CNN: Germany moves to ban Scientology

[me]

granted, due to its editorial stance, CNN isn't my favorite news source, but this is a little scary.

how can a Western democracy ban a religion? even one they call a faux religion?

just thought any Scientologists on the list should be aware before planning a trip.

i know almost nothing about Scientology. what i do know runs counter to my own beliefs, but don't think governments have any business banning a religion. if members are doing something to hurt others, they can deal with that. but, to outright ban a religion?

- d

[herrbert]

The Germans don't consider Scientology as a religion.

In Germany (and the rest of Europe) it is mostly seen as a commercial enterprise, with very dubious methods to obtain money from their members, a sect, or at it's most positive a philosophy.

Especially in Germany Scientology is monitored constantly by the intelligence agencies, and is it considered a potential tread against the country. The court of Cologne has approved this monitoring of Scientology because the principles of the 'church' contradict the rights people have in a democracy.

In Belgium a big trail is underway that includes charges of fraud extortion and violation of privacy, amongst other charges.

[rissama]

Each country has a list of religions that they consider official and legit(sp?). Scientology must not be on that list. If it's not, they can ban it.
This isn't completely relevent, but has anyone here read The Golden Compass, and the other 2 books in the series.
If yes, Does it seem like it's selling Atheism to kids? I already know it's anti-Catholic, but one of my friends is reading it, and she told me is was fine. Although what she thinks of as fine, isn't always.