Church of Scientology on trial in France
28 May 2009 by Stardust
PARIS (AFP) – The Church of Scientology and six of its French leaders went on trial on Monday on charges of organised fraud that could lead to an outright ban on the organisation in France.
Church of Scientology on trial in France
Should we go so far as to ban Scientology as they are trying to do in France? IMO those who believe in Scientology should be free to practice their religion just like any other. If we ban Scientology, then why not Benny Hinn and other crazy evangelists who emotionally con stupid people out of their money.
The court is hearing a complaint from two women, one of whom alleges she was manipulated into handing over 20,000 euros (28,000 dollars) for costly Scientology products, such as an “electrometer” to measure mental energy.
Whose fault is it really for this?
The plaintiffs’ lawyers argue that Scientology resorts to harassment and pressure to rein in victims who show signs of vulnerability.
But used car salesmen use similar tactics, should we ban them? Most evangelical religions use similar tactics and it is up to the consumer to say a simple two-letter word. “NO” But then again, there are those in society who are simply stupid, or mentally handicapped in some way. I can understand the argument in favor of the victims who were taken advantage of, but then go after the crime, not ban the believers right to follow their religion, as goofy as it may be.
28 May 2009, on 6:26 pm
I read about this earlier today. France has a rather intolerant attitude towards religious expression. The old saying, buyer beware, seems to apply here. Most churches sell stuff that is worthless, such as holy water and bibles. Where do we draw the line?
28 May 2009, on 7:18 pm
Where do we draw the line?
Exactly. Also look at all the worthless products that companies sell people, weight-loss schemes that do not work, gadgets, toys, all kinds of things that people get suckered into all the time. People have to use common sense and really stop to consider the legitimacy of what they are buying. If they are being hounded after declining the con deal, then legal action should be taken against the con men for harassment.
28 May 2009, on 7:27 pm
Taking them to court for fraud is different from banning a cult known for violent, fraudulent, and medically neglectful activities. The dilemna here is drawing the line between a religion and a cult. Hopefully the French will stick to the principle in dealing with this.
28 May 2009, on 7:41 pm
See, now I always did like the French. That’s another good reason.
28 May 2009, on 11:52 pm
The french have lots of experience with religious charlatans–psssst! would m’sieur like to purchase some feelthy postcards and a few plenary indulgences?
29 May 2009, on 6:23 am
My opinion on the matter is that the Church of Scientology should have to demonstrate that the money paid by these “victims” was the minimum possible charge. The reason churches have tax exempt status is meant to be that they’re for a prophet but not a profit. If 20,000 euros was required for production and distribution costs (unlikely), than it’s not fraudulent, but if there was a profit made, then it’s obvious that the “victims” were taken advantage of. I’m not saying that the “victims” are faultless at all here, but a fraudulent organisation should suffer the consequences of it’s crimes, regardless of it’s status as a church. People, obviously, should be able to pray to whatever galactic emperor they wish, or whatever Scientologists are in the habit of doing.
Isn’t it amazing though, that after the reports of Catholic abuse in Ireland, it’s a monetary issue which draws religion into the courts. What does that tell you about people’s priorities?
29 May 2009, on 10:08 am
The fact that laws against fraud are inadequately enforced is no argument for never enforcing them at all. The “Church of Scientology” is a highly organised and effective gang of international fraudsters. If they can be nailed on criminal charges, I say throw the book at ‘em.
29 May 2009, on 10:29 am
In addition to the Cult of Scientology, I would also like to see televangelists and mega churches investigated more closely on their “fundraising” techniques. Snake oil salesmen is what they all are.
29 May 2009, on 12:31 pm
That was a good point about money…as if its status quo to hear about Catholic priests abusing children but when the new sci-fi space cult gets heat for ripping people off people take it more seriously. Bill Donahue should get butt raped by a telephone poll and the French should send the Hubbardites packing…
29 May 2009, on 1:48 pm
Ditto what Metaxis and Dunc said. If the Scientologists can be convicted of fraud, I say Hooray for the French!
Bet they won’t go after the Holy Water and pieces of the crucifix from the RCC, though.
29 May 2009, on 2:30 pm
This Post just reminds me of the astounding amount of human (religiously connected, of course!) bullshit which NEVER got put on trial…anywhere.
The whole history of the “Human Race”, for that matter, could be put on trial; with ‘its’ endless number of insane fuckheads and institutions; who caused innumerable and tragic Wars, mostly untold miserable suffering, horrific persecution, and total, blind sheeple, insanity.
Of course, it’s being added to, everyday, often, right under our collective noses.
BUT…like that short-lived little 1980s ditty…
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy!”?
[Hey, it's Friday...another weekend coming up...WTF!...cue Bobby McFerrin?]:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9K4BKkLaCI
29 May 2009, on 3:03 pm
Banning any religion would be like banning mental illness. I mean exactly like banning mental illness.
29 May 2009, on 3:49 pm
Hey, why not? Wikipedia gave them the old heaveho. Why not France?
29 May 2009, on 6:01 pm
Our willingness to label any movement a “cult” seems to be directly related to how recently it was founded. Christian Science and Mormonism are also easily dismissed, because we have a clear, recent historical record of how and when they were made up.
That information isn’t really available about Judaism, Christianity and Islam, so we’re reluctant to call them cults. But examine their claims and they’re just as goofy as Tom Cruise and company, and just as made up.
29 May 2009, on 7:18 pm
littlejohn:
Cult is what the larger denomination calls the smaller denomination.
I do, & regularly too.
29 May 2009, on 9:06 pm
You call it religious and I call it cultish….. Let’s call the whole thing off….
30 May 2009, on 12:14 am
Cult po-TAY-to or cult po-TAH-to?
30 May 2009, on 2:11 pm
“I can understand the argument in favor of the victims who were taken advantage of, but then go after the crime, not ban the believers right to follow their religion, as goofy as it may be.”
I agree. Religion, although in may ways criminal, is not a crime. Fraud is. If they can truly demonstrate fraud (such as stated above by metaxis) then prosecute away. But banning delusion? Good luck. And the last thing Scientology needs (or deserves, for that matter) is martyr status.
And I agree; the only difference between “cult” and “religion” is who holds the reins. Is belief in a genocidal alien really any more ludicrous than worshipping a 2000 year old Jewish zombie?