French Court Says Scientology Is A Scam, Not A Religion

[Tank]

French Court Says Scientology Is A Scam, Not A Religion

A French court has slapped a fraud sentence on the Church of Scientology, saying it targets vulnerable people for commercial gain. The ruling is a major setback for Scientologists in France, and it marks the first time here that the Church of Scientology has been convicted of organized fraud.

The development puts its famous recruitment methods under a spotlight.

Scientologists vehemently reject the conviction, saying that they are the victims of anti-cult organizations trying to destroy them. "Respect my religion," chanted several dozen Scientologists, braving sub-zero temperatures in the front of a courthouse in Paris...

Excellent news!

[Guardian85]

We knew it was bulls¤¤t, and now we have the paperwork to prove it! 

[Tank]

We knew it was bulls¤¤t, and now we have the paperwork to prove it! 

Yes. And with a bit of luck this will start a domino effect in other countries.

[Asmodean]

The Asmo, he wants to send Ze French his favourite seal:

[Recusant]

The Scientologists have a point. Why single them out, when a great many religious groups are guilty of the same behavior (targeting vulnerable people for commercial gain)? The bogus personality tests which show that the mark is in need of help (conveniently available through Scientology) are merely an update of the Christian "born in sin, in need of redemption through Christ Jesus; all are sinners in need of the church's help to get right with God" scam.

[Sweetdeath]

So cute, Asmo!!
As much as I cant stand scienctology, why should it be the only bogus cult called out? Last time I checked, christianity and islam has done more damaged to millions of innocents....
I just wish all religions would go away.

[Ali]

I'm kind of with Recusant on this one.  I'll admit that I don't know a ton about Scientology other than the crazy stuff you hear about alien spirits and galactic battles, but I don't really understand what makes Scientology any more of a scam than any other religion.

[Tank]

Gotta start somewhere 

[Ali]

That's true - setting precedence....

[Guardian85]

I'm kind of with Recusant on this one.  I'll admit that I don't know a ton about Scientology other than the crazy stuff you hear about alien spirits and galactic battles, but I don't really understand what makes Scientology any more of a scam than any other religion.

How about the fact that the "space religion" was started by a failed science fiction author?

[Ali]

I'm kind of with Recusant on this one.  I'll admit that I don't know a ton about Scientology other than the crazy stuff you hear about alien spirits and galactic battles, but I don't really understand what makes Scientology any more of a scam than any other religion.

How about the fact that the "space religion" was started by a failed science fiction author?

Yeah, that's weird.  But really, does that make it any less respectable than a religion founded unknown peoples belonging to primitive tribe during the Bronze Age?  It's all stupid.  Why is Scientology any more stupid?

[Sweetdeath]

I find it hard to believe Scientology is a scam but not Catholic belief. >__>;;;

[Guardian85]

It is funny because Scientology is the one religion that is so messed up, even mainstream religions think they are silly.

[Anne D.]

I'm kind of with Recusant on this one.  I'll admit that I don't know a ton about Scientology other than the crazy stuff you hear about alien spirits and galactic battles, but I don't really understand what makes Scientology any more of a scam than any other religion.

Maybe the French government had an easier time going after Scientology b/c (based on the info in the article) Scientology is actually selling various products (tests, vitamins, treatments) that they claim will have X effect. It's got to be fairly easy for the government to prove that the products don't work as the CoScientology said they would.

W/ most other religions, the church is not purporting to offer a tangible benefit for the money believers give.

[Stevil]

French Court Says Scientology Is A Scam, Not A Religion

What is the difference between a religion and a scam?