Originally posted by divegeester
No, it just amuses me that someone who would fall "hook line and sinker" for the Scientology crap would keep coming here shouting their dumb mouth off.
Why consider it a religion?
According to the analysis cited below, the only reason Scientology claimed to be a religion is for business and tax purposes. "Religious status affords many advantages, among them being a positive public perception, a legal shield for Hubbard's shabby science and false medical claims, and most importantly in the United States, tax-free status and Constitutional protection from Government scrutiny."
Earlier on, Hubbard said, ""Theta clearing is about as practical and simple as repairing a shoe lace. It is nothing to do with hypnotism, voodooism, charalatanism, monkeyism or theosophy. Done, the thetan can do anything a stage magician can do in the way of moving objects around. But this isn't attained by holding one's breath or thinking right thoughts or voting Republican or any other superstitous or mystic practice. So for the
reason I brought up, rule out, auditor, any mumbo jumbo or mysticism,
spiritualism, or religion."..." "Scientology has opened the gates to a better World. It is not ampsycho-therapy nor a religion. It is a body of knowledge which, when properly used, gives freedom and truth to the individual."
Later, he says, rather calculatingly, "I await your reaction on the religion angle. In my opinion, we
couldn't get worse public opinion than we have had or have less
customers with what we've got to sell. A religious charter would be
necessary in Pennsylvania or NJ to make it stick. But I sure could make
it stick. We're treating the present time beingness, psychotherapy
treats the past and the brain. And brother, that's religion, not mental
science."
Later:
"Scientology 1970 is being planned on a religious organization basis throughout the world. This will not upset in any way the usual activities of any organization. It is entirely a matter for accountants and solicitors.""
http://www.ezlink.com/~perry/CoS/Theology/barwell2.htm