I don't know enough about Scientology to discuss it rationally, but as long term readers are aware that's never stopped me before.

First of all I'd just like to say I've always been suspicious of any self-described 'prophet' or 'guru' or 'philosopher' who choose to go by name so eerily close to a character from Lord of the Rings.

Second, I don't even know what it means if Germany outlaws the religion. Does it make practice of the faith illegal? does it mean anyone attempting to spread the faith a criminal subject to prosecution? does it just mean the organization doesn't have to pay taxes and that people are allowed to tease you if you profess to be a scientologist?

At the moment I'm assuming just the last option. Which doesn't bother me any, I don't believe that religious organizations should be under less legal regulations than any other and should definitely be expected to be able to provide documentation for all financial expenditures. Especially if those giving up donations believe them to be going to charity.

The real question we should be asking of Scientology is: What does God need with a starship?

Germany wants to ban an organization (the fact that it calls itself "Church" does not mean much legal terms) because its aims conflict with the German constitution.

That means nothing to the individual scientologists, but it will forbid them from having any public profile, own properties or recruit.

If I have read it right it is actually not considered a religion but a lay organization, similar to a political party, as religious freedom (in the Constitution) would allow some bending of the same.

Maybe they are Communists in disguise?

quote:

Parties which, according to their
aims and the behavior of their
members, seek to impair or abolish the
basic democratic order, or to
jeopardize the existence of the
Federal Republic of Germany, shall
be unconstitutional.

Basic Law of the Federal
Republic of Germany,
Article 21, para. 2.

quote:

Originally posted by UberDog:
The real question we should be asking of Scientology is: What does God need with a starship?

Toasting the marshmelon...

quote:

Originally posted by xen0phile:

quote:

Originally posted by UberDog:
The real question we should be asking of Scientology is: What does God need with a starship?

Toasting the marshmelon...

Also: what does a Vulcan need plucked eyebrows for?

The Son of L. Ron Speaks

Also: how does he make his F-U finger glow white like that?

quote:

Originally posted by UberDog:
The real question we should be asking of Scientology is: What does God need with a starship?

dude, who doesn't need one?!

quote:

Originally posted by editengine:

quote:

Originally posted by UberDog:
The real question we should be asking of Scientology is: What does God need with a starship?

dude, who doesn't need one?!

The Silver Surfer.