I was watching the news and the German government refuses to allow Tom Cruise to film his new movie on German military installations because they state that Scientology is not a religion and a money scam.

Do you think Scientology is a religion? Does it get a bad rap?

Mike

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I honestly don't understand the German reasoning behind this. Aren't most religions simply pyramid schemes for money? I'd like to say they're crazier than other religions, but most religions have pretty strange beliefs.

The basic idea of religion based on a "First Cause" is not inherently a problem. It is easy to believe that something like the universe, humans, butterflies and hummingbirds had a first cause. It is difficult to reason that these things just "Happened"! After that, faith come into play. Faith is belief in something that cannot be scientifically "Proven".
The story of Jesus and other Biblical stories stand the test of time, as does Buddah and a myriad of others. It is safe and comforting to believe in a hereafter. The fact that men have set themselves up as proselyting and seeking to build themselves fortune and fame by using a religion for selfish motives has altered the whole scene. Yet we in a free country are still free to follow our own mind. Even if it leads to something that appears without reason to others. I think I just said, "Do it your way"! And God bless you!

Personal opinion of Scientology based on what I have read- Nah.

I'm sorry, but your "first cause" has been a theological dilemma for millennia before Jesus was a divine little sperm swimming in the testicles of the Almighty.

Placing God as the first cause only obfuscates the original problem. Because now we must ask ourselves how God came into existence. Either he, like the butterfly, appeared from nothing or he has always existed. The first explanation is fundamentally no different from what you first dismissed. The second explanation is equally illogical and again does not require God either.

God isn't a reason or an explanation of how we and our world exists. He's an excuse not to ask "how." He's invented so you don't have to use reason and logic.

Well if you want my opinion... I think Scientology stupid, I think it's follows are quacks and I think it's all a massive money scam. It's scary the things those freaks do to people who try and poke around in their business too. They are hateful people in my opinion.

But... it's just my opinion and everyone has one. =)

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Yeah, very true, the variations on a god theme are many. Peoples from all corners of the world have 'invented" a first cause like the sun god, and whatever. It appears that lots of folks look for someone or something to follow or believe in. They sacrifice virgins to volcanoes and the like to appease the gods and hope for better crops. Some even promise six dozen virgins (of both sexes!) to their warriors after death! If you want to disbelieve some particular theory, some promise eternal damnation! Using various methods to convince others to follow your chosen way can lead to a real headache, salvation, riches, wars, peace or death. It is an interesting study, but in the end- follow what you like, just leave me alone to do likewise!

I personally have been to the Headquarters, Church of Scientology in Clearwater, FL. I fully believe in freedom of religion, but this "religion" is full of wacos! They are very pushy with their membership drive and will not take no for an answer. I see that it is a big money scam! CoS ownes half of downtown Clearwater.

Tom Cruise pre CoS was a regular actor...now, his is out there. brainwashed with CoS I think.
John Travolta is another that was a common actor then turned essentric and became a wack job too.

Like I said, freedom of religion is one of the freedoms we defend...but what does the FBI keep tabs on certain churches? CoS, Church of Latter Day saints, and a few other odd ball "religions."