UK Supreme Court rules that Scientology is a religion

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/reli...eme-Court.html

Scientology has been recognised officially as a “religion” after Britain’s highest court swept aside 158 years of law to rule that worshipping a god is not essential to religion.

But ministers voiced alarm that it could open the way for the group to claim lucrative tax breaks worth hundreds of thousands of pounds a year and other legal privileges.

More worrying is that this brings the religious hatred and discrimination laws into play.

[Russ]

They'll be classing football teams as religions next.

More worrying still is the Supreme Court's apparent willingness to change the law based on a panel of judge's opinions about society and its attitudes. If these have changed ,then it is for Parliament to legislate.

As far as I'm concerned they are still a cult.

[alferret]

Jedi'ism is next for becoming a recognised religion. I'm still a padawan so only have a few light side followers, need to convert a couple of dark siders me thinks!

[Gary L]

I say let them get on with it.

I don't suppose the normal man on the street could care less whether somebody has classed this or anything as a 'religion'

I don't suppose the normal man on the street could care less what or who a religion is.

as long as it doesn't interfere with his life.

[Mick Fisher]

Scientology is not a religion it's a scam.............Oh wait..

Originally Posted by Mick Fisher

Scientology is not a religion it's a scam.............Oh wait..

The difference is the Catholic church doesn't have a history of taking legal action against those who say mean/critical things about it.

[Mick Fisher]

Originally Posted by Damien

The difference is the Catholic church doesn't have a history of taking legal action against those who say mean/critical things about it.

What was The Spanish Inquisition all about then?

Originally Posted by Mick Fisher

What was The Spanish Inquisition all about then?

A Monty Python bit?

Yeah ok but that was a long time ago, what's relevant is what they do now. Can't judge people by their predecessors.

[Pierre]

If the followers want it to be a religion then It's as much a religion as any other.

It's not for others to decide.

[Mr Angry]

Originally Posted by Pierre

If the followers want it to be a religion then It's as much a religion as any other.

It's not for others to decide.

What he said.

[Stuart]

Much as I don't like Scientology, I agree with Pierre.

Originally Posted by Pierre

If the followers want it to be a religion then It's as much a religion as any other.

It's not for others to decide.

Not really because there are tax breaks and legal ramifications to being a religious organisation and I don't think it's reasonable for this to be awarded based on the will of an organisation or the people that follow it. Scientology charges it's followers for their sessions and auditing and it makes money.

[Pierre]

Were there tax breaks when Jesus and Mohammed were knocking about?

---------- Post added at 23:41 ---------- Previous post was at 23:35 ----------

Originally Posted by Damien

. Scientology charges it's followers for their sessions and auditing and it makes money.

I nearly fell off my chair when i read that.

Spat my wine out and scared the cat.

What do you think the catholic and Anglican Church in the UK have been Doing for centuries.

Yes, look around the " not for profit" Vatican once in your life.

Never had a collection plate thrust upon you in church?

Do people not pay the Anglican Church land rent?

Organised religions are all money spinners, in that case Scientology is just carrying on a fine tradition