Scientology for dummies

Did I say I was religious? Did I defend any other religions Grimlock? Shut up

Grimlock wrote:

Christianity is just as dumb of a belief system as Scientology, or even Mormonism. They all have things that deny logical thought and play to mankinds inability to admit that he does not know certain things. The main difference between the older religions and these new breeds is that time has some how made the older ones more believable. It is just more acceptable to believe that a virgin gave birth, or that a man walked on water and rose from the dead when we preface it by saying this all occurred 2000 yrs ago (also the only time, apparently, that God decided to reveal himself...where is he nowadays?). If you are religious and you knock Scientology for being stupid, go take a look at yourself and what you belief. When people believed in Zeus they didn't feel so stupid then either.

So why are you expressing yourself in a Christian language, using abstract Christian idioms ('it is more acceptable to believe') and a Christian timescheme?

This is rhetorical, of coure, not a challenge. The point is you can't think outside of the box of your own culture. You make a nodding reference to Jupiter (Zeus) as though that were an exotic alternative, rather than the pre-Christian predecessor to this culture.

All religions are "made up" at some point. If a particular religion seems to make some people less likely to hurt others (and, particularly, less likely to hurt me and mine), then I usually have no problem with it. Spend your time, money, and energy however you wish, as long as you don't hurt others.

OTOH, if a given religion seems to lead people to hurt others (or serves as the excuse for that), then I'm against it.

Pretty creepy...

please dont squeeze the garmin wrote:

http://theunfunnytruth.ytmnd.com/

If you're curious about these sorts of things, you're better off with Wikipedia. Here's the link for scientology:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology

OTOH, this is an interesting thread. I would add that scientology people are into saunas for purification purposes. Finns and other Scandinavians believe in this too, of course.

Nut Doctor wrote:

OTOH, this is an interesting thread. I would add that scientology people are into saunas for purification purposes. Finns and other Scandinavians believe in this too, of course.

Interesting segway. Is there any science behind detoxifying diets, body wraps, massages, or any of that crap? I always hear people talking about detoxify this, detoxify that. Is this just new age bullsh!t?

UsedToBeKnowItAll wrote:

Interesting segway.

"segue"

All you folks saying $cientology = Christianity: puh-leeze.

I'm no Christian, nor particularly a fan of how that religion is practiced by millions here in the US. But if you can't see hugely important differences between the mainstream religions and cynical, sinister cults - if, to you, they're all merely "not scientific" or "not literally plausible or provable" or whatever - well, here's hoping you eventually grow into a deeper and more nuanced view.

Venerable Bede wrote:

So why are you expressing yourself in a Christian language, using abstract Christian idioms ('it is more acceptable to believe') and a Christian timescheme?

This is rhetorical, of coure, not a challenge. The point is you can't think outside of the box of your own culture. You make a nodding reference to Jupiter (Zeus) as though that were an exotic alternative, rather than the pre-Christian predecessor to this culture.

A Christian language? That's so ludicrous a statement that I'm not even going to bother with it. I'm sure the Angles and Saxons would have been very surprised to hear that their language was a Christian one. That aside, the very concept of a language being inextricably bound up with religion is a ludicrous one. Even Arabic existed before the Qur'an.

Next thing you'll say is that America is a Christian nation. Sheesh.

Scientology for dummies? Is there any other kind of scientology?

"idiots idiots" - Your post was the one I clicked on when I made my post. I didn't mean to direct my post at you.

I can see differences but they are not hugely important. Cynical, sinister cult you say? I'm guessing you are talking about Scientology when you say "cynical, sinister cult"?

Isn't Christianity the one that tells you that you will go to hell if you don't accept Jesus and/or live a righteous life? An eternity in hell seems a bit more sinister than anything I have heard Scientology pulling. And isn't Christianity based on the idea that all mankind is cynical and needs salvation?

If Christianity were founded today it would be considered a cult.

Grimlock wrote:

And isn't Christianity based on the idea that all mankind is *cynical* ...?

"Sinful"??

oops. Meant to say something about how Christianity has a cynical view of mankind.

and 2,000 years ago i am sure christianity was looked at as a \"sinister cult\"

its all just a matter of time

christians just hate to realize that many people look at them with the same dumbfounded amusement we look at scientologists

(a) Look at the behavior, not just the texts. Consider what various strains of Christianity ask of their followers in terms of $$, allegiance, treating their fellow man, and so forth. Take an objective look at how people respond, how and to what degree they incorporate this stuff into their lives. Feel free to do the same for Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism.

Now do the same for Scientology. Actually read up on this stuff if you haven't already. Check out what these people actually do. Then tell us you'd feel the same about your daughter marrying (or converting to) a Presbyterian vs. Scientologist.

(b) Far be it from me, a more or less lifelong more or less atheist, to get too into the role of self-appointed Defender Of Religion. But jeezis, people, you guys ever hear of parable? Metaphor? Hey, none of these religions which have been around for centuries, millenia, are written in precise literal legalese or sciencese.

It may be a rite of passage for a thinking adolescent in this day and age to prove to himself that religion doesn't stand up to rigorous logic or scientific proof. But don't get stuck there forever. It's really not such an impressive feat nor the last word on the value of religion (for better and for worse) to individuals and societies.

I didn't read any of the posts, but here is a good website about scientologists.

True Christians could care less what people think about them. They aren't living for your approval, amusement, or your satisfaction. They live to have a close relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That is what Christianity is about at it's core.

Yet so many christians I talk to get very offended when I tell them I disagree with their views. Not all mind you, but definitely most. It seems to me that the most hardcore christians are the hardest judging. Just my opinion though...