|
Church Vs Doctrine
Before we get into the nitty gritty details regarding Anonymous' concerns regarding specific aspects of the Church of Scientology, I feel it's important to be especially clear about what it is I mean when I say we're protesting the church, not the doctrines of Scientology.
Merriam Webster defines 'church' as, "the clergy or officialdom of a religious body." Alternately, 'doctrine' is stated as, "something that is taught, a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief; dogma."
In essence, Anonymous is specifically concerned with the policies, actions, and behaviors of the leaders of Scientology and the practices, policies, and attitudes of the organization. Anonymous is not concerned with the doctrines themselves and has no quarrel whatsoever with anyone who wishes to believe in the principles and precepts established by L Ron Hubbard.
That is not to say, however, that we do not have objections to the methodology by which the Church of Scientology employs some of those doctrines for alleged malicious purposes. Just as any faith, any practice, any belief can be warped into a tool for hatred and bigotry, that does not automatically vilify the beliefs themselves. The best example of this sentiment, in my mind, would be the Islamic extremists who twist the precepts of the Muslim faith into tools of hatred and violence. The misuse of such doctrines by a select few does not preclude the innocence of the doctrines, nor does it ascribe guilt to those who follow the faith's original intents of peace and enlightenment. So then do the crimes of Scientology's leadership in no way result in a complete irradication of those precepts of Scientology that promote peace, kindness, morality, and good will.
We ask that you please keep this in mind as you read the following information about the Church of Scientology. In many instances questions will arrise regarding certain implications of the doctrine as it is currently being used by the Church of Scientology. We will attempt to explain it to the best of our ability, to make it clear that it is only the current use of those doctrines that is in question, not the doctrines themselves.
None of the information on this site is meant as a condemnation of the right of the individual to practice the faith of their choice. That is an inalienable right that no one has the right to question. I have the utmost respect for this and all human rights. All I would say is, if you wish to follow the teachings of Scientology, please consider practicing the faith without supporting the Church of Scientology. In my opinion, they have shown time and again that their methodology is less than holy, and indeed, that the organization violates many laws worldwide and seeks to destroy the lives and livelihoods of those who follow them. In the process of personal and spiritual enlightenment please don't become an accomplice to the viciousness of selfish men. I do not expect you - nor do I even ask you - to just take my word for it. This is why I have created this site and dedicated so much of my time to explaining what I feel to be so terribly objectionable about the Church of Scientology. And this is why I sincerely hope you will investigate both sides of this issue. If - after you have studied this for yourself - you wish to follow the teachings of Scientology, I ask you to please consider instead practicing your faith as a part of the Freezone community. (http://internationalfreezone.net/)
For the sake of absolute clarity, I would like to address the fact that in a few instances, I will voice my opinions regarding certain doctrines of the Church of Scientology. These instances are very few and far between, and it is only reserved for those beliefs which clearly preach hate, seclusion, and paranoia. For instance, the practice of declaring others suppressive persons and the prevalence of family disconnection. In these instances, in my own opinion, I believe the corrupt methodology has infused itself into the dogma, masquerading as a part of the faith. But by and large, these questionable practices are not a part of Scientology as practiced by those who follow the faith outside the Church of Scientology. So I feel in these instances, it is not religious bigotry to state an opinion contrary to certain specific beliefs, as these are generally accepted by many followers of the faith to be instances where the church has one astray.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read what I have to say. I sincerely hope that none of this will be taken as an attempt to incite bigotry or hate; that is not my intention at all. My only hope is that everyone will be aware of both sides of a very important issue and make a decision for themselves.
Good luck and thanks again!
|
