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St. Petersburg Times - 8 September 2001 - By DEBORAH O'NEIL Scientology in sermon title raises eyebrows :

"Why Scientology Isn't a Church'' is just a provocative title, and the sermon may not even mention Scientology, a pastor says :

CLEARWATER -- The church marquee faces a busy six-lane highway and announces Sunday's sermon:

"Why Scientology Isn't a Church."

It's the title of the Rev. Raymond Guterman's message at Northwood Presbyterian Church in Countryside. And along with the marquee, the church also promoted the sermon this week in ads in the St. Petersburg Times.

Such a public affront to Scientology from another church is virtually unheard of in Clearwater, where Scientology maintains its worldwide spiritual headquarters.

"I don't believe in my memory I've seen any church in Clearwater do that," said the Rev. Bill Anderson, who for 26 years has led Calvary Baptist Church, which is downtown and near Scientology's facilities.

Not surprisingly, the sermon's title caught Scientology's attention.

"What's the deal?" wondered Church of Scientology spokeswoman Pat Harney. "I called (the pastor) to find out what he meant by that statement."

Guterman, 46, Northwood's pastor for the last 12 years, was quick to tell both a Times reporter and Harney that the sermon title is not meant to criticize Scientology. It's intended, he said, to draw attention to his new sermon series examining the traits of a healthy church.

Admittedly, Guterman said, it is a provocative title. It generated several calls to the 1,100-member church on State Road 580.

"I see sermon titles as a way to pique people's interest in Christianity and the church," Guterman said.

"I'm a little cutting-edge, obviously," he said.

On Thursday, Guterman said he was still working on the 18-minute sermon, but wasn't sure whether he even would mention Scientology in it Sunday.

"The sermon is not on the Church of Scientology," Guterman said. "The first trait I'm talking about is a healthy church recognizes who started the first church, and where does a church come from."

Guterman said the sermon title stems from his belief that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church. Therefore, if Scientology does not recognize Jesus Christ as the savior and follow his teachings, "in my opinion, it's not a church."

"I'm not anti-Scientology; I'm not pro-Scientology," Guterman said. "I just don't exactly understand individually why it's called the Church of Scientology and why there would be a cross, even if it's a different cross. When I see the cross, I think of Christ. If Christ is not the center of Scientology, then why would an organization use the cross and call itself a church? I'm just wondering, but I don't really plan to say any of that Sunday."

Harney called Guterman Thursday to ask what he meant by the statement, "Why Scientology isn't a church." She said she understood that Guterman was using the name Scientology to generate interest, adding that the pastor does not know anything about Scientology.

"He told me it's not about Scientology," Harney said. "He said he's using our name because we're big. That's an interesting thing."

As for his belief about use of the word "church," Harney said, "There's a definition of "church' in the dictionary. It's called a congregation.

There's a definition of the word "church" that applies. I understand his Christian perspective. In truth, the derivation of the word "church"

predates Christianity."

What's important, she said, is that Guterman assured her his sermon would not be about Scientology.

"It is what it is," Harney said. "It can always be verified by going to the Sunday service."

So, does Scientology plan to send someone to listen?

"Not really," said Harney.

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