Whatever gets you through the night

I am the last person to care what god or philosophy people believe in, because I believe that people have to believe in something, even if it is nothing. But I cannot get past the cynicism that seems to permeate Scientology. Founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, seems to draw from self-help programs and the search for a magic bullet to make life bearable. I'll never be absolutely certain that Hubbard created his religion because in the US, these organizations are tax exempt. So, maybe I am more cynical that Hubbard.

What I think is interesting is that the same people and organizations who so vociferously condemn Scientology promote their own religion with the same single minded zeal. And they are not above some unsavory chicanery to convince others that their god is the only god. But those who strap bombs to their bodies and die for Allah (taking out a bus load of "non-believers" in the bargain) are no different than fundamentalist Muslims or Christians or Jews or Scientologists. And really, what is the difference between a god who lives in an invisible heaven or a being from another planet who lives underground and awaits rebirth? Every one of have put all their spiritual eggs into a single basket held by a very mortal man.

If we have to believe in something "better," or at least something else, if we have to look skyward to receive forgiveness for our crimes and misdemeanors, does it matter if we speak to Allah or Jesus or Yahweh or a Thetin? Isn't it better to think that whatever god we believe in has a purpose for our suffering, than to accept that bad things happen, regardless of who we are or what we do? Is it wrong for people to seek order in an increasingly disordered world?