How should a Catholic respond to anti Church of Scientology viewpoints?

[adamhovey1988]

I know there has been some criticism of the Church of Scientology because apparently they have kidnapped members that have spoken out against their church. And I believe correcting Scientology (where we think it in error) would still fall under the category of love thy neighbour as thyself. I don’t want to seem like I’m making judgement on people who are scientologists and if any are here on this site I think it would be good for them to comment on this.

 

[KarenAnne]

If I believe something is in the wrong, it is not “talking trash” to criticize it truthfully. Planned Parenthood Clinics are our neighbors too. Should we hold our tongues when people ask us “What’s wrong with Planned Parenthood?”

There is a huge difference between an organization that murders innocent babies and churches/belief systems that disagree with our own…so the comparison of the two doesn’t really make sense.

 

[randomuser]

There is a huge difference between an organization that murders innocent babies and churches/belief systems that disagree with our own…so the comparison of the two doesn’t really make sense.

Really? Here are but two corroborating sources, of many corroborating sources, describing in detail Scientology’s active involvement in the murder of innocent babies :

The St. Petersburg Times, whose reporters have investigated Scientology for years, have an exhaustive report out today about several former church members who say, as teenagers, they were pressured into having abortions because having children would interfere with their work for Scientology’s religious order, the Sea Organization. Since 1996, the Sea Org has had an official “no kids allowed” policy.
Source: gawker.com/5562256/the-church-of-scientology-hates-kids-allegedly

*After decades of coercion, former Scientologist Laura DeCrescenzo is suing the Church of Scientology for allegedly forcing her to have an abortion.

It was 1991 when 12-year-old DeCrescenzo said she signed a contract promising “eternal devotion to a religious order – not just for this lifetime, but for all future lifetimes,” according to ABC7. As her parents were devout scientologists, they supported her decision to move to the Scientology’s Pacific Area Command Base, despite her young age. Yet when she became pregnant at 17, DeCrescenzo’s new home would become her prison.

She said she was immediately pressured into aborting the child, as the Church of Scientology’s Pacific program doesn’t allow its members to have children. DeCrescenzo recounted how her superiors influenced her decision, “I was told by the commanding officer of my organization that, she immediately started telling me at this point the baby wasn’t a baby, it was just tissue.”

“I never agreed to have an abortion,” she continued. “Did I concede? Yes, I did. Does it kill me every day? Yes, it does.”*
Source: [Catholic/pro-life] lifenews.com/2016/05/02/church-of-scientology-accused-of-forcing-woman-to-have-abortion/

Tell me again how Scientology is pro-life and Scientology has nothing in common with Planned Parenthood.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

First off everyone, thank you for the responses.

We have seen how some disgruntled ex Christians have said negative things about Christianity after leaving their faith…Its similar wrt the Church of Scientology…some ex Scientologists have said negative things about Scientology after leaving their faith. As a Christian I go back to love your neighbor and love your enemy. If Jesus said to love even your enemy, well then considering that some scientologists are our neighbor…to me it makes sense to defend Scientology as I would with other non Christian religions such as Islam and Judaism.

Perhaps the most important question wrt Scientology is how do or how are Scientologists suppose to view other religions.

WHAT IS THE SCIENTOLOGY VIEW REGARDING OTHER RELIGIONS?

Scientology respects all religions. It shares with other religions the dreams of peace and salvation. The Creed of the Church states that “all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance.”

On an institutional basis, the Church is well known for its community interfaith work with all religions. On a personal basis, the moral code Scientologists subscribe to specifically mandates:

“Respect the religious beliefs of others.”

“Tolerance is a good cornerstone on which to build human relationships.”

“When one views the slaughter and suffering caused by religious intolerance down all the history of Man and into modern times, one can see that intolerance is a very non-survival activity.”

“Religious tolerance does not mean one cannot express his own beliefs. It does mean that seeking to undermine or attack the religious faith and beliefs of another has always been a short road to trouble.”

“The way to happiness can become contentious when one fails to respect the religious beliefs of others.”

scientology.org/faq/scientology-beliefs-and-practices/scientology-and-other-religions.html

Former Scientologists will tell you that this is not true, especially the higher you go. Leah Remini left Scientology and has written a book about it and is trying to dispel the lies that people are told when they are introduced to Scientology.

BTW, when I did an audit, the “church” had a picture of Jesus on the wall and some poem that sounded vaguely Christian. My spidey-sense told me that something was off and I didn’t go back. They don’t leave you alone, and they will keep inviting you back for more auditing (which costs money.) I was lucky and they gave up after what I’ve heard was an unusually short time. I guess they didn’t really want me But really, it’s a scam, it’s all about money and they target people who are troubled and need help or want to improve themselves but they are subject to abuse if they fall short or break rules; and members are forbidden to have contact with friends and family who leave, or are in anyway hostile, to the organization. This is a well known aspect of Scientology and can’t be chalked up to disgruntled ex-members.

Consider Katie Holmes and her experience getting away from her ex and the organization. She isn’t a disgruntled ex-member, but she saw the organization and the level of control over members close-up. She was constantly monitored, accompanied by a “chaperone” form the church from the time she started dating Cruise.

This might be interesting to know a little about the founder: upworthy.com/l-ron-hubbards-great-grandson-spills-the-family-secrets-on-how-scientology-started-eek

 

[KarenAnne]

Really? Here are but two corroborating sources, of many corroborating sources, describing in detail Scientology’s active involvement in the murder of innocent babies :

The St. Petersburg Times, whose reporters have investigated Scientology for years, have an exhaustive report out today about several former church members who say, as teenagers, they were pressured into having abortions because having children would interfere with their work for Scientology’s religious order, the Sea Organization. Since 1996, the Sea Org has had an official “no kids allowed” policy.
Source: gawker.com/5562256/the-church-of-scientology-hates-kids-allegedly

*After decades of coercion, former Scientologist Laura DeCrescenzo is suing the Church of Scientology for allegedly forcing her to have an abortion.

It was 1991 when 12-year-old DeCrescenzo said she signed a contract promising “eternal devotion to a religious order – not just for this lifetime, but for all future lifetimes,” according to ABC7. As her parents were devout scientologists, they supported her decision to move to the Scientology’s Pacific Area Command Base, despite her young age. Yet when she became pregnant at 17, DeCrescenzo’s new home would become her prison.

She said she was immediately pressured into aborting the child, as the Church of Scientology’s Pacific program doesn’t allow its members to have children. DeCrescenzo recounted how her superiors influenced her decision, “I was told by the commanding officer of my organization that, she immediately started telling me at this point the baby wasn’t a baby, it was just tissue.”

“I never agreed to have an abortion,” she continued. “Did I concede? Yes, I did. Does it kill me every day? Yes, it does.”*
Source: [Catholic/pro-life] lifenews.com/2016/05/02/church-of-scientology-accused-of-forcing-woman-to-have-abortion/

Tell me again how Scientology is pro-life and Scientology has nothing in common with Planned Parenthood.

IF everything you say is true, then there is more in common than I thought. It was my understanding that the discussion was more about the religious beliefs vs. a known “murder mill”… However, I still stand by the idea that we should not bash ANYONE for their personal beliefs no matter what. If we do not see them through the eyes of Christ then there is little chance they will change their ways to a more positive way.

 

[PseuTonym]

It seems that the Church of Scientology is the most criticized religion in the world.

Is the Government of North Korea the most criticized political philosophy in the world?

Is Charles Ponzi the most criticized investment philosophy in the world?

HELL is where: The chefs are British …

Is the United Kingdom the most criticized cuisine in the world?

HEAVEN is where: The police are British, the chefs are Italian, the mechanics are German, and it’s all organized by the Swiss.

 

[HolyCrusader007]

Former Scientologists will tell you that this is not true, especially the higher you go. Leah Remini left Scientology and has written a book about it and is trying to dispel the lies that people are told when they are introduced to Scientology.

BTW, when I did an audit, the “church” had a picture of Jesus on the wall and some poem that sounded vaguely Christian. My spidey-sense told me that something was off and I didn’t go back. They don’t leave you alone, and they will keep inviting you back for more auditing (which costs money.) I was lucky and they gave up after what I’ve heard was an unusually short time. I guess they didn’t really want me But really, it’s a scam, it’s all about money and they target people who are troubled and need help or want to improve themselves but they are subject to abuse if they fall short or break rules; and members are forbidden to have contact with friends and family who leave, or are in anyway hostile, to the organization. This is a well known aspect of Scientology and can’t be chalked up to disgruntled ex-members.

Consider Katie Holmes and her experience getting away from her ex and the organization. She isn’t a disgruntled ex-member, but she saw the organization and the level of control over members close-up. She was constantly monitored, accompanied by a “chaperone” form the church from the time she started dating Cruise.

This might be interesting to know a little about the founder: upworthy.com/l-ron-hubbards-great-grandson-spills-the-family-secrets-on-how-scientology-started-eek

Well I have heard the testimonials of actors and other celebrities whom have left the Church of Scientology. I do believe if Scientologists as a whole were mostly criminal that the COS would lose its status as a religion here in the USA. Perhaps some scientologists have mistreated Katie Holmes and Mrs Remini…but surely good Scientologists exist like the many Scientologists who go to foreign countries to help those in need.

Does everyone have to pay for auditing and dianetics? The COS website clearly states that all peoples, rich or poor…are welcome to join the COS.

I look at these Scientologists,

scientology.org/how-we-help/volunteer-ministers.html

And there is nothing there about kidnapping, murder or extortion. What I am worried about when one criticizes the entire COS would be the good peaceful Scientologists like the ones described in the above link. Any Scientologist who does wrong should be called out, but also any Scientologist who does right should be celebrated. I find stories such as the following, from of all places Pakistan… to be motivating…there are Pakistani Scientologists in Pakistan working to help other people out,

scientology.org/how-we-help/volunteer-ministers/disaster-relief/pakistan.html#slide3

 

[HolyCrusader007]

Here is more info related to the various allegations against the COS,

**
Is Scientology a cult or religion?

Scientology wins court case after court case proving they are a religion. But regardless of what courts say, Scientology is spiritual in nature and applicable to life. It makes people happier and more able in their lives. It helps them spiritually. Don’t take my word for it, ask a Scientologist. But ask a Scientologist, not some apostate who has an axe to grind.

Scientologists find it very offensive when people call Scientology a cult. The word “cult” is now the most hateful thing you can call a religion. It is used as a slur. It is used by bigots. Not just against Scientology, but many newer or minority religions. These are actions of “hate”.

Obviously the “Scientology is a cult” is being propagated by a select few, mostly on the internet. Sadly, many people have picked up this word and used it without really getting any true information. This is really too bad. Scientology recently ran a PR campaign called “Find Out For Yourself”. I wish more people would do this. Go to a Church and get a tour, or go to one of their official websites, make up your own mind. No one will lock you in a “secret room and brainwash you”. You may be offered a cup of coffee however.**

**
What do Scientologists think about abortion?

Scientologists are generally pro-life and support solutions that are for the maximum survival for themselves, their family, group and mankind. In a civilized and social society abortion is usually not an option for maximum survival. Abortion is neither promoted nor generally accepted amongst Scientologists and certainly not pushed by the Church of Scientology or its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. To the contrary.

I have heard allegations that members of the religious order of the Church of Scientology, the Sea Organization, would have chosen to abort their pregnancy upon “pressure” from others. That is most likely not true and the reason why I think that is that I know personally dozens of members of the Sea Organization who are pausing their membership in the Sea Organization to become parents (I am attaching a couple of affidavits and reports from Scientology parents, former Sea Organization members, that describe in detail what experiences they made inside the organization when they realized the pregnancy).

It is true that the Sea Organization - some 5-6,000 members worldwide - does not allow its members to raise their children inside the organization. But if one choses to, the mother (and father) can pause the membership for the duration of the parenthood - or end it completely - and become a regular parishioner of the Church of Scientology. Maybe there is some disappointment going along with that, from colleagues who don’t want to give up good work relationships or from superiors who don’t want to lose a good worker, but this is a long way from supporting abortion or “pressuring” it. Already in 1950 Scientology founder
L. Ron Hubbard had the following to say about abortion:

"Once the child is conceived, no matter how ‘shameful’ the circumstances, no matter the mores, no matter the income, that man or woman who would attempt an abortion on an unborn child is attempting a murder which will seldom succeed and is laying the foundation of a childhood of illness and heartache.

"Anyone attempting an abortion is committing an act against the whole society and the future; any judge or doctor recommending an abortion should be instantly deprived of position and practice, whatever his ‘reason.’ "

“A woman who is pregnant should be given every consideration by a society which has any feeling for its future generations.” (Google books link)**

Q: Does (or has) Scientology engage in blackmailing parishioners if they choose to no longer participate in Scientology?

I assume that this is referring to the worksheets kept from auditing sessions.
The Priest-Penitent Privilege (aka Clergyman-Communicant Privilege) is strictly observed in Scientology. There have been no convictions against the church for violating this privilege. Anyone is free to leave the Church at anytime. If they have committed crimes against the church, they get declared as “Suppressive Persons” and have to get back into good standing. If they have no interest in remaining part of the Church, they don’t have to do anything. Most Scientologists, upon recognizing un-ethical actions they have committed, allow this priest-penitent privileged information to be addressed out of session to “make up the damage” caused by their actions, if that is even needed.

The simple fact is that there is no legal record of blackmail or attempted blackmail.

scientologymyths.info/blackmail/

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Note to anyone reading this thread: Do not click on the links below. No need to tip them off to your ISP, where you live, etc.

Well I have heard the testimonials of actors and other celebrities whom have left the Church of Scientology. I do believe if Scientologists as a whole were mostly criminal that the COS would lose its status as a religion here in the USA. Perhaps some scientologists have mistreated Katie Holmes and Mrs Remini…but surely good Scientologists exist like the many Scientologists who go to foreign countries to help those in need.

The concerns they have are for others who remain or those who may get sucked in. One of things that Leah Remini is the where-abouts of Shelley Miscavige who is married to a leader in the organization. She Hasn’t been seen since 2007.

Does everyone have to pay for auditing and dianetics? The COS website clearly states that all peoples, rich or poor…are welcome to join the COS.

Yes, you have to pay. I believe it was one of the reasons they gave up on me; they wanted me to continue doing the auditing and I told them I couldn’t afford the courses. They told me how valuable they were, and kind of suggested that the success I would achieve through the auditing and courses would increase my cash flow. I think I the reason I lucked out is that the person who was assigned to me was new, and wasn’t persuasive no matter how he was coached or whatever. But yes, they don’t let you audit for free. A person who is poor just wouldn’t be able to audit as much and it would be their fault for not going clear or whatever. They do nothing to help their own. :nope:

I look at these Scientologists,

scientology.org/how-we-help/volunteer-ministers.html

And there is nothing there about kidnapping, murder or extortion. What I am worried about when one criticizes the entire COS would be the good peaceful Scientologists like the ones described in the above link. Any Scientologist who does wrong should be called out, but also any Scientologist who does right should be celebrated. I find stories such as the following, from of all places Pakistan… to be motivating…there are Pakistani Scientologists in Pakistan working to help other people out,

scientology.org/how-we-help/volunteer-ministers/disaster-relief/pakistan.html#slide3

Propaganda! There is a big difference between a church in which you might disappoint family and friends if you leave and a church you can’t leave without losing everything, your family, friends, etc.

 

[simspt]

It seems that the Church of Scientology is the most criticized religion in the world.

Our Lord Jesus said love your neighbor and love your enemy. I know that some of our neighbors are Scientologists…these are nice people.

Should a Catholic come to the defense of the Church of Scientology and if so why? Would it be because its the nice thing to do, the Christian thing to do or a mixture of both Christian and non Christian principals to defend the Church of Scientology?

To defend heresy is not Christian therefore to defend it would be the antithesis of loving your neighbor.

 

[vsedriver]

Here is more info related to the various allegations against the COS,

The simple fact is that there is no legal record of blackmail or attempted blackmail.

if it falls under a religious tenet then it can’t be blackmail and a former parishioner can’t file charges of blackmail under the law.

Also if ex-members are persecuted, they may be too afraid to go up against the church.

I read some of the documents that the church sent to A&E concerning religious tenets, including the claim that all religions discipline their members. They gave the example of excommunication of Catholics. Yet Catholic Excommunication only excludes the person from the Sacraments. It doesn’t take away their membership, it doesn’t cost money to be reinstated, and at no time is any member of the family expected to cut themselves off from the excommunicated. Nor does the Catholic Church imprison anyone against their will, for religious ‘re-education’.

But the ultimate condemnation of Scientology is that it is based on lies.

So, although the individual Scientologists are to be respected and treated with Christian charity, the Scientology philosophy should be challenged.

 

[randomuser]

if it falls under a religious tenet then it can’t be blackmail and a former parishioner can’t file charges of blackmail under the law.

Also if ex-members are persecuted, they may be too afraid to go up against the church.

I read some of the documents that the church sent to A&E concerning religious tenets, including the claim that all religions discipline their members. They gave the example of excommunication of Catholics. Yet Catholic Excommunication only excludes the person from the Sacraments. It doesn’t take away their membership, it doesn’t cost money to be reinstated, and at no time is any member of the family expected to cut themselves off from the excommunicated. Nor does the Catholic Church imprison anyone against their will, for religious ‘re-education’.

But the ultimate condemnation of Scientology is that it is based on lies.

So, although the individual Scientologists are to be respected and treated with Christian charity, the Scientology philosophy should be challenged.

There’s also no record of anyone in the Catholic Church encouraging its members to have abortions like what the Scientology’s “Sea Org” does with its off-the-record no-kids policy. The fact that there’s documented – and corroborating – evidence that Scientology has been so obviously complicit in killing babies should be alarm for anyone with a conscience. They make Planned Parenthood look like EWTN by comparison.

God bless Leah Remini

 

[mackbrislawn]

We can’t defend a false faith - only the members’ right to practice it.

I suppose here you mean the legal right. And the right not to be physically prevented from practicing it.

God Himself does not give us the right to practice false religion, although He allows us to practice it. In the same way God does not give us the right to sin, but He allows us to sin.

 

[SyroMalankara]

Why would you defend this cult at all? The not-so-saintly founder stated his goal was to create a religion to enjoy tax free benefits, they had for decades operated under multiple aliases to avoid direct connection to the religion, and hide under a cloud of secrecy, lawsuits, harassment, stalking etc. The caricature Jesuit in the Davinci Code is a saint compared to some of these folks.

 

[Jerusha]

I suppose here you mean the legal right. And the right not to be physically prevented from practicing it.

God Himself does not give us the right to practice false religion, although He allows us to practice it. In the same way God does not give us the right to sin, but He allows us to sin.

Requiring publication of all financials and imposition of full taxation if they are not truthful, or refuse, will go a long ways towards curbing for-profit and abusive religions. This does not violate freedom of religion, it only provides knowledge to the people who participate in that religion.

This should be required of all religions and charities, in order to curb those that abuse their privileges, and keep the others honest.