What happened to the Scientologists?

**bailey** · June-22-09, 03:24 PM

Not defending Scientology...however...Over the last seven days...

.
This week in Holy Crimes

Texas: Pastor William Frank Brown charged with eight counts of child molestation and aggravated sexual assault.
Missouri: Pastor Aaron Rodgerson charged with failure to report child abuse, neglect, or death and practicing law without a license.
Florida: Pastor Jose Sos Santos charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of 12 year-old girl.
South Carolina: Pastor William Ralph Wilson III charged with three counts of a lewd act upon a child under 16 years of age.
Arkansas: Pastor Jason Wayne Floyd sentenced to four years in prison for statutory rape of 14 year-old girl.
New Jersey: Monsignor Patrick Brown takes "leave of absence" in FBI probe over missing parish funds.
Minnesota: Pastor Donald Budd sued by parishioner over inappropriate sexual conduct.
Pennsylvania: Father Joseph Macanga sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of kiddie porn.
New York: Rabbi Leib Glanz resigns over charges that he arranged a jailhouse bar mitzah for the son of a wealthy imprisoned felon.

This week's winner:
New York: Rev. Paul "defender of marriage" Lewis arrested in Jamaica for for having sex with a 15 year-old girl while a 14 year-old girl watched. Lewis was on a "crusade" in Jamaica for his church and paid the girls $30-$60 each. In February Lewis was accused of raping a 19 year-old in a parking lot, but his accuser later recanted her statement. From Rev. Lewis' bio: "Only once in a lifetime does someone come along with such a gifting yet humble and caring spirit." You can buy an "annointed prosperity kit" including "miracle olive oil soap" on Lewis' site for a mere $24.95 + $9.95 shipping and handling.

**Sstashmoo** · June-22-09, 03:56 PM

Quote: "You do realize that Christianity was once considered a small fad cult by the Romans and Jews."

This is about as jaded and misinformed as it gets, they were so insignificant that they felt it necessary to jail and put to death the leader and base our modern day calendar on him.

Try again.

**Detroitej72** · June-22-09, 05:51 PM

Funny, many people on this forum who claim to be tolerant sure are being anything but in regards to Catholicism. What, its OK to hate and bash Catholics only?

In the last year, the U.S. has broke new ground by electing its first black president, but, sadly, we've still had but one Catholic president. I guess the Catholic Church is still considered too taboo for most in this country.

And I'm sure those here who are damning the Catholic Church would scream in support of someone who was being mocked for being an atheists. Such double standards are a bunch of horse hockey.

**DetroitPlanner** · June-22-09, 08:21 PM

I heard that the Scientologists are coming to Detroit because they figure Tom Cruise can get elected to the City Council and John Travolta's is buying DET for his own planes. Can anyone confirm this?

cheddar bob · June-22-09, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Detroitej72

Funny, many people on this forum who claim to be tolerant sure are being anything but in regards to Catholicism. What, its OK to hate and bash Catholics only?

Catholics are an easy target. When they stop fucking little boys, I predict the bashing will wane.

cheddar bob · June-22-09, 08:34 PM

Also, for those of you who are supporters of the catholic church, how do you feel about the money that you give to the church every week going to the defense and hidding of priests who molest kids?

**Sstashmoo** · June-22-09, 08:38 PM

Howard Stern wannabe.

cheddar bob · June-22-09, 08:45 PM

Aren't you catholic, sstashmoo?

**Detroitej72** · June-22-09, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by cheddar bob

Catholics are an easy target. When they stop fucking little boys, I predict the bashing will wane.

You make it sound as if all priests are guilty.

What the Church should have done was toss all the guilty pedophiles to the police in the first place and let justice be served. They certainly screwed the pooch on that one. However, that's all Monday morning quarterbacking now.

As far as the Catholic Church, they have always been a big target for all the evils in this country for the last century. Thats what happens when your in the minority, in a Protestant country.

**Detroitej72** · June-22-09, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by cheddar bob

Also, for those of you who are supporters of the catholic church, how do you feel about the money that you give to the church every week going to the defense and hidding of priests who molest kids?

What about all the charitable work the Catholic Church does in the world?

Just because some pedophiles tainted the church, and idiot bishops hid the crimes, it doesn't make the whole denomination evil.

cheddar bob · June-22-09, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by Detroitej72

What about all the charitable work the Catholic Church does in the world?

You're answering the question with another question.

**Sstashmoo** · June-22-09, 10:48 PM

Quote: "Aren't you catholic, sstashmoo?"

Translation: I'm working really hard to offend you and hopefully piss you off at the same time, how am I doing?

Lorax · June-22-09, 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by Sstashmoo

Gannon, would you like a free personality test?

Gannon doesn't need one, you, however.....

and it wouldn't be free, either. It's gonna cost you, and require multiple sessions.

**Gannon** · June-22-09, 11:02 PM

As with ALL organizations, it seems some good still gets done through willing individuals oftentimes DESPITE the oppressive force of the leadership and other merely human distractions.

But it is the willing individuals, open to a positive move of the Spirit, who effect this...usually having NOTHING to do with the organization save they happen to be members, too.

Any good coming through the Catholic church is likely peripheral to their true purpose, as their core goal HAS TO BE the perpetuation of the group. That, it seems, is the shortcoming of any and all human-made organizations...most times they have to act contrary to individual leadings simply due their momentum, and they don't suffer change very well.

From what I see, all organized Christian groups suffer from acting largely contrary to how I understand Jesus/Yeshua's direct teachings. If they all followed those teaching to the letter, they would be nearly interchangeable with any good Buddist.

I've seen willing individuals effect true good, beauty, love, joy and peace from within and without every organized religion...and the mystics aligned in each tradition all seem to describe their experiences with a common verbiage.

Cheers!

Lorax · June-22-09, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Sstashmoo

Quote: "You do realize that Christianity was once considered a small fad cult by the Romans and Jews."

This is about as jaded and misinformed as it gets, they were so insignificant that they felt it necessary to jail and put to death the leader and base our modern day calendar on him.

Try again.

Here it is, again.

Yeah, but until that day came, several hundred years later, Jesus was just another personality cult leader, and was put to death alongside the two thieves to save time. If he was that important at his death, then he would have drawn a bigger crowd. Martyrdom was big in those days, rather like it is in modern day Islam.

When more and more people began drinking the KoolAid, it was easier to change the official state religion to Christianity, and declare the pagan gods dead and buried.

Sort of like what's happening to Christianity now, supplanted by science and evolution. Fact based reality versus unproven stories passed down through a much-translated 2000+ year old book of Jewish fairy tales.

I'm so glad we now know why the sun goes away at night.

cheddar bob · June-22-09, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by Sstashmoo

Quote: "Aren't you catholic, sstashmoo?"

Translation: I'm working really hard to offend you and hopefully piss you off at the same time, how am I doing?

Nope. I was thinking that if you were catholic, there's a higher chance that you were molested as a child, thus helping to explain why you are the way you are today.

Still haven't figured out that quote function yet, huh? I know the old forum's quote function was way beyond your grasp, but even you should be able to figure this one out. It's pretty cool because when you quote someone, it incorporates their name so people don't have to go back a figure out who you're trying to quote. You really should try it some time. I don't know, maybe I'm giving you too much credit and you can't figure this one out either.

**Sstashmoo** · June-23-09, 12:08 AM

Quote: "Sort of like what's happening to Christianity now, supplanted by science and evolution."

You can stop flailing your arms. Your inaccuracies are being put forth by the right wing sector of our media because Obama was elected. In true moronic fashion, they have extrapolated because Obama was elected that the majority of the nation must not be religious anymore. It's BS. I can tell you this, as the economy worsens we will all see a spike in religious awareness. Check our history [[on that too).

These atheists acting like they are some sort of majority and pointing out societal trends is laughabale at best. This is the internet. You know the same bunch that had Howard Dean elected before he even ran for office. He ran for office out in the real world, and went over like a fart in Church, noticed, but not mentioned. That was the power of the internet, it's powerless.

**bailey** · June-23-09, 07:30 AM

Funny, many people on this forum who claim to be tolerant sure are being anything but in regards to Catholicism. What, its OK to hate and bash Catholics only?

I dont think anyone is picking directly on catholics--except for the easy target of pedophile priest and the decades of cover up. I believe the simple theme here is all religions sound awfully crazy, so why all the uproar over another cult on the scene? Are you afraid of the competition?

I can tell you this, as the economy worsens we will all see a spike in religious awareness. Check our history [[on that too).

I'll tell you that any spike in church attendance in a down economy is most likely because people want to have something external to both blame and rely upon. It's not my fault...it's all god's plan. He won't give me more than I can handle. God will provide.

**Sstashmoo** · June-23-09, 09:06 AM

Quote: "except for the easy target of pedophile priest and the decades of cover up."

Lame.

**Gannon** · June-23-09, 10:48 AM

Yeah, it WAS pretty lame of the church leadership.

They failed the flock. Plain and simple.

As far as I can tell, this is all part of the Maker's plan to break the lockhold this group has kept over generations of sheople.

Again, that DOES NOT reduce the positive effects done upon the earth by followers and devotees who allow the Spirit to flow through them...and in no way challenges their relationship with God/Yahweh/Jehovah.

They can be in relationship with the Maker despite which group they were born into...I'm so sure that this Being Outside of Time has NOT chosen merely one group to be It's bidder that any time I hear any member of ONE religion saying that they are the 'only way', that is exactly when I know for sure that they cannot be even a good way to meet and relate with the Time Being.

Plus, anytime any group introduces rote-habit prayer and 'worship'...en masse and devoid of personal interaction...and also insists that some person, usually a man, MUST be the go-between and translator for the seekers and followers...then I'm also pretty sure something is greatly amiss.

That said, it is not simply the Catholics who've strayed from their main purpose in order to perpetuate their group's survival...as far as I can tell this has happened with the Jewish and Muslim faiths as well...as more tradition and decisions of men are glommed onto the original purpose and intent of the group.

Oh, the pestering and persistent evil that can sneak through committees of men...take me back to a time before 325 a.d.. The grass was always greener in an earlier age...

**Detroitej72** · June-23-09, 04:50 PM

There sure is a lot of hot air from people who obviously have no clue to the teachings of the Catholic Faith. Fortunately they are not alone, as many folks who claim Catholicism seem to have no clue why the rituals and services are the way they are. Oh well, to each their own.

BTW, I thought the purpose of this thread was to discuss Scientology, what happened? People's hatred of Christianity has hijacked the discussion.

**Maxine1958** · June-23-09, 05:11 PM

Best term I've heard lately that perfectly blends into this thread.

Devout Pedestrian - I won't step on your toes, please don't step on mine.

And while I'm posting, I'll add my two-cents on Catholic priests molesting young boys. I am convinced this happens in other religions. I've heard from victims who were Jewish and Lutheran. Same thing happened when the incidents were reported. The offender was 'reassigned' by their superiors. I also know of charges filed against a Methodist minister. He and his family fled to Texas the day after the summons was delivered. Perhaps Catholics make better news stories.

And before you ask, yes I am Catholic and proud of it. I may not be as devout as I once was, but I still practice my faith.

**Sstashmoo** · June-23-09, 05:29 PM

Quote: "Perhaps Catholics make better news stories."

Agreed, and yes this sort of thing goes on everywhere. Lots of infidelity, that gets hushed up real quick. I know some stories that are fact regarding preachers and women in their congregation. Matter of fact, I seen so much over the years, I realized I wanted no part of the current worship methodology. They aren't any better than anyone else, it's just an act. And a lot of Churches are just businesses operating under the auspices of a house of worship, moneychangers. I worked with a guy that actually made this statement: "If they cut our overtime, it's back to preaching for me".

**Bobl** · June-23-09, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by bailey

Not defending Scientology...however...Over the last seven days...

This week in Holy Crimes

Texas: Pastor William Frank Brown charged with eight counts of child molestation and aggravated sexual assault.
Missouri: Pastor Aaron Rodgerson charged with failure to report child abuse, neglect, or death and practicing law without a license.
Florida: Pastor Jose Sos Santos charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of 12 year-old girl.
South Carolina: Pastor William Ralph Wilson III charged with three counts of a lewd act upon a child under 16 years of age.
Arkansas: Pastor Jason Wayne Floyd sentenced to four years in prison for statutory rape of 14 year-old girl.
New Jersey: Monsignor Patrick Brown takes "leave of absence" in FBI probe over missing parish funds.
Minnesota: Pastor Donald Budd sued by parishioner over inappropriate sexual conduct.
Pennsylvania: Father Joseph Macanga sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of kiddie porn.
New York: Rabbi Leib Glanz resigns over charges that he arranged a jailhouse bar mitzah for the son of a wealthy imprisoned felon.

This week's winner:
New York: Rev. Paul "defender of marriage" Lewis arrested in Jamaica for for having sex with a 15 year-old girl while a 14 year-old girl watched. Lewis was on a "crusade" in Jamaica for his church and paid the girls $30-$60 each. In February Lewis was accused of raping a 19 year-old in a parking lot, but his accuser later recanted her statement. From Rev. Lewis' bio: "Only once in a lifetime does someone come along with such a gifting yet humble and caring spirit." You can buy an "annointed prosperity kit" including "miracle olive oil soap" on Lewis' site for a mere $24.95 + $9.95 shipping and handling.

But, if one high profile "devil worshiper" or "satanist" commits a crime, the press would be all over it with banner headlines.
Does anyone remember "Prophet Jones", the local Detroit preacher who drove a fleet of Cadillacs and sold "prayer cloths" and other merchandise on his television show?

**Detroitej72** · June-23-09, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by Bobl

This week in Holy Crimes

Texas: Pastor William Frank Brown charged with eight counts of child molestation and aggravated sexual assault.
Missouri: Pastor Aaron Rodgerson charged with failure to report child abuse, neglect, or death and practicing law without a license.
Florida: Pastor Jose Sos Santos charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of 12 year-old girl.
South Carolina: Pastor William Ralph Wilson III charged with three counts of a lewd act upon a child under 16 years of age.
Arkansas: Pastor Jason Wayne Floyd sentenced to four years in prison for statutory rape of 14 year-old girl.
New Jersey: Monsignor Patrick Brown takes "leave of absence" in FBI probe over missing parish funds.
Minnesota: Pastor Donald Budd sued by parishioner over inappropriate sexual conduct.
Pennsylvania: Father Joseph Macanga sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of kiddie porn.
New York: Rabbi Leib Glanz resigns over charges that he arranged a jailhouse bar mitzah for the son of a wealthy imprisoned felon.

This week's winner:
New York: Rev. Paul "defender of marriage" Lewis arrested in Jamaica for for having sex with a 15 year-old girl while a 14 year-old girl watched. Lewis was on a "crusade" in Jamaica for his church and paid the girls $30-$60 each. In February Lewis was accused of raping a 19 year-old in a parking lot, but his accuser later recanted her statement. From Rev. Lewis' bio: "Only once in a lifetime does someone come along with such a gifting yet humble and caring spirit." You can buy an "annointed prosperity kit" including "miracle olive oil soap" on Lewis' site for a mere $24.95 + $9.95 shipping and handling.

There seems to be an awful lot of Protestant molestation going on, yet people on this board gleefully boast only of Catholic Priests who commit sex crimes.

Catholics make the best targets because we are the largest denomination and this country has historically discriminated against us. Note all the hatred that was thrown at JFK while he was a candidate and the fact that we haven't seen a Catholic president since.