Just curious here. I was one once, but quit in '78. Yes it is a cult.
Have been in touch with on or two from back then. I am amazed at the swathe of destruction this religion(?) has carved in individual lives. Both personally and financially. I was lucky I quit when I did.
Reading through some of the posts in these forums reminded me of my past.
There was a bit of talk about Tom Cruise in here. One thing we all need to know about Scient(crap)ology is the everyday individual is treated completely different to the celebrity. Why, they even have their own org (or church) that only celebrities or those with oodles of money go to. They have like 5 star accomodation, room service, etc and personal assistance and care on tap. Mr and Ms average aren't even allowed past the front door, except as staff. Clearwater, the other place down the road was for the general population. That was a very different place, I am told.
The rest of us don't have enough money to pour into this, so we have to sign up as staff members who must be strictly subjected to the rules and regulations and work all available hours at negligible pay rates to help fund the various services.
So people like Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Catherine Bell, Kirstie Alley, Sylvester Stallone and so on will hold a completely different viewpoint to the average person who has gone through the mill, simply because their experiences are different.
I personally find it a dangerous religion. It was a willing and concious choice for me to sign a bond to be fined $5000 in 1978 if I said anything damaging to the church publicly. Looking back, we were really forced to do this, as the consequences of not signing were unpalatable (but these were not disclosed to us then). I signed that paper in NZ, so I don't think it will apply here in Oz.
I am interested in hearing from other ex members about their experiences and their journey back into the real world. Or others who have been directly or otherwise by it. It always leaves some effect.
I had a very dear friend in there when I left, and I could not even speak to her again as I knew what trials awaited her if I even attempted to do so (and myself, for that matter). Her parents got her into it, and they deserted her to go higher in the church. They both eventually died of cancer and my friend had children who eventually were taken away by the authorities. Her life was in a total mess. Now that she has quit and is getting help the church wouldn't allow I believe she is picking up. It's a damn shame, she was such a lovely girl.
Interestingly, Scientology preaches that they can cure cancers by their auditing (or counselling) techniques. It is remarkable how many members die from this illness.... something I guess the church wouldn't like to talk about here, but would hound me to ends of the earth and beyond to sue or discredit me......or maybe worse!
This is really the first I have spoken about this publicly since I left. I don't really understand why, but perhaps it was a point of personal shame with my life. How could I have been so stupid to get sucked into a cult?
Simple question, wish the answer was too.
Have been in touch with on or two from back then. I am amazed at the swathe of destruction this religion(?) has carved in individual lives. Both personally and financially. I was lucky I quit when I did.
Reading through some of the posts in these forums reminded me of my past.
There was a bit of talk about Tom Cruise in here. One thing we all need to know about Scient(crap)ology is the everyday individual is treated completely different to the celebrity. Why, they even have their own org (or church) that only celebrities or those with oodles of money go to. They have like 5 star accomodation, room service, etc and personal assistance and care on tap. Mr and Ms average aren't even allowed past the front door, except as staff. Clearwater, the other place down the road was for the general population. That was a very different place, I am told.
The rest of us don't have enough money to pour into this, so we have to sign up as staff members who must be strictly subjected to the rules and regulations and work all available hours at negligible pay rates to help fund the various services.
So people like Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Catherine Bell, Kirstie Alley, Sylvester Stallone and so on will hold a completely different viewpoint to the average person who has gone through the mill, simply because their experiences are different.
I personally find it a dangerous religion. It was a willing and concious choice for me to sign a bond to be fined $5000 in 1978 if I said anything damaging to the church publicly. Looking back, we were really forced to do this, as the consequences of not signing were unpalatable (but these were not disclosed to us then). I signed that paper in NZ, so I don't think it will apply here in Oz.
I am interested in hearing from other ex members about their experiences and their journey back into the real world. Or others who have been directly or otherwise by it. It always leaves some effect.
I had a very dear friend in there when I left, and I could not even speak to her again as I knew what trials awaited her if I even attempted to do so (and myself, for that matter). Her parents got her into it, and they deserted her to go higher in the church. They both eventually died of cancer and my friend had children who eventually were taken away by the authorities. Her life was in a total mess. Now that she has quit and is getting help the church wouldn't allow I believe she is picking up. It's a damn shame, she was such a lovely girl.
Interestingly, Scientology preaches that they can cure cancers by their auditing (or counselling) techniques. It is remarkable how many members die from this illness.... something I guess the church wouldn't like to talk about here, but would hound me to ends of the earth and beyond to sue or discredit me......or maybe worse!
This is really the first I have spoken about this publicly since I left. I don't really understand why, but perhaps it was a point of personal shame with my life. How could I have been so stupid to get sucked into a cult?
Simple question, wish the answer was too.
