Originally posted by: ADigitalManYou'll notice I haven't made any value statements on the Mormons or polygamy. For the record, the Mormons I've known -- and there have been several -- have been generally better people than most mainstream Christians. I may wholly disagree with their religious beliefs, but I can't say that their religion hasn't made them good people. Regarding polygamy, I find it far easier to support than gay marriage. Solomon, the wisest king in the Bible, was said to have a harem of 1,000 wives, so the ban on polygamy isn't biblically motivated. So long as all parties are legal adults and willing participants (i.e. no "secret" wives) I find a law banning it just another form of government intrusion into privacy. It serves no purpose other than to keep some lucky or industrious guys from hogging all the chicks while the loser from High School gets none. That guy had to go into politics and create a law in order to get his fair share.
The great irony is how many men in society fantasize about multiple female partners. I guess that's okay for a one night stand or shooting a porno, but a lifelong commitment? Stopping that evil threat is an important use of our time, energy and resources.
But getting back to the topic at hand, Scientology is just plain nuts. I'll make that value statement here and now. On the whole I'm extremely tolerant of other faiths. But unlike what I said above about Mormons and their genuine goodness in my experience, I have yet to see a Scientologist I respect, much less like. Founded by a crackpot, it's a self-help clique with a pyramid structure that is based on falsehood, paranoia, deception and greed. The religion is not spiritual. The science is not scientific. Retention tactics breed paranoia within the ranks. And the recruitment methods make it the Amway of religion.
When was the last time you saw a Scientology missionary go to the destitute section of town to help heal those who clearly need the most entheta cleared from their soul? Never. Because they don't care about the spiritual well-being of the whole world. It's about money and social status. There's a reason why the Church of Scientology is based in Beverly Hills and not Compton.
I have degrees in Psychology AND Religion. Scientology purports to be both but it is neither. Not by a long shot. Tom Cruise, you don't know Psychology. You don't know the History of Psychology. I do. You and your Scientologist buddies are a cancer on rational thinking. It is even more medically irresponsible than Christian Science, because it doesn't rely on faith to heal, it relies on falsehoods. Fellas, the lava from the implant stations ain't got nothin' on what awaits you in the afterlife. Have you no shame? Have you NO shame?
