{"id":1161,"date":"2024-05-31T17:57:50","date_gmt":"2024-06-01T00:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novus2.com\/righteouscause\/?p=1161"},"modified":"2025-04-26T11:17:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T18:17:48","slug":"is-scientology-a-true-religion-for-the-twenty-first-century-or-just-another-space-opera-cult","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novus2.com\/righteouscause\/2024\/05\/31\/is-scientology-a-true-religion-for-the-twenty-first-century-or-just-another-space-opera-cult\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Scientology a True Religion for the Twenty-First Century or Just Another Space Opera Cult?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n
\r\n \"\"\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\n

THE MOVIE: Battlefield Earth<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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

\"\"
In the year 3000 AD, the Psychlos, an alien race, have ruled Earth for a millennium. The Psychlos discovered a deep space probe (suggested to be Voyager 1) with directions and pictures mounted on it and the precious material, gold, which led them straight to Earth.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u201ctaking a bus trip with someone who needed a bath for a long time.”<\/strong><\/em> 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<\/strong><\/a>, solidifying its place in cinematic infamy.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Mike Rinder and Marty Rathbun, both former Scientologists who were featured in the Emmy-winning documentary Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief<\/strong><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Ultimately, Battlefield Earth transcends mere cinematic failure; it’s a cinematic disaster.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

THE RELIGION: Scientology<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Is truth to be obtained from secret religious texts that read like a bad sci-fi movie without a second thought?<\/p>\n

\"\"
Xenu is a figure in the beliefs and teachings of the controversial religious movement\/cult known as the Church of Scientology. He is believed to have been an alien warlord who ruled over the “Galactic Confederacy” 75 million years prior to the Church’s foundation, although many followers of Scientology deny the existence of such a figure or claim the story is misrepresented.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the heart of L. Ron Hubbard’s “new religion” called Scientology lies a narrative that reads like a grand space opera<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u2026 and then a mere mortal trips over this mind-blowing historical drama in an out-of-body near-death experience in a dental chair<\/strong><\/a>?<\/p>\n

Please excuse our skeptical side-eye.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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 \u2026 it\u2019s too late.<\/strong><\/a>”<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to see that reaching the level of Scientology which reveals the \u201cSpace Opera\u201d tale of the Galactic Lord Xenu involves much more than money \u2026 there is also a considerable \u201cinvestment\u201d of one\u2019s 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<\/strong><\/a>, you are basically \u201call in.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

COULD THE SIMILARITIES BE ANY MORE OBVIOUS?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

L. Ron Hubbard in his own words<\/strong><\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n

\r\n
\r\n \u201cScientology \u2026 is not a religion.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no more ethical group on this planet than ourselves.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cArthritis vanishes, myopia gets better, heart illness decreases, asthma disappears, stomachs function properly and the whole catalog of illnesses goes away and stays away.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI have high hopes of smashing my name into history so violently that it will take a legendary form even if all books are destroyed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cScientology is the most vital movement on Earth today.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing in Scientology is true for you unless you have observed it and it is true according to your observation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the correct procedure: Spot who is attacking us. Start investigating them promptly for felonies or worse using our own professionals, not outside agencies. Double curve our reply by saying we welcome an investigation of them. Start feeding lurid, blood sex crime actual evidence on the attackers to the press. Don\u2019t ever tamely submit to an investigation of us. Make it rough, rough on attackers all the way.\u201d<\/em>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div><\/p>\n

Scientology websites provide their own nuanced<\/span><\/strong>
\ndefinitions of the lofty religious enterprise\u2026<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Scientology: Scio (Latin) \u201cknowing, in the fullest sense of the word,\u201d logos (Greek) \u201cstudy of.\u201d Thus Scientology means \u201cknowing how to know.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Scientology is a twenty-first-century religion.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0It 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Ex-Scientologist and former Sea Org member, Chris Shelton<\/a>: “Scientology is not something to be curious about. It is something to run away from as fast as you can.”<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one\u2019s true spiritual nature and one\u2019s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.<\/em><\/p>\n

The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and freedom for all.<\/em><\/p>\n

Scientology follows a long tradition of religious practice.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0Its 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

That Scientology\u2019s 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\u2019s first real application of scientific methodology to spiritual questions.<\/em><\/p>\n

Scientology is something one does, not something one believes in.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Tara Isabella Burton is a Clarendon Scholar at Trinity College, Oxford. Her work has appeared in\u00a0National Geographic,<\/em>\u00a0The Wall Street Journal<\/em>, and\u00a0The Atlantic<\/em>, among others. In her article, \u201cWhat is a cult?<\/strong><\/a><\/em>\u201d she begins with a fascinating statement\u2026<\/p>\n

Cults, generally speaking, are a lot like pornography: you know them when you see them.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Burton observes that throughout history culture has often found it difficult to distinguish significant differences between what have been called \u201ccults\u201d versus traditionally organized \u201creligions.\u201d Focusing on religious movements in the 60s and 70s, she mentions several groups\u2026<\/p>\n

Historically, our obsession with cults seems to thrive in periods of wider religious uncertainty, with \u2018anti-cult\u2019 activism in the United States\u00a0peaking in the 1960s and \u201970s, when the US religious landscape was growing more diverse\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Some of these were Christian in nature, for example the \u2018Jesus Movement\u2019; 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,\u00a0Scientology<\/strong>.\u00a0Plenty of these movements were associated with young people \u2013 especially young counter-cultural people with suspicious politics \u2013 adding a particular political tenor to the discourse surrounding them.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

An interesting conclusion\u2026<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s 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 \u2018mainstream\u2019 cultural institutions to fill it.\u00a0If God did not exist, as Voltaire said, we would have to\u00a0invent\u00a0him. The same is true for cults.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So we have the concept \u2026 \u201cBuild it and they will come.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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:\u00a0\u201cIf you build it, he will come.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Build what? A corn maze? I\u2019ll take Actual Quotes for $500 Alex.<\/p>\n

\r\n
\r\n \"\"In a 1967 interview with Granada Television, L. Ron Hubbard’s lower teeth were visibly stained from nicotine and tar. However, a later edition of Flag Land Base’s Source magazine features a posthumously altered photograph of Hubbard, where his teeth appear unnaturally white and clean. This alteration raises concerns about potential deception, as individuals considering joining Scientology might be misled by this idealized image of the founder’s dental hygiene. This instance of photo manipulation could be indicative of a broader pattern of misrepresentation within the organization.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

L. Ron Hubbard, who had once touted dianetics as a way to stop smoking, was rarely seen without an unfiltered Kool in his hand, and toward the end of his life, he had a rotating team of nubile young assistants who were tasked with lighting his cigarettes and catching his ashes as they fell. At the relatively advanced age of seventy-four, he died of a stroke, or, in the words of the Church of Scientology, he decided to \u201cdrop his body.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\n

L. Ron Hubbard \u201cinvented\u201d Scientology.<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

As for universally accepted characteristics of a \u201ccult\u201d we can call on a variety of sources \u2026 both religious and secular. Among the variety of credible observers,\u00a0there are common themes shared throughout.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Among the best\u2026<\/p>\n

Study.com: What is a Cult?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What is a cult? A cult is a group with a particular and often dangerously fanatical ideology that has certain characteristics. The term \u2018cult\u2019 comes from the Latin cultus, meaning \u2018worship. This is reasonable: a cult must have a leader who is either worshipped or greatly revered by the cult\u2019s 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.\u00a0It is easier, generally, to get to grips with the characteristics of cults than to create a single, all-encompassing definition.<\/em>
\nA charismatic leader:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Cults 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ideological purity:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Members are strongly discouraged from questioning the cult\u2019s doctrine and any doubts are met with shame or punishment.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Hare Krishna had Bhaktivedanta Swami, the Manson Family had Charles Manson, and the People\u2019s Temple had Jim Jones. Theologically, the three leaders are worlds apart. One of the core components of any cult is a charismatic leader who draws followers in with vague promises of salvation, healing, and enlightenment and managing to amass dozens and even hundreds of followers, some of whom blindly carry out strange or even heinous acts including suicide.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conformity and control:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Cult leaders often exercise an extreme degree of control over members\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Mind-altering practices:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Sleep deprivation, chanting, meditation, and drugs are often used to break down individuals\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Us-vs-Them mentality: <\/strong><\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Apocalyptic thinking:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Preparation for a supposed apocalypse or cataclysmic event is a major characteristic of many cults, especially cult religions.<\/p>\n

Time and energy:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Followers 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.<\/p>\n

How Do Cults Start?<\/strong><\/span>
\nIt 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.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Andy Naselli, professor of systematic theology and New Testament for Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis:
\nSOCIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Authoritarian Leadership\u00a0Authoritarianism involves the acceptance of an authority figure who exercises excessive control on cult members.\u00a0As prophet or founder, this leader\u2019s word is considered ultimate and final.<\/em><\/p>\n

Exclusivism:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Cults often believe that they alone have the truth. The cult views itself as the single means of salvation on earth;\u00a0to leave the group is to endanger one\u2019s soul.<\/em><\/p>\n

Isolationism:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Some cults require members to renounce and\u00a0break off associations\u00a0with parents and siblings.<\/em><\/p>\n

Opposition to Independent Thinking:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Some cultic groups discourage members from thinking independently.\u00a0The \u201cthinking,\u201d as it were, has already been done for them by the cult leadership; the proper response is merely to submit.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fear of Being \u201cDisfellowshiped:<\/strong><\/span> \u201dIt is not uncommon in cults that people are urged to remain faithful to avoid being \u201cdisfellowshiped,\u201d or disbarred, from the group.<\/em><\/p>\n

Threats of Satanic Attack:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Finally, some cults use\u00a0fear 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.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Scientology’s Adherence to Sociological Characteristics of Cults:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Authoritarian Leadership:<\/strong><\/span> 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"
“The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power”, an article highly critical of Scientology, was written by investigative journalist Richard Behar and first published in the May 6, 1991 edition of Time magazine as a ten-page cover story. Time magazine makes the full text of the article<\/a> available on its website.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exclusivism:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Isolationism:<\/strong><\/span> 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.<\/p>\n

Opposition to Independent Thinking:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Fear of Being “Disfellowshiped”:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Freelance journalist Cari Shane, in her article, \u201cThe Psychology Behind Cults<\/strong><\/a>,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Ex-Scientologist Mike Rinder discusses cognitive dissonance in his blog<\/a>: “Anybody who\u2019s ever been affiliated with a religion has experienced cognitive dissonance in spades. Cult members face this phenomenon on a daily basis.”<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

One element is cognitive dissonance.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0The 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.\u00a0In a cult setting, the cognitive dissonance often \u201ckeeps you trapped as each compromise makes it more painful to admit you\u2019ve been deceived,\u201d<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Lalich explains in her TED-Ed video. \u201cIt uses both formal and informal systems of influence and control to keep members obedient with little tolerance for internal disagreement or external scrutiny.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

This obedience factor is another key element.<\/strong><\/span> It plays off of a human\u2019s natural inclination to follow orders and do what others around them are doing.\u00a0In cult settings, critical thinking is often frowned upon,\u00a0while absolute faith is rewarded. Guilt, shame and fear are also constantly wielded to slowly strip away an individual\u2019s identity.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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,\u00a0a cult separates its members from others and seeks to directly control financial assets and living arrangements.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The last point above is perfectly illustrated by
\nScientology’s Sea Organization…<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Scientology’s Sea Organization<\/strong><\/a> (Sea Org) employs several methods to separate its members from external influences and exert control over their finances and living arrangements:<\/p>\n

Billion-Year Contract:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Sea Organization, or Sea Org, is Scientology’s elite clergy, formed in 1967 to support L. Ron Hubbard’s research and oversee global operations. Its members sign billion-year contracts (no typo – 1,000,000,000 years) and commit to serve across lifetimes and live in communal settings with a military-style structure. Not all Scientologists are in the Sea Org, but it represents the most dedicated members.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Isolation:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Financial Control:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Disconnection:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Confiscation of Personal Belongings:<\/strong><\/span> 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.<\/p>\n

Restricted Communication:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Indoctrination and Training:<\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Some interesting observations from Dr. Anastasia E. Somerville-Wong in her article, \u201cThe 25 Signs You\u2019re in a High-Control Group or Cult.<\/strong><\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

High-Control Groups have\u00a0no official forum or channel for critical enquiry<\/strong><\/span> or for formally raising concerns, complaints and grievances.<\/em><\/p>\n

The group dogmas are not backed up by evidence<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0or information cross-referenced from multiple reliable sources.<\/em><\/p>\n

Outsiders who question or criticise the group are viewed as persecutors<\/strong><\/span> and are given labels like \u201canti,\u201d \u201capostate,\u201d or \u201csuppressive person.\u201d\u00a0Doubting members are encouraged to focus solely on the doctrine of the cult and isolate themselves from outside influences.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
The fascinating power that cults and their leaders wield over followers has long been a subject of intrigue for the public, researchers, and mental health experts alike. These groups discourage critical thinking or dissent, fostering an environment where members are expected to adhere to strict rules and beliefs without question. Additionally, they may isolate individuals from outside relationships and promote an us-versus-them mentality, reinforcing the idea that the group’s beliefs are superior to all others. In exchange for a sense of belonging and security, members are often expected to suppress their individuality and conform to the group’s norms and expectations.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Members who get sick or suffer other misfortunes are accused of not having enough faith\/belief<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>or commitment to the group dogma, leaders or cause, or of not praying hard enough or performing other rituals\/duties correctly.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cults begin with a charismatic leader who claims some special or supreme knowledge<\/strong><\/span>, 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

The group produces its own propaganda; literature and media<\/strong><\/span>, which puts the group and its leader in a glowing light.\u00a0The 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Members who leave are given derogatory names such as \u201capostate\u201d or \u201ctraitor\u201d or \u201cinfidel.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>They are called foolish, sinful, \u2018lost to sin\u2019, 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

If former members speak out,\u00a0they are dismissed as bitter, angry, dishonest or evil.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You are shunned by members<\/strong> <\/span>you were once very close to, including close family and friends.<\/em><\/p>\n

Members develop uncharacteristically stilted mannerisms<\/strong><\/span> 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

If there are secret teachings or ceremonies you did not discover until after you joined, you are probably in a cult.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Cults use secret rituals as rites of passage that solidify a member\u2019s loyalty to the group. Initiation into these rites usually only comes after a member has undergone certain tests or made adequate financial contributions.<\/em><\/p>\n

There is zealous commitment to the leader, whether he or she is living or dead,<\/strong><\/span> which goes far beyond mere admiration or fondness.\u00a0Members 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\u2019t as it seemed.<\/em><\/p>\n

The group has a preoccupation with money.<\/strong><\/span> No matter how much money the group brings in, it is never considered enough by the leader.\u00a0Cult 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

The group\u2019s dogma and mission is considered so important and so urgent that\u00a0even the strict morality or rules of how members should behave can sometimes be bent.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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,\u00a0\u201cWhat is true for you is what you have observed yourself. And when you lose that, you have lost everything.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0A variety of individuals have offered what they have observed \u2026\u00a0it is now possible to draw a legitimate conclusion<\/a>\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and<\/span><\/strong>
\nquacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Bonus video…<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n