While I agree that Scientology is no odder than any other religion I think that just pushes for an argument that all religions are cultish. I mean, "This cracker is my body and this wine is my blood"?! Yeah, its all pretty bizarre to me.

The difference is that most Christians can function in society. Many people who join the church of scientology are unable to do so after some time within the church. The weirdness of the beliefs are not what turn a religion into a cult.

Even a religion that is not a cult, such as Christianity, can have sects that are cults.

I would have to say that "a bizarre faith invented by a sci-fi hack" pretty much sounds like one good definition or example of what a cult is.

Are a few words associated with scientology.

If they simply let people go about thier way, or come and go as they please while asking for donations it would be one matter.

But since scientology has been linked to "dissapearences", strange deaths of those who open and vocally oppose it, deaths of members who were stripped of all their money and possesions (including their house). Subliminal brainwashing sessions...the list goes on. It is an aggressive methodic money stripping machine that uses the religion trump card to get away with much and has some of the best lawyers possible to destroy people that cause it trouble.

That and the minor point that while most religions preach to do well by your neighbor scientology teaches you to use anyone possible as a stepping stone for your own advantage.

THAT is why people have issues with scientology, because despite the extreme efforts they take to cover up and prevent public knowledge of some of the "less savy" aspects that go on, many people still know and if you look hard you can find several well researched articals and videos tucked away here and there on the internet that the scientology legal squad hasn't found a way to take down yet.

So...definition of religion...cult...does it matter? Its a bad thing either way and the more informed the public is the better.