On Mon, 12 Mar 2001 01:23:54 GMT, "M. C. DiPietra"

[snip]

The disclaimer is quite clear in the contract people must sign before
taking scientology courses and/or auditing.

Here's the disclaimer appearing at the front of "Clear Body, Clear
Mind," the Purification Rundown book:

"This book is part of the works of L. Ron Hubbard, who developed
Scientology applied religious philosophy.  It is presented to the
reader as a record of observations and research into the nature of the
human mind and spirit, and not as a statement of claims made by the
author.  The benefits and goals of Scientology can be attained only by
the dedicated efforts of the reader.

"The Purification program cannot be construed as a recommendation
of medical treatment or medication and it is not professed as a
physical handling for bodies nor is any claim made to that effect.
There are no medical recommendations or claims for the Purification
program or for any of the vitamin or mineral regimens described in
this book.

"No individual should undertake the Purification program or any of its
regimens without first consulting and obtaining the informed approval
of a licensed medical practitioner.  The author makes no warranties or
representation as to the effectiveness of the Purification program."

If people can read such an obvious admission that what follows is bunk
and still believe they're undertaking a "medical cure," they deserve
what they get.  Sorry, I know that sounds harsh, but just how far do
you think society should go to protect people from their own
stupidity?

If you want to outlaw this sort of thing, you're also going to have to
outlaw fundamentalist Christian faith healing services along with
Roman Catholic novenas to St. Jude.  If you see that as a valid role
of government -- protecting people from their own superstitious
beliefs -- be my guest.  Just don't expect a majority of U.S. citizens
to agree with you, including most medical professionals.

Of course not.  What makes it a religion (at least under U.S. law) is
its claim to address spiritual matters.

Diane Richardson
refe...@bway.net