A married couple is suing the Church of Scientology in a Florida Court, claiming they were defrauded out of $420,000, donated to pay for building projects and humanitarian initiatives.   This money, they say, was used to “stifle enquiries” into church activities and to bankroll the “lavish lifestyle” the leader, David Miscavige.

If people are so stupid that they give money to these so-called religions, one’s sympathy is somewhat limited.  It seems that the thirst to “belong” is coupled with mind-bending naivete.

Epicureanism is not a “church” and has no “leader”, poor or wallowing in luxury at the expense of others.  It is, however, a way of life that includes moderation, inclusivity and simply getting on with ones fellow human beings and respecting the environment and the creatures we share it with. It seems extraordinary that anyone should trade this simple and decent idea for groups run by control freaks who have one thing in common:  they are always “right”.