Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology
From: dave@jato.jpl.nasa.gov (Dave Hayes)
Subject: Re: How do we know that "orgs" are the way to go (was Re: FREE SPIRIT MAGAZINE)
Message-ID: <1991Aug9.183810.24861@jato.jpl.nasa.gov>
Keywords: Sorry guys, but you *ain't* Scientology.
Reply-To: dave@jato.jpl.nasa.gov
Organization: Jet Propulsion Lab - Pasadena, CA
References: <15271@goofy.Apple.COM> <4985@beguine.UUCP> <1991Aug7.222505.1085@jato.jpl.nasa.gov> <5029@beguine.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 91 18:38:10 GMT
Lines: 84

Elizabeth.Mccoy@bbs.oit.unc.edu (Elizabeth Mccoy) writes:

>Okay. Valid questions.

Thank you. 8)

>><1991Aug7.222505.1085@jato.jpl.nasa.gov> (My quotes)
>>How do we ignorant out here know which group is more or less bogus?

>Uh... Ask on alt.religion.scientology? :-) In general, if the group
>professes to be a mission or Org/church of Scientology, it should be
>less bogus. 

Isn't that "bogus by the 'not invented here' syndrome"?

>(Most squirrel groups tend to combine Scientology with other
>stuff that is deemed "bogus" by the general public, hence, they are more
>bogus... :-) )

As a student of *all* religions, I have noticed many things in common
with all of them. One of those things that is common is the concept
of self-determinism...just because everybody else is of one opinion
does not make it so for yourself. If it is not true for you, then it
doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

>probably should, no matter what you think of either -- people should
>decide about things based on truth, not a bunch of people claiming to be
>the Real Thing <tm>).

I assume that means either the church or the squirrels (why do I
feel like I'm talking about two sides of the same thing?). 

>>I've heard many horror stories regarding how the Church of Sci will
>>"attack" those who "leave the folds", 
>Well, yeah, I suppose that's probably true, though I don't know to what
>extent the "destruction" is meant.  From my own experience with
>"squirreled" tech, I really don't blame that emotion. 

Isn't sanity the ability to determine similarities, differences, and
identities? If you've ever looked at Nazi Germany, and then at the C of S,
wouldn't you see the similarity in dealing with dissent? How about looking
at Sufism and the C of S...(Sufis believe that each person needs a different
thing at a different time)...to see the differences?

For me, the scariest thing about the Church is that feeling of not being
able to get out without severe harm.

>Unfortunately, they'll give you *their* version of the information. I
>would argue that, due to the altered stuff, they are really more
>dangerous to one's mental health -- because if you get really involved
>in them, the Church of Sci will be harder to get into.  

Maybe BOTH groups are better to stay away from.

>Another reason that you should get the authentic stuff first is because
>the squirrels won't care -- your options are kept open.

Good point...assuming that the Church will let you go find them and
comparison shop.

>Finally, if you were thinking about joining Xianity, would you go look
>at a Jehovah's Witness's pamphlet or would you try to find a hefty Bible
>to get the "facts" on the religion?

I'd observe a few Xianthians to see how they handled life and living. If
I was impressed, I'd check into it further. 

>>There's also this code that says "Never [fear] to hurt [another] in
>>a just cause". Care to explain this?
>That's in the Code of Honor -- it's pretty much optional. 

How can it be anything but in a code of honor? 8)

>It means basically what it says. However, you have to be ethical enough to 
>figure out what that just cause may be. (That's why it's very optional.)

I guess. I can't think of a just cause for hurting someone at the moment.

-- 
Dave Hayes - Network & Communications Engineering - JPL / NASA - Pasadena CA
dave@elxr.jpl.nasa.gov       dave@jato.jpl.nasa.gov           ames!elroy!dxh

   The foolish reject what they see, not what they think;
	     The wise reject what they think, not what they see...