Some Angry Followers of Scientology

This is a very interesting and disturbing video. It would appear that Scientologists don't like to be videotaped.

Angry Followers of Scientology

The Minneapolis Scientology Protest (2/10/08)

It was a frigid day for a protest. The temperature was far below zero Fahrenheit and the wind was brutal. Still Minneapolis, Minnesota was well represented in the worldwide day of Scientology protests. I was able to visit the protest and hand out some fliers. It was dignified and orderly. I saw a few Scientologists inside the church across the street. They were looking at us with blank expressions on their faces, but didn't try to disrupt the protest. I'm very impressed with how many people were willing to endure the cold to warn the public of the dangers of this organisation. Somebody already posted a video of the event.

Anonymous Minneapolis Scientology Protest 2/10/08

For more information about the dangers of Scientology, see Operation Clambake.

Scientology and its Tax Exempt Status

Yesterday, I ran across a petition to have the Church of Scientology's tax exemption status removed. Today, I came across a New York Times article on "Scientology's Puzzling Journey From Tax Rebel to Tax Exempt".

This is an important and complex topic. My own research suggests to me that Scientology is more of a business than a religion. If you want evidence of this, just check out the official Scientology website and look at the prices they charge for their books and courses. (Google "dangerous cult", that should get you there pretty quick. I won't link to that website.)

My opinion is that tax exempt status can become a type of government support. This is a serious concern if the organisation's activities are harmful to society. I consider Scientology's disconnection policy to be particularly offensive, especially since it breaks up families, the basic building block of civilization.

I'm more knowledgeable and personally involved with the situation of Jehovah's Witnesses. They are a giant real estate and publishing corporation. They don't give a public account of their finances and they don't have any charities. (It's true that they provide some assistance in disaster areas. However, they often ask the recipients to sign over their insurance checks. Since the labor is provided by volunteers, this could be a lucrative money making scheme.)

They also have a severe institutionalised shunning policy. As a taxpayer, I'm offended that the tax exempt Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is using its resources to publish literature that slanders former members like me and tries to intimidate their friends and family from having any contact with them.

Well, I hope recent media coverage of Scientology will prompt a more energetic debate on tax exemption for cults and high control groups. All tax payers and members of society have a right to be concerned.

Protests Against Deadly and Abusive Policies

On February first I will be calling the headquarters of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) to protest their policies, including institutionalised shunning, protecting pedophiles and a confusing blood ban that causes thousands of deaths. This is part of an informal campaign that designates the first day of each month as a day to protest their policies. If you would like to join in, you can find the phone numbers and contact information here:

http://www.jw-media.org/contact.htm
(I'm sorry, you'll have to copy and paste the url. I won't support that site by linking to it.)

I also heard that February 10 will be a day of protest against Scientologists. I haven't been personally affected by Scientology, but I plan on at least calling a local Scientology church to let them know of my disapproval of their disconnection policy (a form of ritualised shunning). Here is a link with more information.

A Message to Scientology

It appears that some people are really upset about Scientology. If you watch this video, you'll know what I mean.

A Message to Scientology

You may also enjoy reading this article about the movement. I think we all have good reason to be concerned about cults and high control groups. We never know when a family member or friend could get involved and shut us off. They often threaten the unity of families, the basic building block of society. I am personally being shunned by most of my family because of simple disagreements with Jehovah's Witness teachings. I am committed to fighting the power of cults and high control groups and applaud others who are doing the same.