Is Catholicism any different from Scientology?

Both Catholicism and Scientology are brainwashing cults, promoting circular-thinking and theocratic ideas. It's normal anyone aware of this danger will work against both with determination.

Simple question: If they are any good, why so many scandals and violence around them?

Originally posted by sb2012
Both Catholicism and Scientology are brainwashing cults, promoting circular-thinking and theocratic ideas. It's normal anyone aware of this danger will work against both with determination.

Simple question: If they are any good, why so many scandals and violence around them?

I feel that both do some good for the people who believe, and that people gain strength from either the "teachings" or the feeling of belonging.

As for the scandals and violence?
In the case of catholocism, man will always use what he wants for his own ends and if he corrupts the bible for this he'll say "so what"
Scientology poses rather different questions - it's a new religion in comparison - maybe in a thousand years it will have evolved into something better than it is today.