Scientology: Religion or Cult?

Before I begin this, I should start by saying that I’m not looking to shame anyone who believes in Scientology. I simply wanted to write about something that fascinates me. I am a bit of what some might call a “conspiracy theorist.” Now, I’m not saying I believe that Obama is a reptile or anything, but there are some theories that I think are worth giving an open mind to. Scientology being a cult is one of those theories. So what would make me think this?

Well just take a look at their own promotional video…..

What are some of the Scientology basics/beliefs?

***I will be including a video below to include much more detail

• Scientology was created by a man named L.Ron Hubbard who served in the U.S. Navy
• Scientology is based on the idea that there was once an alien named Xenu who was the Director of the “Galactic Confederacy.”
• Xenu then dropped humans into volcanos, thus causing their spirits (“Thetans”) to have to attach to human bodies and thus causing them trauma
• These bodies are temporary vessels for your “Thetan” aka spirit, which is immortal btw
• Your family is just one of millions of families that you’ll have over lifetimes of trying to become “clear” (so family/children/marriage is not considered very important because the church is your family)
• The basic belief of Scientology is that we all have past traumas due to our “Thetans” which need to be “cleared” from us
• In order to “clear” these traumas, one must undergo a process called “auditing”
• “The Bridge to Total Freedom” (pictured below) is all of the courses/auditing you must do to be “cleared” (this is what costs into hundreds of thousands of dollars)
• Once someone is “cleared,” they, according to Scientology, should be able to even move things and shape matter with their minds
• These practices fall under Hubbard’s invention of “Dianetics,” which he claimed could eventually cure a spirit of everything if a member works hard enough
• Auditing is when a trained staff member is somewhat interrogating the church member while the church member is hooked up to a machine of Hubbard’s creation (called the E-meter)
• Hubbard claims the E-meter can even CURE MENTAL ILLNESS
• Auditing sessions can last for hours and can get incredibly intense for the “church” member
• The “Sea Org” is basically the higher level members of the church who greatly resemble the Navy and sign a BILLION YEAR contract (as early as age 15)

But this is the basic gist of what Scientologists believe

And if you’re still somewhat with me, I applaud you! This is really confusing and abstract shit.

Important Facts to Know

• Hubbard (the guy who created this religion) lied EXTENSIVELY about his Naval career saying that he sustained numerous injuries that he did not as well as saying he received medals that he never did
• L.Ron Hubbard actually had charges brought against him by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners in 1951 as he was found practicing medicine without a license
• Hubbard also dabbled in writing….science-fiction writing to be specific
• When Hubbard died of a stroke, the “church” members were told that he had decided to leave this body behind because he would keep writing even without it, which is when David Miscavige takes over
• The Church of Scientology ended up legally having to publish that the e-meteter “on it’s own” will not actually do anything after several lawsuits
• The new head of the church (David Miscavige) has been accused of NUMEROUS accounts of physical assault against church members INCLUDING his very high up officials of the church
• They FORCED WOMEN TO HAVE ABORTIONS or be exiled from the church and their families (as they believe that a woman who works for the church would not be able to do her job if she has a child)
• The AVERAGE “church” member will spend a quarter of a million dollars on Scientology (by purchasing auditing, books, classes, etc.)
• Due to Scientology having recognition as a religion, they are not able to be punished or forced to change any of their practices or behaviors as they are protected under the First Amendment

SO THERE’S A LOT OF REASONS TO BELIEVE IT’S A CULT (but that’s just my opinion…)

Let’s just list a few of those reasons quickly:

• Members are punished for leaving (some members have literally been run off of the road when trying to “escape”)
• Many of the high ranking members have actually left the “church” and spoken out about all of the things they witnessed, were put through, and were a part of
• Leah Remini was a lifelong Scientologist and celebrity who has started her own series exposing the truth behind the “religion” (check it out on Hulu now! 10/10 recommend)
• Asking the “wrong” questions about church practices or David Miscavige can get you severely punished
• They have made billions of $$$
• To move up the ranks and join the Sea Org, you have to sign a BILLION YEAR CONTRACT (you read that correctly, yes a billion years)
• If you decide to leave the “church,” none of your friends or family are ever allowed to have contact with you again
• If you leave the “church” and speak poorly of it they will try to stop you BY ANY MEANS DEEMED NECESSARY
• Anyone who speaks poorly of the “church” or it’s practices is considered to be an enemy
• Any enemy of the “church” is also subject to stalking, harassment, physical violence, threats, personal investigation, etc.
• Members live in dorm housing and work to live there MAKING NO MONEY
• Members living in the required dorms aren’t allowed access to the internet or any media sources
• Members of the church spend THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on REQUIRED items

Oh, and the head of the church is now David Miscavige. Fun fact about David for you: his own parents had to “escape” from where he was keeping them with guards on them each at all times and cameras on their home in his compound. His own father accidentally learned about how Scientology really was in the outside world when Miscavige gave his father a kindle and didn’t realize it had internet capability. His parents had to, as they called it, “escape” from the compound by tricking the guards. David’s wife Shelly hasn’t been seen or heard from in about 14 years and they won’t give any proof of her well being. And if that isn’t enough for you? He also physically assaults members of his “church.”

So what’s the lesson here? You can make billions in a few easy steps: start a “religion,” convince enough people to believe it, and walk the ethical line enough that the IRS will grant you tax exemption. I kid, of course, but that does appear to be what happened here.

There is SO much more to be said on this subject as I am only scratching the surface here, but I feel this topic really needs to be talked about. Most people have no idea what Scientology even is, however, it is ruining lives everyday. Start a conversation and support the cause any way that you can!!!

***Disclaimer that this is all based on testimonials of ex-church members and other experts on the subject

So where can you learn more information about Scientology and some of the victims?

Also make sure to check out the series “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” for a really fantastic look at how Scientology has impacted those in the organization as well as their loved ones! (available to stream on Hulu)