Scientology Is No More Special Than Any Other Religion, Except In How It Accepts Criticism
I knew my impassioned speech about Will Smith being drawn into Scientology by his celeb friend Tom Cruise would upset people. I understand this, and while my intention wasn't to hurt anyone, I freely accept the consequences for my actions. This is what rational and honest people do.
What we are seeing now in this new wave of criticism confronting the Church of Scientology is exactly what separates their organization and mindset from other established religions around the world. In fact, if you look throughout history, ALL religions have had some sort of critical eye placed on them and at various points in history, these religions are forced to confront this criticism in one of three ways: either accept it and address it, ignore it and go the way of the dinosaurs, or do as Scientology has done and go on the defense and attack your critics by using any illegal, subversive or sinister method possible.
Religions, by their very nature, attract criticism. Anytime an organization creates a hierarchy and then dispenses rules on how humans should live and conduct themselves from on high, people are going to have a visceral reaction. They will either accept these rules and model the behavior because it provides effective tools for living a happy and prosperous life, or if the rules offered make them feel constrained, oppressed or violated, they will move on. Healthy religions, like faith, are dependent on free-will. Without free will then it isn't faith, it's brainwashing.
Let's take a look at the world's best known and followed religions and see how they've assimilated into an ever-evolving society throughout human history. This will be a cursory look - so don't expect an in-depth analysis.
Catholicism, an immensely popular sect of Christianity has a LONG history of critical maelstroms it's been forced to weather. And with good cause. Not only did it imprison those who dared speak against its doctrines, it has been known to use violence and execution as punishment against those it deemed heretical. Not to mention the ill-fated crusades, persecution of the Jews, an intolerance towards gays, protection of pedophiles in its ranks and an archaic adherence to views on birth control, abortion, and medical matters pertaining to sexually transmitted disease. In some ways, Catholicism at its worst points in history is as bad, if not worse, than many of the abuses being leveled at Scientology.
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