What is religion? Why is religion causing some many problems in the world today?
What would the planet be like if there was no religion? Would we all be living in peace or would they be half as much blood shed and anger as there is right now?
It really is a tough question to answer, isn't it?
Besides, isn't the one message that is mentioned in all religions is that of love and that everyone should live as one?
If you actually read the holy book for yourself, page for page, and set aside any preachings you may have heard based around your religion. You may find a different perspective to the story that you might have been told.
Whoa! I hear you cry, but hear me out.
When you go to church you hear the opinions and translations of the holy book from a preacher or priest.
But if you think about it, that's their translation, their opinion, not yours and its these one sided opinions that people take for granted without reading up on everything themselves which then may lead to confusion, hatred or misinterpretation of the book hence why extremistism exists and its why I also choose not to go to church.
Now as you can gather I'm not religious but it doesn't mean I disrespect anyone else's beliefs.
Today there are so many different religions around the world you can choose to follow and there's also a few establishments that are trying to seek religious status across the world today.
One such establishment of which is the most controversial and most talked about is 'Scientology'.
Everyone knows there are two sides to every story and the story of Scientology is fast becoming a one-sided one.
L. Ron Hubbard (pictured below), was an author of Science-Fiction novels and from reading his background story, a sad, lonely individual who found escapism by establishing Scientology.
In my opinion, I can't seem to grasp the true nature of Scientology. In one hand it seems Scientology was set up for individuals who were going through the same torment as Hubbard, and this place was basically a big shoulder to cry on and to seek a state of comfort. Something which they never got from family or loved ones hence why its become a popular place to go.
But in the other hand, it also comes across as a tree-house club. Something a big kid created and thought it would be hilarious to set up an establishment, take ideas from a Sci-Fi book and use them as fact for its existence. Then as this club became popular amongst its members, it seems that this joke started getting out of hand and some people started taking the 'club facts' a bit too literally.
So what do you do when something like this starts to get out of hand? You continue to play on it and find more ways to manipulate the situation, which then becomes the basis to make some easy money, and so on, and so on.
Scientology is desperate to seek 'religious' status in the countries its based in. Its members see it as a religion, but others including court Judges see it as a money making cult. I personally see it as a messed up Salvation Army more than anything.
Yes, it does help people that need comfort and reassurance when they need it. There is nothing wrong with that what-so-ever, its great that people take time out to help others at a time in need.
Yes, its good to meet people who've had similar experiences as yourself and you make new friends, people you can relate to.
I've read blog's from non practising and ex-Scientologists who do criticise the 'Church' for some of the things they do or have done. However, they also say a lot of positive things about them, like how they've put a certain perspective on their lives which has helped them through a lot of negativity.
But the main issue that a lot of people has with Scientology, is the hatred that establishment can cause amongst its members towards others and this has been said by a lot of its ex-members.
Looking at videos of interviews that are circulating the likes of You Tube. This establishment seems to tear families and friends apart.
Why? Because it happened to its founder Hubbard, so if its happened to him, then why should anyone else live in happiness?
It seems one of the messages they bring across to its members is that your problems begin at home. So the only way to solve those problems is to cut yourself off from your family. Which in my opinion is not solving them, but making matters worse by running away from them.
I personally believe that you must confront the demons that taunt you, not run away from them as they always find you in the end.
Another issues that stands in their way of becoming a religion is the so-called 'brainwashing' preaching, using questionable technology to cleanse your soul and the all-time favourite, the technique of following people or attempt to destroy their lives who have a negative or alternative opinion about Scientology.
Journalists, ex-members or those who have things to say have all fallen victim of this harassment and discrimination of some sort.
This has even been confirmed by one of their ex-leaders recently on television in the UK.
What kind of 'religion' does that? Aren't those people entitled to an opinion? Scientology doesn't think so, and its those reasons why courts and governments won't recognise them as a 'religion'.
I've watched videos and programmes about Scientology from both the establishment themselves, television documentaries and from actual members and ex-members. These videos have been interesting, at times confusing and slightly disturbing in parts.
If establishments like Scientology helped its members more by using known and approved methods of help, support them to regain that connection they've lost with their families and friends and stop taking money from its members just to boost their own pockets, then maybe and I mean 'just maybe' people and governments may start to take a different view on them.
Overall, this is my opinion from what I've seen. I've seen both sides of the story and watched videos with great interest, as I've never seen anything like this or heard so much hype over a thing like Scientology.
I can see the intention of this establishment to do something good in people's lives. But I can also see the damage its doing to people's lives.
However, as I said in the beginning, I respect other peoples opinions and beliefs so I wish all its members well and the establishment a lot of luck doing what they believe makes its members happy.
But good luck on getting that 'religious' status as at present everything is going against you unless you change your ways for the greater good.
