I have found scientology to be interesting. I think It is nice to see new ideas out there, but most people are afraid, suspicious, and closed minded about them.
I have a couple of friends in LA who are scientologists, and I know for a fact they were very against gay marraige there, which no doubt has made them unpopular. Other ideas they espouse is belief in a conspiracy to create a one world government, which they oppose.
Also they vehemently oppose the psychiatric profession, and because of that they have been labeled a hate group.
I wish people were not so prejudiced and would give scientology a chance to have their say.
I would take the values of Scientology over those of France any day.

I had a brother who becamed interested in Scientology as a way to deal with his depression instead of taking medication.

After a little more than a year of involvement with that Church and it's philosophies regarding mental health and not taking medication to treat his depression my brother took his life.

I'm still trying to come to terms with my feelings over the loss of my brother. It's hard to say how I feel about the Church of Scientology and what they espouse.

Scientology has indeed had a very bad week. I am an ex-member of this group and I can confirm that the abuses that occur in this organisation are astounding. Of course, scientologists will say that I am just a disgruntled exmember. What they cannot say though is that I am just one of many thousands who witnessed the same horrendous behavior by this "church".

I am very happy since joining the LDS community. Like other Christian communities, we place emphasis on care, family and loving others. The emphasis in scientology is on "stats", money and manipulating followers. I saw it first hand. I urge anyone tempted by scientology to look at both sides of the argument and make your own mind up.

I finally woke up and joined a real religion. But that is just my own opinion.