[enginekid]

I read that Germany is in the process of banning Scientology. They say it is nothing more than a business that portrays itself as a religion. And they say becuase of this it is in contravention of their constitution. Meanwhile, Scientologists in Germany are crying religious persecution!

I know Scientologists try and recruit people by saying you can better yourself through it's methods, but they also demand payment of something like $500 a session. Accordingly only a person who pays lots of cash can ever become "enlightened" through Scientology.

Do these people believe truthfully in their hearts that what they are doing is a bonafide religion?

[NaglfarCommando]

all those I've met seem to believe it.. [shrugs] I honestly dont know since I couldnt read more than 3 chapters of Dyanetics. It just sits on my shelf.

[Title Fight Productions]

Originally Posted by NaglfarCommando

all those I've met seem to believe it.. [shrugs] I honestly dont know since I couldnt read more than 3 chapters of Dyanetics. It just sits on my shelf.

Tell me you have that book soley to know more about your enemy!!???!?

[Zadius]

It's a religion that keeps it's beliefs a secret. You have to pay money to learn more about it. The more money you give them, the more they tell you and you increase your "level". Of course, former members have leaked it all. But, they will deny it.

They believe in an evil overlord named Xenu and little alien thetans which are the cause of all psychological disorders (this is why they hate psychiatry). People who reach the highest levels become immortal and gain special powers. Etc...

Keep in mind, the religion was created by L. Ron Hubbard who was a science fiction writer. So, it's obviously a scam he created which made him rich.

[NaglfarCommando]

Originally Posted by Title Fight Productions

Tell me you have that book soley to know more about your enemy!!???!?

I was looking for god/Jesus. Still am. Only religions I wont look at are judaism or islam.

[Zadius]

Originally Posted by NaglfarCommando

I was looking for god/Jesus. Still am. Only religions I wont look at are judaism or islam.

Well, as an atheist I can't recommend any religion, but if you absolutely HAVE to believe in something, go with Jainism or something benign like that.

[whiskeyyy]

I tend to consider them a cult or a criminal organization but when I think about it their beliefs and behavior really aren't any more ridiculous than mainstream religions.

[Zadius]

Originally Posted by whiskeyyy

I tend to consider them a cult or a criminal organization but when I think about it their beliefs and behavior really aren't any more ridiculous than mainstream religions.

I say we should get them all for false advertising.

[MMAfan007]

The "scientologists" sue and harass anyone who stands up to them

[stylesbjj]

A mafia-like organization. IT is banned in Germany because it is classified as a criminal organization.


Daily Kos: Keith Henson, Dire Straits

LAist: Staircase to Nowhere

Germany moves to ban Scientology - CNN.com

Google Asked to Delist Scientology Critics (#1) -- Chilling Effects Clearinghouse

Tom Cruise is banned from second Berlin location