Scientology - cult or helpful

[Lochnessgiraffe]

My dcousin has recently started going to the local scientology place and I have been concerned. He is doing and paying for the self improvement courses. He says that they are friendly and helpful and supportive. He is not long separated from his wife and family and I think v vulnerable. He has no other friends. I live over 3 hours away from him but try to contact him about every week but this is all he talks about now and posts about. He seems happier with himself and more confident. But I'm concerned.
Aibu to be worried or just leave him as he's happy?

Its no more or less a cult than any religion.

I work in the building next door to their Clearwater headquarters and they are robotic, brainwashed, horrifying people. It’s absolutely a cult, there are no services, no community outreach, no charity, nothing at all in common with ANY other religion. As I walk by their gates, they scuttle inside like they are afraid I, or any of us normal people, will try to get inside, when we all give them wide berth. They don’t speak to anyone, they have cameras all over everywhere and are trying to buy up as much of the city as they can. It’s awful. They are really hated, too.

yes they are a cult.
of course they present as less threatening when someone is just arrived. no sensible oppressive cult is going to print leaflets saying 'hi. we are an oppressive cult. please wait while we wrap our tentacles around every aspect of your life so that you can never leave'

It may or may not be a cult by your definition but it definitely preys on the vulnerable. To call them a bunch of sadistic control freak soul suckers motivated by power and money wouldn't do them a disservice.

OP I think you need to step up and take this seriously. Go to him and tell him he is vulnerable and they are dangerous.

To the pp who was amazed how celebs are linked to it: they are paid by the cult to show up to things.

It's a cult. And a scary one.
It might be possible to leave after take a few courses but the cousin really needs to do it now before he is a member (unless he already is one).

I don't know if you have NowTV or access to it (you could do a free 1 month trial), but there's a documentary on there about Scientology. A fair few interviewed were high up in the organisation and left. It's fascinating viewing and gives you a real insight into the madness of it all

There is a documentary called leah remni scientology the aftermath all about it completely fascinating she is a ex member