Associate Commentary Editor, Rishi Mehta

Scientology Swindles

By: Rishi Mehta

Posted: 10/13/05

This past summer, Tom Cruise made headlines with his summer blockbuster and new relationship with Katie Holmes. Perhaps the biggest Cruise news story this summer, however, was his public flaunting of his religion, scientology.

While the majority of Americans became exposed to the religion for the first time, the reality is that with eight million followers, scientology is becoming one of the fastest growing religions - an unfortunate phenomenon.

Ron Hubbard started the Scientology movement in the 1950s, building it up to a multinational organization. By 1993, Scientology was officially recognized as a religion by the government, although many of its teachings were kept secret. Despite such confidentiality, the foundation of this seemingly pseudo-religion is known. Scientologists believe Earthlings were invaded millions of years ago by alien souls sent here from outer space. In fact, contemporary literature on Scientology describes such a basic tenet as follows:

"An incident [occurred in the past which led] to the current evils of the Earth. This incident started with a galactic shake-up 75 million years ago, when an alien ruler sent billions of subjects to this planet to solve an overpopulation problem. These "thetan" souls dispersed and invaded humans. Scientology is the means through which one's Body Thetans (BTs) are purged."

Despite such baffling beliefs, it is not the belief structure that is most discerning. Rather, it is the fact Scientology continues to exploit the confidentiality and wallets of average Americans. While much of the mainstream media has focused on the more famous of Scientology's followers -J ohn Travolta, Kirstie Alley and Lisa Marie Presley - critics estimate there are scores of "average people spending decades and bankrupting themselves in the pursuit" of Scientology's teachings. Pursuit? We'll come back to that.

The exploitation of followers' confidentiality lies in the fact the Church of Scientology "audits" its members before entrance into the religion. Without an official license, leaders of the religion "counsel" individuals to get a good gauge as to what Scientology can offer them. The Church of Scientology, however, is under little or no legal obligation to keep confidential such "counseling" services, unlike the professions of psychology and psychiatry. In fact, there are countless cases of former members of the "religion" claiming the church has exploited the information the members gave during the "audit" sessions.

So now, back to the "pursuit." There is a catch in the belief structure of Scientology. In order for one to make it to the next "level" of teaching, one must show a certain degree of commitment. Such a commitment is valued by the dollar. Indeed, many Scientologists do not know the full truth or tenets of their religion because they simply cannot afford it. Scientology not only refuses to disclose its beliefs to the general public, but it also has such a refusal to its own believers. Unless Scientologists hand over the cash, they never learn the true meaning of their religion or find their way to "enlightenment" - something most religions promise and offer to all believers, if not non-believers.

Of the five major religions in the world - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism - none of them keep their most basic tenets secret. Rather, all of these religions keep their tenets in some sort of Holy Scripture free for all interested in the faith. It leaves no room for ignorance and allows members of each religion to learn from each other. Indeed, members of each religion have the ability to learn as much about their religion as they can about the other major religions. Such a dynamic allows for a certain level of communication, tolerance and understanding.

In addition, such openness allows those who feel "lost" to decide on their own which set of beliefs and tenets most appropriately fits what they feel to be the true way. Once in the arms of the religion of their choice, all members equally can find enlightenment. All it requires is self control, devotion and commitment. It in no way requires a wallet. In fact, here lies the significant difference between these religions and Scientology - it opens up its arms to all who seek spirituality and meaning. Some may make such a task more arduous than others such as the long conversion process for Judaism, while some may make the task nothing more than a formality such as the case with Hinduism. In either case, however, the religions allow all to find enlightenment with no consideration of economic background.

In fact even some of the most "controversial" religions of our time fall in line with such a dynamic. The Mormons and the Amish are perhaps part of the two biggest religions which seem to receive the most criticism from mainstream America, yet other than their seemingly "different" views, they function more like the major religions than Scientology does. While it's true to be Amish you must give up everything considered "modern," such a lifestyle is available to all who are willing to accept it. While only Mormons can enter the various Mormon temples around the country, once a member of the religion, all have equal access. In fact, even though both religions have specific ways to become a member, anyone can become one by simply remaining committed and devoted. Like the five major religions - and unlike Scientology - the size of one's wallet does not proportionally relate to personal enlightenment.

The government must take the proper steps against Scientology. It must begin an investigation as to the validity of whether or not Scientologists are illegally offering mental health treatment. In addition, because Scientology is tax-exempt the "religion" is able to easily win case after case in court against deflectors of the religion who plea exploitation. It is in the best interest of all American taxpayers to advocate the government take Scientology off the list of official religions. Once off the list, the "religion" will be forced to expose how much this alleged non-profit religious organization rakes in from unsuspecting followers.

Moreover, as more deflectors feel they have a chance to take on the organization, more of the truth will be exposed. Such a truth will help in the healing process for many of the exploited ex-followers.

Sources:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8333804/
http://www.modemac.com/cgi-bin/cos.pl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology