Just a reminder, the ORIGINAL topic was of some group trying to punk Scientology. This has gotten way off topic. IF you want to express your religious views, feel free to make your own post. But as Lord Raven has just stated, he isn't cool with things. This is not something that we will be fighting for. Bring it back on topic or it's getting locked down, period.

I am going to have to agree with LordRaven's post on this one.

I didn't come here for religious lectures. No offense to GS in what you believe, that's your priority.

Frank - If nothing else, being part of a rally/protest is a way to show your son how freedom of expression works in the US and in Canada... and you are doing it together, so... have fun.

Cheers! ~ Paul.

Just a random musing, wasn't this an "off topic" topic to begin with

Anyhoo, back on "off" topic (I can feel the universe imploding in my mind now )

"I just wanna know if anyone knows more about this "Anonymous" group and what they stand for? (Other than obviously being a thorn in Scientology's side)"

Did you get enough information about the group now? To me they seem to be non-violent and ok enough group to just stand there with. But whenever a child is in the picture people get a bit worried (which is very understandable). I have no idea what I would do in your situation, but I'd say go with your gut feeling!

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Arguing on the internet is like competing in the special Olympics - You may win, but you are still retarded

Man, this was what I wanted to avoid was an all out debate on religion. I just basically wanted to know if you were in my shoes, would you let your son go to a demonstration like that?

I think I'm gonna cave and let him! If nothing else it will be fun to see a bunch of young kids out with Guy Fawlks masks on! LOL!

Shane, no one asked me to edit my post. In the original, I bashed the scientologists, and when General Scarlett stated "keep it civil" I realized that by bashing a religion (ANY RELIGION) I opened this debate to the slippery slope of religion. That's NOT what I wanted. I just wanted to get everyone's opinion on this "Anonymous" group before I told my son he could go to support them! And STILL look what happened!

Shane, YOU of all people know how I bash religion,..." but arguing religion on the internet is like running in the special olympics...."

and I'll leave it at that!!

wow you quote my sig in that last line there
But its true.

anyhoodeliho, so you are letting him go?
Wishing you good luck all the way!

If I were in your shoes I would probably let him go if he really wanted, if it turns into something that it should'nt have been then hopefully he will learn from it (this is of course worst case scenario I'm talking about here).

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Arguing on the internet is like competing in the special Olympics - You may win, but you are still retarded

'Kay, I'm not getting into a whole debate here.

Shane, your opinion is yours, and you are entitled to it. But don't belittle my beliefs or my postings. That's rude and uncalled for. Labeling an entire religious belief based solely on media perspectives and pockets of ignorance and idiocracy is no way to go. I'm sorry that you feel the way you do, but that doesn't mean that the entire Christian following is evil. Hadarel, who professed himself 'against religious followings' was decent enough to thank me for presenting my feelings instead of jamming it down someone's throat. I would think you could afford me the same courtesy, especially considering all the conversations we've had.


As for Scientology, personally I think it's a joke and a cult. But I'll stop at that since I don't know any more about the sect. Nor do I wish to at this time.

Frank, sorry for hijacking the thread, but when Hadarel and Yorky posted up what they did, I just wanted to offer up my personal experiences. So I'm sorry.

If you send your son, just make sure that he knows not to agree to anything, sign anything or eat or drink anything...........but if you trust him, then that's alright with me.

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Non illigitamus carborundum~Vos mos non effrego mihi

Coming soon: 'JoeSpecialOps'

I kinda like the sound of Anonymous, from reading those wiki articles. Since there's no structure, even no identifiable membership body (hence the name) they come across like more of a subculture than an actual organisation. (Like you can be a goth, a punk, a hippie, etc. -- certain ideological similarities but no structure beyond anything that like-minded individuals organise amongst themselves).

I admit I don't know loads about Scientology, but that's in large part due to the obsessive control of information that the Church exerts regarding itself. It certainly does look like part of the reason they've been able to grow to the extent they have is that they've put an incredible amount of pressure on anyone attempting to examine them, let alone criticise. You don't find large-scale organisations addressing them because the Church will target the individuals responsible before the ball gets rolling, apparently.

So it seems the only way to make any kind of protest against Scientology is to do it anonymously, organised in this decentralised way. Even if there's nothing wrong with the Church, its practices on a psychological or financial level, it doesn't cast them in a very good light if they're so secretive and defensive anytime someone looks on them with a critical eye. Perhaps this kind of pressure will get them to finally answer some questions that the wider world has regarding them -- if they're as virtuous as they claim, surely they have nothing to worry about? Hell, might even win over more converts.

I'm automatically put into a negative mindset towards any religion that doesn't allow itself to be criticised -- how strong can a faith be if those using it daren't allow themselves or other followers to have it questioned?

I can appreciate what has been said regarding Frank's defense of Scientologists' right to practice their religion, but at the same time he's been protecting the freedom of others to voice their concerns. Kudos to you Frank, for that but especially for taking your son's request seriously and looking into the situation with this depth. He may have been attracted to it by the V For Vendetta connection initially, but I hope you've both been able to talk about the reasoning behind the event and those matters of freedoms. I think it's great if you're going to let him attend (go with him even, if only in a supervisory capacity?) and judging by the fact there have been multiple similar events already it does give the impression it'll be the peaceful protest it purports to be and therefore safe enough. After all, anyone attempting anything more drastic would risk losing their Anonymity, and the Scientologists aren't likely to do anything overt or physical as it'd be bad for their public image.

I might keep an eye on this and future developments, and maybe look out for anything planned wherever I am at the time...

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My post was no way meant to belittle your religion. My post was about the fact Frank ased a question about something else, and you took over the thread with a page of your experiences with the Catholic Church. I'm uncomfortable with that. Your religion is your own, again, but I don't want to read about your life story with God. If this offends you, I should feel sorry, but I don't, because your post offends me.