From: rnewman@shell1.cybercom.net (Ron Newman) Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology Subject: CoS tells IRS it's incompatible with other religions Date: 4 Apr 1997 23:36:45 -0500 Organization: The Sea Plus Plus OrgScientology likes to tell people that it is compatible with other religions, and that you don't have to leave your current religion to join Scientology.
In 1993, however, they told the IRS something different.
The following is from "The Church of Spiritual Technology's Explanation to the IRS As To Why It Qualifies As a "Church" Described in Section 170(b)(1)(A)(i)." It was reprinted in the December 1993 (Vol. 8, No. 6) issue of The Exempt Organization Tax Review, a publication of Tax Analysts, Inc.
The magazine gives as its source "Response to Final Series of IRS Questions Prior to Recognition of Exemption of CST Under Section 501(c)(3) As a Church on October 1, 1993. "
--- begin quote ---
Footnote 6: Although there is no policy or Scriptural mandate expressly requiring Scientologists to renounce other religious beliefs or membership in other churches, as a practical matter Scientologists are expected to and do become fully devoted to Scientology to the exclusion of other faiths. As Scientologists, they are required to look only to Scientology Scriptures for the answers to the fundamental questions of their existence and to seek enlightenment only from Scientology. Thus, a Scientologist who grew up in the Jewish faith who continues formal membership in his synagogue and attends services with his family violates no Scientology policy or tenet. On the other hand, such a person is not permitted to mix the practice of his former faith into his practice and understanding of Scientology so as to alter orthodox Scientology in any way.
--- end quote ---
OK, folks. Start posting followups to this message containing official CoS statements that contradict the above. I hope to see a long thread here!
-- Ron Newman rnewman@cybercom.net Web: http://www.cybercom.net/~rnewman/home.html
Back to the Main Page