Tully Mars

I think some of my posts haven't clearly stated my position on Scientology. I'm in no way defending them. I in fact do think they're engaged in brainwashing. They do, I believe, engage in back door, often illegal BS including attempts to control the press, former members and anyone who disagrees with them publicly.

I'm simply trying to wrap my head around how is that different then all other religions. I mean what do you think burning heretics at the stake was? Happy fun time down at the fiefdom? I think if I were a fief who saw a disbeliever burned alive I'd be more convinced to believe and believe damn, opps! sorry darn hard, I meant darn hard. Also probably make sure what ever my tithing was it was paid in full... always. In the 13th (??) century Pope Gregory IX started the Inquisitional Courts which authorized the arrest, trial and execution of heretics... as well as the seizure of any property the heretic owned. A few years later Pope Innocent III authorized the use of torture at these trials. Not surprisingly the convection rate increased dramatically. As did the churches holdings. Why do you think Galileo Galilei spent the vast majority of his final years of life at home? He disagreed with the church and it's teachings. They absolutely didn't want his teachings polluting the populace. In short, they didn't like what he said and they sent him to his room. Which was a lot nicer then burning him at the stake.

And this is different then the Scientology people how? Time? Head to the Vatican today and start handing our pamphlets detailing the history of the Catholic church or simply any church teachings you disagree with and see what happens. Or do the same thing in Salt Lake City, just remember to replace Catholic with LDS. Or if it's closer to you head over to the Watchtower Buildings in Brooklyn, New York and see what happens if you engage in any behavior the good folk of Kingdom Hall don't like.

I don't think the reaction you'll receive will be that much different then what the Scientology people are doing. I absolutely believe the reaction from Scientology will be more severe. Their younger, they simply can't afford any dissent. I think an honest look at the history of most churches will reveal a time when they couldn't afford such dissent either. The younger the church the less likely they are to allow dissent.

---------- Post added at 04:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:01 PM ----------

I honestly have struggled with this most of my adult life and do not have an answer for you. It's one of those things I know I don't know.

I assume you mean "is" not "it."

Well yes, isn't it? Look at the time line for the history of any religion. Near as I can tell each began when someone claimed they either talked to God, God talked to them or in some cases that they in fact were a God.

I mean Jews look at Christians and have to believe that they're wrong, right? That Christ was not the son of God, no way no how. Christians have to look at Muslims and think they're wrong. No way Allah was a prophet or a messenger of God. All three main branches of these religions have to look at the Latter Day Saints and Jehovah's Witnesses and think Charles Taze Russell and Joseph Smith are just nuts, right?

That's not even getting into any of the eastern religion such as Buddhism or Hinduism.

Each religion has to believe the other are all wrong, right? Each has to engage in a "yeah, but we're right" philosophy.

I think the laws of the US allow you (and whomever you can convince) to believe whatever you want. Why shouldn't you be able to start any church you want? The TV's full of people who have in fact started their own church. Most have based theirs on the bible. You want to base you're on the human body, something the bible refers to as a temple, who's to stop you?

What church doesn't have a business office?

__________________
I used to drink to drown my sorrows, but the damned things have learned how to swim- Frida Kahlo

Vice President Starkizzer Fan Club