Is Scientology a Cult?

[snifner]

I think the only thing that separates a cult from a religion is their level of elitism and what their degree of 'us and them' is, elitism really.

Actually, I believe I know the difference between a cult and a religion, as designated by the United States Government.

The government wishes to investigate every establishment. A Fraternity is a Fraternity only if they have provided the Library of Congress with a copy of all their documentation. A Fraternity is actually a Cult, if they refuse to provide the Library with their literature, including Training Material, Initiation processes etc. I believe the rules which apply to Fraternities are the same as the rules which apply to a Religion.

Is anybody aware of a location to search the Library of Congress for Scientology documentation?

As I believe that Scientology is very secretive, and refuses to provide the Government with this required material, I cannot believe they continue to maintain their non-profit and "Religion" status.

Bedub1, you rule!

[unriggable]

Bedub1, you rule!

Sig this, bedub1!

[snifner]

I love cuntry music also!!!

[snifner]

Internet strikes back:

http://glosslip.com/2008/02/10/dublin-scientology-head-figure-gerard-ryan-disputes-l-ron-hubbards-claims/

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/webscout/2008/02/protesters-asse.html

http://glosslip.com/2008/02/10/feb-10-anonymous-protests-against-scientology-from-around-the-globe-pics-links-and-more/

http://torontoist.com/2008/02/scientology_pro.php

http://www.altogetherdigital.com/20080210/anonymous-vs-scientology-strange-goings-on-in-london/

[SolidLuigi]

As I believe that Scientology is very secretive, and refuses to provide the Government with this required material, I cannot believe they continue to maintain their non-profit and "Religion" status.

The other part that makes it unbelievable is the fact that a number of Scientologists including the great L. Ron's third wife pled guilty to a number or serious crimes like burglary, infiltration, forgery, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy(not sure on that last one) when they tried to infiltrate various parts of the US govt like the IRS. The operation was laid out by L. Ron, one of his many operations.

Also the fact they have their own friggin army SeaOrg. That shit is scary

[Edward]

Funny fact, Christianity was originally a cult.

[Skittles!]

Funny fact, Christianity was originally a cult.

According to my Religious teacher, all religions are still cults, so it doesn't really matter.

[SolidLuigi]

yeah I don't know how to really differentiate between religion and cult, but the main point is against the CoS itself. The followers can believe whatever they want, that's their right. But the CoS takes advantage of people, and yes i understand some people when they say "oh well if they are stupid enough to fall for a scam they deserve it." At the same time though Scientology preys on people that are down on their luck that in a normal circumstance wouldn't join. Since they are in a bad spot, Scientology uses that weakness to get them in, and once they are in, they bleed em of all their money and if the person tries to leave, well, I'm sure you've all heard how hard it is to leave. Scientology has many fronts that are set up as self-help programs, such as Narconon. Also their introductory tests are designed to make you feel like a failure, This shows their intention to prey on the weak.

I wasn't able to go to the anti-scientology protests that happened across the country today(well yesterday now) since I had to work. I'm looking at video and pictures that are already up, here is a pic of a really good flier they were passing out.

[snifner]

Exactly...

Where do you think a billion dollar organization with only 50,000 active members and 8 million ex-members got all its money?

Mostly it got it from the ex-members while they were still active, mostly.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN FINANCIALLY, PSYCHOLOGICALLY, OR PHYSICALLY HURT IN SCIENTOLOGY: It is estimated that between 50-70% of the people who have left Scientology have suffered significant loss in one of the three areas mentioned above.

[bedub1]

I recently read his book Battlefield Earth. He wrote it after he left Scientology, so I was thinking it might be a little biased to his made-up religion. I was surprised to find that it wasn't all that bad of a book. A decent one in fact.

[got tonkaed]

I recently read his book Battlefield Earth. He wrote it after he left Scientology, so I was thinking it might be a little biased to his made-up religion. I was surprised to find that it wasn't all that bad of a book. A decent one in fact.

hes pretty well known as a good science fiction writer.

[Frigidus]

I recently read his book Battlefield Earth. He wrote it after he left Scientology, so I was thinking it might be a little biased to his made-up religion. I was surprised to find that it wasn't all that bad of a book. A decent one in fact.

hes pretty well known as a good science fiction writer.

Considering how successful his religion is he's one of the best.

[Snorri1234]

This is what happens when your cult angers TEH INTERNETS!

[SolidLuigi]

This is what happens when your cult angers TEH INTERNETS!

That is friggin awesome. ah I'm so pissed I have to work sundays, I was going to go to the one in Albany, NY. It says there were 40 people there, woulda been fun.

[snifner]

I recently read his book Battlefield Earth. He wrote it after he left Scientology, so I was thinking it might be a little biased to his made-up religion. I was surprised to find that it wasn't all that bad of a book. A decent one in fact.

I have read lots of Science fiction, from Alan Dean Foster to Issac Asimov. And, I'm not afraid to admit "Battlefield Earth" is my favorite & one of the top 5 Greatest science fiction books, I've ever read.

But But But!!! we need to stop calling these crooks a religion or a cult..

Because IMHO they are "super crooks" enjoying tax free status, mascaraing as a religion/cult. This works out for them because then most of you dismiss their crimes because you are afraid to look at the errors of your own religion/cult.

Scientology = "Super Crooks" who steal from its followers until there is nothing left to steal.

If you walked into your church on the first day & they asked you to sign a legal document saying you'll never talk bad about them publically & you'll never sue them... does that sound like any other "religion" you ever read or heard about? I've also read about Scientology blackmailing some of its followers into signing power of attorney over to all thier assets..

But, since the CoS sues anyone who talks bad about them I'll just say, "this is all just my opinion" to protect myself.