Does anyone have an opinion on scientology?
I think it is a joke!! How can someone believe something like what they believe?
At least with christians it could be somewhat believeable, but scientology i don't see how someone can believe all this mumbojumbo about the aliens and stuff.

Here is a TRUE short description of what scientology is [link no longer works]
Here is the entire episode where that clip came from[link no longer works]
Here is an article from Rolling Stone Magazine about scientology

Let me know what you think about this "religion" and if there is any way someone could get you to believe it. I find it utterly ridiculous.

It makes it even worse that the members of this "religion" know that it was created by a science fiction writer and they still believe it to be a fact.

Im Catholic so obviosly I'm not really affiliated with that group, but thats not saying that I hate it, necessarily. I mean everyone has their own preferences and beliefs so nobody should really try to manipulate them. (I dont like missionaries)

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The world is comprised of people with different philosophies. These philosophies include different religions (or lack thereof), different ethnic backgrounds, different traditions, rituals, educational systems, etc. These differences are part of what make life interesting. Scientology is just one more of these.

The important question in life is not whether we agree with these philosophies, religions, traditions, etc., but how we deal with those who practice them. If we can accept that they are simply different and treat them in a friendly manner, then we're probably doing ok. If we revile them because their beliefs are different, then we may need to examine our own beliefs.

It is true that some philosophies are, unfortunately, not compatible with society. For example, a belief system that includes human sacrifice is going to run afoul of virtually every legal system in the world, and as such, the practicioners will need to be dealt with by the legal system. However we, as individuals, probably would be best served by either a cordial relationship or no relationship with such people (we would, of course, be expected to report such a thing to the authorities as good citizens). If we take the next step and antagonize or attack (either in word or deed) these practicioners, we might find that we suffer as a result (as well as possibly legitimizing their belief).

If we know that a philosophy is dangerous, there are mechanisms in place for it to be dealt with. Short of that, stating negative things about a different belief is simply begging for the same kind of mudslinging at our own beliefs.

As to Fierce Diety's statement about missionaries, understand that many people are well served by missionaries from many different faiths. Also most faiths have a desire to spread their beliefs and missionaries are the way that this is done. You stated you are Catholic, so you should know that Jesus commanded all of His followers to spread the good news of salvation, in effect making every Christian a missionary.

-- Jeff

ps As a Chrisitan, I disagree with Scientology, and no, there isn't any way that anyone could get me to believe it, but I'll defend the right of people to believe it, and I'll act as a missionary towards them to tell them about Christianity.

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"Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem." --Ronald Reagan

Those youtube videos don't work anymore btw...

All religions are jokes in varying degrees, in my opinion. They are basically all the same. Make exactly makes yours more believable? Scientifically and just using plain common sense, most religions are inplausible.

It's people like you who are ridiculous. Religions were evidently (mostly) created by men from killing each other by creating inner and outer peace. (according my opinion/beliefs) Morons like you do the opposite by degrading each others' beliefs and creating the opposite of what you were supposed to: conflicts.

According to my research, the Church of Scientology has publicly stated:
"Scientology respects all religions. Scientology does not conflict with other religions or other religious practices."

So just leave it other religions and keep your comments to yourself. Even if they are "utterly ridiculous." Well...unless they physically harm you, society, or the government. I guess you then could have a say.

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Some people are like Slinkies.. They're not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

An amazing number of scientists and people with common sense don't find religions implausable. In fact many scientists and people with "plain common sense" are religious. More importantly however, the worlds foremost Atheist, Anthony Flew, recently stated that he believes in God (not the God of any specific religion, but a supreme being), so perhaps believing in God isn't really implausable or against common sense.

I thought that this forum was for open discussion. Why should FutileSoul keep his comments to himself? Discussion is important, it helps us understand each other (which helps us achieve peace). I'm glad that you at least "allow" comments if a religion physically harms someone .

-- Jeff

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"Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem." --Ronald Reagan

it sounds like a really big thing for weirdos if you ask me.. i mean *silent birth* lmao

Hubbard is just using it to build a big empire of riches. The teachings are ridiculous and simply mumbo jumbo and it is pure gold to Hubbard when you have disciples like Cruise and Trovolta.

Scientology: "to know"; to achieve complete certainty of one’s spiritual existence and one’s relationship to the Supreme Being. In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith.

Religion is all about belief and faith. This is why I don't see Scientology as a religion but more of an organization. Religion gives you answers. Scientology searches for answers. Science and Religion just don't mix.

That's how I see it anyway.

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"Have you crashed your Windows today?"

I see scientology as something which try to provide real answers to all your spiritual questions. It can provide info to help you dealing with with such things as drugs, relationships, career, self esteem and depression.
Religion is something which has all answers but dont have any reasons or evidences to prove it, people accept that blindly.

I do not like what scientology beliefs are. I also don't like the fact how it seems to be all celebrities in the religion. But I'm not saying that they are ridiculous in what they believe in. I don't know much about the religion and those links weren't working...but yeah they are trying to prove everything scientifically but as a christian not everything has answers.