Has anyone ever been involved in a cult, I have. It is the Church of Scientology. It's a cult, don't let anyone fool you into thinking it isn't. There are a few celebrities involved in it. It is still a cult. I quit and walked out about 14 years ago. And I never ever went back. Are there any people here familiar with it?
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I am familar with it from an external point of view. I would love to discuss it with you and learn about your experiences.
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gshenks wrote: I am familar with it from an external point of view. I would love to discuss it with you and learn about your experiences.
IT's a group of people who are trying to follow the philosopies of LRon Hubbard. They take all of your money, and expect you to give them all of your life savings, property and time. They say that eventually everyone will be a scientologist. The people in charge of the cult expect you to cut off all ties from those people who are not scientologists, even your family. They call people who are not scientologists "wogs". The charge very very large amounts of money to brainwashed members to learn about LRon hubbard's teachings. And from what i have seen, most of it is literally science fiction.
IT's a group of people who are trying to follow the philosopies of LRon Hubbard. They take all of your money, and expect you to give them all of your life savings, property and time. They say that eventually everyone will be a scientologist. The people in charge of the cult expect you to cut off all ties from those people who are not scientologists, even your family. They call people who are not scientologists "wogs". The charge very very large amounts of money to brainwashed members to learn about LRon hubbard's teachings. And from what i have seen, most of it is literally science fiction.
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Saffron wrote: IT's a group of people who are trying to follow the philosopies of LRon Hubbard. They take all of your money, and expect you to give them all of your life savings, property and time. They say that eventually everyone will be a scientologist. The people in charge of the cult expect you to cut off all ties from those people who are not scientologists, even your family. They call people who are not scientologists "wogs". The charge very very large amounts of money to brainwashed members to learn about LRon hubbard's teachings. And from what i have seen, most of it is literally science fiction.
I am aware of that. I have even read a little of "cybernetics". My question is how does it attract and keep such wealthy and powerful actors like Cruise, travolta, Presley etc.?
I am aware of that. I have even read a little of "cybernetics". My question is how does it attract and keep such wealthy and powerful actors like Cruise, travolta, Presley etc.?
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I was involved in a cult called The Way Ministry back in the seventies. Bear in mind that the loose definition of cult is a group consisting of ? # of people engaged in the same belief.
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My mother blames them for the death of my father....avoid them at all costs.
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Saffron wrote: Has anyone ever been involved in a cult, I have. It is the Church of Scientology. It's a cult, don't let anyone fool you into thinking it isn't. There are a few celebrities involved in it. It is still a cult. I quit and walked out about 14 years ago. And I never ever went back. Are there any people here familiar with it?
A cult is a cult when it has limited membership like the Church of Scientology. As the cult grows in membership they call it a religion, like the Catholics, Baptists et al.
A cult is a cult when it has limited membership like the Church of Scientology. As the cult grows in membership they call it a religion, like the Catholics, Baptists et al.
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Lon wrote: A cult is a cult when it has limited membership like the Church of Scientology. As the cult grows in membership they call it a religion, like the Catholics, Baptists et al.
The C of S became a "religion" by paying all of their back taxes they owed to the IRS, and then they became "tax exempt". REligious organizations are tax exempt. Which also means, that if you want to sue them or file charges on them, the State government cannot invervene. "REligions" are out of the government's jurisdiction. That also means that they can do anything they want to you, and there is not much that can be done about it, unless you hire your own attorney to sue them. And it happens a lot. The C of S thinks they are a religion. But ask anybody like myself who has worked for them and then left, and we will tell you it is a cult. And it is.
"gshenks wrote: My question is how does it attract and keep such wealthy and powerful actors like Cruise, travolta, Presley etc.?It's mostly because they get the royal red carpet treatment there at the C of S when they go do their "auditing" and "training". It is also a haven where they can go and not get bothered by the real world. It's a cult like any other. People are people, no matter how much money they have. It is just as easy to con rich people out of their money as anybody else. Maybe even easier actually.
It is just got more wealthy people involved in it. There were people like me who are (or were) staff member who get treated like crap and don't get paid. All the money they make goes to the "higher ups" in the organization. Like those loud-mouthed managers who you may see on t.v. every now and then preaching L Ron hubbard crap and saying that it is "the fastest growing religion in the world". I'd hear that lie like a broken record. Strange thing, Muslims say the same thing about Islam.
I would not recommend the C of S to anyone. It's an awfully greedy organization.
The C of S became a "religion" by paying all of their back taxes they owed to the IRS, and then they became "tax exempt". REligious organizations are tax exempt. Which also means, that if you want to sue them or file charges on them, the State government cannot invervene. "REligions" are out of the government's jurisdiction. That also means that they can do anything they want to you, and there is not much that can be done about it, unless you hire your own attorney to sue them. And it happens a lot. The C of S thinks they are a religion. But ask anybody like myself who has worked for them and then left, and we will tell you it is a cult. And it is.
"gshenks wrote: My question is how does it attract and keep such wealthy and powerful actors like Cruise, travolta, Presley etc.?It's mostly because they get the royal red carpet treatment there at the C of S when they go do their "auditing" and "training". It is also a haven where they can go and not get bothered by the real world. It's a cult like any other. People are people, no matter how much money they have. It is just as easy to con rich people out of their money as anybody else. Maybe even easier actually.
It is just got more wealthy people involved in it. There were people like me who are (or were) staff member who get treated like crap and don't get paid. All the money they make goes to the "higher ups" in the organization. Like those loud-mouthed managers who you may see on t.v. every now and then preaching L Ron hubbard crap and saying that it is "the fastest growing religion in the world". I'd hear that lie like a broken record. Strange thing, Muslims say the same thing about Islam.
I would not recommend the C of S to anyone. It's an awfully greedy organization.
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docd wrote: My mother blames them for the death of my father....avoid them at all costs.
Did the C of S have anything to do with it? If so, I am sorry to hear that. But I am not surprised. I almost starved to death while I was in it.
Did the C of S have anything to do with it? If so, I am sorry to hear that. But I am not surprised. I almost starved to death while I was in it.
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[quote=Saffron]The C of S became a "religion" by paying all of their back taxes they owed to the IRS, and then they became "tax exempt".
That is true only for tax purposes, I think the vast majority of people still refer to it as a CULT instead of a RELIGION.
That is true only for tax purposes, I think the vast majority of people still refer to it as a CULT instead of a RELIGION.
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Tithing is the same concept used in all religious groups, not only cults. "Giving equals receiving" What you put in is equal to what you get back. Refering th the bible saying that 10% of your income should go to the church. It was the same with the way. And when a church wants you to become a " member" that means commiting yourself to financial support.They all have the caste system also from the most powerful religions down to groups starting up in someones basement. There is always a Mr. Bigshot who gets a free ride. They used to ask us to support "followers who had gone into Rhe Way Corps." They were in intense training to go out into the world and "witness". I know a little about scientology also. Did all this reading years ago, when I was spiritually searching for answers.The founder of this psychos cult wrote a book called Jesus Christ is not God. Big dissertation on proving that the concept of the trilogy was false. That was his big claim to fame. Then he developed a class called Power for Abundant living. For a whopping fee all the graduates were taught to speak in tongues. Just thinking about those years makes me sick. There is some really interesting info on the web about this group.
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Your topic prompted me to revisit the web sites on cults. The Way is right up there with Scientology. Very similar doctrine , and practices. I guess The Way was aimed at potential members from lower socio economic groups. Less % of income to tithe.. so actively go after more members. Like Walmart vs Bloomingdales.
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Lon wrote: That is true only for tax purposes, I think the vast majority of people still refer to it as a CULT instead of a RELIGION.
And they should, because it really is.
MrsK wrote: Why/how did you nearly starve to death?
I was not getting paid but $5 per week, sometimes nothing. I worked there all day, and at night also. Sometimes I'd do temp jobs, but that was sporadic income. Their thinking was that staff members were to work their lives around the "org". The "org" was the word used to describe any particular scientology place. When people had to go take regular jobs, they called it "moonlighting". And you weren't supposed to call it a "job".
The particular people who were in charge of the place where I worked in Sacramento were very greedy. And they could not have cared less about what happened to their staff members. If I was hungry, it did not matter. I was supposed to be there. I could not even call in sick, ever. Their thing was that you have a "higher purpose". And that we were "of the elite" of the planet.
After I left, I realized how badly I had been taken advantage of. So when I moved home to where I am now, I wrote letters to their main offices here in L.A. and them a few months later, there were about 5 people removed from the staff in Sacramento. They are some seriously evil people.
I made some very good friends while there, and they backed me up. But eventually we went out of touch, after I moved away and because they are still involved.
And they should, because it really is.
MrsK wrote: Why/how did you nearly starve to death?
I was not getting paid but $5 per week, sometimes nothing. I worked there all day, and at night also. Sometimes I'd do temp jobs, but that was sporadic income. Their thinking was that staff members were to work their lives around the "org". The "org" was the word used to describe any particular scientology place. When people had to go take regular jobs, they called it "moonlighting". And you weren't supposed to call it a "job".
The particular people who were in charge of the place where I worked in Sacramento were very greedy. And they could not have cared less about what happened to their staff members. If I was hungry, it did not matter. I was supposed to be there. I could not even call in sick, ever. Their thing was that you have a "higher purpose". And that we were "of the elite" of the planet.
After I left, I realized how badly I had been taken advantage of. So when I moved home to where I am now, I wrote letters to their main offices here in L.A. and them a few months later, there were about 5 people removed from the staff in Sacramento. They are some seriously evil people.
I made some very good friends while there, and they backed me up. But eventually we went out of touch, after I moved away and because they are still involved.
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Leaving a cult is not easy. Mainly psychologicly ( I cant spell today) but also leaving the group. Having done it, years ago, I would advise you to stop all contact with friends who are still members. Concentrate on starting a totally new life. And dont try to get even or feel you have an obligation to expose these people. Since you acknowledge knowing they are evil.... you also must realize that some of them could be dangerous. Anything that effects the pocket book for many people.. can make them do very strange and terrible things.
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weeder wrote: Your topic prompted me to revisit the web sites on cults. The Way is right up there with Scientology. Very similar doctrine , and practices. I guess The Way was aimed at potential members from lower socio economic groups. Less % of income to tithe.. so actively go after more members. Like Walmart vs Bloomingdales.
I don't know what the "tithe" is, but even the name sounds strange. I've heard of "The Way" though. I've had enough of cults. I guess that is what happens in our free world. One can start a cult and have their religious freedom.
The C of S recruits very very young kids, even while still in high school. There are generations of scientologists now. I met young children whose parents were scientologists in "The Sea Org". That is based in Florida and L.A. To be in the "Sea Org" one must sign a "billion year contract". They state that you will work for the C of S for the rest of your life and then any other after life. It's really very ridiculous. And it would not hold up in court. But I have met people who have "broken their contract" as I did and left.
The C of S does not like people leaving their cult. Because then we can go out into the real world and tell all about it. I have seen a lot of the scientology technical writings online, that one must pay huge amounts of money to get if they are "on course" there at an org. L Ron Hubbard actually wrote "technical" writings about his philosophy. To be able to read those one has to first sign a contract saying that you will not sue them, (strange), then pay very large amounts of money and then go almost every night to an "academy" classroom at an org to read it. I had access to lots of L Ron Hubbards written material. But now, it would not interest me.
I don't know what the "tithe" is, but even the name sounds strange. I've heard of "The Way" though. I've had enough of cults. I guess that is what happens in our free world. One can start a cult and have their religious freedom.
The C of S recruits very very young kids, even while still in high school. There are generations of scientologists now. I met young children whose parents were scientologists in "The Sea Org". That is based in Florida and L.A. To be in the "Sea Org" one must sign a "billion year contract". They state that you will work for the C of S for the rest of your life and then any other after life. It's really very ridiculous. And it would not hold up in court. But I have met people who have "broken their contract" as I did and left.
The C of S does not like people leaving their cult. Because then we can go out into the real world and tell all about it. I have seen a lot of the scientology technical writings online, that one must pay huge amounts of money to get if they are "on course" there at an org. L Ron Hubbard actually wrote "technical" writings about his philosophy. To be able to read those one has to first sign a contract saying that you will not sue them, (strange), then pay very large amounts of money and then go almost every night to an "academy" classroom at an org to read it. I had access to lots of L Ron Hubbards written material. But now, it would not interest me.
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weeder wrote: Leaving a cult is not easy. Mainly psychologicly ( I cant spell today) but also leaving the group. Having done it, years ago, I would advise you to stop all contact with friends who are still members. Concentrate on starting a totally new life. And dont try to get even or feel you have an obligation to expose these people. Since you acknowledge knowing they are evil.... you also must realize that some of them could be dangerous. Anything that effects the pocket book for many people.. can make them do very strange and terrible things.
Yes, I did leave. IT was difficult at first, but I got a job very quickly from one of my temp jobs where I'd been working. I then found my own apartment and began my new without it. And it was like a huge burden had been lifted. I had peace. I still had a few friends, and they stayed friends with me.
I remember that when I was still involved, the horrible women who was in charge of the particular org where I worked was always asking me in a mean way "why do you keep contact and associate with people who are not scientilogists?" I'd say, "because I need to work, you don't pay me". It would go over her head, she could not have cared less. But keeping those contacts with jobs and agencies where what helped me leave and gave me an income.
First they started sending me these stupid letters in the mail. They were called "declares". They "declare" anyone who leaves their cult "insane". That is the first thing they do. Then they begin to harrass you. So I ignored them, changed my name back to my maiden name, and moved to a new apartment building where there were none of them. Then they started calling my friends and "interrogating them as to my whereabouts and what I was doing". That really pissed me off. As they really had nothing else to do. So while I was working, and getting my real life back, they were still stuck in all of their wondering and worrying about what I was doing. So when one of my friends (who I am no longer friends with), told them that I had a full-time job and a very nice apartment , they finally realized I was not going back and they left me alone. But at one point right after I left, the idiots sent me a bill for about $15,000 they said I owed them for the training and study classes I got there for free while I was on staff. But since they were not paying me to work, I told them that we are even. And then as a joke, I mailed them $1. Then never sent them anything. I later found out that none of their billings or their ideas about collecting money for nothing would even hold up in a regular court of law.
Very good manipulators, those scientologists. I actually worked for a doctors's office who had a man and a woman who were scientologists managing his practice. That is how I got involved. The woman who was my boss began taking me to lectures and such. I was just trying to get get along with my boss.
Yes, I did leave. IT was difficult at first, but I got a job very quickly from one of my temp jobs where I'd been working. I then found my own apartment and began my new without it. And it was like a huge burden had been lifted. I had peace. I still had a few friends, and they stayed friends with me.
I remember that when I was still involved, the horrible women who was in charge of the particular org where I worked was always asking me in a mean way "why do you keep contact and associate with people who are not scientilogists?" I'd say, "because I need to work, you don't pay me". It would go over her head, she could not have cared less. But keeping those contacts with jobs and agencies where what helped me leave and gave me an income.
First they started sending me these stupid letters in the mail. They were called "declares". They "declare" anyone who leaves their cult "insane". That is the first thing they do. Then they begin to harrass you. So I ignored them, changed my name back to my maiden name, and moved to a new apartment building where there were none of them. Then they started calling my friends and "interrogating them as to my whereabouts and what I was doing". That really pissed me off. As they really had nothing else to do. So while I was working, and getting my real life back, they were still stuck in all of their wondering and worrying about what I was doing. So when one of my friends (who I am no longer friends with), told them that I had a full-time job and a very nice apartment , they finally realized I was not going back and they left me alone. But at one point right after I left, the idiots sent me a bill for about $15,000 they said I owed them for the training and study classes I got there for free while I was on staff. But since they were not paying me to work, I told them that we are even. And then as a joke, I mailed them $1. Then never sent them anything. I later found out that none of their billings or their ideas about collecting money for nothing would even hold up in a regular court of law.
Very good manipulators, those scientologists. I actually worked for a doctors's office who had a man and a woman who were scientologists managing his practice. That is how I got involved. The woman who was my boss began taking me to lectures and such. I was just trying to get get along with my boss.
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OMG! That is an amazing story, Saffron! Thank goodness you are out from under their clutches!
All the world's a stage and the men and women merely players...Shakespeare
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Jives wrote: OMG! That is an amazing story, Saffron! Thank goodness you are out from under their clutches!
Yes, I had left twice already, but then was talked back into going back. I worked for them off-and-on for 4 years. I have flashbacks and bad memories of it to this day.
I had a bit of a feeling of closure a out 2 - 3 years ago, when one my my friends who was still in touch with the particular org I worked in told me that 5 people had been physically removed from the building, after I had written letters to the managers about what I went through. They were told that they can never be allowed or welcome into any of their "churches" again. And as far as I know, they have not even tried to go back. But I have not even had the urge to get back involved in it again.
It's a totalitarian kind of organization. :-2
Yes, I had left twice already, but then was talked back into going back. I worked for them off-and-on for 4 years. I have flashbacks and bad memories of it to this day.
I had a bit of a feeling of closure a out 2 - 3 years ago, when one my my friends who was still in touch with the particular org I worked in told me that 5 people had been physically removed from the building, after I had written letters to the managers about what I went through. They were told that they can never be allowed or welcome into any of their "churches" again. And as far as I know, they have not even tried to go back. But I have not even had the urge to get back involved in it again.
It's a totalitarian kind of organization. :-2
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I also got involved at work. A young married couple who were in the Way Corps
took me to meetings also. I was feeling guilty about getting divorced, so I was perfect prey at the time. Very quickly, they begin to try to run your whole life. You should only work for members etc.... And then they start telling you that anyone who isnt in the organization is going to hell. Like your mother, father etc..... And if your not at a "meeting " 7 nights a week. where are you? Its quite awful. Once I was really sick, high temp, chills,,, they said I had to believe to get well. Going to a doctor was like being a wimp. And sickness is really just an attack from the devil. When I got out, I totally dropped out. Went home to live with my parents. New job, new city. Never got in touch with any of them again. Im glad you got away also. Youll find your own way. Youll decide what you believe in yourself. And doesnt it feel good to know that no one will get wealthy from your own personal spiritual life? How ridiculous!!
took me to meetings also. I was feeling guilty about getting divorced, so I was perfect prey at the time. Very quickly, they begin to try to run your whole life. You should only work for members etc.... And then they start telling you that anyone who isnt in the organization is going to hell. Like your mother, father etc..... And if your not at a "meeting " 7 nights a week. where are you? Its quite awful. Once I was really sick, high temp, chills,,, they said I had to believe to get well. Going to a doctor was like being a wimp. And sickness is really just an attack from the devil. When I got out, I totally dropped out. Went home to live with my parents. New job, new city. Never got in touch with any of them again. Im glad you got away also. Youll find your own way. Youll decide what you believe in yourself. And doesnt it feel good to know that no one will get wealthy from your own personal spiritual life? How ridiculous!!
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weeder wrote: I also got involved at work. A young married couple who were in the Way Corps
took me to meetings also. I was feeling guilty about getting divorced, so I was perfect prey at the time. Very quickly, they begin to try to run your whole life. You should only work for members etc.... And then they start telling you that anyone who isnt in the organization is going to hell. Like your mother, father etc..... And if your not at a "meeting " 7 nights a week. where are you? Its quite awful. Once I was really sick, high temp, chills,,, they said I had to believe to get well. Going to a doctor was like being a wimp. And sickness is really just an attack from the devil. When I got out, I totally dropped out. Went home to live with my parents. New job, new city. Never got in touch with any of them again. Im glad you got away also. Youll find your own way. Youll decide what you believe in yourself. And doesnt it feel good to know that no one will get wealthy from your own personal spiritual life? How ridiculous!!
Hmmm, is that the name of it, THe Way?
I was also going through a divorce.
Yes, I can remember being told that one is under "suppression" if they get sick. They called it "PTS", stands for potential trouble source". None of their bizarre beliefs where based on real medical science. Very frightening, when I realized that they must have other very strange beliefs.
I have never regretted walking away from that group of nuts. And I feel so sorry for my old friends who are still dumping all of their life savings in it, with no real way to live a normal life. Some people are just too weak to leave.
took me to meetings also. I was feeling guilty about getting divorced, so I was perfect prey at the time. Very quickly, they begin to try to run your whole life. You should only work for members etc.... And then they start telling you that anyone who isnt in the organization is going to hell. Like your mother, father etc..... And if your not at a "meeting " 7 nights a week. where are you? Its quite awful. Once I was really sick, high temp, chills,,, they said I had to believe to get well. Going to a doctor was like being a wimp. And sickness is really just an attack from the devil. When I got out, I totally dropped out. Went home to live with my parents. New job, new city. Never got in touch with any of them again. Im glad you got away also. Youll find your own way. Youll decide what you believe in yourself. And doesnt it feel good to know that no one will get wealthy from your own personal spiritual life? How ridiculous!!
Hmmm, is that the name of it, THe Way?
I was also going through a divorce.
Yes, I can remember being told that one is under "suppression" if they get sick. They called it "PTS", stands for potential trouble source". None of their bizarre beliefs where based on real medical science. Very frightening, when I realized that they must have other very strange beliefs.
I have never regretted walking away from that group of nuts. And I feel so sorry for my old friends who are still dumping all of their life savings in it, with no real way to live a normal life. Some people are just too weak to leave.
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