John,
Have you ever looked at anything that was critical of the organization? Like Operation Clambake? I know that you’re not allowed to read negative things about your church, that it’s considered entheta. I’m sorry you cannot see the information that would help you be completely apprised of the situation. I understand. Having been a member for 30 years (and yes, there were lots of positive things I gained from it), I am aware of how quickly you must shut down your mind when you encounter something critical. You must realize that you can never do a full “doubt formula.” You will never be able to see the whole picture. Reach out, we can help you. There’s a website for ex-SO, there’s an 800#, there’s a yahoo group. You won’t end up homeless. Really.

Our battle isn’t with you, nor is it with your relegion. The war on the ‘net is against the Church (though most battle against the releigion as well) and the way it is run. If Scientology works for you, it works for you. None are trying to dispute that.

Prehaps you’ve seen pictures of the Feb 10th protest. Notable among the signs are the ones that say “Relegion is free. Scientology isn’t.” This is one the main issues critics of the Church have. The above article says: “‘If somebody goes around giving away Bibles,’ Danos said, ’somebody has to pay for that’” Compare this to Christanity. The Gideons International is a global organization dedicated simply to passing out free bibles. They ensure that the scripture of the releigion is free to all who want it. The Church of Scientology offers their Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health for no less than $35. Similar prices for the vast ammonts of church literature quickly drive up the cost of knowledge. Every major relegion (Judaism, Islam, Christanity, Hinduism, Buddhism) has established organizations that freely distribute their relegious material. Sceintology does not.

Furthermore, The Church of Sceintology charges for it’s services. Does the Catholic Church charge for baptism? Does Buddhism place a price tag on enlightenment? To charge for services is in all ways acceptable, but are the prices that the Church charges nessicary? Islam is a powerfull force on the planet, and it survives wholly on donations. Why doens’t the Church of Sceintology try? Have it’s leaders been caught up by the money? Regaless of the releigous intent, the CHURCH seems to be a church of coinage.

Church officals and and parishioners who have pushed for reform have been expelled. This has occured in all faiths. Martin Luther began the Protestant movement because the Catholic Church turned into a “Cult of Greed and Power.” Today, the Freezone trys to reform the Church of Scientology, and they are silenced by the church just as Martin Luther was silenced.

“You just can’t argue with results!” We’re not. We’re arguing with the way the church is run. Why is it so costly to practice Scientology? Why is reform so suppressed? If it works for you, keep your faith. But ask yourself, why are things the way they are? “If you don’t want to, that’s fine. Your choice. Live and let live.”

Obviously you haven’t reached OT3 where good old Xenu commits genocide and hauls his victims here in nothing but the finest…rocket powered DC8s.

The beginnings of $cientology are the cheese in the mouse trap, using common sense, let’s communicate better and be honest sales pitch trap.

However this isn’t about your religious beliefs, you wanna pay $300,000 to believe we’re all infested with blown up alien souls, go right ahead.

At issue is the actions of your leaders and management, whose tactics and methods (like your post) hide your true organizations true nature.

See ya 3-15.

Scientology works for me, I have a great family life, make lots of money and am blown away by the power and simplicity of what Scientology teaches. I understand why powerful and successful people are drawn to it. I can also tell a lot of the critics have no idea what they are talking about. Out of millions of Scientologists who are happily practicing their religion around the world there are just a few of these detractors by comparison. I guess every religion ends up with disaffected sub-groups. Every dog has his fleas.

If you want to know what Scientology really is, don’t take my word for it, or someone else’s word. Read a book by L. Ron Hubbard, or take an introductory course and find out. Scientologists don’t do it for no reason, you know.

If you don’t want to, that’s fine. Your choice. Live and let live.

And for those who sit in the trees and scream and throw their baloney at Scientologists. My question is, who are you to try and tell me what religion I can be? Scientologists aren’t brainwashed. There are no crimes being committed at our church- if there are then PLEASE call the police. We are law abiding people too.

As most Scientologists will tell you, Scientology has helped me have a fulfilling, wonderful life. You just can’t argue with results!

The Faithful Witness
Duke