Should Germany ban Scientology?

Question

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/12/07/germany.scientology.ap/index.html

The article is about Germany's move to ban Scientology. Please read it and share your thoughts.
Why does Germany view the Church of Scientology as an enemy? Do you know exactly what it is about Scientology which is "in direct conflict with the German Constitution?" And how would you feel if Scientology were banned in YOUR country? (please state Country) Is this remind you of another time Germany banned a religion and then systematically tried to elimate an entire race? (Judaism/Jews)

Edit: To "Death From Above:"
My intent was not to insult Jews. But I live in the U.S.A., where it is not illegal to be a part of any group, including Nazis, KKK, various malitia organizations, Black Panthers, etc. I abhor what any of these groups represent, but I support their right to exist. Freedom for all is only as strong (or meaningful) as the level of freedom granted to those with unpopular ideas.
The similarity I was attempting to make was in reference to how Hitler blamed the Jews for all the country's woes, and did a damn good job convincing his countrymen he was right. Banning any thought is dangerous as is labeling a group an enemy of the state.

I'm not defending Scientology.... I really don't know much about it. However, I do know about religion, in general, and there seems (to me) to be a common desire by all religions to control (or at least influence) government.

Answer 1

Germany is not moving to ban it. Some high-up people in Germany want it banned. I do not think they will succeed, precisely because of what you suggest - it would remind people of the Holocaust even if there is no real similarity.

I do oppose Scientology and I believe in keeping people informed about it. But I would not try to ban it. Some Scientologists do break the laws, usually while harassing people who speak out against Scientology, but one does not necessarily have to do anything illegal to be a Scientologist and most of them don't. Banning a religion that isn't necessarily breaking any laws is like banning freedom of thought. Also, it's impossible to ban a religion - it'll only make the religion stronger.

Answer 2

Considering Scientology, as an organization, having been involved in numerous illegal activities, activities which are part of the very writen systemology of Scientology?

Yes, yes it should be banned.

I have nothing against religions, but Scientology's own founder admitted that it was nothing more than a tax scheme.

If someone wishes to believe the teachings of Scientology, that's their issue, but no, I do not feel the organization should be recognized as a legal entity.

Answer 3

Because Scientology is the single most destructive organization on this planet. Yes I say this in a time when such groups as al-queda exist, not to say that al-queda is not dangerous But Scientology will destroy your mind, relationships and personality.(not to mention your bank account)
How do they do it? they trap you into their religion by first feeding you truth , then lies.
And don't for one second think that you have to be in the religion for them to ruin your life. The reason I even got involved in the first place was because of people who I never imagined that would have been scientologist secretly caused "bad" things to happen to me and little by little I became stressed. and they "happen" to have a book of dianetics at their work place. Their explanation was that they bought the book but didn't really know what it was so they gave it to me to read on long trips.(we traveled alot). 14 years later I found out the truth and all my unfortunate events all made sense now.
I hope this was informative.
I don't mean to make anyone paranoid .All I can say is question anything that doesn't quite sound right.Know your limitations and investigate, for example I knew nothing of the mind, so the first thing I came across that made sense to me(dianetics) I believed, I didn't know my limitations, so I didn't investigate other philosophies on the mind.
I hope my experience serves to help others.
I will gladly clarify anything that doesn't make sense

Answer 4

scientology is not a religion! It's a scam and a cult pretending to be a religion to get credibility from the public. So yes! It should be banned. Absolutely!!

Answer 5

Susan, with all due respect, perhaps one should NOT compare Judaism to Scientology ?
EDIT: SUSAN, I never meant to suggest your intent was to slight Jews. What I meant was that Scientology is NOT a religion. It (cult, and a dangerous one) was started by a second-rate science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard on a bar bet that he indeed can. The rest is a matter of public record. They are responsible for deaths of people after taking them off medication and denying them access to professional medical care. I apologize if my original answer has insulted you. Please check out

http://www.xenu.net/roland-intro.html

to learn more

Answer 6

I'm for banning, it appears to be focused on doing harm and getting rich...

We don't ban religions here in Finland, but if we did, that'd be pretty high up on my list...

I think the Germans actually are using the laws that were designed to combat a re-emergence of Nazism...

Answer 7

They are not banning it because it is a religion. They are banning it because it is a racket where people get rich off of it at the expense of desperate believers.

Answer 8

They want to ban it precisely it reminds them too much of Nazism. I live in the US, and they are a very scary organization and, I contend, NOT a religion.

Answer 9

They are just banning Stupidity. Not a religion.

Answer 10

no if thay ban it more will want to join it the last time germany tried baning a religion we had ww2