Um, the title of this post was "Scientology: What do you think of it"

My comment was what I thought of it.... not what I thought of you.... why would you assume I was talking to you? That's terrible... I didn't say YOU were lame.

You seem pretty offended by everyone. Since you're taking everything to be a personal attack on yourself, might I suggest reading this book, "An Anatomy of Jealousy: The Mark of Cain." It really is a wonderful book and an easy read. Worth it!

HOW COME WHENEVER ANYBODY TRIES TO DISCUSS RELIGIOUS TOPICS SOMEBODY HAS TO COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK TALKIN ABOUT "JESUS" ?? CANT THESE PEOPLE STAY ON TOPIC ??

Very pertinent and appropriate observation. A sort of 'highjacking' in the name of a particular religion, which we all seem to allow as 'normal', instead of respectfully and coherently pointing out that it is simply 'OFF TOPIC'.

To be fair... He didn't bash you or your religion either. You just interpreted it that way.

Personally.. regardless of what I believe or don't believe ~ I could care less what others think. It's my belief and none of their business..any more then theirs is my business.

again i am very sorry i just did take it as that. I didn't sign up on this sight to offend any body. I can do that on youtube. I am sorry to everybody else because it seams like i am beeting a dead horse, but i don't like anybody to get the wrong idea of me. I hope you relize that not everyone grows up the same. i grew up thinking that if someone stares at me that was a thret. you might not see it like that but that what life was like for me growing up. my point is that not everybody has the same thoughts and thats ok.

Very honorable of you werewolf_by_night_1.
Misperceptions are easily forgiven when people take responsiblity for them.

And I would respectfully invite EtherealEmbers to acknowledge that having posted the single word "... Lame...", with no other explanation, immediately after werewolf_by_night_1's post, could easily have been misconstruded by him, as a comment directed at his post, or himself, even if that wasn"t the intent.
Misunderstanding yes, but most understandable.

What do you say EtherealEmbers?!?!?

I disagree, Voil. I disagree because the topic of this thread is "what do you think of Scientology?" Now seeing as most Christians believe that all religions other than their own are "of the devil" or are a "cult" (another way of aying it's of the devil by a Christian standard) naturally when asked what they think of Scientology they will state their obvious beliefs about Jesus and how it all pertains to their opinions on Scientology. So i's not really a "hijacking." It is we nonchristians who should just expect such responces from such Christians. And if we don't like such responces, we can do a few things... 1) Ignore them... 2) Intellectually challenge their beliefs (but why would you really want to because you already know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they believe they are right and we are wrong and no amount of intellectual discussion will sway them otherwise)... 3) Rudely bash them and their religious beliefs (refer to what is in parenthesis in number 2).

I'll admit though, bashing them and getting them flustered with intellectual discussions often amuses me for the simple fact that they already believe I'm destines for hell so why not give them a real reason to believe that I'm going to hell... just be a troll and piss them off and put them on the defensive. I know it's morally wrong for me to think this way, but I'm not perfect... sometimes I can be a b!tch.

Scientology is not a religion, it is a school of thought, scientologist have no "clergy" that preach, as a matter of fact if they get married they have to go outside of their "religion" to do so.

It is much like Amish or Memonite but with a side of current day to it... like zippers and electricity.

I know people who are scientologist, they are very intelligent and well adjusted people, is it for me...NO, but is it as crazy as they portray on TV with Tom and Katie...NO..but that's Hollywood for ya.

After reading the following, it sounds to me that they do have clergy, just not in the traditional sense that most of us view clergymen.


Scientology (Dianetics)
To read the essay in full go to http://altreligion.about.com/library/faqs/bl_scientology.htm

Clergy: Scientology offers two types of clergy- "volunteer ministers" who provide "assists" at public events and during disasters, and regular auditors who administer scientology "tech."

Church/temple: While Scientology bills itself as a "Church," Scientology centers do not offer traditional religious training or worship services. The designation of "church" is fairly recent, as the organization originally billed it's "technology" as a medical process akin to psychotherapy.
Scripture: Scientology has no "scripture" in the religious sense, but its philosophies are based on the writings of Hubbard, notably his 195? book Dianetics.

Code of Conduct: Auditors in Scientology adhere to the Auditor's Code. Scientology as a religion makes no specific expectations of behavior, as correct conduct is considered a natural correlation to the "clear" state. There is, however, a "Code of Scientology" that outlines how a 'clear' would be expected to behave.

Basic teachings and Beliefs of Scientology : The basic teaching behind Scientology takes a somewhat gnostic view-that human beings are immortal spirits trapped inmaterial bodies. Through scientological processes, engrams, or negative sense perceptions , are stored in the "reactive mind," a concept loosely akin to Freud's subconcious mind. Mental illnesses and disease are held to be the byprodutcts of the reactive mind acting on these stored traumas. According to Scientology, these engrams are 'cleared' through the use of Dianetics (sometimes referred to as 'tech,' for technology). This clearing process is conducted via the use of audits, question and answer sessions designed to pinpoint and deactivate the engrams. These audits serve as a sort of confessional, therapy session, and karma meditation all rolled together- with mixed results. Scientologists move through several 'levels' within the organization, aspiring to be completely 'clear' at the uppermost level.

The underlying mythology in Scientology may be summed up briefly: A powerful alien being named "Xenu" many millions of years ago trapped billions of criminal souls on earth, who attach themselves to humans and create a variety of problems. What purpose this myth serves is unknown, as the Church is reticent to publicly discuss this "secret," most likely because it tends to be sensationalized. It is doubtful whether most members (or very many at all) of the Church accept this as literal truth, but in any case, it has been pointed out that this is no stranger than believing a man named Noah put a few hundred thousand animals in a wooden boat and floated it arouind the world, or any other founding myth of religion.

Holidays and observances: Scientology has a number holidays, most celebrating the founding of the organization of the release of books or ehhibits, or the recognition of the Church in various countries. Red Letter days are March 13, L Ron's birthday, and May 9, the anniversary of the publication of Dianetics. The second Sunday in September is "Auditor's day" and honors Scientology's auditors.

Symbols of Scientology : The Church of Scientology makes use of a number of symbols, including the a "Dianetics" emblem, and the Cross of Scientology

Isn't that what I said? just in a more easy to read way, and one that people will actually read begining to end?

Cliffa notes..please

Dont know much of Scientology, dont care to speculate

I do know Dan Snyder has caused some waves with it though...

No offense but when it comes to religion and spiritual beliefs, what I posted above is pretty much cliff notes version of Scientology. If you want to see long and drawn out explanations actually go to the official Scientology website. Also, if you are the type of person who has the attention span of a piss ant, don't bother studying any form of religion... unless it's a religion where you don't think for yourself, but rather a preacher, pastor, minister or clergyman does it for you and tells you what to think. As I said, no offense meant but the truth is the truth.

you're right I only pick on your long and drawn out post...I am sorry.

Blessed be, I hope you find in life what you are looking for.

i just want to let LadyValkyrie37 know that i personaly value her opinion.i think that i wrote you a personal email before saying that i like you because you because you see things from all sides. just wanted to reinterate that. like i said before i am not trying to offend anyone by making it look like im taling one persons side. just reaching out to another human being