This is a speech Mike Rinder gave on Scientology at one of the most prestigious universities in the world for debate:

The University Philosophical Society of Trinity College Dublin.

Here Rinder lays out, after he left the official Church of Scientology and described himself an Independent Scientologist, exactly why Scientology is a legitimate religion – even if David Miscavige is a Psychopath.

This is a very skilled use of the results of social science to define what a religion is, and why Scientology fits that definition.

It’s the definition that ultimately won over the US Government to grant Scientology it’s tax exemption. Mike Rinder was a primary warrior in getting that done.

So watch what he has to say about Scientology in 2011, and think about whether it’s still true today.