It seems that many of my atheist bloggers haven’t covered the Anonymous Protest against Scientology. (The name is copyrighted… and quite frankly I have heard frightening stories of their lawyers harassing just about anyone who criticizes this “religion”.) Read more at Xenu.net.
As you may or may not be aware, I do have some issues with actual religions but I do have respect for them at the same time. That is to say, I respect that no one’s reputation is ruined for dissenting from other churches, except for (at most) being ostracized from that particular community. Even the Catholic church doesn’t have lawyers and people watching you. Sure they’ll do there own version of “brain washing”, or whatever you’d like to call it, but not the sort of preying on the emotionally weak as these Scientologists like to do. Sure, many of them are trying to help and just can’t see from outside the box.
So, taking a walk in Hollywood the other day, I came across one of the protests and got some shaky shots on my small handheld camera:
One of my biggest issues with this “church” is that you have to pay for the knowledge. Imagine a Christian going through his/her life not knowing about Jesus. At least true believers of religions, know what and why they believe. There’s a sort of logic within the suspension of disbelief. I figure with this post on Scientology, I’ll give actual religions a break. Sure, they’ll look at you funny if you don’t donate, but it’s generally acceptable to be a Christian/Jew (or any believer) and never attend religious services, and therefore, never spending a dime. At least you can get a Bible for free. But don’t get me started on how awfully Scientologists portray psychology and psychiatry. If it were to remain as a government taxed private group, then fine. They have that right (as long as nobody gets hurt….anymore – See Lisa McPherson).
I’ll leave you with the tease for Jason Beghe’s big interview. Go here for the full interview.
Knowledge is free!
