbor]

It should have just as much respect as the other religions, and be treated just the same.

This doesn't necessarily mean it should have as much influence, since the number of its adherents are small in most countries, but each individual should have as much influence as a Christian, Jew or Muslim would.

 

[jkp1187]

I personally do not consider it a legitimate religion, I think it is a money making scam

The two are not mutually exclusive.


I see no reason why "legitimate" religions should be entitled to any specific subsidies or tax benefits versus honest businesses. (And if these subsidies/tax breaks are the only thing keeping the religion afloat, then it probably doesn't deserve to continue.)

That said, there is absolutely no call for banning any such association so long as its members joined voluntarily and are not initiating the use of physical force against others.

 

[warpus]

They believe rather ridiculous things, but so do members of other religions, IMO.

Having said that, it runs on a money-making platform, and thus, even though it is a valid religion and quite goofy, it shouldn't receive tax-free status.

 

[TheBladeRoden]

All churches should be treated as businesses

 

[ohcrapitsnico]

I think scientology should be illegal, its a cult and a very silly stupid one at that, too bad Germany let Tom cruise back in.

 

[jafink]

All of you have good points, but I still think that since in Scientology you have to pay many fees that are basically required, and purchase all this equipment like E-meters and stuff that it is more like a business than any other religion I can think of off the top of my head. In other religions, members are encouraged to donate money, but they are not required.

 

[DBear]

It's a business, just like the Global Warming Cult, tho the Scientologists are saner.

 

[jafink]

It's a business, just like the Global Warming Cult, tho the Scientologists are saner.

I dno't wanna highjack my own thread, but I have to admit I used to be a "global warming disbeliever". Than I realised that I waws just being an idiot and purposely disagreeing with people. I am now convinced that it is happening, but I do think that it will nto have too many serious effects for a long time.

And if you do think it is a Global Warming Cult, than you will be sad to hear that in my highschool there is now a global warming unit in 10th grade science.

 

[Phlegmak]

It's a for-profit business. As such, it must follow the law. Since members have a hard time following the law, they should be investigated, tried, and jailed. If the upper management members of this organization also have trouble following the law, then dissolution might be reasonable.

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

It's like all religions; crap IMO, but should be held to the same level as others. Any law breaking should be punished, but that goes for anything in life.

 

[Shadylookin]

Scientology and mainstream religion should receive the same amount of benefits(which in my opinion should be none)

 

[Whomp]

It should be a business. Any organization that believes their charitable giving is by not providing regular medical assistance but rather their unproven, and unverified mental/physical health techniques is not serving what a non profit should.

With that said not allowing their members to film in historically important places because of their beliefs is wrong especially when it's considered a business there.

 

[jkp1187]

It should be a business. Any organization that believes their charitable giving is by not providing regular medical assistance but rather their unproven, and unverified mental/physical health techniques is not serving what a non profit should.

With that said not allowing their members to film in historically important places because of their beliefs is wrong especially when it's considered a business there.

Right.

No difference with the "mainstream" religions.

 

[GenMarshall]

It should be branded illegal due to it's practaces of harming people, defellowship, and ruthless tacticts.

 

[dannyshenanigan]

I regard it as a dangerous cult. If you really do your research there are many scary things about it.

-The "fair game" policy which prompts the church to harass their critics with intimidation and litigation.
-The church will use strong arm tactics against you if you attempt to leave.
-The murder of Lisa McPherson.
-The death of Noah Lottick.
-The death of Elli Perkins and her son.
-The disconnection policy which requires members to cut off all contact with friends and family members who may be critical of the church.
-Operation "Snow White"
-Operation "Freakout"
-L. Ron Hubbard's fraudulant claims about his military service and other aspects about his life.
-Scientology has attempted to legally force search engines such as Google and Yahoo to remove critical sites from their search engines.
-The practice of auditing is a severe abuse of hypnotism.
-Scientology keeps records of these auditing sessions and has on some occasions violated the confidentiality of these records for "internal security."

There are many videos on Youtube of people walking on public sidewalks with nothing more then a camera in front of church locations. As soon as they start filming the building they are immediately harassed by scientology security guards. It's really unnerving.