I am sure there are many organizational similarities between Scn and any other organized "religion," because organizations of all sorts tend to have certain similarities that come with becoming organized and from operating as an organization over time. But this does not equate to an assumption that they are all equally well-intentioned, equally positive in their effects on indivuduals and groups, or potentially harmful/beneficial. The underlying beliefs (both the openly/intentionally held sort and unexamined or covert assumptions) play roles that create difference.

It's also very interesting how beliefs people hold can collide, when one juxtaposes them. An example is juxtaposing beliefs about the Temple of the Golden Globes, and Meatspace.

Amos, you have written about both, extensively... what's up with THAT!? Perhaps before pursuing the more potentially divisive topics in comparative religion, you might wrestle with that one?

~Susan