Difference between revisions of "Talk:Scientology"

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==Archives==
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{{Wikiproject Religion}}
[[Talk:Scientology/Archive1]]
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== Archives ==
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[[Talk:Scientology/Archive1|Archive 1]] [[Talk:Scientology/Archive2|Archive2]]
  
== Terryeo ==
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----
  
It doesn't take much looking through edit history here to see that by far the most significent contributor to the article is Terryeo, and that his edits consist almost entirely of downplaying or removing anything critical of scientology. I do not wish to create a fuss over this, but personally, I question his impartiality in this instance. Further, a check of his user-talk page shows he is the center of quite a debate regarding this article, and only this article.
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== Typos ==
Some sections in the comments also make wonder if he may be a scientologist himself, most notably when he responds to a claim that scientology takes large sums of money from its members with "My experience has been very very different." Being a member would, obviously, be a clear source of bias that may render his editing of this article questionable.
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I considered contacting a burocrat, but consider it polite to first state my concerns here so he may have a chance to defend himself. I hope my accusations do not lead to any unpleasantness.
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--BornAgainBrit
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: Defend myself?  Defend myself against what? I have posted a full view of your attack against me on my user page and have raised your underhanded "question" [http://www.conservapedia.com/Conservapedia_Talk#Can.27t_we_all_just_get_along.3F here].  Why weren't you were unable to ask the general community about standard editing policy and get the concensus of the editing community as I did in that link ?  Happy Ho Ho's. -[[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 19:15, 23 April 2007 (EDT)
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This article has a couple typos in the first paragraph. "Psychology" should not be capitalized the first time, and the second time it is misspelled and again inappropriately capitalized. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 13:09, 29 December 2007 (EST)
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:Thanks [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 13:33, 29 December 2007 (EST)
  
==New User==
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== Hackers? ==
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C'mon now, must we call them hackers? And if we must, can we possibly say "Hackers on steroids", add a reference to "Secret Websites", and possibly put in a few pictures of an exploding yellow van? [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 16:49, 24 January 2008 (EST)
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:Do you have anything serious to add, or just obscure jokes? If you want to improve the wording please be my guest; I'm only as good as my sources. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 16:55, 24 January 2008 (EST)
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::It's not a joke. Hacker carries some unnessecarily dark connotations. The quotes above are from a video from Fox News on this very subject. I can find it for you, if you wish. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 17:02, 24 January 2008 (EST)
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:::A link's not necessary, but a straightforward response is always appreciated. What's wrong with the word hacker, what's a better word, and why can't you just change it yourself? The article called them a "hacking group" and I had no reason to call them anything else. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 17:12, 24 January 2008 (EST)
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::::Because pretty much any time I try to change something that might be even slightly controversial, I get banned.
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::::The word hacker, thanks to the MSM, brings up images of people sabotaging networks/stealing information from the government/what have you. Where I come from, at least.
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::::Could simply refer to them as "a group" instead of "a hacking group." [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 18:44, 24 January 2008 (EST)
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:::::Well if anyone is confused, they can see [[hacker]], which is wikilinked within the article, and which doesn't bring up images of people sabotaging networks or stealing information. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 19:39, 24 January 2008 (EST)
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::::::Alright. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 19:41, 24 January 2008 (EST)
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I've removed the reference to hackers.  Barikada's complaint was legitimate, and although the link to [[hacker]] should mitigate that if it was necessary to mention it, I couldn't see that there was any real need to mention it.  The YouTube video doesn't refer to them as hackers, nor even mention anything to do with computers.  Their tactics, just going by the video, seem to lie in other areas.  Yes, the other link does refer to hackers, so in that sense the use of the term was justifiable, but it still wasn't necessary.  [[User:Philip J. Rayment|Philip J. Rayment]] 04:10, 25 January 2008 (EST)
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:I've never understood people's deal with the word hacker, but I also didn't watch many movies in the late 80's ;-) Is there a better word than simply "group", though, because it's more than just a group of ''people'', right? It's people who are highly skilled in a certain area (namely using computers to illegally and skillfully disrupt other people's computers) and I don't know what word covers that. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 10:00, 25 January 2008 (EST)
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::No need to specify computers, given that many Anons are handing out flyers in reality. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 15:44, 25 January 2008 (EST)
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:::Err... but flyers don't perfom DoS attacks. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 22:01, 25 January 2008 (EST)
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::::Indeed. Which is why I attempted to imply that not all of the activities perpetrated by Anonymous are internet-based. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 22:04, 25 January 2008 (EST)
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:::::I'll say again, I'm only as good as my sources. I found a source that says they are hackers (and I still don't see why it's inaccurate), and it said nothing about handing out flyers. At any rate, just because they do ''more'' than computer-based attacks doesn't change their core purpose or definition. Nobody's been able to come up with any better word than "group of people". What's so wrong with using descriptive language? [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 22:12, 25 January 2008 (EST)
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:::::: "Hackers" is a bit like "Fundamentalists".  The origin of the word is good, but it's been appropriated by the media to mean someone bad.
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:::::: As far as the legitimacy of its use in this article is concerned, the primary evidence, the video, made no reference to hackers and no reference to computer attacks.  The secondary reference, quoting a third source, referred to them as hackers and said that the group had already launched denial of service attacks, but apart from that being their only documented tactic so far, there's no evidence that computer-based tactics are going to be their main mode of attack.  In other words, they could be planning on using several approaches, and the denial of service attack just happens to be the first one.  Actually, the video seemed to be indicating that a tactic would be infiltration.
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:::::: [[User:Philip J. Rayment|Philip J. Rayment]] 02:48, 26 January 2008 (EST)
  
Am I allowed to change the page at all, because right now it is really badIt doesn't tell all the weird stuff about the cult.[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 22:12, 24 April 2007 (EDT)
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== A chance? ==
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This might be a chance worth making use of. Christianity and Scientology are certinly in opposition, and Scientology has a known way of destroying families by ordering new converts to sever all contact. They will be in the headlines for a time now, and they have a lot of skeletons in their cupboard which until now have been consigned to websites hardly ever seen. Why waste such a chance to spread the truth around, discredit the church, slow its growth, and score one for the real true religion. Im not entirely sure what that is, but its certinly not Scientology looniness. - Suricou Raven, Jan 24th.
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: Is it your opinion that Christianity and Scientology are in opposition?  Whose opinion is it?  The reason I ask is, opposition is not widely stated by Christian Churches. A few even use Scientology methods (it has been in the news)If it is certain, it certainly isn't obvious.  Also, the Scientology website claims it is compatible. Whose opinion is that? [[User:TerryO|TerryO]] 00:59, 8 April 2008 (EDT)
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Scientology is incompatible with virtually evrey religion in existence in the $cientology book the history of man L Ron states that man evolved from lower life forms. (gasp!) but how they evolved has absolutely no basis in either science or religion. according to Hubbard humans evolved form clams (the sources of our jaw pain and the now disproved Piltdown man. Also im many of his lectures and books he makes his disdain for Jesus Christianity and just about every other major religion. The final blow to the "you can be a Cristian and a $cientoligist" notion. Is the revelation one you spend  200000$ to get to 0t3 is that the memory of Jesus and all the old religions were implanted into the dead alien souls that now inhabit your body by The evil Galactic Lord Xenu.  {{unsigned|Craan}}
  
:::Its a wiki, we encourage editing! [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]]
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== Meow ==
  
The User who calls themselves "JoyousOne" has clearly not understood the situation with this wiki. We do encourage editing.  But we edit responsibily toward articles that are factual.  The Conservapedia Commandments [[The_Conservapedia_Commandments]] and in particular, Commandment 1 which says that your edit must be verifiable.  Your editing produced, "and avoiding any mention of faith's ability to help the individual." Yet Hubbard addresses that exact issue in various of his lectures.  But it is not my duty to prove this to you.  It is your duty to edit responsibily. Your edits must be verifiable.  Commandment 2 spells that out, it says, "Always cite and give credit to your sources".  I will remove those of your edits that are not verified and which I, through my own personal knowledge, are untrue.  But any editor who is responsible should do that, anyway.
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Needs a cat. Can a sysop add one? -[[User:Foxtrot|Foxtrot]] 13:23, 1 September 2008 (EDT)
  
You went on to produce, "The basis of Christianity is denied", yet you fail to attribute WHERE the basis of Christianity is denied. Now, I could tell you personally about the many Christians I personally know who are Scientologists. But I won't, instead I will remove your unattributable statement, "The basis of Christianity is denied" because I know that you will never be able to attribute that to any Scientology statement. Probably what has happened is that you have read a critical - to - scientology website that says something like that.  But that isn't what Scientology says.  If you find such a statement and wish to present it as "Controvery", well, no one is going to stop you, but you are mistaken to say that the Church of Scientology "denies the basis of Christianity".
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==Cat problem==
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Scientology is a religion, not a science. [[User:JY23|JY23]] 17:17, 22 December 2008 (EST)
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: Agreed. The category should be changed to "Religion." Funny, whoever put "Pseudoscience," but completely inappropriate for an encyclopedic resource. -[[User:Ilikecake|Ilikecake]] 22:49, 25 December 2008 (EST)
  
I'm sure you see where I'm going with this.  First, edit responsibly by reading [[The Conservapedia Commandments]].  Second, your edits must be verifiable information.  Third, cite your sources so that a reader of the article can learn more about what you are talking about.  And welcome to Conservapedia.However, such editing is to be toward ariticles of a certain quality.  John Smith could not become an editor and the wiki to place is opinion.  This is exactly what JoyousUser has done, Joyous User has '''PLACED AN OPINION''' as an edit.  This is what the wiki discourages, while encouraging editing. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 00:27, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:It's not a religion - it's an evil cult that destroys lives, and we should say so. [[User:Marcdaniels|Marcdaniels]] 16:34, 2 February 2009 (EST)
  
::I think you failed to read my citations.  Scientology's own site denies the power of Christian faith, and so-called Christians who claim to be scientologists will come back eventually. You seem to have a lot of unsupported opinions or some kind of agenda, or maybe I am reading you wrong.  If so, I am very sorry.[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 00:37, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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*For purposes of this encyclopedia, "Scientology" (''no matter what our personal opinions are'') is categorized by most major governments as a religion, including the Government of the United StatesCP is an American wikiEnd of discussion. --[[User:TK|'''₮K''']]<sub><small><small>/Admin</small></small></sub><sup>[[User_Talk:TK|/Talk]]</sup> 17:37, 23 February 2009 (EST)
:: At no point has Scientology ever made such a statement that "denies the power of (any) faith", and in fact I just finished a lecture series in which Hubbard addresses the power of faithIn fact, Hubbard uses Jesus' miricles as an example of faithYou are plain wrong and I know it.  BUT, you are completely welcome to your opinion and if you will simply cite your facts, if you will reference your facts and smoothly insert them into the article then they can remain.  But when you state your own opinion as if it were a fact, then it can not remain in the article.  Where does "denial of the power of Christian faith" appear? What webiste says there, where does it say that, what phrase leads you to that?  Is that simple enough for you? Where does that appear. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 10:04, 25 April 2007 (EDT)  
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By the way,, one of my edits is so far uncited, as I was not satisfied with the quality of any one source I referenced.  If I cannot find a good cite for that, I'll have to take it down, so any help would be appreciated.[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 00:48, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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== Missing Parenthesis ==
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There is a missing parenthesis, and I have bolded where I believe it was meant to be in the following - "Later Hubbard refined his ideas and moved toward a structured system of belief involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self, and the origins of life and the universe.''')''' [[User:Luminite2|Luminite2]] 12:32, 10 April 2009 (EDT)
  
: You can not place a conclusion which you personally hold on this article if it is your opinion alone.  You are talking to 6.5 BILLION people Joy, can you dig it?  Read your articles, do your reasearch, and then place known facts into the article. Especially where you have not studied the information that comprises the subject.  [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 10:04, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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== Fair Game ==
::Im not really sure what you find so confusing.  The Church's site specifically, as cited, denies faith, and since faith is the basis of Christianity, well, it doesn't take a theologian to get that. I don't care if they want to believe that stuff, but don't hide the real beliefs. You seem to be deceiving yourself.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 10:16, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Can this article include information on Scientology's Fair Game policy, stating that enemies of the church are "fair game" for being "deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." -[[User:Birry|Birry]] 07:78, 14 May 2009 (EST)
==Popularity==
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:I second the motion to include.--[[User:Jpatt|Jpatt]] 20:09, 14 May 2009 (EDT)
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::I support this as well. We need to show the facts about Scientology. [[User:TheRealMattJohnson|TheRealMattJohnson]] 21:29, 14 May 2009 (EDT)
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:::I agree with them. [[User:JY23|JY23]] 21:33, 14 May 2009 (EDT)
  
Might I point out that Scientology is a very popular article at conservapedia, perhaps it would be a good idea to recruit more editors so that the article can reflect a consensus? [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 00:37, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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*Editors can post their suggestions to change here, but I do not support any changes to what we have here, as it opens up Pandora's Box once again.  Scientology is a very minor "religion", and without its celebrity members, would never be noticed by anyone. The fact that two socks of previously blocked instigators made accounts to support revisiting this doesn't exactly inspire confidence. --[[User:TK|'''₮K''']]<sub><small><small>/Admin</small></small></sub><sup>[[User_Talk:TK|/Talk]]</sup> 22:20, 14 May 2009 (EDT)
:It's still not as popular as my user [[User:ColinR|page]]! :-P  <font color="FFD700">[[User:ColinR|ColinR]]</font><sup><font color="000000">[[User_talk:ColinR|talk]]</font></sup> 00:52, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Well, I think everyone knows popularity is not as important as "importance".  The article was so deceptive as it was, I had to add to it a little.  Everything is cited, except as noted, and most if it is from Scientology's own literature, so I am not sure what the problem is.  Your page is very nice though, Colin.[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 00:59, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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==Hate to say it==
  
I think it would be better for people reverting to address on the talk page what problems they have with the information? Just a suggestion. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 01:41, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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...but Scientology is no religion! Hubbard made many many comments to the effect of "the easiest way to make money would be to start a religion." This is a proven fact! Religions like Christianity and Judaism have a history of faith capital, if you will. People have died for these beliefs, struggled for them, lived ascetic lifestyles to prove their faith. Scientology, as far as I've ever read of it, is just a religion for famous people like Kabbalah. A majority of them tend to have what my dad calls "Hollywood views", too. [[User:AliceCurtis|AliceCurtis]] 10:28, 4 July 2009 (EDT)
 
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Someone made huge changes to my additions, even though I gave good citations for everything, and I think what I wrote is actually fact, considering a lot of it comes from the church's literature.  I wish he would stop doing that.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 09:41, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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: I did that Joyous.  You may view who does what by clicking the "History" tab at the top of most pages.  Both the article and this discussion page have History Tabs, you may learn exactly who typed every word you see on the page, removed any word from the page, etc.  There are no secrets here.  I did most of that.  My edit summaries tell you why I did that.  For example:
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* "Scienotology denies the foundation of the Christain Religion" (and you quote how 'if it is true for you, it is true").  Now I understand that A + B = C to you. BUT, that is not what everyone gets.  One does not equal the other.
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* When you find a rumor at Xenu.net (God knows there is a whole lot of rumor on Xenu.net), and you place that rumor into the article as a rumor, and you likewise state that rumor has been legally opposed by the Church of Scientology, then you are addressing an issue that has 2 sides, you see?  Both sides have taken a strong stance, both sides have made a real issue of it, both sides have spent a good deal of time and money over the issue.  There are necessarily 2 sides to an issue that has been in court, do you see?  Therefore, it is WRONG to present an undecided rumor into the article in such a way that your personal, biased, uneducated point of view controls or colors the reader's view of the issue.
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* Scientology is composed of, perhaps, 40 million words.  That is a LOT of information.  Critics have created a lot of information too, though far less of it in recent years.  It might be helpful for you to edit a less complex issue for a short while and read the editing commandments and talk with other editors and get the feel of this place.  Though of course I'm just trying to be helpful here. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 10:15, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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::My point about the Xenu thing is not about the truths of your beliefs (although I obviously think you are deceived) but about the approach to quieting dissent.  A real person of faith doesn't need to sue someone to prevent them from saying bad things about their faith; it is left up to God, and to human discussion.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 10:19, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Please listen to what I am saying to you. Scientology does not have BELEIFS.  Therefore Xenu has nothing to say in the area. A real person of real faith may or may not have BELIEFS, scientology does not harbor BELIEFS as part of its FAITH, please understand this very very basic datum so we may proceed. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 10:41, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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::As for your little syllogism problem, anyone who denies faith, and insists on "if it is true for you..." is inherently against Christianity, in fact denegrates the faith of the worlds Christians, who are willing to believe in the power of God through faith alone.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 10:23, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Yes, that's right.  I have a little syllogism problem.  A syllogism [http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=syllogism dictionary] is a conclusion that logically follows from two premises.  "I know that apples are <font style="color: #019301;">'''green'''</font>" (if it is true for me, it is true as far as I know).  "Jim believes that apples are <font style="color: #F62217;">'''red'''</font>" (Jim admits he has not seen every apple, but all the ones he has seen are red, he believes all are red).  Now, what color are apples ?  You state that Scientology's, "If it is true for you, then it is true" is in opposition to the very foundations of Christianity.  I invite you to logically demonstrate that.  [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 10:41, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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: Worth noting here is [[User:JoyousOne]]'s refusal to communicate.  2 editors have attempted to communicate with the user on the user's discussion page, yet the user continues with the user's dogged, narrow, editing in a repeated, manner.  A wiki is a collaberation of author and editing effort, Joyous. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 10:48, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:Um, that's not a syllogism. Your two premises are incredibly flawed. You say, "if it is true for me, it is true as far as I know," which is saying "I believe this." Thus, you don't '''know''' anything about apples, thus invalidating your first "premise." Moreover, the second premise, when combined with the first premise, does not allow for any valid or reasonable conclusion to be reached. Even with the "attempt" at a syllogism, you've contradicted yourself. You said Scientology has no beliefs, and "if it's true for me, it's true as far as I know." Yet, that statement is identifying a belief and nothing more. It's true for me that unicorns don't exist (I've never seen one.), ergo it must be true unicorns don't exist. Except that's not how things work. I've not see all of existence, I can't confirm the existence of unicorns either way. Given this, what is it Terryo, does Scientology have beliefs or just bad logic? <font color="FFD700">[[User:ColinR|ColinR]]</font><sup><font color="000000">[[User_talk:ColinR|talk]]</font></sup> 13:47, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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I guess I misunderstood what you said on my talk page.  I'm happy to discuss things here, but whay not make edits like you do? You're behavious is frankly bullying, and I really won't stand for it.[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 11:01, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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: Thank you VERY much for repsonding.  On such a foundation we can work together and create good articles.  Yes, I did bully a little when I was ignored and ignored, combined with a lot of large edits, and so on. This is better, we can talk to together and produced articles that we can all agree with.  Thank you for responding. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 12:39, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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::Ok, guys, one of the other editors has given my some tips on how to improve my contributions to this page, and I think it should be ok with you.  I'll work on it.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 11:08, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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==Theory of Evolution article==
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A sympathetic and accurate description of the subject of the article is not a requirement of this site. Take a look at [[theory of evolution]]. Even with all of JoyousOne's edits in its still more sympathetic then it has to be. Remember this site has a strong Christian conservative bias and will approach articles that way. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 12:51, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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: Sympathetic?  Who said anything about sympathetic?  Our editing rules are the [[The_Conservapedia_Commandments|7 commandments]], where does "sympathy" enter the discussion?  Are there additional commandments, rules, guidelines or ariticles of special interest that only you have access to, [[User:Tmtoulouse]]?  Our production is simple and you are introducing an unneeded, unwanted, undesireable complexity (my opinion) by raising the issue of "sympathetic and accurate".  What are you talking about ? [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 13:15, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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: Also worth noting, Tmtoulouse, your advice to [[User:JoyousOne]] might have been good advice for some articles, it gave Joyous a push into the fray that you yourself refuse to step into. You stand back from the article after editing early and push others into it.  And then, JoyousOne, (of good will, but confused) had to ask [[User:Philip J. Rayment]] [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:Philip_J._Rayment&diff=prev&oldid=126829 editing difference] what they were doing that wasn't appropriate.  [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 13:15, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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::Always attack never defend, eh? [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 13:18, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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== Changes ==
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Implemented changes based on discussion to make things a bit more "neutral", and to add additional references.  Thank you for the constructive criticism.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 13:24, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Thanks for your patience, Terryeo, I still want to make sure the point is in there about the contrast with Christianity.  This is not to denigrate Scientology, even though I seems wrong to me, but to present the '''fact''' that its beliefs are basically antithetical to Christianity.  This is pretty much in line with the goals of the website.  Thanks.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 13:49, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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: I wish to discuss, [[User:JoyousOne]], you state; ''On their official website, Scientology explicitly deny the power of faith''.  I think the you are presenting a logical sequence, are you not?
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::: (Scientology quote) ''In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true.''
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::: (Dictionary quote) ''Faith - belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion.'' example; the firm faith of the Pilgrims. [http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=faith dictionary].
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:I think i follow, okay?  Do I understand you correctly, is that your line of reasoning that leads to, ''Scientology explicitly denies the power of faith'' ? [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 14:09, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:Well, yes, I suppose you do.  Since they do not "take a stand" on faith, most Christians would consider this a denial of faith.  I'm sorry if that offends, but it is honest and truthful.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 14:15, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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== Beliefs ==
 
== Beliefs ==
  
How can it be said that Scientology does not have beliefs? That is pretty much impossible, or else reading their information would be like reading random typing by a monkey (and don't get me started on that). The explicitly say that they '''believe''' self-improvement is achievable in such-and-such a way, etc.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 13:57, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Something should be stated concerning their beliefs, the following is an example.
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Scientologists believe that they have thetans, which are comparable to a soul, on or iside them (sometimes they have more than one according to scientology). When they die their souls are taken to Venus where they are brainwashed about their past life, then are loaded into capsules (they are first given new bodies). They are the dropped into the ocean somewhere off of the coast of california. There they either drown or make it to land, Where they have a chance to start a new life in of californias big cities.
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Although this story is ridiculous it is affirmed by scientlogist doctrine, you ca look elsewhere to affirm this. I just hope  people can see how ridiculous this religion is (all i said about their beliefs is true!). Semper Vigilo ([[User:Baronvonbob|Baronvonbob]] 19:00, 3 October 2009 (EDT))
  
== Ok this is getting out of hand ==
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==Controversy==
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Why the hands off? An article on an organization that has so often manifested itself as a religious mafia (Operation_Snow_White, etc.) should at least have section that provides more detail, or sources thereto, about the controversy (to put it mildly) that Scientology has stirred. Even though CP would face intimidation for it. Such an org with does not further the cause of truth, honestly, and righteousness, and is in fact anti-Christ.
  
Perhaps you both should do a pro vs. con set up on this page.  Right now it is a slander war against Scientology.  This is supposed to be an encyclopedia so a presentation of what the topic is considered to be is the most important feature of the topic.  A category of criticisms in the bottom would be fine and give talk time with these issues.  With the multiple headers it seems to be a debate page between Scientology and Christianity, note that which denomination of Christianity is not listed.--[[User:Tims|TimS]] 15:20, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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"Show me any person who is critical of us and I'll show you crimes and intended crimes that would stand a magistrate's hair on end." - L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin, 4 April 1965
  
:One of the defining features of scientology is the controversy that surrounds it. Also material that addresses concerns from a christian perspective is to be expected from CP, no? [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 15:22, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
"Somebody some day will say 'this is illegal.' By then be sure the orgs [Scientology organizations] say what is legal or not."- L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 4 January 1966, "LRH Relationship to Orgs"
  
::How is it out of hand? I just showed the clear differences between the two in the article, as is part of the mission here, and, out of respect for other editors, helped integrated their content. It seems to be a balanced look at the topic, not a "Crossfire" episode.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 15:24, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
"If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace." - L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 15 August 1960, Dept. of Govt. Affairs
  
::: It is pretty clear that [[User:TimS]] has plainly pointed out what is going on. A quick view of the article's edit history [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Scientology&action=history] illustrates what he says.  Further, the exact photo that Wikipedia once used to gently introduce readers to the slanderous presentation at wikipedia was introduced here. When I say "slanderous" I mean exactly that.  The Wikipedia editors include people who have a history of lawsuit, with the the Church of Scientology, such people run personal webistes on the very edge of legal and simotaneously edit Wikipedia's Scientology series articles.  The photo was introduced there, as it has been introduced here.  Tmtoulouse seems quite happy to see the article marching down a roadway toward slander and mis-statement, JoyousOne does not understand how Joyous' opinion is not what the Church means when it says, ''In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true''. Yet do either discuss the issues that drive their changes to the article? Alas, no, neither do. THAT is what [[User:TimS]] is talking about. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 15:54, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
"The purpose of the suit is to harass and discourage rather than to win. The law can be used very easily to harass, and enough harassment on somebody who is simply on the thin edge anyway, well knowing that
:That was a highly confusing and ungrammatical rant.  It also serves to illustrate the point that Scientologists do not tolerated criticsim, even threatening legal remedies. I am a Christian; critique my beliefs all you want. Feel free.  Post pictures of Christian churches that I dont like (especially the big Maytag looking thing in San Francisco). I won't threaten you but offer Christian compassion.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 16:00, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
he is not authorized, will generally be sufficient to cause his professional decease. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly."- L. Ron Hubbard, A MANUAL ON THE DISSEMINATION OF MATERIAL, 1955  
  
::::Ah, bullbaiting, how fun. The photo is public domain and makes the article look nicer. QED. Your other libelous claims about slander and libel are not really important since those people are not editing this page, non? [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 15:57, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Federal Indictment against Scientology for Conspiracy against the Federal Government of the United States:
::I tried to clean it up a little, Tim, I hope this helps.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 15:51, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
  
The thing is, sports fans.  We have differing points of view.  I am PERFECTLY willing to talk about EVERY detail of these things.  Several personal attacks have been created.  And what does this lead to?  It leads to EXACTLY the sort of editing situation present at Wikipedia.  Please maintain a polite attitude. Please, never again tell an editor they have "ranted", nor that their introduced inormation "does not matter" nor that they have a "silly sylogism" and phrases of that ilk. It is inappropriate to editor relationships. It is unfortunate, it happens, let's move on and find a way to work together. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 16:08, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
“The crime committed by these defendants is of a breadth and scope previously unheard of. No building, office, desk, or file was safe from their snooping and prying. No individual or organization was free from their despicable conspiratorial minds. The tools of their trade were miniature transmitters, lock picks, secret codes, forged credentials and any other device they found necessary to carry out their conspiratorial schemes.” –Federal prosecutor’s memorandum to the judge urging stiff jail sentences for 9 top leaders of Scientology who had pleaded guilty to criminal charges
  
:You set the tone, when you bullbait you get personal attacks, if you want things to be peaceable stop bullbaiting. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:10, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
The court record is] replete with evidence [that Scientology] is nothing in reality but a vast enterprise to extract the maximum amount of money from its adepts by pseudo scientific theories… and to exercise a kind of blackmail against persons who do not wish to continue with their sect…. The organization clearly is schizophrenic and paranoid, and this bizarre combination seems to be a reflection of its founder, L.Ron Hubbard.” – Judge Breckenridge, Los Angeles Superior Court
::: The tone was actually set, mr. bullbait accuser, by your encouraging Joy, who had little editing experience here, to jump into the water with both feet. However, we need not stay with that, I am attempting to move toward cooperation. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 16:17, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
::::Oh forbid! You mean I encouraged a new user to edit an article they were interested in? I encouraged content expansion? Oh the horror! I see now how evil I have been. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:19, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
  
::Why are you refusing to move toward cooperation, [[User:Tmtoulouse]]? I have offered you see?  I have even complained, you see?  Why are you refusing to move toward a cooperative effort? [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 16:15, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Here is more on them:
 +
[http://www.watchman.org/profile/sientpro.htm]
 +
[http://www.watchman.org/sci/historyofterror.htm]
 +
[http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=607]  
 +
[http://www.clambake.org]
 +
[http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Library/Shelf/cooper/sos.html]
 +
[http://www.apologeticsindex.org/cpoint7]
 +
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoASMyv9Cek]
 +
[http://www.xenutv.com]
 +
[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5694888509800082473&ei=fmJpSe-EIY6cqALgzqndBw&q=scientology+video&hl=en]
 +
[[User:Daniel1212|Daniel1212]] 00:36, 29 October 2009 (EDT)
  
:::My only contribution to this scientology article lately has been the image. Your issue is with other people not me. I did do dianetics and L. ron hubbard, I think thetan is made now too. But this article, meh, I washed my hands of it a while ago. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:18, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
::: I could help you add this information to the main text, just write it edited. --[[User:Joaquín Martínez|Joaquín Martínez]] 08:30, 29 October 2009 (EDT)
+
== How to handle this editing conflict ==
+
  
We have developed a problem with this article.  We need some manner, some mechanism, some method of dealing with these various points of view. Any suggestions ? [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 15:59, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
In lieu of a more comprehensive entry, may the below suffice for now.
  
:The only problem seems to be that you "can't handle the truth".  There is nothing here untruthful or misrepresented.  I am not sure what your problem is.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 16:02, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
==Controversy and criticism==
  
:Consensus building, bring other editors in and get their opinion and see how the community wants to present itself. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:02, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Both the status of Scientology as a religion<ref>http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/scirelg.htm</ref> and its beliefs as well as its practices and manner of operation have been a subject of condemnation by both religious and secular sources.<ref>http://www.watchman.org/profile/sientpro.htm]</ref><ref>http://www.watchman.org/sci/historyofterror.htm</ref><ref>http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=607</ref><ref>http://www.apologeticsindex.org/cpoint7</ref>
 +
<ref>http://www.clambake.org</ref>
  
::Maybe Andy should help resolve this? [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:19, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Christian apologist Craig Branch of Watchman Fellowship begins a documented examination of Scientology by stating,  
 +
<blockquote> Controversy continues to rage around Scientology, due mostly to the totalitarian and abusive nature of its practices. The evolution and history of Scientology raises serious and fundamental questions about freedoms and protections of religion and even what or who defines a religion. Scientology is an anomaly on even a diverse religious landscape. It does, in fact, involve religious belief (in what most outsiders would regard as science fiction). But that belief appears to have been built chiefly as a cover for exploitive commercial operations...Scientology's history of terror and abuse appears to be the result of its founder's delusion and paranoia. <ref>http://www.watchman.org/Sci/scientologymafia.htm</ref></blockquote>
  
:::The more the merrier, though I was hoping the community could participate in an active discussion and not so much use sysop power to prevent discussion, but however he sees fit, his site his rules. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:21, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Such charges are due in part to the tendency of Scientology to engage in intimidation and unethical or unlawful practices against those who have criticized or publicly opposed it, from former members, to national publications, to the [[United States]] government. This has resulted in Scientology being termed a "religious mafia", and "a commercial enterprise that masquerades as a religion."<ref>http://www.apologeticsindex.org/s04.html</ref><ref>cf. Scientology: the Sickness Spreads," Reader's Digest, September, l981, reprint, p.2</ref> In response to journalist Paulette Cooper's 1972 book, ''The Scandal of Scientology'',<ref>http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/tsos/sos.html</ref> Scientology launched filed 19 lawsuits against her,<ref>http://www.paulettecooper.com/scandal.htm</ref> contrived a false bomb threat made in her name, and planned and implemented various other attempts over the course of almost 15 years. A strategy called ''Operation Freakout'' sought "To get P.C incarcerated in a mental institution or jail, or at least to hit her so hard that she drops her attacks."<ref>http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/docs/pcof1.html</ref><ref>http://www.holysmoke.org/pc/freako.htm</ref>
  
::I don't know if this help, T, but I found a video online that might be a good ref for the page. I don't think I know enough about Scientology to add much else, but here you go: http://www.xenutv.com/pickets/boston-assault.htm [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:26, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
This plan was prevented from full implementation when a 1977 FBI raid on Scientology headquarters revealed the Scientology plot, among  48,000 documents detailing strategies against critics of the church. Comprehensive evidence revealed the theft of government documents by Scientology, spies planted in the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service, and the planting of listening devices, as part of ''Operation Snow White''. 
  
:::Now thats bullbaiting! [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:29, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
The raid finally resulted in the conviction of Mary Sue Hubbard, wife of the Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, and 10 more Scientologists. All received prison terms, though all are now free.<ref>Robert W. Welkos and Joel Sappell, 'Burglaries and Lies Paved a Path to Prison'' The Los Angeles Times, June 24, 1990</ref><ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-scientologysidec062490,0,111873,print.story</ref><ref>The Watchman Expositor (Vol. 14, No. 5)</ref> 
::I thought this is what you were looking for as a possible ref for their behavior? [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:30, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
::(should also mention that I can't hear it--at work.) [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:31, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
  
::: [[User:Tmtoulouse]] has stated that [[User:Flippin]] has "bullbaited". However [[User:Tmtoulouse]] just got through posting to this page that [[User:Tmtoulouse]] had "washed their hands" of this page. While [[User:Flippin]] gave it his very best shot and attempted to be helpful toward conflict resolutionIn addition, Flippin is discussing the issues toward conflict resolution while [[User:Tmtoulouse]] stands back with undefined comments, (bullbaiting, an undefined word). May I invite you [[User:Tmtoulouse]], to responsibly fulfill the words you type? [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 17:09, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
The original objective of Operation Snow White was to expose and expunge "all false and secret files of the nations of operating areas", and included plans to use blackmail, and to infiltrate and steal potentially damaging classified files on Scientology activities in various countries, from [[Algeria]] to the United States.<ref>http://xenu.net/archive/go/ops/go732/go732.htm</ref> These ranged from ''Operation Project DIG (AUDITION)'' in Australia, which called for giving compromising information on Conservative politicians to the Australian Labor Party so that the latter "could give the Federal Labor something to smear Victorian Conservatives with", to ''Project GRUMPY'' in Germany, which upheld obtaining files "by any means" from police, Interpol and immigration authorities.<ref>http://xenu.net/archive/go/ops/go732/go732p.htm</ref>
  
::::I didn't accuse Flippin of bullbaiting, the link shows a good example of what scientologist refer to as bullbaiting and what you are doing. You invite me to do whatever you want. Doesn't mean I need to accept. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 17:45, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
In 1991 Time magazine wrote a major exposé of Scientology, describing it as ''The Cult of Greed'', being    <blockquote>
 +
a hugely profitable, global racket that survives by intimidating members and critics in a Mafia-like manner. Scientology is quite likely the most ruthless, the most classically terroristic, the most litigious, and the most lucrative cult the country has ever seen.
 +
<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,972865,00.html  Time, ''The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power''  pp. 32-33]</ref></blockquote>
  
== Isn't this a cult? ==
+
Scientology unsuccessfully sued Time magazine  over the revelatory story.<ref>http://www.watchman.org/sci/historyofterror.htm</ref> 
  
I know that may sound inflamatory to some people here, but I thought the US is one of only a couple countries that even recognizes this as a bona fide religion. Further, is this really then "family-friendly" per commandment 3? I am not so sure we should promote cults on this site. [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:29, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Numerous other authors and publication have been additional targets of Scientology retaliation.<ref>http://www.lermanet.com/scientologynews/index.html</ref> In 1995, ''The American Jurist'' Magazine published, ''Dangerous Science: The Church of Scientology's Holy War against Critics'', which notes, <blockquote>
 +
It is typical of the Church of Scientology to use lawsuits -- very many of which are dismissed as frivolous -- to intimidate, harass and quell its critics and defectors into silence. This scheme is even written into the church's doctrine.<ref>[http://www.lermanet.com/scientologynews/amjurist1195.html The American Jurist, November 1995]</ref> </blockquote>
  
:Does the US even recognize it as a religion? My understanding was that it has tax exemption from the IRS and thats about it. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:32, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Many other authorities have voiced concurring opinions,<ref>http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/crtquot.htm</ref> and or provided documented examples.<ref>http://www.lermanet.com/scientologyscandals/criminal.htm</ref><ref>[http://www.solitarytrees.net/pickets/sp944.htm ''Church of Scientology probes Herald reporter - Investigation follows pattern of harassment''. The Boston Herald, March 19, 1998</ref><ref>http://www.scientology-lies.com</ref>
  
I have also put this up, to spark discussion: [[Debate:Is Scientology a false religion]]. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:33, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
In 1996, the popular ''Cult Awareness Network'', abbreviated as ''CAN'', a primary Scientology critic, was forced into bankruptcy by Scientology. An undercover Scientologist had infiltrated CAN, then 50 Scientologists filed suit against it, many containing almost identical language, after having sought to join the organization almost simultaneously and being denied. CAN's link to cult deprogramming enabled Scientology to file a lawsuit which resulted in a massive fine which added to CAN's legal debt, forcing bankruptcy. Legal maneuvering resulted in Scientology having control of the name and equipment, etc. and files of the old CAN, through Scientology associates. The files were then turned over to the ''Foundation for Religious Freedom'',<ref>http://www.apologeticsindex.org/c19.html</ref> one of many which serve as a "front" group for Scientology, or which are inordinately favorable to  them.<ref>http://www.apologeticsindex.org/f00.html#ffrf</ref><ref>http://www.xenu.net/archive/IRS/#VIII</ref><ref>http://www.holysmoke.org/cos/cult-front-groups-latest.htm</ref>
  
::Well, as far as I know Scientology is a cult, or has a cult-like status. Most of the refs I've seen talk about all the brainwashing that goes on in their temples, or whatever. [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:34, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
An addition source of controversy has been the death of 36 year old Lisa McPherson at Scientology's Clearwater headquarters, which she was undergoing "care".<ref>http://www.watchman.org/sci/mcpherson.htm</ref>
  
::Worried about the infamous 90/10, but one last bit, hasn't all of their stuff been published in Norway? [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:35, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Doctrinally Scientology is non-Christian (Hubbard even denied there was a Christ<ref>http://www.lermanet2.com/cos/nochrist.html</ref>), and is seen to be manifesting a form of [[New Age]] belief.<ref>http://www.watchman.org/sci/hubrel03.htm</ref> One researcher concludes that it is "an oversimplified form of regular psychotherapy mixed with hypnosis."<ref>Russell Miller,''Bare Faced Messiah'', Chapter 9</ref>
  
:::Its also a giant commercial venture, which just adds a strange mix to the whole thing. The way they extract money from people is crazy. The OT III documents are published on a sever in Europe, maybe norway, not sure. It used to be sourced here. But Scientologist don't like discussion of Xenu and it was removed. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:36, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
It is also pointed out that Satanist Aleister Crowley, was Hubbard's mentor and he lived with Crowley protege John Parsons, engaging in sex magic at their black magic mansion hospice (Los Angeles Times, 24 June 1990, p. A1).<ref>http://www.watchman.org/profile/sientpro.htm</ref>
 +
<ref>http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/tsos/sos.html</ref>
  
::How does one discuss scientology without discussing Xenu? I thought that and thetons or whatever were their bread and butter? [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:38, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
Liberal religious cult apologist<ref>http://www.rickross.com/apologist.html</ref> J. Gordon Melton dismisses the charge that Scientology is a cult, as he does in regard to certain other dangerous groups.<ref>http://www.apologeticsindex.org/m06.html</ref><ref>http://www.apologeticsindex.org/c31.html</ref>
  
:::They know it makes them look bad. Its a Dutch server that has the OT III documents [http://sf.irk.ru/www/ot3/spaink-ot3.html here]. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 16:39, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
===Negative quotes===
 +
Quotes from Scientology and other material<ref>http://www.xenu.net/archive/judge_quotes.html</ref> <ref>http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/shortquotes.htm</ref><ref>http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/sciequot.htm</ref> are often published in support of the critical position.
  
::Thanks, T. Well the first thing I notice is that they are in direct conflict with the YEC when they say the space opera took place 95 Billion years ago. [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:42, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
<blockquote>
 +
If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace." - L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 15 August 1960, Dept. of Govt. Affairs
 +
</blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
The purpose of the suit is to harass and discourage rather than to win. The law can be used very easily to harass, and enough harassment on somebody who is simply on the thin edge anyway, well knowing that he is not authorized, will generally be sufficient to cause his professional decease. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly. - L. Ron Hubbard, A Manual on the dissemination of material.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
So we listen. We add up associations of people with people. When a push against Scientology starts somewhere, we go over the people involved and weed them out. Push vanishes." - L. Ron Hubbard, Manual of justice, 1959
 +
</blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
A truly Suppressive Person or group has no rights of any kind and actions taken against them are not punishable.- L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 1 March 1965, HCO (Division 1) Ethics, Suppressive Acts, Suppression of Scientology and Scientologists</blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
[The court record is] replete with evidence [that Scientology] is nothing in reality but a vast enterprise to extract the maximum amount of money from its adepts by pseudo scientific theories… and to exercise a kind of blackmail against persons who do not wish to continue with their sect…. The organization clearly is schizophrenic and paranoid, and this bizarre combination seems to be a reflection of its founder, L.Ron Hubbard.” – Judge Breckenridge, Los Angeles Superior Court
 +
</blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Scientology is evil; its techniques are evil; its practice is a serious threat to the community, medically, morally, and socially; and its adherents are sadly deluded and often mentally ill… (Scientology is) the world’s largest organization of unqualified persons engaged in the practice of dangerous techniques which masquerade as mental  therapy.” – Justice Anderson, Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia</blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Scientology is quite likely the most ruthless, the most classically terroristic, the most litigious and the most lucrative cult the country has ever seen. No cult extracts more money from its members."
 +
- Cynthia Kisser, the network's Chicago-based executive director, as quoted in Time, 5/6/91
 +
</blockquote>
  
==Generalizations==
 
  
It seems to me that many of the paragraphs on this page are generalizations that should be narrowed down.  When JoyousOne claims that Scientology is in direct conflict with Christian teachings perhaps it should be stated what teachings it is in conflict with and whose teachings.  Since there are so many different denominations of Christians it would help with a source to who states that it is in conflict.  For now it is a very broad generalization.
+
==This article needs a warning==
  
On the other side Terryeo should talk with JoyousOne about how to go about adding the criticisms in a way that is constructive to the articleYes, they should be well sourced and thought out before placement but they should still be thereWe do not want another Theory of Evolution page where the article is one sided.
+
Having dealt personally with these people, I can assure everyone that this is a very dangerous and manipulative cultGiven that there are so many young people who read this site, I wonder if a warning at the top advising people to stay away from these guys would be appropriateWhat do people think?  --[[User:DamianJohn|DamianJohn]] 17:04, 14 April 2012 (EDT)
  
::I can see where you're going here, but it seems like just by being a different religion, created by a sci-fi writer, that it is automatically in direct conflict with Christianity. Am I wrong here? [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:41, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
==Further reading==
::: Yes, you are mistaken but that is exactly what critics hope for, that a common person of any faith would become mistaken.  In actuality, there are many Christians who study scientology at Churches of Scientology.  Some of those call themselves both Christians and Scientologists because neither conflicts in any way with the other. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 16:52, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
*[http://www.watchman.org/sci/index.htm Various Christian doctrinal and historical articles on Scientology]  
 
+
*[http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=607 An exhaustive information source on Scientology]
::If you see my comment in the above section, doesn't YEC directly conflict with scientology's belief that the earth is 95 billion years old? [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 16:56, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
*[http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/scirelg.htm Scientology as a "Religion"]
 
+
*[http://www.clambake.org Extensive information critical of Scientology from secular source]
::: Scientology does not state that anyone should believe the earth is a million, billion or 95 billion years old. Hubbard did not state the information he wrote and lectured as "beliefs". He stated what he knew to be true. A person who studies what he wrote and said may do whatever they like with his stated word. There is no belief that makes one a scientologist. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 17:02, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
*[http://www.waltermartin.com/scient.html Christian apologist Walter Martin on Scientology, audio and text]   
 
+
*[http://www.xenutv.com Video source, including report by ABC’s Nightline]
::::So Scientology is just nothing then, guess they don't need that tax exemption after all. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 17:06, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
 
+
::::: [[User:Tmtoulouse]], you have stated that you have "washed your hands" of this article. Yet you persist in opinionated, inflammatory comments that are not directed toward editor cooperation, nor to conflict resolution, nor toward understanding, nor are they attributed. Will you please act responsibily ? [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 18:00, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
 
+
::::::Those in glass houses....[[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 18:02, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
 
+
::But isn't this a direct quote from some of their writings?
+
 
+
::" The following portion of OT 3 is quoted in full in Margery Wakefield's book The Road to Xenu, chapter 13, and I believe all of it has been quoted in other books and articles as well. It provides a nice context for my summary and comments:
+
 
+
  ::The head of the Galactic Federation (76 planets around larger
+
  stars visible from here) (founded 95,000,000 years ago, very
+
  space opera) solved overpopulation (250 billion or so per planet,
+
  178 billion on average) by mass implanting. He caused people to
+
  be brought to Teegeeack (Earth) and put an H-Bomb on the
+
  principal volcanos (Incident II) and then the Pacific area ones
+
  were taken in boxes to Hawaii and the Atlantic area ones to
+
  Las Palmas and there "packaged".
+
 
+
  ::His name was Xenu. He used renegades. Various misleading
+
  data by means of circuits etc. was placed in the implants."
+
 
+
::Also, doesn't scientology have a kind of bible? or am I totally wrong here? [[User:Flippin|Flippin]] 17:05, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
 
+
:::: Scientology is comprised of about 40 million words.  It proposes to be helpful.  People attest that it is helpful.  As one example, recent news tells of scientology's detoxification technology being helpful to 700 + emergency workers from the 9/11 event. It does not exactly have a bible, although one might argue that ''What is Scientology'' is a sort of bible. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 17:14, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
 
+
None of the quotation you placed here is originated by the Church of Scientology.  You got that quote from a critical website, which got its information from what it says are stolen documents.  Why should anyone consider such a poor source of information to contribute to Conservapedia?  [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 17:11, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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==Belief==
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We seem to be straining the meaning of "belief" here.  Perhaps, Terry, you could explain how your somewhat bizarre definition of belief is related to the one in the dictionary? I mean, for instance, as a Christian, I believe in redemption through Jesus Christ.  If I were to tell my children, "thats what I believe, but you decide" and then they decide NOT to believe that, are they still Christians?--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 17:16, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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'''Belief''' [http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=belief several dictionarys] The Random House Unabridged says; 4. ''a religious tenet or tenets; religious creed or faith: the Christian belief.''  I think this is precisely the definition you mean for us to be working with.  As I have earlier stated, the Church of Scientology does not present belief, nor does it deny belief.  The definition I have been working with does not disinclude yours.  The Random House Dictionary goes on to say; <blockquote>—Synonyms 1. view, tenet, conclusion, persuasion. 2. assurance. Belief, certainty, conviction refer to acceptance of, or confidence in, an alleged fact or body of facts as true or right without positive knowledge or proof.  '''Belief is such acceptance in general: belief in astrology.'''</blockquote>  Scientology does not deny, nor support a person believing. Instead it says, (paraphrased) "A person may believe as they wish, what is true for them, is true for themseleves." -[[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 17:50, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:Terry, Im sorry if I wasn't clear here...the answer to the above is "no".  If they do not hold Christian beliefs, they are not Christians. If you do not believe in Scientology's teachings you are not a Scientologist.  It is really too simple a concept to waste words on, and I'm not sure why you are parsing the meaning of belief so crookedly.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 17:38, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:: Scientology would neither affirm nor deny their beliefs, nor the validity of their beliefs. Nor would I. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 17:50, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:Not sure what that means, seems actually quite meaningless in the context. I wrote about Christian views of Scientology, and it is valid to discuss that.  I refuse to just shut my eyes and "neither affirm nor deny".  You are welcome to discuss Christian views...you won't find Christians suing you for your criticism.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 18:06, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:: What it means, Joyous is that your children are completely free to believe anything they wish to, to consider their belief to be valuable in their day to day life, as a guide to their living in every way. It is true for them, good, fine. That means it is true for them and no one should attempt to change what they find is true. This applies to belief, to tastes in apple pies, to hairstyles, races, creeds and so on.  If it is true for (anyone), then it is true (for that individual). [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 18:19, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:::Seems a tad [[Seung-Hui Cho | dangerous]] to me. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 18:21, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:::: If free thought seems a tad [[Seung-Hui Cho | dangerous]] to you, why are you editing here? [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 18:39, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:::::Free thought does not mean that truth is relative to the individual. I believe in an absolute external truth. Just like the site founder and most of the editors. We disagree on how to become closer to that Truth but we both believe it there. I am here to participate in that path. If all truth is relative to the individual..........well there is a 1000 years of philosophy behind why that is problematic. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 18:41, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:Im sorry again, Terry, but you misunderstand me.  Of course my children are free to choose their beliefs, and, thank God, they have chosen to be Christians.  Had they NOT chosen to be Christians, they would not be Christians.  I hate to state the obvious, but sometimes it is necessary.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 18:24, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:: You put forth a hypothetical example and I understood you were presenting a hypothetical example.  I completely agree that we must establish basic agreements in order to work toward more complex ones. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 18:38, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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::Thanks, Dpsmith for the clarification.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 18:50, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
+
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
  
Does anybody know how the references got corrupted? I assume this was accidental. If anyone knows how to fix it that would be great.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 17:40, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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{{reflist|2}}
 
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::Never mind, fixed it.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 17:46, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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== Photo ==
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I cannot believe a photo of one of your churches could offend you, but I have removed it for now pending further discussion. Perhaps you could more clearly explain how a picture of a church is bad.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 17:41, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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I feel the burden of proof is on Terryeo and the photo should stay while we discuss it. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 17:50, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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[[User:Tmtoulouse]], you say that you have "washed your hands" of the article, but almost nothing goes by that you do not stick your opinion into, such as this one.  As I stated, the caption is offensive.  It is WRONG for this article to BIAS itself, presenting the Church of Scientology is a VERY CONTROVERSIAL religion.  But more importantly, this article is not even about the Church of Scientology.  This article's title is [[Scientology]] and that is a body of literature and lectures, a body of (what its followers state) knowledge, a philosophy.  The photograph of a building does not represent the philosophy in any manner. It should be removed.  If you want to create an article, the [[Church of Scientology]], then it ''might'' be appropropriate there. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 17:55, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:The caption doesn't say anything about the church, its just an illustration, pictures are good for articles, make them look much more professional. This is one of the most visited articles at this site, its worth it to make it look good. Please suggest other public domain photos we could choose from if you like. The gestapo copyright tactics of the "church" make it difficult. [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 17:57, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Once again, Terry, I think you are stretching definitions a little.  Church of Scientology vs Scientology, that seems a bit over-parsed. --[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 18:05, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:I am only reiterating, I am not creating.  The Church of Scientology says this exact thing and I'll happily get you a link.  L. Ron Hubbard created the body of knowledge that he called "Scientology". Then he founded the Church of Scientology.  He entrusted the Church of Scientology with his created body of knowledge.  The Church says it disseminates Hubbard's Scientology. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 18:23, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Ok, I get it.  God, through Jesus, gave the world the knowledge we call Christianity, but Christian churches entrusted to help spread the knowledge are different from "Christianity"? Of course there are many kinds of churches, so are you saying that there is "Scientology" but many different sects?  It is all very unclear.--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 18:27, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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: Your Christian example seems quite valid ! Yes, that's it.  Christianity would exist with, or without any Christian Church, would it not, because it is an idea and supported or proposed by the [[Holy Bible]].  Hubbard was the sole creator of Scientology, though other people contributed in various ways.  He took up his entire 40 million words and entrusted it to the Church of Scientology.  His books, his created works would exist with or without the Church of Scientology.  Maybe a book photograph would be appropriate for this article. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 18:33, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:It needs to be public domain, and something the church wouldn't declare defacto copyright on. Any suggestions? [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 18:35, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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::Terry, in an article on Christianity, I want to see a picture of a church, Lutheran, Catholic, I don't care, just a nice illustration.  For Scientology, we need one too. Just find us an alternate if you'd like.  Also, I'm unclear why this one is bad, but, let's just say it is, and when you find a better one, we will replace it.  Sound good?--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 18:36, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Terryeo, could you suggest a better photo thats in the public domain for this article? [[User:Tmtoulouse|Tmtoulouse]] 18:28, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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:On the other hand, this whole discussion is bizarre.  No Christian church would stop you from posting a picture...ever.  We should just leave this if T has no alternative.  This is like Alice  in Wonderland, I mean, how crazy is this?  Why would a church sue for showing their picture?--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 18:39, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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== Scientology and Christianity ==
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I separated out the Young Earth Creationism material because it shouldn't really be lumped under Christianity. The belief in a young Earth is not usually considered to be a fundamental tenet of Christianity; it's not in the Nicene Creed (which doesn't mention the Bible or Creation at all) and it's not in most catechisms.
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Furthermore, it's not typical of all of Christianity. It is Protestants in particular who put great stress on the words of the Bible, and it is typically Protestants who are Young Earth Creationists.
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Finally, the material on the age of the Earth is primarily in Genesis and is not touched upon in the New Testament.
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In general, one can say that most Young Earth Creationists would identify themselves a Christians, but most self-identified Christians would not identify themselves as Young Earth Creationists. [[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 19:16, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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::The Nice Creed refers to "the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible" and the "Lord Jesus Christ ... by whom all things were made".  They are both direct references to creation.  And implicitly to a young-Earth creation, as nobody or next to nobody at that time believed that 6 days could somehow mean billions of years.  [[User:Philip J. Rayment|Philip J. Rayment]] 22:57, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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I've changed two sentences in this section to bring them closer to the actual content of the references that support them. I've tried not to alter the point they are making. [[User:Dpbsmith|Dpbsmith]] 19:16, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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Thanks much for the help!--[[User:JoyousOne|JoyousOne]] 19:26, 25 April 2007 (EDT)
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==Thomas H. Cruise!==
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I can't believe how many hits this article is getting, it must be ''all over'' the interwebs.  Great work, folks. [[User:Human|Human]] 01:06, 26 April 2007 (EDT)
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== Trademarks ==
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== I never thought I'd say this... ==
  
I'm pretty sure from my editing experience at Wikipedia that the photograph placed by TMlouse (does TM mean "trademark"?) defies law. As I understand it, when a photograph includes a trademark, then the referenced material must be about that trademark for it to qualify as fair use.  You can not take Pepsi-cola's trademark, either as an individual trademark or as a photograph, and place it into an article about anything except trademark itself.  This article is about "scientology".  The article is not about "the church of scientology" nor about the trademark of the Church.  I'm pretty sure that photograph in this article is an illegal use of the photograph. If you go to Wikipedia you can trace that exact, same photograph, it was used there for a time.  And removed for this exact reason. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 06:46, 26 April 2007 (EDT)
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but this is actually pretty close to encyclopedia quality, unlike the psuedo-scientific hate speech, and yes, some of it is hate speech, that I've seen on here in the past. Now, if only I didn't need to create an account. [[User:Poiuytrewq|Poiuy]][[User talk:Poiuytrewq|trewq]] 23:40, 29 October 2012 (EDT)

Latest revision as of 03:40, October 30, 2012

! This article is within the scope of WikiProject Religion, an attempt to build a comprehensive guide to Religion-related articles on Conservapedia. If you would like to participate, you can edit this article, or visit the project page, where you can join the project and/or contribute to the discussion. Conservlogo.png

Archives

Archive 1 Archive2


Typos

This article has a couple typos in the first paragraph. "Psychology" should not be capitalized the first time, and the second time it is misspelled and again inappropriately capitalized. HelpJazz 13:09, 29 December 2007 (EST)

Thanks HelpJazz 13:33, 29 December 2007 (EST)

Hackers?

C'mon now, must we call them hackers? And if we must, can we possibly say "Hackers on steroids", add a reference to "Secret Websites", and possibly put in a few pictures of an exploding yellow van? Barikada 16:49, 24 January 2008 (EST)

Do you have anything serious to add, or just obscure jokes? If you want to improve the wording please be my guest; I'm only as good as my sources. HelpJazz 16:55, 24 January 2008 (EST)
It's not a joke. Hacker carries some unnessecarily dark connotations. The quotes above are from a video from Fox News on this very subject. I can find it for you, if you wish. Barikada 17:02, 24 January 2008 (EST)
A link's not necessary, but a straightforward response is always appreciated. What's wrong with the word hacker, what's a better word, and why can't you just change it yourself? The article called them a "hacking group" and I had no reason to call them anything else. HelpJazz 17:12, 24 January 2008 (EST)
Because pretty much any time I try to change something that might be even slightly controversial, I get banned.
The word hacker, thanks to the MSM, brings up images of people sabotaging networks/stealing information from the government/what have you. Where I come from, at least.
Could simply refer to them as "a group" instead of "a hacking group." Barikada 18:44, 24 January 2008 (EST)
Well if anyone is confused, they can see hacker, which is wikilinked within the article, and which doesn't bring up images of people sabotaging networks or stealing information. HelpJazz 19:39, 24 January 2008 (EST)
Alright. Barikada 19:41, 24 January 2008 (EST)

I've removed the reference to hackers. Barikada's complaint was legitimate, and although the link to hacker should mitigate that if it was necessary to mention it, I couldn't see that there was any real need to mention it. The YouTube video doesn't refer to them as hackers, nor even mention anything to do with computers. Their tactics, just going by the video, seem to lie in other areas. Yes, the other link does refer to hackers, so in that sense the use of the term was justifiable, but it still wasn't necessary. Philip J. Rayment 04:10, 25 January 2008 (EST)

I've never understood people's deal with the word hacker, but I also didn't watch many movies in the late 80's ;-) Is there a better word than simply "group", though, because it's more than just a group of people, right? It's people who are highly skilled in a certain area (namely using computers to illegally and skillfully disrupt other people's computers) and I don't know what word covers that. HelpJazz 10:00, 25 January 2008 (EST)
No need to specify computers, given that many Anons are handing out flyers in reality. Barikada 15:44, 25 January 2008 (EST)
Err... but flyers don't perfom DoS attacks. HelpJazz 22:01, 25 January 2008 (EST)
Indeed. Which is why I attempted to imply that not all of the activities perpetrated by Anonymous are internet-based. Barikada 22:04, 25 January 2008 (EST)
I'll say again, I'm only as good as my sources. I found a source that says they are hackers (and I still don't see why it's inaccurate), and it said nothing about handing out flyers. At any rate, just because they do more than computer-based attacks doesn't change their core purpose or definition. Nobody's been able to come up with any better word than "group of people". What's so wrong with using descriptive language? HelpJazz 22:12, 25 January 2008 (EST)
"Hackers" is a bit like "Fundamentalists". The origin of the word is good, but it's been appropriated by the media to mean someone bad.
As far as the legitimacy of its use in this article is concerned, the primary evidence, the video, made no reference to hackers and no reference to computer attacks. The secondary reference, quoting a third source, referred to them as hackers and said that the group had already launched denial of service attacks, but apart from that being their only documented tactic so far, there's no evidence that computer-based tactics are going to be their main mode of attack. In other words, they could be planning on using several approaches, and the denial of service attack just happens to be the first one. Actually, the video seemed to be indicating that a tactic would be infiltration.
Philip J. Rayment 02:48, 26 January 2008 (EST)

A chance?

This might be a chance worth making use of. Christianity and Scientology are certinly in opposition, and Scientology has a known way of destroying families by ordering new converts to sever all contact. They will be in the headlines for a time now, and they have a lot of skeletons in their cupboard which until now have been consigned to websites hardly ever seen. Why waste such a chance to spread the truth around, discredit the church, slow its growth, and score one for the real true religion. Im not entirely sure what that is, but its certinly not Scientology looniness. - Suricou Raven, Jan 24th.

Is it your opinion that Christianity and Scientology are in opposition? Whose opinion is it? The reason I ask is, opposition is not widely stated by Christian Churches. A few even use Scientology methods (it has been in the news). If it is certain, it certainly isn't obvious. Also, the Scientology website claims it is compatible. Whose opinion is that? TerryO 00:59, 8 April 2008 (EDT)

Scientology is incompatible with virtually evrey religion in existence in the $cientology book the history of man L Ron states that man evolved from lower life forms. (gasp!) but how they evolved has absolutely no basis in either science or religion. according to Hubbard humans evolved form clams (the sources of our jaw pain and the now disproved Piltdown man. Also im many of his lectures and books he makes his disdain for Jesus Christianity and just about every other major religion. The final blow to the "you can be a Cristian and a $cientoligist" notion. Is the revelation one you spend 200000$ to get to 0t3 is that the memory of Jesus and all the old religions were implanted into the dead alien souls that now inhabit your body by The evil Galactic Lord Xenu. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Craan (talk)

Meow

Needs a cat. Can a sysop add one? -Foxtrot 13:23, 1 September 2008 (EDT)

Cat problem

Scientology is a religion, not a science. JY23 17:17, 22 December 2008 (EST)

Agreed. The category should be changed to "Religion." Funny, whoever put "Pseudoscience," but completely inappropriate for an encyclopedic resource. -Ilikecake 22:49, 25 December 2008 (EST)
It's not a religion - it's an evil cult that destroys lives, and we should say so. Marcdaniels 16:34, 2 February 2009 (EST)
  • For purposes of this encyclopedia, "Scientology" (no matter what our personal opinions are) is categorized by most major governments as a religion, including the Government of the United States. CP is an American wiki. End of discussion. --₮K/Admin/Talk 17:37, 23 February 2009 (EST)

Missing Parenthesis

There is a missing parenthesis, and I have bolded where I believe it was meant to be in the following - "Later Hubbard refined his ideas and moved toward a structured system of belief involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self, and the origins of life and the universe.) Luminite2 12:32, 10 April 2009 (EDT)

Fair Game

Can this article include information on Scientology's Fair Game policy, stating that enemies of the church are "fair game" for being "deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." -Birry 07:78, 14 May 2009 (EST)

I second the motion to include.--Jpatt 20:09, 14 May 2009 (EDT)
I support this as well. We need to show the facts about Scientology. TheRealMattJohnson 21:29, 14 May 2009 (EDT)
I agree with them. JY23 21:33, 14 May 2009 (EDT)
  • Editors can post their suggestions to change here, but I do not support any changes to what we have here, as it opens up Pandora's Box once again. Scientology is a very minor "religion", and without its celebrity members, would never be noticed by anyone. The fact that two socks of previously blocked instigators made accounts to support revisiting this doesn't exactly inspire confidence. --₮K/Admin/Talk 22:20, 14 May 2009 (EDT)

Hate to say it

...but Scientology is no religion! Hubbard made many many comments to the effect of "the easiest way to make money would be to start a religion." This is a proven fact! Religions like Christianity and Judaism have a history of faith capital, if you will. People have died for these beliefs, struggled for them, lived ascetic lifestyles to prove their faith. Scientology, as far as I've ever read of it, is just a religion for famous people like Kabbalah. A majority of them tend to have what my dad calls "Hollywood views", too. AliceCurtis 10:28, 4 July 2009 (EDT)

Beliefs

Something should be stated concerning their beliefs, the following is an example. Scientologists believe that they have thetans, which are comparable to a soul, on or iside them (sometimes they have more than one according to scientology). When they die their souls are taken to Venus where they are brainwashed about their past life, then are loaded into capsules (they are first given new bodies). They are the dropped into the ocean somewhere off of the coast of california. There they either drown or make it to land, Where they have a chance to start a new life in of californias big cities. Although this story is ridiculous it is affirmed by scientlogist doctrine, you ca look elsewhere to affirm this. I just hope people can see how ridiculous this religion is (all i said about their beliefs is true!). Semper Vigilo (Baronvonbob 19:00, 3 October 2009 (EDT))

Controversy

Why the hands off? An article on an organization that has so often manifested itself as a religious mafia (Operation_Snow_White, etc.) should at least have section that provides more detail, or sources thereto, about the controversy (to put it mildly) that Scientology has stirred. Even though CP would face intimidation for it. Such an org with does not further the cause of truth, honestly, and righteousness, and is in fact anti-Christ.

"Show me any person who is critical of us and I'll show you crimes and intended crimes that would stand a magistrate's hair on end." - L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin, 4 April 1965

"Somebody some day will say 'this is illegal.' By then be sure the orgs [Scientology organizations] say what is legal or not."- L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 4 January 1966, "LRH Relationship to Orgs"

"If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace." - L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 15 August 1960, Dept. of Govt. Affairs

"The purpose of the suit is to harass and discourage rather than to win. The law can be used very easily to harass, and enough harassment on somebody who is simply on the thin edge anyway, well knowing that he is not authorized, will generally be sufficient to cause his professional decease. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly."- L. Ron Hubbard, A MANUAL ON THE DISSEMINATION OF MATERIAL, 1955

Federal Indictment against Scientology for Conspiracy against the Federal Government of the United States:

“The crime committed by these defendants is of a breadth and scope previously unheard of. No building, office, desk, or file was safe from their snooping and prying. No individual or organization was free from their despicable conspiratorial minds. The tools of their trade were miniature transmitters, lock picks, secret codes, forged credentials and any other device they found necessary to carry out their conspiratorial schemes.” –Federal prosecutor’s memorandum to the judge urging stiff jail sentences for 9 top leaders of Scientology who had pleaded guilty to criminal charges

The court record is] replete with evidence [that Scientology] is nothing in reality but a vast enterprise to extract the maximum amount of money from its adepts by pseudo scientific theories… and to exercise a kind of blackmail against persons who do not wish to continue with their sect…. The organization clearly is schizophrenic and paranoid, and this bizarre combination seems to be a reflection of its founder, L.Ron Hubbard.” – Judge Breckenridge, Los Angeles Superior Court

Here is more on them: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] Daniel1212 00:36, 29 October 2009 (EDT)

I could help you add this information to the main text, just write it edited. --Joaquín Martínez 08:30, 29 October 2009 (EDT)

In lieu of a more comprehensive entry, may the below suffice for now.

Controversy and criticism

Both the status of Scientology as a religion[1] and its beliefs as well as its practices and manner of operation have been a subject of condemnation by both religious and secular sources.[2][3][4][5] [6]

Christian apologist Craig Branch of Watchman Fellowship begins a documented examination of Scientology by stating,

Controversy continues to rage around Scientology, due mostly to the totalitarian and abusive nature of its practices. The evolution and history of Scientology raises serious and fundamental questions about freedoms and protections of religion and even what or who defines a religion. Scientology is an anomaly on even a diverse religious landscape. It does, in fact, involve religious belief (in what most outsiders would regard as science fiction). But that belief appears to have been built chiefly as a cover for exploitive commercial operations...Scientology's history of terror and abuse appears to be the result of its founder's delusion and paranoia. [7]

Such charges are due in part to the tendency of Scientology to engage in intimidation and unethical or unlawful practices against those who have criticized or publicly opposed it, from former members, to national publications, to the United States government. This has resulted in Scientology being termed a "religious mafia", and "a commercial enterprise that masquerades as a religion."[8][9] In response to journalist Paulette Cooper's 1972 book, The Scandal of Scientology,[10] Scientology launched filed 19 lawsuits against her,[11] contrived a false bomb threat made in her name, and planned and implemented various other attempts over the course of almost 15 years. A strategy called Operation Freakout sought "To get P.C incarcerated in a mental institution or jail, or at least to hit her so hard that she drops her attacks."[12][13]

This plan was prevented from full implementation when a 1977 FBI raid on Scientology headquarters revealed the Scientology plot, among 48,000 documents detailing strategies against critics of the church. Comprehensive evidence revealed the theft of government documents by Scientology, spies planted in the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service, and the planting of listening devices, as part of Operation Snow White.

The raid finally resulted in the conviction of Mary Sue Hubbard, wife of the Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, and 10 more Scientologists. All received prison terms, though all are now free.[14][15][16]

The original objective of Operation Snow White was to expose and expunge "all false and secret files of the nations of operating areas", and included plans to use blackmail, and to infiltrate and steal potentially damaging classified files on Scientology activities in various countries, from Algeria to the United States.[17] These ranged from Operation Project DIG (AUDITION) in Australia, which called for giving compromising information on Conservative politicians to the Australian Labor Party so that the latter "could give the Federal Labor something to smear Victorian Conservatives with", to Project GRUMPY in Germany, which upheld obtaining files "by any means" from police, Interpol and immigration authorities.[18]

In 1991 Time magazine wrote a major exposé of Scientology, describing it as The Cult of Greed, being

a hugely profitable, global racket that survives by intimidating members and critics in a Mafia-like manner. Scientology is quite likely the most ruthless, the most classically terroristic, the most litigious, and the most lucrative cult the country has ever seen.

[19]

Scientology unsuccessfully sued Time magazine over the revelatory story.[20]

Numerous other authors and publication have been additional targets of Scientology retaliation.[21] In 1995, The American Jurist Magazine published, Dangerous Science: The Church of Scientology's Holy War against Critics, which notes,
It is typical of the Church of Scientology to use lawsuits -- very many of which are dismissed as frivolous -- to intimidate, harass and quell its critics and defectors into silence. This scheme is even written into the church's doctrine.[22]

Many other authorities have voiced concurring opinions,[23] and or provided documented examples.[24][25][26]

In 1996, the popular Cult Awareness Network, abbreviated as CAN, a primary Scientology critic, was forced into bankruptcy by Scientology. An undercover Scientologist had infiltrated CAN, then 50 Scientologists filed suit against it, many containing almost identical language, after having sought to join the organization almost simultaneously and being denied. CAN's link to cult deprogramming enabled Scientology to file a lawsuit which resulted in a massive fine which added to CAN's legal debt, forcing bankruptcy. Legal maneuvering resulted in Scientology having control of the name and equipment, etc. and files of the old CAN, through Scientology associates. The files were then turned over to the Foundation for Religious Freedom,[27] one of many which serve as a "front" group for Scientology, or which are inordinately favorable to them.[28][29][30]

An addition source of controversy has been the death of 36 year old Lisa McPherson at Scientology's Clearwater headquarters, which she was undergoing "care".[31]

Doctrinally Scientology is non-Christian (Hubbard even denied there was a Christ[32]), and is seen to be manifesting a form of New Age belief.[33] One researcher concludes that it is "an oversimplified form of regular psychotherapy mixed with hypnosis."[34]

It is also pointed out that Satanist Aleister Crowley, was Hubbard's mentor and he lived with Crowley protege John Parsons, engaging in sex magic at their black magic mansion hospice (Los Angeles Times, 24 June 1990, p. A1).[35] [36]

Liberal religious cult apologist[37] J. Gordon Melton dismisses the charge that Scientology is a cult, as he does in regard to certain other dangerous groups.[38][39]

Negative quotes

Quotes from Scientology and other material[40] [41][42] are often published in support of the critical position.

If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace." - L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 15 August 1960, Dept. of Govt. Affairs

The purpose of the suit is to harass and discourage rather than to win. The law can be used very easily to harass, and enough harassment on somebody who is simply on the thin edge anyway, well knowing that he is not authorized, will generally be sufficient to cause his professional decease. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly. - L. Ron Hubbard, A Manual on the dissemination of material.

So we listen. We add up associations of people with people. When a push against Scientology starts somewhere, we go over the people involved and weed them out. Push vanishes." - L. Ron Hubbard, Manual of justice, 1959

A truly Suppressive Person or group has no rights of any kind and actions taken against them are not punishable.- L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 1 March 1965, HCO (Division 1) Ethics, Suppressive Acts, Suppression of Scientology and Scientologists

[The court record is] replete with evidence [that Scientology] is nothing in reality but a vast enterprise to extract the maximum amount of money from its adepts by pseudo scientific theories… and to exercise a kind of blackmail against persons who do not wish to continue with their sect…. The organization clearly is schizophrenic and paranoid, and this bizarre combination seems to be a reflection of its founder, L.Ron Hubbard.” – Judge Breckenridge, Los Angeles Superior Court

Scientology is evil; its techniques are evil; its practice is a serious threat to the community, medically, morally, and socially; and its adherents are sadly deluded and often mentally ill… (Scientology is) the world’s largest organization of unqualified persons engaged in the practice of dangerous techniques which masquerade as mental therapy.” – Justice Anderson, Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia

Scientology is quite likely the most ruthless, the most classically terroristic, the most litigious and the most lucrative cult the country has ever seen. No cult extracts more money from its members." - Cynthia Kisser, the network's Chicago-based executive director, as quoted in Time, 5/6/91


This article needs a warning

Having dealt personally with these people, I can assure everyone that this is a very dangerous and manipulative cult. Given that there are so many young people who read this site, I wonder if a warning at the top advising people to stay away from these guys would be appropriate. What do people think? --DamianJohn 17:04, 14 April 2012 (EDT)

Further reading

References

  1. http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/scirelg.htm
  2. http://www.watchman.org/profile/sientpro.htm]
  3. http://www.watchman.org/sci/historyofterror.htm
  4. http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=607
  5. http://www.apologeticsindex.org/cpoint7
  6. http://www.clambake.org
  7. http://www.watchman.org/Sci/scientologymafia.htm
  8. http://www.apologeticsindex.org/s04.html
  9. cf. Scientology: the Sickness Spreads," Reader's Digest, September, l981, reprint, p.2
  10. http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/tsos/sos.html
  11. http://www.paulettecooper.com/scandal.htm
  12. http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/CoS/docs/pcof1.html
  13. http://www.holysmoke.org/pc/freako.htm
  14. Robert W. Welkos and Joel Sappell, 'Burglaries and Lies Paved a Path to Prison The Los Angeles Times, June 24, 1990
  15. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-scientologysidec062490,0,111873,print.story
  16. The Watchman Expositor (Vol. 14, No. 5)
  17. http://xenu.net/archive/go/ops/go732/go732.htm
  18. http://xenu.net/archive/go/ops/go732/go732p.htm
  19. Time, The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power pp. 32-33
  20. http://www.watchman.org/sci/historyofterror.htm
  21. http://www.lermanet.com/scientologynews/index.html
  22. The American Jurist, November 1995
  23. http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/crtquot.htm
  24. http://www.lermanet.com/scientologyscandals/criminal.htm
  25. [http://www.solitarytrees.net/pickets/sp944.htm Church of Scientology probes Herald reporter - Investigation follows pattern of harassment. The Boston Herald, March 19, 1998
  26. http://www.scientology-lies.com
  27. http://www.apologeticsindex.org/c19.html
  28. http://www.apologeticsindex.org/f00.html#ffrf
  29. http://www.xenu.net/archive/IRS/#VIII
  30. http://www.holysmoke.org/cos/cult-front-groups-latest.htm
  31. http://www.watchman.org/sci/mcpherson.htm
  32. http://www.lermanet2.com/cos/nochrist.html
  33. http://www.watchman.org/sci/hubrel03.htm
  34. Russell Miller,Bare Faced Messiah, Chapter 9
  35. http://www.watchman.org/profile/sientpro.htm
  36. http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/tsos/sos.html
  37. http://www.rickross.com/apologist.html
  38. http://www.apologeticsindex.org/m06.html
  39. http://www.apologeticsindex.org/c31.html
  40. http://www.xenu.net/archive/judge_quotes.html
  41. http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/shortquotes.htm
  42. http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/sciequot.htm

I never thought I'd say this...

but this is actually pretty close to encyclopedia quality, unlike the psuedo-scientific hate speech, and yes, some of it is hate speech, that I've seen on here in the past. Now, if only I didn't need to create an account. Poiuytrewq 23:40, 29 October 2012 (EDT)