Scientology seems harmless, for the
most part. Most atheists don't pay much attention to it. Most people think of it as an obvious fraud that uses frivolous lawsuits
to silence skeptics. Well, there is much more to it than that and, as ridiculous as Scientology seems, I am not laughing.
Money, Money, Money:
As many people already know,
Scientology costs many to practice. How much money does it cost, you
ask? I know you didn't really ask that just now; that was me. Anyway,
becoming a Scientologist can cost one approximately $380,000 which is
equivalent to about €300,000. This covers the costs of books and
other materials, course, and auditing, all to reach OT VIII, the
final level. OT VIII, Operating Thetans 8, is known as “The Truth
Revealed”.
Noah Antrim Lottick had spent almost
every dime he had on Scientology in just 7 months. On May 11th,
1990, he killed himself holding his last $171.
Psychiatric drugs:
Scientology is well known for being
opposed to psychiatric drugs. Scientologists consider psychiatry and
psychology to be barbaric professions. Scientology bars its members
from seeking help from mental health professionals. This has no
exceptions. Whether it pertains to OCD or schizophrenia, Scientology
recommends vitamins rather than psychiatric remedies.
Elli Perkins was a member of the church
of Scientology. Her son, Jeremy, had schizophrenia and she was
instructed by church officials to treat him with vitamins instead of
medications. On March 13th, 2003, L. Ron Hubbard's
birthday, he killed her. When tried in court, he was found not guilty
by reason of mental disease.
Homosexuality:
You'd think that a new age religion
would be better on this subject... L. Ron Hubbard classified
homosexuality as a sexual perversion or illness. He considered them
to be “covert hostile” sociopaths and recommended the
extermination of all homosexuals who refuse his psycho-therapeutic
treatment, they should be “disposed of quietly and without sorrow.”
Yes, that means anti-gay holocaust.
Allen Averay-Jones was pressured into a
contract that stipulated he work for the Sea Org., a Scientology
facility, for the rest of his life. Upon entering the Sea Org., Allen
was interrogated and it was discovered that he was homosexual. He
would have seven to ten hours of reparative ex-gay therapy for the
following three weeks. Allen escaped the Sea Org after night-fall. He
was pursued but managed to get away.
Apostatism:
Like any cult, Scientology officials do
not like people leaving the religion. When a person leaves the
church, that isn't just “the end of things.” Church members will
harass an apostate with incessant phone calls, letters, and even
in-person visits.
Richard Collins left the church and was
met with constant harassment. The church of Scientology would not let
him leave. Richard Collins was so overwhelmed that he jumped off of a
bridge and plummeted 200 feet to his death. Unaware of his death,
church member, Tony Clark, sent Richard Collins a letter. Part of
that letter read,
“I'm not the one who will miss out. In ten years time I will not be thinking life is awful and want to kill myself.. so why not be bloody ethical and get yourself sorted. See you soon. Best Regards TC”
Conclusion:
Scientology is an evil religion. Many
religions are evil but something is special about Scientology.
Scientology doesn't really have much set in stone. It can change its
mind on a dime to avoid alienating people. In other words, unlike
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism, there is no waiting for
the religion to simply fade away. Scientology must be met with strong
opposition. Apathy has no place here.
Please, leave a comment including any
links to anything relevant resources like apostate support groups and
forums, a number to a hotline, news stories, or revealing truths
about Scientology.
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