Is Scientology a True Religion for the Twenty-First Century or Just Another Space Opera Cult?

THE MOVIE: Battlefield Earth

To put it bluntly, Battlefield Earth stands out as a colossal failure in the sci-fi genre, “much like the Hindenburg disaster did for Zeppelin air travel.”

While not explicitly a Scientology film, Battlefield Earth, based on L. Ron Hubbard’s sci-fi novel, was heavily influenced by the religion. Scientology leader David Miscavige closely oversaw the production, and Scientologist John Travolta starred in and contributed significantly to the film. The intention was to use the movie to elevate the image of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

However, the final product was met with universal disdain from critics, who found fault with almost every aspect, from acting and direction to screenplay and special effects. The film bombed both critically and commercially, earning a reputation as one of the worst films ever made. Roger Ebert began his review by stating the film was like “taking a bus trip with someone who needed a bath for a long time.” Reports of audience ridicule and a steep drop in attendance after the opening weekend further cemented its failure. It received a record-breaking eight Golden Raspberry Awards, solidifying its place in cinematic infamy.

Although the Church of Scientology has repeatedly denied any connection to Battlefield Earth, former members have come forward with claims that high-ranking individuals within the organization were deeply involved in the film’s production.

Mike Rinder and Marty Rathbun, both former Scientologists who were featured in the Emmy-winning documentary Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief, have alleged that David Miscavige, the leader of the Church, personally monitored daily footage from the film’s set. Sources close to the production report that Miscavige even offered creative input throughout filming, which was then communicated to the director. However, when the film ultimately bombed, Miscavige allegedly shifted the blame onto John Travolta, accusing him of accepting an exorbitant salary that negatively impacted the overall budget and quality of the film.

Although based on Hubbard’s pulp novel, Battlefield Earth contains numerous allusions to Scientology beliefs, which coincidentally align with Hubbard’s personal views. Notably, the antagonistic alien race, the Psychlos, is portrayed as being manipulated by a group of malevolent psychiatrists, turning them into beings who derive pleasure from inflicting pain. This echoes Hubbard’s belief that psychiatrists are inherently evil and control others’ minds (a sentiment reflected in some of Tom Cruise’s controversial statements).

Ultimately, Battlefield Earth transcends mere cinematic failure; it’s a cinematic disaster.

THE RELIGION: Scientology

Is truth to be obtained from secret religious texts that read like a bad sci-fi movie without a second thought?

At the heart of L. Ron Hubbard’s “new religion” called Scientology lies a narrative that reads like a grand space opera.

75 million years ago, an alien overlord named Xenu ruled 76 planets, including Earth (then called Teegeeack). Facing overpopulation, he devised a sinister plan.

Xenu captured billions of people under the guise of tax inspections, paralyzed them, and transported them to Earth in spacecraft disguised as DC8s. He then stacked the bodies around volcanoes and detonated them with hydrogen bombs.

But the souls, or “thetans,” survived. Xenu trapped them with electronic beams and subjected them to brainwashing films in vast cinemas. These films implanted false ideas about God, the devil, and Christ, causing the thetans to cluster together and inhabit human bodies.

Xenu was eventually overthrown and imprisoned on a distant planet, but his influence persists. According to Scientology, these clusters of thetans, known as “body thetans,” continue to plague humanity. The path to freedom, they claim, involves removing these body thetans through expensive Scientology procedures.

… and then a mere mortal trips over this mind-blowing historical drama in an out-of-body near-death experience in a dental chair?

Please excuse our skeptical side-eye.

How could anyone possibly get to this level in Scientology and not just laugh out loud? This was summarized in my post: “By the time Scientologists get to the crappy science fiction story of Xenu … it’s too late.”

It’s easy to see that reaching the level of Scientology which reveals the “Space Opera” tale of the Galactic Lord Xenu involves much more than money … there is also a considerable “investment” of one’s time and emotional energy. During this time a cognitive dissonance is developed that serves as a defense mechanism for people who may be threatened by information that threatens their beliefs. Upon reaching OT III, you are basically “all in.”

COULD THE SIMILARITIES BE ANY MORE OBVIOUS?

L. Ron Hubbard in his own words…

Scientology websites provide their own nuanced
definitions of the lofty religious enterprise…

Scientology: Scio (Latin) “knowing, in the fullest sense of the word,” logos (Greek) “study of.” Thus Scientology means “knowing how to know.”

Scientology is a twenty-first-century religion. It comprises a vast body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths, and prime among those truths: Man is a spiritual being endowed with abilities well beyond those which he normally envisions. He is not only able to solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but he can achieve new states of awareness he may never have dreamed possible.

Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and one’s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.

The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom for all.

Scientology follows a long tradition of religious practice. Its roots lie in the deepest beliefs and aspirations of all great religions, thus encompassing a religious heritage as old and as varied as Man himself.

Though it draws on the wisdom of some 50,000 years, Scientology is a new religion, one that has isolated fundamental laws of life and, for the first time, developed a workable technology that can be applied to help people achieve a happier and more spiritual existence in the here and now.

That Scientology’s development and rapid promulgation was made possible, in part, by advances in the physical sciences through the first half of the twentieth century is significant. For it bridges Eastern philosophy with Western thought. In that way, Scientology constitutes Man’s first real application of scientific methodology to spiritual questions.

Scientology is something one does, not something one believes in.

Tara Isabella Burton is a Clarendon Scholar at Trinity College, Oxford. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic, among others. In her article, “What is a cult?” she begins with a fascinating statement…

Cults, generally speaking, are a lot like pornography: you know them when you see them.

Burton observes that throughout history culture has often found it difficult to distinguish significant differences between what have been called “cults” versus traditionally organized “religions.” Focusing on religious movements in the 60s and 70s, she mentions several groups…

Historically, our obsession with cults seems to thrive in periods of wider religious uncertainty, with ‘anti-cult’ activism in the United States peaking in the 1960s and ’70s, when the US religious landscape was growing more diverse…

Some of these were Christian in nature, for example the ‘Jesus Movement’; others were heavily influenced by the pop-cultural ubiquity of pseudo-Eastern and New Age thought: the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (aka the Hare Krishna), modern Wicca, Scientology. Plenty of these movements were associated with young people – especially young counter-cultural people with suspicious politics – adding a particular political tenor to the discourse surrounding them.

An interesting conclusion…

Today’s cults might be secular, or they might be theistic. But they arise from the same place of need, and from the failure of other, more ‘mainstream’ cultural institutions to fill it. If God did not exist, as Voltaire said, we would have to invent him. The same is true for cults.

So we have the concept … “Build it and they will come.”

And yes, that is a misquoted line from Field of Dreams starring Kevin Kostner. In the movie, as he is wandering in a cornfield, Ray Kinsella (Kostner) hears a strange whisper: “If you build it, he will come.” Build what? A corn maze? I’ll take Actual Quotes for $500 Alex.

L. Ron Hubbard “invented” Scientology.

As for universally accepted characteristics of a “cult” we can call on a variety of sources … both religious and secular. Among the variety of credible observers, there are common themes shared throughout.

Among the best…

Study.com: What is a Cult?

What is a cult? A cult is a group with a particular and often dangerously fanatical ideology that has certain characteristics. The term ‘cult’ comes from the Latin cultus, meaning ‘worship. This is reasonable: a cult must have a leader who is either worshipped or greatly revered by the cult’s followers. A specific cult definition can be hard to pin down because in order to be a cult, a group must have a number of attributes. People often disagree about what makes a cult, meaning that the definition is fluid. This is true, especially in the context of new religious movements: some of these movements have been called cults, while some people have argued against this for a variety of reasons. It is easier, generally, to get to grips with the characteristics of cults than to create a single, all-encompassing definition.
A charismatic leader: Cults always follow a charismatic leader, living or dead, whose teachings are considered of the highest importance. This leader may be considered a genius, or may be considered a religious figure like a messiah or prophet.

Ideological purity: Members are strongly discouraged from questioning the cult’s doctrine and any doubts are met with shame or punishment.

Conformity and control: Cult leaders often exercise an extreme degree of control over members’ lives, including dictating what they can wear and eat and what kinds of relationships they can have. Conformity is also enforced by group members who police one another.

Mind-altering practices: Sleep deprivation, chanting, meditation, and drugs are often used to break down individuals’ defenses and make them more susceptible to cult ideology. Isolation and love-bombing: It is common for people in cults to be encouraged to cut contact with outsiders, including close family members. Within the cult, new members are often subjected to love-bombing, a practice where new initiates are showered with love and praise to bring them deeper into the cult and foster a sense of belonging.

Us-vs-Them mentality: Cult members are often encouraged to see the cult as superior to life on the outside and to feel that those outside the cult lack understanding or insight.

Apocalyptic thinking: Preparation for a supposed apocalypse or cataclysmic event is a major characteristic of many cults, especially cult religions.

Time and energy: Followers are expected to dedicate huge amounts of time and energy (and often money) to the cult to the exclusion of their own lives, interests, jobs, and families. One thing to keep in mind when looking through the traits of a cult is that a cult and a religious movement are not the same thing. Most religious movements do not isolate their practitioners from family, engage in love-bombing, encourage illegal and dangerous behaviors, or attempt to strongly control their members. Some cults position themselves as religious groups, but the distinction is important.

How Do Cults Start?
It can be challenging to understand how cults start and how individuals join cults, especially when the ideology of a cult often looks nonsensical for those on the outside. Cults are started by charismatic individuals who are skilled at getting people to listen to them. They may have unusual ideas about reality, or they may even invent an ideology to promote.

Andy Naselli, professor of systematic theology and New Testament for Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis:
SOCIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS

Authoritarian Leadership Authoritarianism involves the acceptance of an authority figure who exercises excessive control on cult members. As prophet or founder, this leader’s word is considered ultimate and final.

Exclusivism: Cults often believe that they alone have the truth. The cult views itself as the single means of salvation on earth; to leave the group is to endanger one’s soul.

Isolationism: Some cults require members to renounce and break off associations with parents and siblings.

Opposition to Independent Thinking: Some cultic groups discourage members from thinking independently. The “thinking,” as it were, has already been done for them by the cult leadership; the proper response is merely to submit.

Fear of Being “Disfellowshiped: ”It is not uncommon in cults that people are urged to remain faithful to avoid being “disfellowshiped,” or disbarred, from the group.

Threats of Satanic Attack: Finally, some cults use fear and intimidation to keep members in line. Members may be told that something awful will happen to them should they choose to leave the group.

Scientology’s Adherence to Sociological Characteristics of Cults:

Authoritarian Leadership: L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, is revered as the ultimate source of wisdom and authority within the organization. His writings and teachings are considered infallible, and any deviation from them is seen as a betrayal of the faith. This creates an environment where critical thinking and questioning of Hubbard’s authority are discouraged.

Exclusivism: Scientology presents itself as the only path to true spiritual enlightenment and salvation. Its doctrine emphasizes the uniqueness and superiority of its teachings, often denigrating other religions and belief systems. Leaving Scientology is portrayed as a grave mistake that could lead to spiritual ruin.

Isolationism: While not all Scientologists completely cut ties with family and friends outside the church, the organization encourages members to prioritize their involvement in Scientology activities and courses. This can lead to a gradual distancing from loved ones who do not share the same beliefs, creating a sense of isolation and dependence on the Scientology community.

Opposition to Independent Thinking: Scientology places a strong emphasis on following prescribed procedures and techniques for spiritual progress. Independent thinking and questioning of doctrine are often discouraged, as they are seen as potential obstacles to achieving the desired state of “clear.” This can stifle critical thinking and foster an environment of unquestioning obedience.

Fear of Being “Disfellowshiped”: Scientology has a practice known as “disconnection,” where members are encouraged or pressured to cut ties with individuals deemed “suppressive persons” (SPs). SPs can be anyone who criticizes or opposes Scientology, including family members and friends. The fear of disconnection can be a powerful tool for controlling members and ensuring their compliance with the organization’s rules and teachings.

In conclusion, Scientology exhibits several characteristics commonly associated with cults, including authoritarian leadership, exclusivism, isolationism, opposition to independent thinking, and fear of disconnection. These factors contribute to an environment where members may feel pressured to conform, suppress critical thinking, and prioritize their allegiance to the organization above all else.

Freelance journalist Cari Shane, in her article, “The Psychology Behind Cults,” does not mention Scientology. In fact, an Internet search reveals she has written the word only once throughout her 25-year career, yet her synopsis could be a keynote introduction to a speech on Scientology.

While each cult may be different, experts say that the methods to pull members in and keep them there resemble a similar playbook of psychological principles.

One element is cognitive dissonance. The theory introduced in the late 1950s suggests that when people are confronted with facts that contradict their beliefs, values and ideas, they will feel psychological discomfort, likely followed by the need to resolve that contradiction and reduce their uneasiness. In a cult setting, the cognitive dissonance often “keeps you trapped as each compromise makes it more painful to admit you’ve been deceived,” Lalich explains in her TED-Ed video. “It uses both formal and informal systems of influence and control to keep members obedient with little tolerance for internal disagreement or external scrutiny.”

This obedience factor is another key element. It plays off of a human’s natural inclination to follow orders and do what others around them are doing. In cult settings, critical thinking is often frowned upon, while absolute faith is rewarded. Guilt, shame and fear are also constantly wielded to slowly strip away an individual’s identity.

While many religions began as cults, Lalich explains that some integrated into the fabric of the larger society as they grew. In addition, while religions may offer guidelines and support for members to live better lives, a cult separates its members from others and seeks to directly control financial assets and living arrangements.

The last point above is perfectly illustrated by
Scientology’s Sea Organization…

Scientology’s Sea Organization (Sea Org) employs several methods to separate its members from external influences and exert control over their finances and living arrangements:

Billion-Year Contract: Sea Org members sign a billion-year contract, symbolizing a lifetime commitment to the organization. This contract legally binds them to the Church and its mission, discouraging them from leaving or questioning their involvement.

Isolation: Sea Org members live in communal housing, work long hours, and have limited contact with the outside world. This isolation creates a closed environment where the Church’s ideology and practices are reinforced, and alternative viewpoints are minimized.

Financial Control: Sea Org members receive minimal compensation for their work, often consisting of a small stipend and basic necessities. The Church controls their finances, limiting their autonomy and ability to live independently outside the organization.

Disconnection: Sea Org members are expected to disconnect from family or friends who criticize or oppose Scientology. This practice further isolates members and reinforces their dependence on the Church for social and emotional support.

Confiscation of Personal Belongings: In some cases, Sea Org members are required to surrender personal belongings, such as cell phones, laptops, or other items that could connect them to the outside world. This further limits their access to information and communication channels that could challenge the Church’s narrative.

Restricted Communication: Communication with the outside world is often monitored and restricted for Sea Org members. This includes limitations on phone calls, internet access, and personal interactions, ensuring the Church maintains control over the information they receive and share.

Indoctrination and Training: Sea Org members undergo extensive training and indoctrination, reinforcing Scientology’s beliefs and practices. This continuous exposure to the Church’s ideology further solidifies their commitment and loyalty to the organization.

By employing these tactics, the Sea Organization creates a highly controlled environment where members are isolated from external influences, financially dependent on the Church, and subjected to a constant stream of Scientology teachings and practices. This reinforces their allegiance to the organization and discourages critical thinking or dissent.

Some interesting observations from Dr. Anastasia E. Somerville-Wong in her article, “The 25 Signs You’re in a High-Control Group or Cult.”

When a group becomes degenerate gradually over a period of years, members can find that by the time they realize something is very wrong, they are already emotionally and materially invested in ways that make it very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to leave.

High-Control Groups have no official forum or channel for critical enquiry or for formally raising concerns, complaints and grievances.

The group dogmas are not backed up by evidence or information cross-referenced from multiple reliable sources.

Outsiders who question or criticise the group are viewed as persecutors and are given labels like “anti,” “apostate,” or “suppressive person.” Doubting members are encouraged to focus solely on the doctrine of the cult and isolate themselves from outside influences.

Members who get sick or suffer other misfortunes are accused of not having enough faith/belief or commitment to the group dogma, leaders or cause, or of not praying hard enough or performing other rituals/duties correctly.

Cults begin with a charismatic leader who claims some special or supreme knowledge, messages and/or insight from a supernatural, other-worldly source. They may call themselves a prophet, an enlightened teacher, a messenger, a messiah, or even claim to be divine.

The group produces its own propaganda; literature and media, which puts the group and its leader in a glowing light. The group produces or makes use of fake news and inaccurate/fake historical accounts which appear to support its dogma. It has no credible evidence to back up its claims.

You are penalized for leaving. You stand to lose money you invested or other privileges, or you are socially penalised with members saying they can no longer be your friend if you leave. Members who leave are given derogatory names such as “apostate” or “traitor” or “infidel.” They are called foolish, sinful, ‘lost to sin’, worldly, misled or even evil. They are seen to have come under bad influences, are no longer trusted and personal contact is avoided. Former followers are always wrong in leaving. The group perpetuates a false narrative that former members were deceived, proud, immoral, or lazy.

If former members speak out, they are dismissed as bitter, angry, dishonest or evil.

You are shunned by members you were once very close to, including close family and friends.

Members develop uncharacteristically stilted mannerisms and seemingly programmed conversation, and there is cloning among the group (or of the leader) in personal behaviour. There is a dramatic loss of spontaneity, individuality and sense of humour in those who have become members.

If there are secret teachings or ceremonies you did not discover until after you joined, you are probably in a cult. Cults use secret rituals as rites of passage that solidify a member’s loyalty to the group. Initiation into these rites usually only comes after a member has undergone certain tests or made adequate financial contributions.

There is zealous commitment to the leader, whether he or she is living or dead, which goes far beyond mere admiration or fondness. Members revere the leader with absolute devotion. His or her thoughts, opinions, and belief system are considered to be the absolute truth. If anything comes to light about the leader, which is not wholly praiseworthy, they will perform any amount of mental gymnastics, using any argument however convoluted and implausible to justify the behaviour and claim is wasn’t as it seemed.

The group has a preoccupation with money. No matter how much money the group brings in, it is never considered enough by the leader. Cult leaders will make increasingly more desperate demands for members to contribute money, perhaps promising that they will eventually get their money back or even get it back with interest when they will not. Cult leaders tend to live opulently while their followers are required to make financial sacrifices.

The group’s dogma and mission is considered so important and so urgent that even the strict morality or rules of how members should behave can sometimes be bent.

To conclude, these authors have all focused on an agreed set of characteristics that are the hallmark of groups considered to be cults. There can be little doubt that an application of most of these identifying aspects can be applied to the Church of Scientology. The church authorities would vehemently deny this analysis, but there is more than convincing evidence that this is the case.

Any definition of a cult can be judged as a mere opinion. But when authoritative observers all focus on similar characteristics, we must assign a considerable measure of credibility to their analysis. As the famous Mr. Hubbard once said, “What is true for you is what you have observed yourself. And when you lose that, you have lost everything.” A variety of individuals have offered what they have observed … it is now possible to draw a legitimate conclusion…

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and
quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.

Bonus video…