Resolved: Scientology is a proper religion based on conventional definition of what a religion is.

We are talking about both, as to say we are talking about Scientology generally. In the previous round it is made clear how both forms fit the definition of a religion. The debate is framed as to whether or not Scientology fits the definition of a religion. You refer to the word "proper" as if it has some addition definition other than the one given by dictionaries. Note the definition of proper below. Please note that any capitalized words are for emphasis and not intended to be rude. proper 1. truly what something is said or regarded to be; genuine. 2. of the required type; suitable or appropriate. (Google Dictionary) Using either #1 or #2 above is an accepted use of the word and my use of the word proper refers to #2. R1: The Official Church is a Cult, Not a Church It should be of note that the the debate is on Scientology being a religion and not a church but I did open the door in using the IRS criteria which uses the word "church" rather than religion. I believe I adequately defended how the official church fits those criteria and await a response by Con to those specific claims. We should give a definition for cult. From Merriam-Webster: Definition of cult 1: formal religious veneration : worship 2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents 3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents 4: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator 5a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : the object of such devotion c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion The use of the word cult under many circumstance in which people criticize a particular sect(Scientology, Jehovah's Witnesses etc..) tends to circle around #3 and maybe #4 above. However, all definitions above can be used really to describe most any religious faith or denomination thus the word loses any real meaning. The cry of "Cult!" is often used by critics of particular religions to demean a religion or belief system that is out of the mainstream. It is important to note that such accusations which may or may not be true such as "David Miscavige beats his staff!" cannot be used in the true sense of the definition above to refer to the Church of Scientology as a cult. Con states "A cult keeps it's members by fear or hate and official Scientology does the same. Therefore official Scientology is not a proper religion." However, we see again in the above definition of cult that does not appear. Furthermore, using the definition above the use of the word cult can be descriptive of groups or faiths that ALSO fit the formal definition of a religion which is the question of this debate. A group can be a properly defined religion AND be unorthodox and/or make claims about dogma curing disease. Thus making it a religion AND a cult rather than a religion OR a cult. Thus, the argument that the Church of Scientology official organization is a cult and not a religion is not a proper argument. The terms cult and religion are not mutually exclusive. R2: "The Unofficial Church" Independent Scientology also sometimes referred to a "free-zone Scientology" does have organizations structures and polity to it as well as having many people who are unorganized. Ron's Org Committee is one such organization, there is also The International Association of Professional Independent Scientologists, FreeZone Earth, and many others. The nature of Scientology is such that it necessitates people gathering together for study, training, and auditing. On that point Con is correct and as such independent Scientology organizations have been formed many of which seek to bleed members out of the official church because of the issues that the official church seems to have. I would ask pro to refute how Scientology independent or via the official do not meet either the dictionary definition for religion and/or the IRS definition of a church. I feel that I have made the sufficient case that Scientology generally regardless of feelings on its theology or controversy surround the church organization qualifies as a religion and church under those conventional definitions. I thank my opponent and look forward to the next round. SOURCES: https://www.merriam-webster.com... https://www.google.com... internationalfreezone.net/ www.freezoneearth.org http://www.ronsorg.com...