Lay off Scientology.

[Guy Fawkes]

And all other religions, for that matter. Seriously, what happened to r-e-s-p-e-c-t?

-> I know some people are going to reply, "But Scientology isn't a religion!" Har, Har. Lay off it.

[crispini]

1. dude, it's a cult.

it doesn't deserve any respect.

[Guy Fawkes]

6. You know, Hitler was against many religions...

which he decided were "cults" or not deserving any respect.

[asthmaticeog]

38. Fastest. Godwin. Ever.

[GirlinContempt]

43. rofl

no kidding

[iconoclastic cat]

115. Great FAQ

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/usenet/legends/godwin/

[Schema Thing]

51. Yes well, as a former Jehovah's Witness, I know a little about Hitler's

treatment of cults.

Hitler was an evil man, who did evil things to Jehovah's Witnesses. That does not in any way make Jehovah's Witnesses less of an evil cult. Where I once took great pride in my religion for refusing to compromise to Hitler, I now feel a little sick knowing the back-story, the "rest of the story". It's not nearly as romantic as I was brought up to believe (although there are real stories of courage and suffering from the rank-and-file members).

Do I want my JW family members and old friends (who no longer speak to me, simply because I no longer believe their religion speaks for god) persecuted for their allegiance to an insanely controlling bunch of theocrats? No, of course not.

Do I want every Jehovah's Witness and/or potential Jehovah's Witness to have a chance to see the cult in the revealing light of facts, intellectual honesty, context, and history? Yes I do.

Would I like the government to help shine that light, especially on religious issues that hurt or kill people? Yes I would.

[AngryAmish]

101. I would hate to see

government have a single word to say about religion.


Faith, atheistic or theistic, in government hands, is a prescription for genocide.

[Schema Thing]

110. Yes, but there must be limits to what you are allowed to do with

that faith.

Because people of missplaced faith will kill children and destroy other people's lives.

[Memekiller]

10. A cult is...

... any religion without political power.

Any religion is nuts when you look at it. Scientology a little more than most. Like many TV evangelists they also take all your money, though.

[crispini]

85. I disagree.

I once joined a "new" religion -- sort of new-agey -- which had a repution in some circles as a "cult," so I decided to "chew over" pretty carefully the characteristics of a cult. Although of course the spectrum is pretty wide, there are behaviours in an organization which can be seen pretty clearly as cult-like. Such as:
- always asking the believers for money, making money a requirement to continue making religious progress
- isolating believers from non-believers
- emphasis on personal magnetism of the leader, unquestioning acceptance, etc.

I'll agree that a lot of religions are nuts when you look at 'em, even the "mainstream" ones but I think that there IS a difference between a religion and a cult.

[Floogeldy]

17. Who has asked you to respect Scientology?

And if they did, why are you expending energy attacking individuals who may or may not be in a cult.

People are free to choose what they believe and with whom they associate. Do you have any respect for this principle?

[elshiva]

28. Respecting human beings is something that we should

all aspire to...

[crispini]

76. I totally aspire to respect individual human beings,

one by one, when they're in front of me, or online, each individual deserves respect.

Institutions, OTOH, are pretty much all fair game. All of 'em, religions AND cults. And political parties, for that matter. And the government.

[elshiva]

77. Yep....

[ET Awful]

117. Someone should tell the "Church" of $cientology that. n/t

[crispini]

66. Why are you spending so much energy defending Scientology?

You've posted far, far more on this than I have. Really makes me think you must have some connection with them.

and as far as to answer your question, "Who has asked you to respect Scientology?" uh, the OP, duh?

And, do I have any respect for the principle that people are free to choose what they believe and with whom they associate? Yes, of course. I also have plenty of freedom to post my opinion on a message board as much as my like.

[Floogeldy]

74. I'm not defending Scientology

I'm defending individuals who are attacked and smeared on this board, exactly like Limbaugh and Hannity attack and smear individuals on the radio.

That's what I'm doing here.

I'm glad to hear that you respect individuals' freedoms to believe in whatever they want.

I think the OP made a good point, based on the crucifictions of Tom Cruise that have been happening on this board daily, whether respect for Scientology was asked, or not.

[crispini]

78. The OP in this particular thread isn't about Tom Cruise,

it's pretty much restricted to Scientology. I'm surely not going to respect Scientology, or any other cult OR religion, or any institution. (Edit -- especially not if I'm simply "ordered" to respect it by someone.)

My respect has to be earned and nothing I've read about Scientology -- and I did read quite a bit about this at one point in my life -- indicates that it deserves my respect.

[Floogeldy]

80. Maybe I've been hanging out here more than you

Tom Cruise is practically the only context in which Scientology has been mentioned on this board lately. He has been attacked by mad dogs eating their own.

When viewed in that context, I stand by my posts.

[crispini]

88. Yeah, there's been a lot of Cruise discussion lately

But, in view of the fact that the OP of this particular thread is confined to Scientology only, I stand by my posts. :P

[Floogeldy]

90. Don't mess with me.

I will sneak up on your front curb and add an additional number to the address painted thereupon. Emergency vehicle drivers will become confused.

I'm mean and nasty.

}(

[crispini]

92. LOL. I've got you now!

I don't have a curb! :rofl: :7

[Floogeldy]

99. Note to self

Get Crispini's street paved.

B-)

[crispini]

105. Now, don't get me started on all the reasons

why cement is bad. :7

[sparky_in_ma]

100. Where do you put your garbage?

Without a curb.:D

[crispini]

104. Ha! It goes in the alley!

There's no curb in the alley either! :P

[sparky_in_ma]

70. Actually the OP asked it be respected.

She also did not attack individuals, the use of the word"it" was referring to Scientology. It is possible to respect a persons right to believe in something while not respecting what they believe in. The nazi party is allowed to march in this country. I respect the right, but hate the belief system.

[Floogeldy]

86. Elshiva told me you can explain some things to me.

What has Tom Cruise done to convince people that he is not gay? Who accused him of being gay?

Also, have you seen the previous threads accusing Cruise of being gay? Are those threads "gay bashing," or are those threads dominated by gays insisting that Cruise should openly be in the "gay camp?"

I am at a loss to understand all of the Tom Cruise bashing that has been going on in The Lounge.

I hope you can help. If not, I understand.

[sparky_in_ma]

94. Tom Cruise being gay or not gay

should not be an issue. It certainly should not be cause for bashing. People discussing whether he's gay or not is up to each individual. Is a discussion bashing? I don't think it is, if there are no personal attacks based on sexuality. Is he gay? I could care less.

I've never paid much attention to his personal life, or that of other screen actors. I watch movies, which are fictional, as a pleasant diversion.

I did see his Oprah show performance. Based on that alone, I can understand why people might choose to be a little hard on him. It was a BAD performance. Way over the top. No matter what his gender preference.

The Scientology thing is much easier to explain. Any discussion of religion, or belief system, will start a war. Or wanting or not wanting children. That is why this smiley is my friend.:hide:

[ET Awful]

118. As to Cruise being gay . . . he can't be. Scientology is as anti-gay

as they get. They wouldn't have him if he were gay. Their own founders son committed suicide because he was gay and knew that the "church" would never accept him.

[donheld]

89. IMHO Catholicism is a cult.

So does that mean i don't have to show any respect?

[crispini]

96. I don't think you have to show any respect

to any institution -- religion, cult, company, govermental body, etc. that you don't feel has earned it.

[48pan]

133. It may indeed be a cult...

But until its members do something to harm me or my family, I'll let them alone.

[Darkseid69]

2. Right

Xenu rules.

Learn more

[medeak]

3. not after my son was held hostage

responding to a classified ad for a job.

He was lucky to run out after 3 1/2 hours of "testing" using excuse that he needed the bathroom.

[tjdee]

5. That's really scary.

I'd not heard they masquerade as if they're hiring.

That sounds creepy.

[medeak]

7. yep.. innocuous "part time summer job"

in the paper. When son went to address it was Scientology Center. They told him it didn't matter if he was in church or not... NOT!

[Guy Fawkes]

11. Wait...

you knew that they do this sort of thing, and yet he *still* went into a job interview that was not only misleading in it's advertisement, but was ALSO in a Scientology 'center'!?

[medeak]

14. how would I know they do this sort of thing?

Have had no interaction with Scientology. Son was living in another state looking for summer job. Had no idea where ad was directing him.

Is this just a flame bait post?

[Guy Fawkes]

24. Sorry, but I'd still have to say..

an unspecific add about a 'part-time summer job' at a Scientology center is a bit... strange, to say the least.

[medeak]

39. something we can agree on then n/t

[bettyellen]

44. people show up to office buldings all the time for interviews....

especialy building they ain't familiar with because they aren't involved with the company yet. how in the world is that strange? sneaky, yeah. but strange how on the job seekers part?

[Floogeldy]

65. Doesn't sound like a hostage situation to me.

Someone escapes from a hostage situation when they go use the bathroom?

It doesn't sound like those Scientologists are very good hostage takers!

:rofl:

[TheDonkey]

4. Scientology is unusual at best...

I don't think people should ridicule and harrass scientologists BUT the religion has many peculiar and worrisome practices. I did a lot of studying about becoming a scientologist and was HORRIFIED by the things I uncovered.

[elshiva]

8. Right on! I am just angry at Cruise!

[skygazer]

9. Respect has to be earned

And no, I don't consider it a religion. Unless you consider Amway a religion too.

[Floogeldy]

12. Thank you, Guy

This is AMERICA. One is free to believe in a fucking Tiki God that blesses marijuana plants, if he or she wants to. Alternatively, one is free to believe that there is nothing in the fucking world worth believing in.

It is un-American to rake others over the coals for their beliefs, or lack thereof, religious or not.

[RevCheesehead]

13. Can someone explain to me how Scientology IS a religion?

It's name implies the study of science.
What do its adherents worship?
Do they practice doing good works, or is it about accumulating $$ ?

I'm serious here. Show me how it's a religion, and I'll respect it.

[Guy Fawkes]

19. Let us compare...

Atheism worships nothing.
The title "President" implies you are intelligent.
Studying Scientology makes people *happy*. Thats more then I can say for a lot of things.

[RevCheesehead]

23. Atheism, by definition, is not a religion, but a belief.

A title is only a title - it is the person who makes the office (or cheapens it).

Vibrators make people happy, too. Is that a religion?

[skygazer]

26. Good point about vibrators

I'll sign on to that religion.

[Guy Fawkes]

27. To quote...

"It's name implies the study of science."
-> "A title is only a title"

Religion is a belief system, generaly about a higher power. Atheism is a belief that there is nothing, thus it is a religion.

Making people happy is a good deed. You asked for one, so I gave you one.

[RevCheesehead]

35. You are confusing "religion" and "belief."

They are similar, but the distinction lies in religion having an object of worship.

Please tell me what scientologists worship, not what they believe.

[Guy Fawkes]

40. From the Merriam-Webster dictionary..

Religion:
"A cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith"

[RevCheesehead]

50. From Dictionary.com:

re·li·gion ( P ) Pronunciation Key (r-ljn)
n.

1-a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
1-b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=religion

[Guy Fawkes]

52. Number 3...

"3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader."

L. Ron Hubbard is the spiritual leader, in this case. Scientology is based on his ideas.

[elshiva]

62. I would agree with that assesment, but what does that make

Episcopalianism? :shrug:

[Terran]

124. L. Ron Hubbard was a huckster

He made up Scientology, totally fabricated it out of his own mind. It's "based on his ideas" the same way a novel is based on his ideas--and a bad novel at that. Harlan Ellison has related the day he heard Hubbard complaining that he wasn't making any money by writing science fiction, and he said to those present, "I'm going to invent a religion."

It doesn't sound to me like anyone here has any understanding of how facist and evil the institution of Scientology is. Scientology is not a religion, it's a way to create power for a few people and make a ton of money.

[madeline_con]

114. wait

do Buddhists actually worship the Buddha?

[Gelliebeans]

103. Sorry but atheism is most definetly

not a religion.

[WhollyHeretic]

46. Are you telling people to respect scientology

while taking shots at atheists?
Maybe you didn't mean it that way but saying "Atheism worships nothing" seems like an attempted insult. Atheists don't "worship" nothing, they just don't believe in god.

[Guy Fawkes]

53. Forgive me,

I couldn't think of a good way to mean what I say. Or say what I mean.

Or something like that.

[elshiva]

33. Hey, Rev! I don't know, but I think this thread is more about

tolerance of other beliefs than Scientology itself...

I probably know less than you know about it, but this is America and we try to respect others with beliefs even if WE think they are weird.

[RevCheesehead]

41. No, the OP used the word "religion."

And until I am convinced otherwise, I do not believe that Scientology is a religion. And that is my belief. :)

[elshiva]

47. Rev, I don't know if it is a religion or not, but

it's not for me to judge being an Episcopalian and all...

If religion is a belief in supernatural forces and a church (usually the term broadly as an assembly of people sharing basic beliefs) maybe it is... :shrug:

[Schema Thing]

15. Cults suck

and deserve no respect. Take pride in any small thing you can do to help destroy them.

[Guy Fawkes]

20. see link

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3486629&mesg_id=3486662

[wtmusic]

16. Scientology is fair game

It's a scam. A money-making hoax (just like many religions...I guess it is sort of a religion)

[philosophie_en_rose]

18. Scientology : Religion :: Republicans: Politics

Scientology apologists should be able to say what they like, but those of us that know the effects of its policies are entitled to speak out about it.

:shrug:

[Guy Fawkes]

21. Gee, I've heard the same thing said many times...

sometimes about Judaism, sometimes about homosexuality, and a lot about the democratic party.

[Floogeldy]

22. I agree with you

What I don't agree with is attacking individuals and raking them over the coals for their personal beliefs, or lack thereof.

[progressoid]

25. Seriously, what happened to r-e-a-s-o-n?

-> I know some people will say, "But we should respect all beliefs no matter how ridiculous."

[Guy Fawkes]

30. Disrespect of religious beliefs leads to hatred and sometimes genocide.

This is the lesson of the Holocaust. It seems that some people still need to learn it.

[progressoid]

57. Ummm....Huh?

You mean like Jim Jones, or Heavens Gate, or the Solor Temple, or the Branch Davidians, or....

There is NOTHING wrong with being critical of religions, regarless of their stature. I respect many things I don't agree with (my mother-in-law for example), but that doesn't mean shutting of critical thought.

[elshiva]

42. I said it, already, sorry...

[Pithlet]

29. What happened to criticizing immoral and unethical practices?

And why does that suddenly become wrong because an organization bills themselves as a religion? Hell, I don't even think real religions should be exempt from criticism. I have a hard time trying to understand why pointing out how Scientology is a money making scam, which is based heavily on fact, is religion bashing.

[Guy Fawkes]

32. Criticism isn't what I'm seeing here...

I see people flat out making fun of Scientology and insulting its followers.

[Pithlet]

45. Insulting its followers is wrong

Although, the only follower I've seen being made fun of is Tom Cruise, and he's done plenty to be made fun of. They aren't mocking him because he's in Scientology. They're mocking him because of his behavior. Besides, he's a public figure. I haven't seen a single open Scientologist on DU bashed. If I've missed it, and you point it out to me, then I'll change my mind. I would condemn such actions.

I have a hard time getting upset about people making fun of an organization that bases its beliefs on thetans. On an organization that thinks that anyone who criticizes Scientology is "Fair Game". The organization itself is worthy of contempt. I could write paragraphs, but much has already been said here on DU on the subject.

Here is the difference: It is not bashing to slam the Catholic Church's response to the pedophilia crisis. That is the parallel. It isn't the beliefs, it's the actions they take.

If the Right suddenly billed themselvs as a religion, would DU suddenly become one big religious bashing site overnight? No. It wouldn't.

[Guy Fawkes]

56. Yes, it would.

Besides, I haven't SEEN any open scientologists here! If I were them, I'd be in the closet about it, too, what with all the threads bashing scientology. Just look at the responces to this thread, tell me if you'd want to be an open scientologist here!

[Pithlet]

61. Then

How could the people of DU possibly be doing what you're accusing them of? Honestly, you could say the same thing about people with conservative views. I don't know why any of THEM would want to come here, either. Maybe we should stop criticizing - oops, I mean bashing - those ideals as well. Sorry. I think we should be able to criticize actions we disagree with, be they Wal Mart, Right Wing, Catholic, or Scientologist. Or do you think that no one should have said anything about Catholic pedophilia either, for fear of upsetting Catholics? Or homophobia, for fear of bashing Southern Baptists?

You simply can't tell a group of people that they can't criticize the actions of a group simply because they've elected to call themselves a religion. You can't tell people who object to the many many actions of the organization of Scientology to shut up about their objections and lump them in with people who truly bash belief systems. It isn't fair at all.

[Guy Fawkes]

82. Again, criticism isn't what I'm seeing on DU...

I'm seeing outright hatred.

[Pithlet]

84. Then provide examples

Show me specifically what you think is out of line, and we can discuss whetehr or not it is bashing. But, generalizations do not help the discussion. I simply have not seen a broad attack on Scientologists by a majority of DUers that warranted a "Lay Off, DU!" post.

[beam me up scottie]

112. .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3484300&mesg_id=3484300

[Pithlet]

113. That

warranted the OP telling us all to lay off?

[johnnie]

121. A scientologist wouldn't be able to come here

They have to install a filter software into their computers to keep them away from any site that goes against the "church".

[Floogeldy]

63. Please tell me

In what behavior has Tom Cruise engaged that has lead to him being mocked? I'm totally in the dark on this subject and would love to know.

[Pithlet]

68. I don't have the bandwidth

:)

Seriously, what started the whole thing was Cruize criticizing Brooke Sheilds for taking medicine helping her with her post partum depression, which basically saved her life. She wrote a book about her experiences and Cruise bashed her for not dealing with it the Scientology way (which is taking vitamins), and alluded to her failing career as well. He was arrogant, to say the least. He's also been giving interviews where he behaves very strangly, such as jumping up and down on the furniture and pumping his fists in the air when discussing his new love interest, Katie Holmes. Really, it's too much to summarize with just one post, but that's a start. I belive Scientology came into play because of his comments about Brooke Shields, and the fact he's been talking about it a lot more publicly.

[Debbi801]

122. Not to mention that Katie Holmes was not even his first choice...

as a romantic interest. He "interviewed" others before "picking" her.

[elshiva]

69. Arrgh! I am annoyed at it by now myself. I'm going to stop

the Cruise bashing stuff, too. He has never said anything out and out homophobic so I am letting him alone now. My only message to Cruise is "Just forget about the homophobes, whether your gay or straight or bi."

[ET Awful]

119. Well that whole jumping up and down on the couch like a crazed

silverback was a tad over the top :evilgrin:

[bettyellen]

31. sorry, you're not the boss of me.

:shrug:

[RevCheesehead]

54. Hi, bettyellen!

I like your answer best. :applause:

[bettyellen]

79. thank you! as much as i don't want to see anybody personally attacked

i really don't want to hear from a fellow DUer what they think is off limits. If it's an ism or ology, it's fair gaim for discussion. sheesh.
hope all is well w/ you Rev!
:hi:

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

128. AMEN.

This isn't FreeRepublic. People on DU read the rules of the site and post what they feel is appropriate. If the mods feel otherwise, they can delete the thread, lock it, tombstone the poster...

But nowhere in the rules does it state "submit to peer pressure and take your marching orders from anyone who gets in your face."

And if people on DU don't like something, they can hide the thread, ignore the user, or not participate in threads that upset them.

[norml]

34. I have zero respect for Scientology.

Call me Xenu.

[BiggJawn]

36. By all means, "lay off" them all.

Until the day you get rousted out of bed on Sunday morning and charged with "Failure to Worship".

It'll be too late to lay-ON them by then...

[Evergreen Emerald]

37. SCIENTOLOGY SUCKS

Hmmm so there. pfffftttt.

[TlalocW]

48. Tell Scientology to lay off their former members

And stop with their "Operation Freak-outs" and frivolous lawsuits to destroy anyone who leaves the "church." It's well documented how they treat former members.

TlalocW

[proud2BlibKansan]

49. Are you related to

Tom Cruise??

[ghostsofgiants]

55. So we shouldn't call bullshit where we see it because it's a religion?

And I'm not just talking about Scientology, I'm talking about all religion. Religion shouldn't get an automatic pass just because it's religion.

[Guy Fawkes]

59. I could handle criticism from honestly informed sources...

but all I see here is Scientology-bashing.

[skygazer]

67. How is it bashing to refer to Scientology as a money-grubbing cult?

How is it bashing to be outraged at Tom Cruise making medical diagnoses about peoples use of anti-depressants? How is it bashing to disagree with the tenets of a religion, any religion?

You spoke earlier of the Holocaust stating that the lesson of the Holocaust was respect for religions. I would say that the lesson of the Holocaust is to avoid blind obedience and the questioning of authority. Questioning Scientology or any group, religious or not, that does harm to its members or society as a whole is a good thing. If you feel they do not do harm, trot out your "honestly informed sources." But don't just tell the rest of us to shut up simply because you want us to.

[sleipnir]

58. Lay off Bokononism.

And all other religions started by fiction authors in the 20th Century.


"Busy, busy, busy..."

[Salviati]

60. Just because something is a religion, doesn't give it a pass...

and just because people claim something is a religion, doesn't mean it really is.

To not criticize people when they use religion for bad ends, or to not criticize a religion when it calls for bad things to be done, is to be guilty of being idle while giving evil a place to fester.

Religion is not inherently good, it is not inherently bad either.

[Redstone]

64. No, I won't "lay off Scientiology."

Too bad.

Redstone

[elshiva]

71. What about the Episcopalians?

[name not needed]

73. The Episcopalians never made people mysteriously end up dead

in a hotel they owned.

[elshiva]

75. Sorry about that! :(!

Actually, I an Episcopalian, am pyschotic so...

[Redstone]

83. They're all right, even though my lunatic ex-wife was one of them.

It's not their fault she's a nutbar.

Redstone

[elshiva]

87. Well I am insane too. Seriously,

[Book Lover]

72. No one is under any obligation to deliver

unquestioning intellectual respect to any belief system (this differs from social respect, which (nearly) everyone is obligated to render).

Why so defensive? Or does it bug you that Harlan Ellison doesn't keep quiet about the "mighty Hubbard"?

[Elidor]

81. And now, let us praise Saint Elron

Our profit and savior. After all, he's just a misunderstood genius. He didn't mean that stuff about the clams! Wait! Come back!

I'll never respect a cult that systematically defrauds and enslaves its members. They have every right to follow it. Doesn't mean I owe them a thing in the way of respect. Fuck them. And fuck the people who respect them. Unmitigated tools.

[Redstone]

91. Clap, clap, clap.

I applaud you. Your post was concise, succinct, and said exactly what I would have said, if you hadn't said it first.

Redstone

[elshiva]

102. Sorry, hon!

:(

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

93. It's fair game.

When Scientologists make broad generalizations about things such as anti-depressants and the like, how am I supposed to react? By not criticising the religion?

I think I'm allowed to have qualms with the Scientologists. I think I'm allowed to state my opinion on their beliefs. And I will. :shrug:

I also echo bettyellen's response, check earlier in this thread.

[JackDragna]

95. Here's what you're asking me to "lay off."

A religion that brainwashes its followers. A religion that requires you to put in over $100,000 to learn its inner truths. A religion that believes an intergalactic warlord named Xenu blew people up using hydrogren bombs on earth many billions of years ago. A religion that believes children are worthless and woefully mistreats them in Scientology enclaves. A religion that attacks legitimate mental health practices because they believe psychiatrists and psychologists had a hand in "tricking" people to earth to be blown up by Xenu.

To hell with respect. People who believe this need help, not our pity.

[enki23]

97. and while we're at it, LAY OFF BOB

This message brought to you from the fine people at Stamp Out Bob, bringing you news and information about Bob, and the threat he represents, for X number of years. The saucers aren't going to come. Stay away from the saucers. That is all.

[GirlinContempt]

98. Hey! lay off slack!

[Lilith Velkor]

109. Don't lay off Discordia, though

She's into that sort of thing.

Kallisti!

[Nailzberg]

106. I'll lay off after they lay off the sidewalk pestering.

I can't walk to the gym without passing thier free stress-test trap.

When the Church of Scientology guarentees me a three picture studio deal, then I'm interested.

[bridgit]

107. all right...

if they want to believe in high i.q. interplanetary cheese puffs that is their business :shrug: chick corea is among my fav pianists of all time so there's that plus i've never had a scientologist knock on my door & attempt to proselytize me so there's that too :thumbsup:

http://www.chickcorea.com/harvard_crimson_interview.html

[tarkus]

108. All religions are fair game for insulting in my opinion.

For something to stand out among all the ridiculous beliefs in the world as unusually ridiculous, it has to be pretty ridiculous. I think Scientology fits that description, as does just about any extreme religious group.

In conclusion, I think it is good to make fun of people of all religions, perhaps with the exception of Islam. Surely you all will agree that Muslims have had a particularly difficult time lately.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

111. It's not a religion. It's a fraud.

It's a phony religion invented by a bad science fiction writer. Which part of this sham should I respect?

Excuse me, I'm due for an auditing-- I finally saved up the thousands of bucks needed to pay for it.... :sarcasm:

[ET Awful]

116. When they apologize to the family of Lisa McPherson for murdering her

and stop using the legal system to destroy their most visible critics through frivolous lawsuits, I might consider laying off.

When they offer a legitimate system for members who don't believe they were helped to seek a refund for their services instead of spending hours convincing them that it's THEIR fault it didn't work and that they merely need to spend thousands more to resolve the issue, I might consider laying off.

When they don't force women in their Sea Org to have abortions, I might consider laying off.

When they start paying their employees instead of having their employees pay them, I might consider laying off.

When they quit imprisoning sick people in what amounts to solitary confinement and telling them that it's their fault they're sick, and refuse them medical aid, I might consider laying off.

When they apologize to Keith Henson for filing criminal charges against him when he said he was going to "launch a Tom Cruise missile" in jest, I might consider laying off.

When they quit killing people, I'll consider laying off.

Respect is earned, not given freely. Disprespect and scorn is also earned, not given freely. Guess which they've earned.

[jonnyblitz]

120. scientology is pure fucking EVIL.nt

[arwalden]

123. Oh Brother!

:eyes:

[Terran]

125. Here's how bad Scientology is

http://www.scientology-lies.com/crimesindex.html

Respect? Religion?

NO.

Evil. Organized crime. Thought control.

[Skittles]

126. I would respect religion if it wasn't constantly shoved in my face

THAT is what happened to MY respect

[Mutley]

127. I think people can certainly be Scientologists if they choose.

I personally think Scientology is dangerous, but I also happen to think that about Catholicism and Christianity as well. If people are happy in any of these religions/cults/whatever you want to call it, then that is their own personal business.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

129. Scientology is to other religions

Like Fred Phelps is to other Southern Baptists.

[slackmaster]

130. I hold all organized religions in roughly equal states of contempt

Scientology has a few good ideas but it's a dangerous money-sucking cult.

[JVS]

131. Sorry, but I trust the decision of the Bundesgericht

[aeolian]

132. "religion?"

c'mon...

scam at best, cult at worst.

[MsAnthropy]

134. No

[Modem Butterfly]

135. Religion can defend itself

And if it can't, then it deserves whatever it gets.