What is it about scientology that seems to scare christians? I am not a scientologist and know very little about it.. But I have noticed that most christians attack it. Why is that? Why do christians feel the need to attack other religions such as scientology? What makes scientology so crazy? Yet these same people do not see there christian beliefs as crazy.. Also why are muslims attacking christians on this site and then claiming that your religion is one of peace? If you are so pieceful why attack the christian beliefs.. Where in your books does it say that it is you duty to try to force feed your religion to other people? I will say this for the scientologist. Non of them have tried to push there beliefs down my throat...
122095
You make a very good point. \nReligious intolerance has caused more suffering and slaughter thro\nhistory and right into the present than probably anything else in this world. \nReligious tolerence doesn't mean you can't express your own beliefs\nbut it does mean that trying to undermine or attack the religious faith and beliefs of another is going to cause nothing but trouble.\nAll religions have within them basic tenents like"Treat others the way you want to be treated" All spiritual beliefs properly understood have similar goals and purposes. There are lots of points for general agreement and co operation. Tolerence is the key to this.\nPeople only attack things that they fear. Fear is created by lies and rumours spread by a few who, because of their own bad motives and actions, feel they have a reason to fear something. \nThe Romans were throwing Christians to the lions when Christianity\nfirst begun as a religion. Hitler spread terrible lies and rumours about\nthe Jews that resulted in a massive genocide . So it continues.\nWe can definitely take some resposibility by promoting religious tolerence.\nBy the way....I am a Scientologist.
83183
I'm glad someone else is curious :D I've asked the same question here (and didn't get much, but I did do my own research), so I will help you as much as I can. \n\nhttp://www.religioustolerance.org/scientol.htm\nThat site is great to get a basic view of Scientology, and to be linked to sites sponsored by Scientologists that explain a bit further. \n\nBut to know the deep down wweird alien related stuff that they talk about you can go here: \nhttp://sf.irk.ru/www/xenuleaf.htm\nBut beware, since Scientologists believe that if you are not ready for that information, you may die. (Yeah I read it and am still alive, haha)\n\nHere is a good critical of Scientology site that was written by an ex-member who had been a Scientologist for 27 years: \nhttp://www.xenu.net/\nI cant attest to how reputable it is, but he seems to very much know his stuff. I was unconvinced that Scientology was as cult-ish as I had heard it was until I visited that site.\n\n\nJust to give you a simple run-down though: They believe that everyone is comprised of a Thetan (like a soul) that has to be released from this world otherwise it will keep being reborn again- so somewhat like Buddhism, except that in the later stages of belief, they think they can have their Thetan move into the afterlife with telapthic skills rather than meditation, etc. \nThey do not believe in Psychology, or medication/drugs/chemicals because they feel that the evil or odd doings of your body is due to the past lives of your Thetan and that medication will impurify you rather than help you. They have big purification processes involving excersice and a strict diet. \nThey do believe in the alien story that I posted a link to above, however very few of them know of this story. Figure heads like Tom Cruise are not told that story, because, I think, they know it's fricken crazy. \nThey do ask for a ton of money from followers, in fact you have to give a certian amount to learn more about the religion. Followers are afraid to look it up for fear that they aren't ready for the information and it could kill them (or at least they are convinced).
318826
Doesn't it seem as if people cling to their beleifs so hard, they will refuse to acknowledge anything that might question that? I mean, what if you found out that your Mom was a crackwhore for the first half of her life and you were the offspring of her pimp? (no offense to any mothers. This seems to be the case. besides, those 2000 year old beleifs, were the beleifs for 2000 years. This Da Vinci schmuk has just surfaced as a new beleif that can be considered by the mases. Or is it... global warming? I haven't read the book nor seen the movie, but I am familiar with the subject matter through schooling. When in school, or watching a movie that makes you think, it is enlightening. If we did not question things, there would be no need for Jesu, right? Why stop questioning now. I apologize, but it seems this Da Vinci controversy has surfaced the weakest of humans and found great fault in religion just by questioning it, whether true or not. The uproar confirms this. And for the twist... I agree with the author of this question, maybe not in the exact same sense. But I am God folks, not the one you all know, but my own. Think about this concept! What does God do for you? What is his purpose? Can these things be accomplished by yourself? It can be done.
607593
I think it's wrong to generalize about an entire group.  However, I hear where you are coming from with people being too pushy when it comes to their religion, politics, whatever it may be.  Like any other religious group there are going to be fanatics and those individuals that try to push their views on you.  It's unfortunate that some people make others want to stay away.  I thought like you a while back, but then I came to realize that it's not Christians as a group, it is people that use religious texts to fit what they believe.  People that use their own interpretations and then attempt to preach them to everyone.  Again though, it's unfair to generalize.
539264
This is the religious forum, it's called religion and spirituality. Why start another forum when this gets more hits than someone's unknown blog? How else would you use freedom of speech unless you are discussing words? Seriously, we like the word, the word is good. But what point are you trying to make here? That people ought to be inclosed and not speak to each other? Do you get it? Or are you just fed up from hearing about it? I already mentioned why this place is better than a blog. If it's tiring why are you here? As for the questions, most of the questions have nothing to do with spirituality, most of the questions have more to do with retards asking stupid questions than anything spiritual (just kidding whatshoudIdo, I actually find your gag funny:). I don't read the bible but am interested in what people have to say about it. Spiritual and religious questions have always been answered but always need an answer, kind of like, how can we make the world a better place. The second you stop asking is the second you stop being human.
525911
I thought everybody already knew that religion, or the fanatical, misguided practice of it, was the source of violence in the Middle East.  And why do we keep electing religious whackos in this country????  Because a majority of the voting population cast ballots based on their religious beliefs.  So, is this country run by the Christian Church?  It sure feels that way to me.  I am a Republican, but am feeling shut out by the Christian fanaticism.
164689
I'm a Christian, but many times I think if I wasn't I'd be so turned off by how some other Christians behave/act/talk.  In the name of Christ, they do some really outrageous stuff or twist the scriptures to fit their own agenda. Or act SO radically ridiculous  that it is a total turnoff to those who maybe are seeking. It's only a small handful of people, mind you, but those few can really spoil it for those that are genuinely trying to walk day to day and show God's love in every circumstance.  I consider myself a radical Christian, but mellowed by age, and a general sense of not wanting to turn off and offend every person I meet!
160119
I love how sensitive the Christians are about this question, when it makes no mention of Christianity.\n\nThere's no shortage of folks who consider themselves to be "soldiers of god".  Christians, Muslims and Jewish folks seem fairly prone to these concepts.  No religion is immune to zealotry.\n\nHow do they justify their cruelty?  Well the ones dishing out the cruelty think of themselves as "soldiers of god", while the ones not dishing it out can easily slide the blame aside and say, "The Inquisition? Burning Witches? Well, they weren't real Christians" or "Suicide Bombing? That's not what Islam about".\n\nEasy as pie.
660746
Hey, can I start by raising the term Agnostic?  You know, if we got all the atheists and agnostics together we would probably out number all the religions in the world.  We could probably turn them into the quiet, life living people that we are.  It seems we are the only group of people that aren't trying to change everyone elses mind.  Why do the religious types have to go to the point of harrasment?  Religions only exist because all of us allow them to have their own oppinion.  I like to think we lead by example.
181630
Well as a Christian I would argue that not all Christians are like that by any means. Sadly like all religions there are charlatans who take advantage of people and compel them to do terrible things, (Pat Robertson calling for the assasination of Hugo Chavez, for example) and distort religion for their own sinister purposes. These particular 'Christian' leaders (Robertson, Fallwell, Swaggart, Baker, Dobson, ect) contradict the original teachings of Jesus Christ on almost everything. But I hope you don't lump ALL Christians in with them. To be honest they would probably do the same thing to Jesus now that the Pharisees and Saducees did to him in the 1st century: they accused him of sedition (calling him an enemy of Caesar), accused him of heresy (for not sticking to their rigid, burdensome, and unmerciful traditions), and eventually killed him. So by no means are all Christians fanatics, many of us are decent, respectable people who simply wish to practice our faith  without infringing on others' beliefs.
136499
Well, I'm not one of those Christians, so I can't really speak for them. If you have sensed that they fear you, I don't get it. I do know some Christians that feel they should disassociate themselves with non-Christians just because they don't have anything in common if they don't even believe in the same God. Also, many families want their kids to be close to other Christians because being around people who believe differently can open up issues that they feel would not come up if they only hang out with Christians. However, only hanging out with kids who go to church won't necessarily keep your kids from sin. Where do you think I learned all of my dirty jokes? (Christian School!) I think, though, that we need to accept those who feel they should be separate....as long as they are the ones to leave the public area instead of them trying to keep others who are different out. Did that make any sense?
399722
I think your questions are valid. Unfortunately, christians don't like questioning their religion so your questions will be deleted again because they're afraid.\n\nBeing non-christian (I grew up catholic), I have to answer both those questions with "No".\n\nBut chances are that the christians here will find fault in those questions and report you.\n\nSad, isn't it? That they should have so little confidence in their own religion that they report someone that's asking valid questions.
168795
As a Christian, I have never forced my religion on anyone, nor have I try to convince them my way was the only way. Yes granted you have some cut throats out there, but not all are that way. there are some really good people out there, both believers and non. You guys are intitled to the same freedom of religion (or lack of) as me, it is NOT my right or duty to push you. if a non-beliver asks me a Q i will answer or edify, but never r we to force it on you. Those who do that are wolves in sheeps clothing.
403903
At what point is a person a "religious extremist"?  If he prays to thank God at meals? How about the football star who kneels in prayer before a game?  Is it when you attend church every week instead of just Christmas and Easter?  Or is just belief in a deity enough?  What is extreme when it comes to religion?  Where is the line drawn?  Who is the authority that defines a "religious extremist"?\n\nCould it be that people who do things that are acting on their beliefs are just being compared to those who claim no belief, or claim a belief but do nothing and so prove they really have no belief at all?\n\nOne day, when I was in high school in the 70s, a girl was reading her Bible in study hall.  She wasn't bothering anyone; just quietly reading her Bible.  The instructor had left the room.  Several students began harrassing her because of the Bible.  I found myself defending her right to read her sacred book in peace, because this is America after all!  In that situation.... who was really the "extremist"????  The person quietly practicing her faith, or the people who thought they had a right to abuse her because they had none?\n\nSue
497884
Christianity has a long history of converting people "by the sword".  Just because they've decided in recent years that talking people to death is a better way to convert them doesn't mean that they don't have a long and violent history.  As for users of this line seeming content with accepting that any and all Muslims are terrorists, it's been my observation that most of the people who use this line are incredibly narrow-minded and blind to anything beyond what they believe, so are you really surprised that they'd rather stereotype all Muslims than hear an honest depiction of another religion?
403702
I'm a christian- but you should not stand by and do nothing. being a christian i believe in sin. and a sin is not only what you do but also what you don't do. if you can help others and do not, it is a sin for you. but don't worry, I'm not a Jesus nut, i listen to reason.\n\nI think your question is very good and is a truth on to it's self.\n\nif you apply this to religion that hates another religion...\nChristians have no excuse. YOU should not hate anyone. or any religion. it is not your place. that's Gods job. if he hates something, he'll take care of it. or do you not believe that God is REAL and is a thinking living person. so for Christians an aggressive stand point on this question is ... out of the question. it is a Christians job to reason and convince the person or government or authority figure to not hurt/abuse/kill but they must leave the... force, to God. God said "vengeance is mine"-Deuteronomy 32:35. And Jesus brings his vengeance "upon those who do not know God"-2Thessalonians 1:8. So back off, Christians! Gods got it under control. Christian should use the teachings of there religion to show a better way to whoever is attacking. but if so-called Christians are the ones that hurt/abuse/kill, then God will take care of them too.\n\nthe same goes for those that are hurting the environment
108920
Because they cannot grasp the concept that people are different!  I guess they think the 'shock' of telling up we are going to hell might bring us back 'to the fold'.  What they DON'T realize is that <GASP> they are just solidifying our position and driving us AWAY from what they think is right.  They don't seem to be able to grasp that they are being rude and in some cases ( READ THAT BEFORE YOU FLAME I SAID SOME!) out and out ignorant about things.  They also seriously think they are being kind and nice when they are being about as lovable as a rabid pitbull who hasn't eaten for a month!  Then THEY get offended whe we question christianity!  Ergh...  The funny thing is, as a group from answers here on this site, that the most enlightened and tolerant groups are the ones outside islam or christianity.  They seem to be more tolerant and understand.  Also, or so it seems, the best read of all of them.  It does seem they are the ones that have read the tomes with an open mind of other relgions in their search for their belief.