This post was submitted by a reader.The following post is a part of our “Tell Your Story” category, where our readers submit their stories about their contact with the mental health system.

This was originally a submission in our forum by Jaymax, before we changed to the new submission format:

Jaymax
Why dont you tell the truth about being a Scientologist? on: February 15, 2013, 04:50
Dear Phil.Why don't you tell the truth about being a Scientologist from the Church of Scientology? And that's why you campaign against psychiatry with misinformation and lies?
Phil
Re: Why dont you tell the truth about being a Scientologist? on: February 15, 2013, 10:34
Jaymax,I am not a member of the Church of Scientology, or indeed of any church. As to why I criticize psychiatry, it is because it is based on spurious and invalid premises and does an enormous amount of harm.If you believe that I disseminate "misinformation and lies," then please come back and specify.Best wishes.
Jaymax
Re: Why dont you tell the truth about being a Scientologist? on: February 20, 2013, 01:46
Really? You sound EXACTLY like a Scientologist ranting about the evils of psychiatry.My main issue is actually that your knowledge of the field mental health is so outdated and lacking. Do you not believe in ongoing education and Professional Development?
Phil

Re: Why dont you tell the truth about being a Scientologist? on: February 21, 2013, 10:19
Jaymax,Thanks for coming in.Firstly, the only common ground between Scientologists and me is the fact that we criticize modern psychiatry. Our reasons are very different.Secondly, I don't rant.

Thirdly, perhaps my knowledge of the field is outdated and lacking. I certainly don’t claim to know everything. The critical question, however, is this – specifically what errors am I making? What am I missing? What am I getting wrong? Attacking me because I’m “outdated” serves no purpose. Snidely questioning my commitment to education gets us nowhere. Instead, provide me one piece of hard evidence that contradicts my position. One fact is better than a thousand ad hominem attacks.

Best wishes.

Guest
Re: Why dont you tell the truth about being a Scientologist? on: March 25, 2013, 16:29
Now that's a true example of an ad hominem attack; even if he were a Scientologist, which I'm sure he is not, how does that undermine the argument and evidence he puts forth? It does not.As for Scientologists, a stopped clock, etc.