I certainly am not a person who wants to start some religious war or anything like that. Lord knows I tend to be a critic or even a cynic when it comes to various religions in the world. Before I go any further, let me tell you that I am a christian and I do believe in a supreme being. Having said that, my problem has been with most of the organized religions that are out there. It really boils down to one thing... money.
I've been thrown out of churches for asking too many questions. In one rather infamous case, I was literally dragged out of a Lutheran church for raising my hand during the sermon and asking the question, "What is it that this church does to lead by the example you are setting?" I certainly wasn't being rude. I was merely trying ascertain how the subject of the sermon (being "Christ-like" to your fellow man) was being applied outside of the church. Apparently, not having an answer was solved by having me dragged back out the front door from the pew and placed on the steps outside and admonished never to come back. It ultimately did answer my question as to what that church does that is "Christ-like".
In college I studied quite a few courses in theology and enjoyed them quite a bit. But, ever since those days, my questions asked to various church leaders in different denominations have been met with some sort of veiled hostility. Ultimately, I wound up being thrown out of several Baptist churches, a Catholic church and the aforementioned Lutheran church. Just for asking a question.
On the air, I have questioned certain things the Catholic church does, usually regarding money and the whole sex crime thing. I am quite certain that my name appears on the Catholic shit list. As it does on other church lists. It assures me though, that my relationship with the All Mighty is mine alone and is rather personal.
One thing I have learned over the years, that essentially, most denominations are rather upfront regarding their tenets. That's a good thing, since many prospective members know exactly what they are getting into. Unlike those who are members of the Scientologists.
Clouded in all sorts of secrecy, the Scientologists will reveal those secrets upon the successful depositing of money in the bank. But, when questioned... well, that is a different story.
Last year, Martin Bashir was interviewing a member of this cult. He was being rather nice to the spokesperson of this group until one particular question was asked.
So, it's a violation of his religious beliefs to clarify the beliefs of Scientology?
As much as we beat up on the Scientologists. They are not the only ones who get testy about these things. However, what good is a faith in something that supposed to be inclusive when it ultimately turns its back on any questions? Jesus certainly understood that. He even suggested that one should ask questions.
Granted, Scientology is a pretty messed up deal, in my opinion. To understand their beliefs, I recommend going to
this site and reading up. Which by my posting of that probably put me on the Scientology shit list. If that is the case, so be it.
Stay Tuned...
