After reading the article about a Scientology Center coming to campus ("Scientology center to open on campus," Nov. 2), I felt the immediate need to inform students of two very important points:
1) The Commons is not owned by UB, but by a private real estate owner who will rent space to any constituency who can afford it.
2) Any religious/spiritual organization on campus must either be recognized by the Student Association or the Campus Ministries Association.
The article did not state that this organization is recognized by anyone at the University at Buffalo.
Further, I would caution students to be wary of any organization that has allegations of brainwashing, causes of death or cult-like traits. One common trait of a cult is to first earn your trust, then begin to teach/convince you to think as they do-not empowering you to think critically for yourself, but conform to their ways. This is not freeing and will not help a student to "understand life."
Research Scientology allegations and look for anything that does not have to do with Tom Cruise. Research for yourself. For example, I have found that Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico and Spain do not believe that Scientology is a religion.
Think for yourself! And please heed this advice for your own safety.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
