Scientology Protests

[Jikanu]

We've been through the whole respect thing before Jik. I asked you once if you would truly respect a pastafarian. The answer is I'm sure, "No." Even if you outwardly seem acceptable, inside you'll be thinking, "What a jerk." Me and Hrae just don't keep that to the inside, because religion isn't something that stays in a person's house these days. People of one religion have a few seats "reserved" for them in colleges in my country, diminishing my chances of being accepted purely because of my beliefs. People of a certain religion are granted certain different tax cuts, making me pay more because of my beliefs (not that I pay taxes yet, but you get my point).

And atheists are accused of lashing out at religion and religious beliefs while there is obvious disparity elsewhere. I do not precisely hate religion, but I do hate how it decides my life. The day I respect your beliefs will be the day you show me exactly why I should.


Oh, and hi. Long time.

Hai Vasu! long time no see!

Anyways, on to the thread:

if all that is true, with the colleges and such, i agree. it's total bull.

And about the pastafarians, if it was a real religion, not just a thing meant to illustrate an alternative way of looking at religion, i would think their beliefs were insane, but i'd try to keep an open mind and allow them a forum to explain their beliefs so that perhaps i could understand them and their religion better, instead of ridiculing them. That's what a debate IS. An argument in which both parties act respectable and mature.

I agree that it should stay in the home though. It shouldnt be something that divides, or is looked at as something that makes a person different.

[Hraesvelg]

From Princeton's wordnet for "debate":

# argue with one another; "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary"
# consider: think about carefully; weigh; "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind"
# discuss the pros and cons of an issue
# argument: a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal; "the argument over foreign aid goes on and on"
# argue: have an argument about something
# the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)

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Your arguments have been weighed carefully and have been found lacking. There is no reason to respect a debunked position. Do you respect flat-earthers?

You'll note this has nothing to do with your respect as a person, but respect for your ideals. You seem like a decent enough sort, but you hold popular crackpot ideals.

[Vasu]

All hail the take-words-out-of-my-mouth-man.

[Yosei]

Scientology is the only religion I admit I am not fond of. I mean, if I had a friend who was a Scientologist, I wouldn't judge them for it or bash their religion, I'm just saying, from the stories I've heard it does make the religion look kind of... cult-like and secretive. But then again, some of the incidents cannot completely be proven and all religions have their extremists.

[Hraesvelg]

Scientology is the only religion I admit I am not fond of. I mean, if I had a friend who was a Scientologist, I wouldn't judge them for it or bash their religion, I'm just saying, from the stories I've heard it does make the religion look kind of... cult-like and secretive. But then again, some of the incidents cannot completely be proven and all religions have their extremists.

Princeton's Wordnet for "cult":

# followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
# fad: an interest followed with exaggerated zeal; "he always follows the latest fads"; "it was all the rage that season"
# followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
# a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false; "it was a satanic cult"


Sounds like a plucky little band of desert dwellers about 2000 years ago.