I’m Not Afraid of You, Scientology
So for awhile, I’ve been looking at Scientology and I’ve been watching the exposure documentary/series.
I am not a psychologist. But I have a deep interest into these sorts of ‘religions’.
For anyone wondering what I’m exactly getting act, it’s simple;
Scientology is 100% a cult. Probably the biggest cult on a global scale.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Religion and Cults, aren’t they the same?’
Well actually... it’s like this. Biography Online describes religion as “A religion is a formal organized body who generally meet various criteria such as: Belief in God (though not in the case of Buddhism) Belief in importance of certain spiritual books as a source of spiritual truth. (Bible, Qu’ran, Bhagavad Gita) A set of principles to guide living of members. An established organization, often with a hierarchy of priests”
Now, a cult is a little harder to define, but basically, “A cult is a group of people who organize around a strong authority figure. Cults, like many other groups, attempt to expand their influence for the purposes of power or money. However, to achieve these ends, destructive cults employ a potent mixture of influence techniques and deception to attain psychological control over members and new recruits.” (Working Psychology, Cult Influence & Persuasive Behaviors)
Another thing about cults, is basically their tactics. It includes:
Powerful and exclusive dedication/devotion to an explicit person or creed.
They use of “thought-reform” programs to integrate, socialize, persuade and therefore control members.
A well thought through recruitment, selection and socialization process.
Attempts to maintain psychological and physical dependency among cult members.
Cults insist on reprogramming the way people see the world.
Consistent exploitation of group members specifically to advance the leaders goals.
Cults nearly always go in for milieu control signals: a different,unfamiliar setting with different rules, terms, behaviour patterns.
Ultimately using psychological and physical harm to cult members, their friends and relatives and possibly the community as a whole.
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LOOK AT SCIENTOLOGY.
Seriously, look at it. Look at people’s testimonies. Question all you know. I am a Christian woman and yes, at times I do question my religion, and that’s normal. I’ve been taught that it’s ok to doubt and to keep looking for answers. A ‘religion’ that keeps telling you that you shouldn’t, that it’s wrong and that you shouldn’t question anything, otherwise you’re an enemy, that’s a cult.
And hey, I’ll keep protesting against it. I don’t fucking care if I’m ever labeled as an enemy. David Miscavige, go suck your own dick. You can go pull whatever supposedly ‘discontinued’ methods of destroying enemies you got. You’re just digging your own holes.