YES

SCIENTOLOGY IS A CULT

“Any situation that removes freedom of the mind is a cult.”

From Cult Consulting Australia:

As a general outline we use the following criteria that defines a cult or mind control situation.

  • Removes your freedom of choice;
  • separates you from the familiar;
  • Alters your belief system;
  • Disallows questions and criticism;
  • Expects worship and obedience;
  • Promises unattainable outcomes;
  • The group is right everyone else is wrong; and
  • Overbearing friendship and love.

HOW I BELIEVE THIS APPLIES TO SCIENTOLOGY

Removes your freedom of choice

Scientology exerts extensive control over various aspects of individuals’ lives, spanning practical, ethical, medical, financial, and social domains.

Separates you from the familiar

Scientology promotes an insular social, family and professional life, discouraging relationships with those outside of Scientology, to the extent of which it forces people to “disconnect” from family and friends if they are not also loyal Scientologists.

Alters your belief system

It starts off lightly with things like self-help courses and the pursuit of higher levels of awareness, and gradually moves towards things like past lives and aliens.

Disallows questions and criticism

Those outside Scientology are subjected to aggressive legal tactics – particularly former members. Incidents of of stalking, harassment and more have been well documented. Inside scientology, members are often subject to harsh disciplinary measures for questioning something as simple as where someone is who hasn’t been seen for a while. Serious cases of assault and medical negligence have been well documented.

Expects worship and obedience

The founder, L.Ron Hubbard, is practically deified, and his teachings and policies regarded as sacrosanct and unquestionable.

Promises unattainable outcomes

Such as spiritual enlightenment, improved financial, relationship and career success, health benefits, living for millions of lives.

The group is right everyone else is wrong

Members are taught to view Scientology as the only true source of knowledge and enlightenment.

Overbearing friendship and love

“Lovebombing” is used to help draw new people in, and also encourages members to prioritize relationships with other Scientologists over those outside the group. This can create a sense of overbearing camaraderie and pressure to conform to group norms. It is conditional on loyalty and adherence to Scientology’s teachings and the organization. Members who express doubts or criticisms may face rejection or ostracism from their fellow Scientologists, leading to a fear of expressing dissenting opinions or questioning the group’s leadership.

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