Is Scientology A Religion Now ?

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26311316

Does this ruling mean that Scientology is a real religion now, rather than a ludicrous cult, made up by a science fiction writer ?

[Gromit]

The new flag building might be built on the proceeds of an elaborate con...

http://www.scientology.org/churches/flag-land-base/scientology-the-new-flag-building.html

But isn't every church and Cathederal also built by extracting cash from the poor and gullible?

[pinkerton]

All religions that have developed in the world have started from no previous existence, and should be accepted as they present. If they are not, then the first recorded religions, or all religions, should be accepted as viable.

[EDDIE51]

^^ Looks like it was designed by Disney! I'm expecting Mickey Mouse to wave from the top of it.

[EDDIE51]

Didn't I see recently that 'The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster' has been recognised in the USA? that is tame by Scientology standards.

[jomifl]

Scientology is the most modern and up to date religion since it's theology incorporates the hydrogen bomb. The bit about the DC8 spaceship existing long before they were designed is a bit worrying, it kind of lets in a chink of doubt....perhaps :o)

[EDDIE51]

Before the DC8 they were just 'spacecraft' no images of them existed.
They might just as well say they looked like Boeing 707's they are very similar in shape and designed around the same time.

[ludwig]

// Does this ruling mean that Scientology is a real religion now, rather than a ludicrous cult, made up by a science fiction writer ? //

That's what all religions are. You might not think so, but the guys who made up the old religions were just the science fiction writers of their day.
Scientology's having a harder time expanding because people these days are more educated, and it's decided to limit it's target market to the wealthy.

[Khandro]

//the guys who made up the old religions were just the science fiction writers of their day.//
It could be that atheists are the greatest science-fiction writers of them all.

[jomifl]

Many things are possible grasshopper...

[jim360]

"It could be that atheists are the greatest science-fiction writers of them all. "

Then again, it isn't.

[vulcan42]

It could of course be a double bluff and the atheists wrote the bible.

[Peter Pedant]

Many things are possible grass hopper ( or squirrel )
They sure are - on the tax side

there are tax adv to being a religion and even more ( virutal tax free status ) if they get the supine Charity Commission to accept them as a charity

it is as eva with scientology - about money....

[naomi24]

Labelling Scientology a ‘ludicrous cult’ gives credence to the religions you you deem real. They’re all ludicrous cults.

[Spoonboy]

Stone the crows! Constantine won't be best pleased if he hears about this!!

[jomifl]

vulcan, there is of course the completely fanciful idea that the bible is a test, to find out who the idiots are so that they don't get into heaven and fcuk it up.

[LazyGun]

"there are tax adv to being a religion and even more ( virutal tax free status ) if they get the supine Charity Commission to accept them as a charity

it is as eva with scientology - about money..."

This is what concerns me the most, and I have no doubt that Scientology are beavering away industriously behind the scenes, doing whatever they can to persuade the great and the good that they are in fact a religion and therefore worthy of tax breaks and charitable status. Such status does not rest entirely upon being recognised as a religion, of course - one has to prove other socially desirable functions first, but it is a worry.

Of course, what they could do is strip charitable status away from all religions, and force them all to re-apply for those elements of their activity they consider charitable ;)

[Peter Pedant]

http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c1766?tab=responses

NEWS
GMC panellist was banned for not disclosing links with Scientologists

Interesting case where a scientology mole was involved in hearing a case at the GMC for malpractice by a psych - who was against scientology....
egg on everyones face inc the GMC who had failed to act on information

[jomifl]

Perhaps to qualify for recognition as a religion cults should be required to prove that they are 'sponsored' by a deity. They shouldn't find that too difficult after all the catholic church did that ages ago.....didn't it?