Is it trendy to hate Scientology?

[ZombieHorde]

[dmallind]

1. Sensible? Yes. Trendy? Don't think so. NT

jkhh

[dbonds]

2. Its no more kooky than any other religion.

[YOY]

3. But mandatory donations are something that few religions have

You do not advance in the "Church of Scientology" without them. Islam, Judaism, Christianity (all branches that I know of...you are expected to tithe but are not removed for not tithing.

[dmallind]

5. In beliefs? You're probably right. In actions? It is a bit worse IMO

The intentional scammery and active brainwashing is a bit beyond simple joining together for the purposes of some kind of superstitious belief. I'd put Scientology more on a par with Moon et al than your local mosque or church or temple.

[Beregond2]

7. Do you actually know

what Scientologists believe? Trsut me, it's a LOT more "kooky."

[trotsky]

8. To a non-believer in any of it,

it's ALL kooky.

[ZombieHorde]

9. Volcano Gods are no more kooky than Cloud Gods.

Thetans (or whatever) are no more kooky than souls.

Aliens are no more kooky than reincarnation.

[Dorian Gray]

11. And people hate or mistrust

all those other religions pretty just as stridently and deeply (if not moreso) than Scientology.

[Realityhack]

13. Wrong.

Just because two things are silly does not make them equally silly. Just as two things being wrong does not make them equally wrong.

Pi = 3.14 is wrong
Pi = 7 is wrong

They are NOT equally wrong.

Religions may all be kooky, but Scientology's advanced brainwashing techniques, enemies lists, harassment, etc. exceed many other religions in their dangerousness and strangeness.

[tinrobot]

4. Hate solves nothing.

I think Scientology is a cult and a fraud, but I don't hate it. When you project hate towards a group, it tends to bind that group together more closely. I feel a lot of compassion for the people who get caught up in Scientology and get ripped off. Like many, people who choose Scientology are simply searching for answers and guidance. They just asked the wrong people for help.

[madrchsod]

6. i have no use for cults that rip people off

gods and goddess do not charge admission

[Dorian Gray]

10. Maybe.....

though it seems that the mistrust and dislike of Scientology are finally catching up with that of other religions.

[Realityhack]

12. Yes it is trendy. But there are many who started long before the trend.

All kinds of things are trendy at times. Right now it is somewhat trendy to make fun of Scientology. I think it is important to note however that being trendy does not make such criticism undue, nor does it mean all who criticize Scientology are influenced by the trend.