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

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HolyCrusader007

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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?
 
We can’t defend a false faith - only the members’ right to practice it.
 
TheAmazingGrace said:
We can’t defend a false faith - only the members’ right to practice it.
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This.

We defend people, but not false statements or teachings. Respect and Christian love for the person doesn’t necessarily mean agreeing with them.
 
The so-called Church of Scientology is so wrong, you should just say nothing about it. I myself would have no reservations about speaking the truth against Scientology, but that’s because I used to study about quasi-religious cults and might be able to inform, as the need arises.
 
If someone is talking trash about ANY faith, I’m going to tell them to knock it off. Even if someone’s beliefs are totally bonkers, we are still obligated as Christians to treat them as neighbors-- that means respect, love, and humility (among other things). I’m also not going to commit the hubris of pretending that I know more about what they believe than they do.
 
jane_doe said:
If someone is talking trash about ANY faith, I’m going to tell them to knock it off. Even if someone’s beliefs are totally bonkers, we are still obligated as Christians to treat them as neighbors-- that means respect, love, and humility (among other things). I’m also not going to commit the hubris of pretending that I know more about what they believe than they do.
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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?”
 
Deus_tecum said:
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?”
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I didn’t say anything against honest, respectful criticism, done with love and listening to the person in question. I’ll say everything against trash talk, spinning truth, disrespect, prejudice, and blindness.
 
The Catholic should probably join in and criticise the Church of Scientology.
 
By working to help revoke its tax-exempt status in the U.S., that’s how a Catholic should respond. Revoke its tax-exempt status. That’s how. Show your neighbors that all the teachings of the Catholic Church are freely available to those who seek them – show your neighbors that confession, going to church, talking to the priest…all free. Ask your neighbors how much money they have spent “going clear,” and then tell them how much it cost you to be Catholic…how should a Catholic respond? With facts.
 
jane_doe said:
If someone is talking trash about ANY faith, I’m going to tell them to knock it off. Even if someone’s beliefs are totally bonkers, we are still obligated as Christians to treat them as neighbors-- that means respect, love, and humility (among other things). I’m also not going to commit the hubris of pretending that I know more about what they believe than they do.
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What if that “faith” is alleged to be actively involved in killing babies? What then? Here’s a Catholic source of those allegation that have been corroborated elsewhere:
lifenews.com/2015/08/25/former-scientology-member-says-she-was-forced-to-have-an-abortion/

This has nothing to do with beliefs that are “totally bonkers” and everything to do with a track record of blatantly abusing its tax-exempt status in the U.S.

*I’m glad Catholics are finally talking about Scientology. *
 
Deus_tecum said:
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?”
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A very apt and appropriate comparison when you take into account Scientology’s encouragement of abortion, including allegedly forcing its members to kill babies against their will:
lifenews.com/2015/08/25/former-scientology-member-says-she-was-forced-to-have-an-abortion/
 
jane_doe said:
I didn’t say anything against honest, respectful criticism, done with love and listening to the person in question. I’ll say everything against trash talk, spinning truth, disrespect, prejudice, and blindness.
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Ok, but the thread is about “anti-Scientology” sentiments, not trash talk, lies, and spin.
 
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
 
jane_doe said:
If someone is talking trash about ANY faith, I’m going to tell them to knock it off. Even if someone’s beliefs are totally bonkers, we are still obligated as Christians to treat them as neighbors-- that means respect, love, and humility (among other things). I’m also not going to commit the hubris of pretending that I know more about what they believe than they do.
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Good points imo. If someone said that oh that sofa in my living room is God…I would disagree with them, but I would not discriminate against them.
 
Deus_tecum said:
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?”
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Well having a neighbor who is aborting children is not the same as having a neighbor who is Christian or scientologist. And certainly a # of our Christian neighbors have approved of abortion. I’m glad the topic of abortion has been brought up, as a Catholic I am of the belief that all lives matter including unborn babies. Let us explore what Scientologists say about abortion.

WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY’S POSITION ON BIRTH CONTROL AND ABORTION?
The Church of Scientology does not mandate a position on these subjects. They are an individual’s personal choice and Scientology parishioners are totally free to decide for themselves.

In Scientology, procreation and the rearing of children is one of the Eight Dynamics of existence. Couples are free to decide the size of their own family and Scientologists do so in accord with their determination as to the greatest good across their dynamics.

As described in Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, even attempted abortions are traumatic physically and spiritually to an unborn child, as well as to the mother. Abortion is therefore rare among Scientologists, who recognize that even an unborn fetus may already be occupied by a spiritual being. In some instances, however, abortion might be a recourse owing to health concerns for the mother or other personal factors. The Church never advocates abortion to Church staff or to parishioners.

scientology.org/faq/scientology-attitudes-and-practices/scientology-position-on-birth-control-and-abortion.html
 
randomuser said:
By working to help revoke its tax-exempt status in the U.S., that’s how a Catholic should respond. Revoke its tax-exempt status. That’s how. Show your neighbors that all the teachings of the Catholic Church are freely available to those who seek them – show your neighbors that confession, going to church, talking to the priest…all free. Ask your neighbors how much money they have spent “going clear,” and then tell them how much it cost you to be Catholic…how should a Catholic respond? With facts.
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Well we have certainly heard our fair share of anti Catholic documentaries, attacks on the Priesthood, and just a general anti Catholic mindset from a # of folks. I am seeing a similar pattern wrt the Church of Scientology , doesnt it seem a little to easy to criticize the Scientologists. I have seen all the documentaries you have, I saw the interviews of ex Scientologists and my heart goes out to them as it does wrt ex Christians who may have had a bad encounter with a Priest. But something is telling me that its morally wrong to criticize the entire Church of Scientology, hey I agree that any intolerant person ought be criticized regardless of their beliefs, but I know that some # of tolerate Scientologists exist and the various Scientology locations have worked to help the poor. Not all scientologists are about the money. 🙂
 
randomuser said:
A very apt and appropriate comparison when you take into account Scientology’s encouragement of abortion, including allegedly forcing its members to kill babies against their will:
lifenews.com/2015/08/25/former-scientology-member-says-she-was-forced-to-have-an-abortion/
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Any Scientologist, any Christian, any Atheist who does wrong…ought to do right.

Because of the fact that Scientologists , Christians, and Atheists do live together in peace…something is telling me that its wrong to criticize a religion that is different from my own. Scientologists believe in freedom of religion, us Christians also believe in freedom of religion at least many of us do.

The claims from your link above are not accurate according to the Church of Scientology.

*The Church never advocates abortion to Church staff or to parishioners. *

scientology.org/faq/scientology-attitudes-and-practices/scientology-position-on-birth-control-and-abortion.html

Consider a young scientologist attending middle school and other kids start to bully the scientologist. Isnt it our duty as Christians to say hey knock it off, treat other people as you want to be treated.
 
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