Scientology

[dimondjedi9]

There has been a lot about Scientology in the news and on the television, I saw a documentary where Leah Remini opens up about the church.
Aibu to see this so called religion as a cult and quite a dangerous one at that.
The latest celebrity to quit Scientology is Pricilla Presley, who calls it an evil cult.
It’s shocking the things that the church of Scientology are accused of, their bullying tactics when a member decides to leave, it’s quite upsetting.
When John Sweeney from the bbc investigated them they followed him, trying to intimidate him, it’s shocking how a man that is usually so calm and professional totally looses it.
It amazes me how people get brainwashed and convinced to hand over ridiculous sums of money, surely with all these celebrities leaving it would prompt the authorities to investigate them, even allegations of child abuse have been made and families have been split up, there doesn’t seem that much difference between Scientology and the branch Davidians and look what happened in Waco!

Its a weird money making cult movement.

Its a weird money making cult movement.
And in no way is it a 'Church'. It was invented by a science fiction writer as an additional income stream, and has made a fortune for the people now running it.

Suppressive person (SP) laundry

Littlebelina
Thank you. That was bugging me
I knew it was vaguely offensive

Being a member of the Catholic/CoE church is different to being a member of the Scientology/Mormon church, a Jehovah's witness congregation etc. No, not all religions are cults, what a stupid thing to say. It's a shame more people don't understand how family members are manipulated into shunning 'apostate' loved ones. The Catholic Church, for example let go of any 'excommunication' rules ages ago- if you want to leave, you leave with minimal fuss and fanfare. Heck, if you're wanting to have sex before marriage, the priest doesn't even bat an eyelid. My mum is still shunned by her JW family because. Wasn't the church for her, aged 19.

The people who belong to these cult religions are, imo, no different from most other religions. It's just that the demands of each religion differ, and Scientology, JW's etc are definitely less about serving God and more about adhering to the rules of an organisation.

Actually, thinking about it, didn’t the head of the church’s wife disappear without a trace? That should be on the conspiracy theories thread.

Jigsisaw it's in Firhouse but not far from Tallaght. The building is fabulous and was built during the book by a Christian sect. It had a Starbucks and everything in it. We all wondered how it could be sustained as it's actually quite a quiet area. No big shopping centres or much footfall. It went into liquidation and has been empty for a number of years and then seemingly bought by the scientologists. People had placards saying Firhouse doesn't welcome Tom Cruise.

Am I right in thinking that they have a big compound in this country?

Yes, the head quarters are called Saint Hill, just outside East Grinstead, in West Sussex, whilst the religion is certainly popular there, I can't really say that there's a larger following in the area.

As a former member, the fact is that once you leave, you are not welcome to commune or talk with other members, I no longer see my family as I am considered an apostate.

The concepts certainly get inside your head and the 'education' runs into thousands, it can literally ruin you for life. It is a cult.

Apologies SweetAudrina! I had thought it was in Tallaght/Clondalkin! I hope people are too smart to be lured in, just because the building has a Starbucks. Here's hoping.

Jay, all religions are cults. As per the definition of cult.

I guess some of the most successful cults in the world have their followers believing 'they are not in a cult'.

My uncle and aunt have been sucked into Scientology. My aunt was into it before they met and she got him involved. It's scary how involved they've got. My aunt cannot talk about anything else and she says how much its helped her and how much power its given her. But she's still unbelievably depressed. She also has said that they know things, powerful things, that other people aren't allowed to know She also says about the bad press is all made up to discredit them.

I'm so worried about my uncle. They keep going on 'courses'. How much do you think they are?
We're really worried about my uncle.

Karate. You and I know what we mean when using the word 'cult' in this context. Have your definition, it solves nothing. Call it whatever you will, it doesn't change the fact that some religions are more dangerous than others.

@sandin I understand how you feel, I worry about my dad much as you do about your uncle. If you are close to him I'd ask to keep channels of communication open but don't try to sew too many seeds of doubt because honestly that's a losing battle. Just give honest opinions if asked. If you are too 'full on' you risk driving him away from you.

Mental health issues is probably the number one issue I have observed with all my family and friends who are 'happily' Jehovah's Witnesses.

You just pretty much quoted me Jay as I also said 'some cults are more dangerous that others' upthread. So we are in agreement.

Karate, that's good! My issue is people getting stuck in semantics and not dealing with the true issue. Honestly I have been to many churches (not Scientology, I admit) and I am astounded at what is acceptable in some more than others. Child Abuse, I can lay blame across the board. But everytime I see Jehovah's Witnesses and their little cart I want to scream and throw that cart into the path of a truck. I walk by them so often because I want them to say something so I can respectfully challenge them (because if I disrespectfully do so, word would get around and I'd lose half of my family). That religion has taken so much from me it hurts so much to see their fake smiling, happy, contented faces. But most are victims, perhaps much more than I am. So it's in places like MN where I can have a voice in the hope that one JW, or person who is thinking of becoming one, can see how their 'peaceful, true religion' has a darker than the devil side.

Long post but honestly shunning brings the worst out of good people.

And in no way is it a 'Church'. It was invented by a science fiction writer as an additional income stream, and has made a fortune for the people now running it.

The Roman Catholic Church turns over billions every year.

The Catholic Church, for example let go of any 'excommunication' rules ages ago- if you want to leave, you leave with minimal fuss and fanfare.

This is my point. There's no difference between Scientology and other cults/religions apart from how far along their evolutionary scale they are.

I find Scientology so interesting. It's so unlike other religions (in their current state). You really do have to give your life to it. The way they bring up children is bizarre and making them sign billion year contracts. Going clear is one of the best documentaries I have ever watched and the leah Remini show provides further insight.