Help! My bro was just called by a Scientologist

[_Livingstone22]

The "Church" of Scientology is really not a church at all--at least in the way we think of it. I would argue it's not really a religion, but it could be classified as one alongside others like Shinto and Confucianism. It's really an organized structure that promotes a certain philosophy (maybe something like the Ayn Rand Institute?)-- I believe the use of the word "church" is only to reap the same benefits that Christian church organizations get in our country (I'm not going to get into whether church's deserve special privileges or not--but the question arises that if an organized structure that promotes a certain philosophy on God is allowed certain rights and privileges, why wouldn't an organized structure that promotes a certain philosophy not addressing a concept of God also have the same rights and privileges?)

[_Bond...James Bond]

You know that shriver that runs up your back abman when you consider your brother joining the scientologists (come on...you know you considered it...everyone does when they hear that their relative is being cultivated for conversion)? That shiver is somewhat similar to the one felt by people wary of the fact that a relative is thinking about joining the Mormons (or the Jehovah's Witnesses) or any other religion off the beaten track.

[_The Nehor]

I just heard on the news that the German government was working to ban Scientology in their country because it was "unconstitutional." I wonder maybe there are things I don't know about....then, of course, the Belgian police once labeled the LDS church a "dangerous and destructive cult." Who knows?

"This is, without question, the worst instance of religious persecution Germany has ever authorized."

[_asbestosman]

You know that shriver that runs up your back abman when you consider your brother joining the scientologists (come on...you know you considered it...everyone does when they hear that their relative is being cultivated for conversion)? That shiver is somewhat similar to the one felt by people wary of the fact that a relative is thinking about joining the Mormons (or the Jehovah's Witnesses) or any other religion off the beaten track.

Actually, I wouldn't have been worried if he were considering the Jehovah's Witnesses. Scientology only worried because of my (mis)impression that they ruthlessly harass dissenters and critics.

[_asbestosman]

I just heard on the news that the German government was working to ban Scientology in their country because it was "unconstitutional." I wonder maybe there are things I don't know about....then, of course, the Belgian police once labeled the LDS church a "dangerous and destructive cult." Who knows?

"This is, without question, the worst instance of religious persecution Germany has ever authorized."

Where'd you get that quote from? I'm sure it was someone being sarcastic since we all know about the Holocaust.

[_The Nehor]

I just heard on the news that the German government was working to ban Scientology in their country because it was "unconstitutional." I wonder maybe there are things I don't know about....then, of course, the Belgian police once labeled the LDS church a "dangerous and destructive cult." Who knows?

"This is, without question, the worst instance of religious persecution Germany has ever authorized."

Where'd you get that quote from? I'm sure it was someone being sarcastic since we all know about the Holocaust.

Yes, the quote is sarcastic but I found it hilarious.