Scientology Cult

Scientology is the study of knowing yourself. After L. Ron Hubbard studied the many mysteries of the world, he brought to life a religion called Scientology. This has been a very controversial topic because many believe that it is not a religion, but rather a cult. After doing the research, it can be confirmed that Scientology is in fact a cult.

One of the main characteristics of a cult is the idea that the Guru/leader becomes worshipped rather than the broader religious principles. This can be harder to analyze considering the fact that Scientology isn’t even a religion in the first place. If Scientology was a religion, it could be argued that the leader, or highest power, which we know as Sea Org, is worshipped more than the principles created

by Hubbard. To outsiders, it may seem as though Sea Org is just another branch of Scientology, but it is not. What started off as a way to bring in more dedicated followers, is now a way for the church to feel empowered and make members vulnerable. Former members of Sea Org have explained that while in Sea Org, they were separated from their families. A prime example is Jenna Miscavige, who only saw her mother two times in the span of six years. Scientology is supposed to aid a person’s relationship with his or her family. Separation does not positively impact the relationship between family members, but more so worsens it. Members of Scientology, particularly the Sea Org, are more concerned with power and control than the worship and following of religious beliefs. In order for Scientology to actually be considered a religion, members must be focused on the latter.
A cult also shows thought-reform like characteristics (brainwashing) or systematic indoctrination.

This may include forms of confession, criticism and self-criticism. One form of brainwashing used in Scientology is auditing. One may think that they are getting help, but in reality, it is a way for the church to make members feel involved, so members in return will continue to stay at the church. There is also this idea of no questions asked. Scientologists are known for ignoring criticism and always finding a way to look innocent. When Leah Remini, a former member of Scientology began questioning the whereabouts of Shelly Miscavige, she would automatically be shunned and none of her questions were answered. By using forms of confession and getting rid of criticism, it is very evident that they are brainwashing and forcing their members to believe that Scientology is their only system of belief. If Scientology was actually a religion, members would not be brainwashed, and would be given the freedom to express themselves and ask questions as they

please.
The last characteristic of a cult is heavier exploitation from above, which can either be from the guru or higher-ranking officials, in this case it would be the Sea Org.

Every good deed that they do is just for the public eye. Behind walls, they have kids working 12-16 hours a day with little to no pay! Many experience abuse from these higher levels of power, which includes physical violence and confinement for some. These kids are also deprived from the basic right to an education. The church of course has denied all this. Another form of exploitation they use is getting members to participate in their schemes. Operation Snow White was launched in the 1970s. 11 scientologists were convicted of infiltrating and stealing documents from the Government because they believed they had obtained damaging information on the church. Some may also argue that celebrities like Tom Cruise are being exploited as a way to bring in new members. Finally, the way that Scientology is even thriving is because they are taking money from their members. One specific family that left scientology had explained that once they left, they were sent bills for breaking the Billion-Year contract and also to pay off the services that they were provided. The family had a very difficult time paying off these bills due to the fact that Sea Org had taken all their money, but once again, all claims were denied. Sea Org said that it was up to members whether they wanted to give them money or not. A true

religion does not exploit their members for their own benefit. By doing things like taking money, making kids work and overall abusing their power, they are definitely showing signs of not a religion, but a cult.
Scientology has shown signs of all the characteristics of a cult. People need to realize that this is not a religion! A religion does not do the things that Scientology does. It is time to spread the word and put an end to this controversy!