Subject: SPT: Letters to the Editor
Date: 8 Jul 2003 06:22:53 -0400

Actions of Scientologists open them to criticism
Letters to the Editor

St. Petersburg Times
published July 8, 2003
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/07/08/Northpinellas/Actions_of_Scientolog.shtml

Re: Respect Scientologists' right to practice faith, John Beachy letter, June 30.

The letter writer is incensed and does not understand why people constantly criticize Scientology. Could it be the reason is that Scientology is not a religion but a cult/business which tries to portray itself as a religion?

People are not stupid, they know the difference. You don't see people criticizing Christianity and Judaism, because those are real religions.

The people of Tampa Bay are tolerant of all religions. If the cult were a religion there would not be a problem.

The cult brings the criticisms upon itself by its actions, past and present. So when Scientologists argue that they can't practice their faith, it may be because they practice by lining the cult's own pockets with the livelihood of their victims. Not a faith to admire.

-- David Rodman, Dunedin

People find it hard to fathom "church' in Scientology

The Church of Scientology is looked upon unfavorably by many people in Clearwater. I believe that their views would become more tolerant if the name of the organization were changed to the "School of Scientology" or perhaps just "Scientology." My belief is that the word "Church" is one cause of so many dislikes.

-- Joe Daily, Clearwater

Newspaper targeted abuse and criminal behavior, not beliefs

Re: Respect Scientologists' right to practice faith, letter by John Beachy, June 30.

This letter included fraudulent claims which I wish to correct. He stated that Clearwater citizens and your newspaper "attack" his "religion." In looking over the St. Petersburg Times for the last three years, one can clearly see that it is abuse and criminal behavior that people have been "attacking" regarding Scientology Inc. and not "religion." In the online search of the Times, I didn't find even a single letter that attacked Scientology as a "religion."

Religion isn't the issue. Lies, deception, harassment, intimidation and another dead woman are the issues. Why isn't this obvious to Scientology customers?

It is not an issue of "religious tolerance." If Scientology were a religion, they still would not have the right to commit crimes and human rights abuses. Tolerance doesn't mean ignoring abuse. I ask John J.

Beachy: Some Catholic priests have pleaded guilty to child molestation.

Was it "religious bigotry and intolerance" to demand they cease that abuse?

-- David Rice, San Clemente, Calif.