The raging debate here is whether Scientology is a legitmate religion or not. I am inclined to think not so. Here is the laundry list:

1) Secrecy of scriptures - The CoS definitely does not want it's OT materials divulged. They ruthlessly track down anyone who attempts to do so... Why?

Occham's razor - Scientology avows to 'clear the planet', and to have a message that will make mankind better... Why do you have to hide it then?

If the message and teachings had any merit, they would stand on their own two feet.

Real religions don't fear their message getting out.

2) Dual standards - Scientologists claim to be highly ethical.

However, as seen here in writing, and in action, the ethics that apply to Scientologists do NOT apply to non-Scientologists. You're not supposed to lie, but it's alright if you're dealing with a wog.

3) Fee for services - Real churches take a chance, and instead of demanding payment for services, ask for donations. Not Scientology.

4) Being a dividing factor - Scientology urges if you cannot 'handle potential trouble sources', that you should 'disconnect' from them.

Have no contact with them. Write them off in your life.

This is a trait of cults. Anybody who disagrees must be taken out of the picture. Anything that provides a comparison against common sense should not be held up to Scientology as a ruler.

Another aspect of creating a schism with the outside world is the use of unique terminology. Abbrevations. Euphemistic names. This was done not only to keep the outside world from truly understanding what Scientology does, but also to cause Scientologists to speak in wierd terms that impairs their ability to communicate with outsiders (encouraging them to go back into the fold... Funny part is this type of stuff happens with OO programmers as well, but that's another thread in another ng...)

5) Hyperaction against criticism - Relates to 4, but Scientology's reaction to criticism or bad press is retaliated against with EXTREME action. Barratry, subterfuge, harassment, and blackmail are all part of 'fair game'.

6) Illusion of perfection - Don't toe the party line, and you get declared a suppressive, right Claire? The CoS doesn't do anything wrong.. They cannot admit it. This relates back to 5) to a degree, but when things are too perfect, too uniform, that generally means there is more force than meaning in the teachings. All rote and no understanding.

They'll tell you not to think, so that you are able to think. This is what you get. Which brings me to 7

7) Ex-members are shunned - Most modern religions haven't practiced this in at least 100 years.

8) Church attempts to act as community - Scientology wants you out of circulation. They want you where they can keep an eye on you, and train you to think their way. They claim they can handle it all, from disputes, to medical conditions.

Perhaps 7 relates to this, because 100 years ago, Church and community boundaries were pretty much synonymous, someone doing wrong to the Church also did wrong to the community.

9) No 'sanctity of the confessional' - I borrowed that term from Catholic Canon Law... It has been my experience here, that things told in confidence, IAW the auditors code (which specifies that it cannot be divulged without severe penalty) frequently appear here.

This severely damages any faith the CoS has. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of public opinion, should you leave the fold. It will appear on your goldenrod SP declare, for all your former friends to see.

The sad part is they use this as a blackmail tool. Other legitimate and semi-legitimate practitioners of couseling (auditing falls into that category), have not only ethical rules, but also legal protection and sanction for violating that covenant. Nobody should be able to make you divulge that information, and if you do divulge that information, you commit a crime and violate the ethics of the group you represent.

more as I think more.. I'm trying to stay with the root things, and invite any Scientologist (In good standing) to debate those. 9's enough for openers...

Patrick Volk

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