What is Scientology?

[ardenz]

Ok sorry if I over reacted in discussing Scientology which, I feel, does swing towards the cultish side of religious belief. This is not to say that other beliefs don't, or individual "churches" within a mainstream religion can't have that tendency.

In most religions there is usually a history, a theology and cross referencing scholarship and dialogue - a wealth of material there to consider.

In this era, when it is easy to set up a religion and get charity status, I think it is important to challenge the motivations behind a "new" religion - just as any other religious belief may be challenged.

The "evil" bit was in a quote from someone else - Edmund Burke, an 18th century Irish philosopher. Is Scientology "evil"? I don't know, but it seems to involve the handover of a lot of money and I don't know what that should have to with any religious belief.

[I, Brian]

To be honest, I've generally had the opinion that it's not what someone believes that's important, as much as how they act as an individual.

I'm sure many of us could meet a scientologist and get on well without their own belief being an issue, so that's the approach I take.

I think a lot of religions, or else denominations and groups - employ some form of tithing, which can open them up to criticisms of profiteering, whether justified or not.

So while Scientology can represent an extreme to a number of people, I think a lot of the criticisms just can't be exclusively held to them.

2c.

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by ardenz

Ok sorry if I over reacted in discussing Scientology

That was very big of you.

[ardenz]

IBrian,
Of course money comes into many religions- to pay for ministers, re-roofing...etc

But from my experience, If I walk into any church of any denomination to spend a few quiet moments, even a magnificent Cathederal, I will not be approached to join the church and fill out a questionaire. If it is an historical church I may be asked an entrance fee to see the 15th frescoes, I don't mind, that I understand.

I am not criticising people individually, but individuals can be caught up in something that can take control them. This of could be in any sphere of influence, not just in religions.

[Tao_Equus]

Interesting views. Unfortunately when it come to scientology I can, unusually I think, see no basis for a religion. If you want to, as you suggest Brian, equate what constitutes a religion on the 'behaviour' of someone then there are some very holy junkies out there. Some very devout fascists. Should we afford them charitable status too? For me the claim of the individual is in this argument the small change anyway. Anyone can be brainwashed. So I stick to an honest analysis of who started this cult and why. Scientology is sick, rotten and corrupt at the root from which it grew. And this attracts the sick, rotten and corrupt to it's power base. A convicted fraudster with a self-declared wish to 'devise' a religion to rip people off cannot be called a genuine spiritual leader can he?

Most of all scientology has a policy of stifling freedom of speech by any means. From harassment and defemation of charcter all the way to murder. I think this is what really pushes my button. That and the deceptive way it recruits new victims. I make no apology for calling it evil.

Tao

[JosephM]

It seems to me, it is 'good' for people in general to learn for themselves. It is also 'good' to point out our perceived negatives or dangers and warn others of that which we feel may not benefit them. However, labels such as evil, cult and other derogatory words do little to unite and most often divide us and make change even harder. It seems to me to be better to seek to understand than condemn scientology. I especially like what Brian said in that it is more important what an individual does than what one says one believes.

We are all in the 'same boat' together and it seems to me that bashing only creates animosity. Perhaps tomorrow we may understand better and find our beliefs are not that far apart?

Just some thoughts to consider...

Love and Peace,
JM

[Vajradhara]

Namaste all,

as has been previously explained, i temporarily closed the thread for the staff to review. nothing more and nothing less.

that said..

without any $cientologists here to present their point of view continual negative discourse will have the appearance of being nothing more than a flame thread about a particular moral paradigm which is, if i recall correctly, not what this forum is really interested in promoting. there are plenty of places for that sort of thing.

metta,

~v

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by Vajradhara

Namaste all,

as has been previously explained, i temporarily closed the thread for the staff to review. nothing more and nothing less.

that said..

without any $cientologists here to present their point of view continual negative discourse will have the appearance of being nothing more than a flame thread

metta,

~v

Just like I said....