Religion and Spirituality: Opposing Views: Scientology: News and Media: Page 4

David Miscavige, the seldom-seen leader of the church, comes forth in his first newspaper interview to talk of a more peaceful time for Scientology. [St. Petersburg Times]

The German government is examining whether a utility developed by a Scientologist would prohibit public agencies from installing Windows 2000. [Wired]

Officials are investigating whether the country's restrictions on Scientology might affect Windows 2000. How? Part of the software technology is provided by a company with links to the church. [Wired]

Journalist who was invited to a birthday bash for L. Ron Hubbard, then disinvited, decides to go anyway, and reports on the long Scientologist pep rally. [Salon.com]

Amazon's snap decision to ban two books in the face of legal threats seemingly contradicts the high-minded free-speech ideals the company often spouts. [Wired]

A book removed from Amazon's site because of alleged legal troubles is now among the top 150 books sold by the online bookstore. [Wired]

As Compaq looks to clean up yet one more mess, Amazon offers a textbook example of how to shoot one's self in the foot. [ZDNet News]

Company says original ban not a mistake but thanks Netizens for feedback. [ZDNet News]

Is Hollywood on the wrong side in Germany's "Church" vs. state furor? [Salon.com]

Blog of recent news about Scientology, with archive and opportunity for discussion.

The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint against the Church of Scientology. The ASA ruled that Scientology had not proven its claim to have rescued hundreds of thousands of drug addicts. [Telegraph]

Editorial. In France, in Germany, in the United States, the Church of Scientology has been recognized as a dangerous sect. In dismissing the Justice Ministry's suit, the court has said, in effect, that slavery is perfectly legal in Russia. [Pravda]

The Advertising Standards Authority found that the Scientology poster's claim of "salvaging" drug users included prescription medication, occasional social drinking and environmental toxins as "drug use." [Guardian]