Googling around for all of 10 seconds, I find that the comparison hasn’t been often made between the two “religions”, but I find the similarities to be strikingly obvious
- Both religions were founded by Americans who had failed at prior enterprises (Joseph Smith tried to found a bank, L. Ron Hubbard had a less-than stellar run in the U.S. Navy and a middling career as a science fiction writer)
- Both of the aforementioned founders spent much of their lives wanted by authorities for various crimes (Smith for bank fraud and related charges…Hubbard for tax evasion, fraud, and espionage)
- Both groups conduct secret practices, with church knowledge withheld from the general public
- Both groups use psychological conditioning to exert influence over members
- Both groups have been known to include blatant racism in their teachings
- Both groups are founded on scientifically dubious concepts
There are even more similarities (especially in terms of suspicious deaths attributed to both parties), but really what it boils down to is that both “religions” are in fact fabrications of mildly imaginative conmen who created their respective churches to give glory to their favorite historical figures- themselves.
In case anyone is reading this and is curious what prompted this brainstorm, earlier this week I was called a “bigot” for mocking the fact that Mitt Romney probably wears magic underwear. I’ll copy and paste what I said in response here.
Mormonism is a money-making scheme concocted by a 19th century con man, and in it’s short history has been behind murders, racist and sexist policies, and attempts to subvert the US government. And grouping in Scientology with legitimate (i.e.: not for profit) religions shows that in your eager rush to decry any criticisms as bigotry you managed to actually learn anything about the topic you’re discussing. As hesitant as I am to ever cite it as a source, I am begging you to go read the wikipedia entries on Mormonism, Joseph Smith, Scientology, and L. Ron Hubbard.
Inherent disdain and distrust for confidence schemes and murderous cults isn’t the same thing as bigotry.
And that’s what it all boils down to. Are we so cowed that we’re not even able to point out patently dumb ideas without being shouted down as close minded hatemongers?
“No, Travis, that man who died huffing gold paint wasn’t doing something stupid- he was just experimenting. If you can’t be open minded about what other people do to expand their consciousness, you’re just as bad as Hitler and Mussolini’s secret clone baby. They named him Benidolf Hitlerini.”