Not sure if we done this one yet.

Big news in any event.

The French, like the Germans before them, seem to be capable of exposing these cultist/scam artists for what they are and minimising their negative impact within their respective societies.

Wish other places would follow suit.

Spud to France:

C'est Bon!

Tres Magnifique!

Be Well.

FTA: "This is a historic decision," said Olivier Morice, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. "It's the first time in France that the entity of the Church of Scientology is condemned for fraud as an organized gang." He said that the tribunal "expressed its will to maintain the structure of Scientology in order to make it easier to control," adding that "it gave this decision a national and international dimension so that potential victims can be warned of the methods of Scientology."

Be Warned.

Be Well.

/Outtie
stage left.

First a President declares a news organization not news, now a government declares a religion not a religion. Scary times indeed.

"Scary times indeed."

Truth is often scary.

What constitutes a religion, Kanrei?

For whatever reason, it appears that the French gov't has never considered scientology as meeting their criteria, whatever those criteria may be.

What constitutes a religion, Kanrei?

religion

religion [ ri ljjən ] (plural religions)

noun

Definition:

1. beliefs and worship: people's beliefs and opinions concerning the existence, nature, and worship of a deity or deities, and divine involvement in the universe and human life

2. system: an institutionalized or personal system of beliefs and practices relating to the divine

"Do we really want any government deciding what is a valid religion and what isn't?"

At some point, somebody has to.

At some point, somebody has to.

Why? Who decideds who decides?

If we can get rid of the tax exempt status or religions then I would not care who calls themselves a religion.

"Why?

Fraud?

I bet you could probably think of some other reasons, too.

"Who decides who decides?"

I'll gladly volunteer.

"If we can get rid of the tax exempt status or religions then I would not care who calls themselves a religion."

That's partly where I was going.

What's the difference between a religion and a cult?

How are fraud and extortion different from tithing?

No, I don't mean to insult anyone, but it seems that the decision in France had to do with legal issues, or assumptions of coercion. Then again, if I read the article right, France never granted religion status to the Church of Scientology, so one has to wonder how the criteria are different in that country.

I'm pretty much an atheist, yet I try to be respectful of others' beliefs, as long as they don't lead to hate or dangerous behavior. So you know... I don't really have a horse in the race. But I find people's assumptions and reactions fascinating.