From: isds11990012@memstvx1.memst.edu
Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology
Subject: PUBLIC WARNING.  (Was Re: Ending Scientology)
Date: 14 Dec 92 01:16:48 -0600
Organization: Memphis State University

In article <1992Dec12.105034.4551@memstvx1.memst.edu>, isds11990012@memstvx1.memst.edu writes:
> In article <schafmei.724038030@sfu.ca>, schafmei@fraser.sfu.ca (Chris Schafmeister) writes:
>> I've pretty much come to the conclusion that 
>> scientology like many other cults is an 'evil'
>> organization that preys on people who are
>> ignorant of the cult or confused.
>>
> 
>   We've noticed.
>  
>> I think that cults like this eventually die
>> of their own accord just to be replaced by others.
>> 
>> 
>> As an open question to non-scientologists:
>> 
>> What kinds of laws or programs could be created
>> that would limit the damage done to society by these
>> cults?
>> 
>> My own ideas are the following:
>> 
>> Cults need a constant influx of mostly young people.
>> Older people are probably wiser or too set in their ways
>> to be seduced by glitzy advertising.
>> They need an influx of people because the longer
>> a person is in a cult, the less money they are able to get
>> a-hold off.
>> Also, most people who work within cults should eventually
>> learn that they aren't getting anything worthwile and
>> drop out or they become too poor to continue.
>> 
>> No law that restricted peoples right to choose religion
>> would ever get off the ground.
>> 
>> Maybe if a law were created that prevented religious
>> organizations from contacting ex-members,
>> ex-members might be more willing to speak up against
>> cults.
>> This might accelerate the dissolution of the cult.
>> 
>> Or perhaps we need a 'Better Religion Bureau' where
>> complaints can be made against religious organizations
>> the same way people can complain about businesses,
>> doctors, police, etc.
>> 
>> Anybody else have ideas?
>> 
>> .Chris.
> 
> 
>   Okay, I'm a Scientologist, so I didn't answer any of those questions
> since you invited everyone else to but a Scientologist.
>   It just shocks me that you'd actually have the stomach to post crap
> like that.  You're ideas are truly dangerous and have no place in a 
> free society.
> 
> -John Holifield
> 
> 
> 
> 


   Wow, I really caught a lot of flak for writing that.  It seems
that a few of you who have posted and/or mailed to me think I might
be advocating the suppression of free speech.

   This is not the case.  I reposted the entire text of the conversation,
and anyone who can read can clearly see that I was not advocating
suppressing Chris's right to express himself.

   On the other hand, Its clear that Chris IS SUGGESTING some type
of legal action that would restrict religious freedom.  Also his use
of the word "cult" leads me to believe that he only wishes to oppress
those religions that HE VIEWS undesirable.

   I feel that I'm correct in thinking that this type of thinking
seriously threatens our already decaying liberty in the US.

   Don't be fooled by Chris's doubletalk.  For example he states
"No law that restricted peoples right to choose religion would ever
get of the ground".  It appears he's one religiously tolerant dude.
But then just five lines later he says "This might accelerate the
dissolution of the cult."

   It is clear to anyone that what Chris is suggesting is the oppression
of minority religions that he feels are not worthy of being called a
religion, and must be called cults.

   Also, we see that Chris writes:

  "Maybe if a law were created that prevented religious organizations
from contacting ex-members, ex-members might be more willing to speak
up against cults."

   I ask you.  WHO is reccommending that laws be passed that will limit
YOUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH?  It is clear from Chris's own statements
that he is.  

   The freedom of speech and the freedom of religion are VERY 
important.  Its very important to all of us that we be alert and
not let people like Chris have their way with the United States and
the rest of the world.

Most sincerely,
John Holifield