‘Anonymous’ is skeptical about Scientology’s secrecy and fees. February 19, 2008
Posted by pseudoscientology in Daily Rant.trackback
Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine, offers an opinion.
A leap beyond faith
LA Times Opinion
People are suspicious of Scientology because of its cult-like secrecy, its overly aggressive response to and legal attacks against critics, and especially the hypocrisy of comporting itself as a faux religion in a society willing to reward corporate success but not religious greed.
Although I do not agree with Shermer’s conclusion that man is a product “evolutionary” development, I do have a profound respect for the ideal that we are designed “…to find meaningful relationships in the world.” He further says in the introduction to his web site:
The key to skepticism is to continuously and vigorously apply the methods of science to navigate the treacherous straits between “know nothing” skepticism and “anything goes” credulity. Sum Ergo Cogito — I Am Therefore I Think.
This mentality can only carry man the distance of his “known” universe. Scientology claims to carry man to higher levels of “knowing,” and thus fill his life with “meaning & purpose.” Well, the next time you have a discussion with one of Hubbard’s followers, get them to tell you about the meaning and purpose that they have achieved thus far in this life. Have they really “arrived” … or are they still on the “Bridge” with the promise of the “ultimate” always over the next horizon? Contained within this idea is the absolute paradox of Scientology … one will NEVER be able to attain the “ultimate.” If that were possible, as the literature claims, then what marketing genious wouldn’t provide the testimonial of the guy who made it and march him all over the country for everyone to see. Why? Well, because it’s an “empty suit.” And that emptiness is there because God Himself put it within man’s conscience and heart as evidence of His existence … and there is indeed a cure! We’ve got a “Searching?” tab on this web site — try it out, won’t you?
Go ahead and use Sherer’s Latin credo … I Am Therefore I Think. Think about the possiblilty of eternity and whether you are prepared to meet the Creator on His terms.
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