@bythebay – I did give some good things about Scientology, namely that it gives affirmation to new members such that they can get off drugs, and it does not require suicide. It also provides a safe and comfortable niche for those who seek one.
However, I have had personal experience with Scientology and have found that the fact that they will not let someone leave the religion for any reason without penalty is worrisome. Unlike other churches, which may be sad or upset if you leave or go so far as to ex-communicate you, Scientology takes you to court and sues you. And because of how they set up the paperwork members sign whenever they take one of the required classes, Scientology wins. Its founder also advocates harassment and physical violence against ex-members.
In my experience with Scientology it is difficult to find an up-side to a religion that advocates terrorizing detractors and that deliberately places its members into debt in order to get a hold over them so they cannot leave. A church that sues members for every penny they have or that blackmails members with information given to the church in confidence is not a admirable organization.
If Scientology would live and let live, perhaps those of us familiar with it but not members would find more good things to say about it.
And don’t forget, many members of Fluther successfully rely on counseling and medications to make their lives worth living, but Scientology states that psychiatry is a fraud and that mental illness does not exist.
Perhaps you should read up on Scientology before you judge us? Other people might look at so many negative comments and decide that perhaps there is something wrong with Scientology as a church and thus research it to see why so many are against it.