It seems like this whole thing started from Oprah's couch. At first sight, the church of scientology might seem like a kooky religion, perhaps not quite right for you, but everyone has the right to the freedom of religion right? However the church isn't as inocuous as it makes itself out to be. I want it to be clear that this is not an attack on the beliefs and practices of scientology. It's a protest against it's corporate structure, its tax-exempt status, its malicious litigious tactics, its continued efforts to harrass and molest critics, and its disregard for free-speech. On the 10th of february 2008, over 5000 people from all over the world protested against the church. In almost every major city in the world, including some smaller ones, the group known as anonymous stood as one, to oppose scientology.

What is scientology?
Scientology was started in the 1950s by science fiction writer Lafeyette Ronald Hubbard, in fulfilment to his declared aim to start a religion to make money. It is an offshoot to a method of psychotherapy he concocted from various sources which he named "Dianetics". Dianetics is a form of regression therapy. It was then further expanded to appear more like a religion in order to enjoy tax benefits. He called it "Scientology". The Church of Scientology is a vicious and dangerous cult that masquerades as a religion. Its purpose is to make money. It practices a variety of mind-control techniques on people lured into its midst to gain control over their money and their lives.

Who has Scientology hurt?
To put it very simply, a lot of people. Here's a VERY short list.

In Operation Snow White, the CoS infiltrated the offices of the United States government, in order to purge documents critical of Scientology. Operation Freak Out remains the single largest infiltration of the United States government in history with up to 5,000 covert agents. Eleven highly-placed Church executives, including Mary Sue Hubbard (wife of founder L. Ron Hubbard and second-in-command of the organization), pleaded guilty or were convicted in federal court of obstructing justice, burglary of government offices, and theft of documents and government property.

The church has a policy of disconnection, that is, the scientologist is forced to sever ALL ties with friends and family who are not scientologists. This policy is commonly put into effect when friends and family express concern over their loved one's continued involvement in the cult.

The church forces female members of its elite branch, Sea Org, to undergo abortions, so that the church may fully exploit members. Marriage and family are discouraged in the Sea Org, as distractions from serving the Church. There are a number of statements from women formerly in the Sea Org who state that they were advised to get an abortion when they became pregnant so that they would not be sent to lower organizations.

The Church practices ‘silent birth'. According to its doctrine, any loud noises could harm the baby later in life, as any words spoken can have an aberrative effect on the mother and the child. But this has no medical and scientific proof that these effects are even possible as the infant is unable to understand even comprehend the world around the infant. Since Scientologists are also against the use of drugs of any kind, the woman is not allowed anesthetic. Does Katie Holmes ring a bell?

So what? Other religions in the past have committed atrocities too.
Two wrongs don't make a right. If you had a time machine, and had to ability to go back and stop the Spanish Inquisition, would you? The fact is, we aren't able to right the wrongs of the past, but the important thing is that we are able prevent further tragedy today and NOW. Scientology is perpetrating these crimes right in front of our eyes, on American soil, and they need to be stopped.

Are their beliefs in-line with the Bible's teachings?
Absolutely, unequivocally not.
Scientologists believe an alien lord known as Xenu ruled the earth 75 million years ago. They believe that the cause of all human sorrow and problems is the spirit of dead aliens, attaching themselves to early man, which had evolved from clams. Keep in mind, the founder of the church was a science-fiction writer.

Something has to be done about this. What can I do to help?
As mentioned previously, Anonymous has held protests on the 10th of February around the world. Further protests are being planned for the 15th of March, on founder L. Ron Hubbard's birthday. If you would like to find out more, please visit http://forums.enturbulation.org

I could go on forever to try and convince you about the crimes of Scientology. But I'll be happy if you had read this and became curious. Below are a whole host of links, from neutral viewpoints, that should hopefully help you understand more about the cult. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Operation Clambake, one of the foremost authorities on the cult of Scientology: http://www.xenu.net

The unfunny truth about Scientology: theunfunnytruth.ytmnd.com

Scientology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Scientology
The story of Anonymous: http://www.dailymotion.com/SA-Anonymous/video/7341208

Operation Snow White: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Snow_White

Testimony from an ex, high-level Scientologist, about Disconnection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMyBgzCU14o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4itULwMy9w

Lisa McPherson, who died while in the care of Scienotologists because they have refused to provide her proper medical treatment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_McPherson

Eli Perkins, a scientologist mother stabbed by her son after refusing to provide him psychiatric care: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elli_Perkins