BLINDED me avec SCIEN-tology: French say "Fraud!"

[cbelt3]

NY Times tells the tale. Tom Cruise to declare war on France !

"PARIS — The French branch of the Church of Scientology was convicted of fraud and fined nearly $900,000 on Tuesday by a Paris court. But the judges did not ban the church entirely, as the prosecution had demanded, saying that a change in the law prevented such an action for fraud. The church said it would appeal."

- - - -
Tres Bien ! Next stop, USA !

[Don Kiyoti]

In related news: acclaimed director Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby, Crash) has resigned from the church of Scientology over civil rights. Scathing letter to ex-friend here:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishr...ights.html

[freeradical]

It's Tom Cruise's God given right to be fleeced by scientology.

[DaviDC.]

This story is on MSNBC.com & I found the last line of the article to be particularly disturbing:

"Belgium, Germany and other European countries have been criticized by the U.S. State Department for labeling Scientology as a cult or sect and enacting laws to restrict its operations."

At least some countries have to balls to stand up against this bunch of idiots.

[cbelt3]

Well, now, David, not to get political or anything, but there's an awfully fine line between "freedom of religion" and culling cults from your culture. Under a previous administration, religious freedom was elevated to a global 'right'. The current administration is keeping it that way, but isn't going after it as hard.

[laarree]

The United States just wouldn't be the United States without its dizzying variety of absurd and bizarre belief systems, sects and subcultures, from the most popular ones to the most obscure. Let's also never stop shining bright lights at the ones who brazenly exploit and screw up people, such as the "Church" of Scientology.

[DeusxMac]

Firesign Theater summed it up well: "Give them a light, and they'll follow it anywhere."

[bazookaman]

laarree wrote:
The United States just wouldn't be the United States without its dizzying variety of absurd and bizarre belief systems, sects and subcultures, from the most popular ones to the most obscure.

[davester]

So, where is the dividing line between cult/sect and religion exactly? The scientologists definitely qualify as a cult/sect because they use coercive techniques to control their disciples and pull in large amounts of money to enrich the church. However, you can say the same thing about any of the televangelists and even the old timey religions like the catholic church (which is perhaps why scientology still gets to be a religion in the US).

[hal]

If not for the protection of the US Law, the Mormans would have been banned long ago. Maybe Catholics & Jews too.

I agree that Scientology is evil - I've seen it up close, but it's just too hard to find that line.