Thoughts on Scientology.....

[epiphany65]

.....is it just me, or is the German Government very craven for bowing to the pressure to accept this sinister syndicate posing as a protected religion?

Seriously! They are NOT a valid religion, protected by religious liberty. Not by any means.

I am all for freedom of religion, but I am still incensed that John Travolta once appeared before the U.S. Congress and testified that the Scientologists were an oppressed, persecuted, innocent faith suffering under the "cruel repression" of the German and other governments in Europe and elsewhere. Grrrr...Complaining about China's treatment of Christians, Buddhists, and Falun Gong makes sense, but Germany is NOT a religious persecutor anymore. We left that behind us with the Berlin Wall.

I agree, Otto. I don't know a whole lot about Scientology, but what I have heard is quite negative. The fact that they're so secretive does not help to counter the negative publicity they get from former members and others. What's more, I think it's a cheap shot for Travolta and others to criticize Germany in the way they have. This is not 1933. Germany has made enormous strides in the past 60 years. Still they are often perceived by some as easy targets; it's very unfair and displays a lack of knowledge of current history. It reminds me of Rumsfeld's comment about "old Europe". We shouldn't forget the past, nor should be labour under the misconception that any nation does not have blood on their hands from the past -- whether it's because of the slave trade or the treatment of indigenous people in The Americas. But we have moved beyond it, for the better -- although we're not living in a utopia. Having said that, the debate about Scientology today is about the present, not the past and it's shameful to prey on people's decades-old prejudices when talking about this situation.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

As soon as different branches of Scientology start hating one another then we'll know it's a real religion.

Ha.

 

[AchtungNight]

<As soon as different branches of Scientology start hating one another then we'll know it's a real religion. >

This has already happened, Rob. Google "Free Zone".

My stories depicting Scientology are not intended to promote it but to give it constructive criticism. The critics are treated the same way as well. "Passion of Erika Christensen" has Erika growing into a bisexual Scientologist celebrity and the chapter I just put out has her encounter and fall for an Anon before filming "Swimfan". I thought it was a good concept to explore. In future stories, Erika will go up against evil Scientologists who are corrupting her church and aid their victims. My goal? Making people think before they hate.

 

[ottohauser1977]

I agree, Otto. I don't know a whole lot about Scientology, but what I have heard is quite negative. The fact that they're so secretive does not help to counter the negative publicity they get from former members and others. What's more, I think it's a cheap shot for Travolta and others to criticize Germany in the way they have. This is not 1933. Germany has made enormous strides in the past 60 years. Still they are often perceived by some as easy targets; it's very unfair and displays a lack of knowledge of current history. It reminds me of Rumsfeld's comment about "old Europe". We shouldn't forget the past, nor should be labour under the misconception that any nation does not have blood on their hands from the past -- whether it's because of the slave trade or the treatment of indigenous people in The Americas. But we have moved beyond it, for the better -- although we're not living in a utopia. Having said that, the debate about Scientology today is about the present, not the past and it's shameful to prey on people's decades-old prejudices when talking about this situation.

Yes, every country does have blood on its hands. And Scientology is a state within a state. Not very reassuring to me. Jim Jones and David Koresh come to mind.

 

[ottohauser1977]

On the positive side, I have heard talk of moderating and dissenting forces at work recently, trying to change the Scientology movement. I doubt that I would subscribe to their core philosophy, even then, but if it is indeed becoming less monolithic, that's a reassuring thought.