Are the Weird War on Scientology Videos a Joke?

After watching a couple of popular YouTube videos which declare war on the religion of Scientology, I cannot help but wonder if it is a joke or for real?

If you have not watched the videos, you can check out the eerie Anonymous Declares War On Scientology video (here) as well as the equally eerie Call to Action video (here) via YouTube.

I will admit that I do not know much about Scientology outside of Tom Cruise and alien brains. But according to the official website of The Church of Scientology, Scientology is "the study and handling of the spirit in relation to itself, others, and all of life." Deep, man.

Whatever it is or isn't though, many people in Society tend to think of it less as a religion and more as a cult. It is not my place to judge, but an anonymous group working mainly off the power of the internet would like to see Scientology destroyed.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the group became provoked into action after the Church of Scientology demanded a viral video of Tom Cruise talking about the religion be taken off various websites. Most likely they are speaking of the Tom Cruise Indoctrination Video Scientologists Don't Want You To See video currently featured (here) on the Defamer website.

At one point in their video, the group says to watch out for Feb. 10. They actually use the term "wary" which is defined by The New American Webster Handy College Dictionary as "cautious of danger" or "alert". Most likely Feb. 10 refers to the day they have asked for people around the globe to protest The Church of Scientology.

But I find the group's threatening nature to be rather disturbing. At least the Tom Cruise so-called indoctrination video was somewhat amusing.

Of course, it could just be a joke. I guess we will see Feb. 10.

But assuming it is not a joke, I have to wonder if posting creepy messages is the best way to go about organizing a protest? Sure, they have some people's attention. But I certainly would not show up at an event that seems organized by a bunch of unknown characters off Law & Order Criminal Intent. Would you?

Sources:

Sydney Morning Herald, "Hackers Declare Scientology D-Day". Feb 7, 2008. URL: (http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/02/07/1202234012004.html)

The Church of Scientology, "Introduction". URL: (http://www.scientology.org/religion/presentation/pg006.html)

YouTube, "Anonymous Declares War on Scientology". URL: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4ESZS1QSVw)

YouTube, "Call to Action". URL: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrkchXCzY70)