I am a Scientologist in Vancouver, Canada. This articles attempts to remain nuetral, which I admire. I dislike how the author interjects his own opinion as fact within it though. Everyone is free to think and say what they feel, i just have concerns that all the readers out there will regard this article as some authority on the subject. Scientology is a vast subject, comprising all of life, as any religion should. For that reader that says Scientology is in no way religion, I invite you to investigate just what is the definition of a religion. Is Scientology a cult? How many of you could even define that word. My point isn't to bash skeptics. There will always be someone like that. My point is that if someone wants to know more about this subject, go in to a church, a bookstore, a library, etc. and grab a book or video. Check out the official web sites. ( There are a lot of BS sites out there.) Why is it that Scientology is the fastest growing religion in the world? Why is it that many of Hollywood's superstars are Scientologists? These are people could do anything they want. go anywhere they want. Why is it that in only 50 years Scientology has actually helped more people than any physcology or physchiatry based organizations since Professor Wundt. Could it be that Scientology is a valid religion? That is not for me to tell you. You need to decide. I just ask that you decide from your own analysis, and not that of someone trying to sell newspapers, or with a vested interest in people not being more able and free.

Hi,

You seem like a reasonable person.

I am not a scientologist. I would like to ask you a question. What is scientology's position on physical illness? I am asking because I do not know. I have heard that they believe that if a person gets ill, then it is really the person's fault for being somehow weak. Is this true? Could you explain this?

Also, what do they believe about getting medical treatment?

Thank you very much.

Nice post. I am an Atheist that is greatly entertained by all forms os religion. The more self-righteous the better. I agree that in a hugely biased Western world, this article was pretty fair. I wish more people of faith were as openminded and as willing to hold a discourse as Scientologists.