Some of the claims of Scientology make sense. They want to be recognized as a religion, which is their right so long as they can demonstrate that they function according to the legal classifications of an organized religion. The matter of whether they are a “cult” or not seems too subjective for the law to decide; what seems to be of greater importance is whether they function as a church or as a private club that is driven by profit motivation rather than churches which are considered not-for-profit institutions. I’m sure there’s a lot of legal stuff I don’t understand, but this aspect seems somewhat legit.
What is weirder is the history the church has of launching lawsuits against psychiatric organizations that are perceived as being in competition with Scientology. Tom Cruise famously spoke out against psychiatric medications and methods during his dark days before Les Grossman rejuvenated his public image in Tropic Thunder, and the church has gone on the record condemning all perceived opponents and in many recorded instances filing frivolous lawsuits in hopes of silencing such critics. Their list of court cases relating to freedom of religion, defamation, and copyright issues is extensive, with the number of lawsuits they have filed against others seeming to be nearly on par with the number of suits filed against them. It’s understandable, then, why they would require extensive legal defense, and why they might want to go on the legal offensive when they feel most threatened. Anyone else steeped in such constant controversy with the resources the Church has would surely do the same.
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