The Secrets of Scientology

Scientology is portrayed as a religion of the stars, attracting figures like Tom Cruise and John Travolta who claim it benefits them.
The Church asserts itself as the fastest-growing religion globally.
Critics label it a dangerous cult, accusing it of controlling members, recording secrets (including those of celebrities), and breaking apart families.

The investigation into Scientology faced obstruction, mirroring past experiences in 2007 where the Church attempted to impede scrutiny.
Mike Rinder, former spokesperson for the Church and head of its Office of Special Affairs, became a key insider providing insights.
Rinder defected from the Church, citing an inability to continue with its practices, feeling liberated upon leaving.
Leaving the Church resulted in estrangement from his family who remained within Scientology.

Rinder's parents were early adopters of Scientology nearly 50 years prior.
Saint Hill in East Grinstead, Sussex, is significant to Scientologists as L. Ron Hubbard's former residence.
L. Ron Hubbard, the founder, initially wrote science fiction before establishing Scientology.
Scientology aims to create a civilization free from insanity, criminals, and war.
Reincarnation is a core belief. Auditing or counseling is used to explore past lives and address pain, aiming for a state of enlightenment called "clear."
The ultimate goal is to "clear the planet" of harmful subconscious thoughts.

The Church has faced persistent controversies, with accusations of being a cult.
Under the leadership of David Miscavige (best man to Tom Cruise), Scientology has expanded its reach, particularly among celebrities.
The Church owns substantial property worldwide, worth millions or billions of dollars, and actively seeks further expansion.

An investigation in 2007 revealed the Church's efforts to obstruct scrutiny, including alleged spying on investigators.
Messages obtained by the BBC indicated monitoring and surveillance operations directed by Scientology's high command, including David Miscavige's office.
The Church admits to tracking and documenting investigators but claims it's an overt operation, not spying.

Mike Rinder and Marty Rathbun, former high-ranking members, are leading a reformation movement, objecting to the Church's current practices.
They argue that the Church is contracting rather than expanding.

Scientology fiercely protects its scriptures and practices, including auditing, through copyright laws.
Auditing involves using an E-meter, described as a resistance meter, to identify and address negative influences from past lives.
Marty Rathbun, a former top auditor, demonstrated the E-meter's use in uncovering repressed thoughts.

Scientologists engage in drills to alter behavior, and this knowledge can be used to unsettle outsiders.
Techniques are employed to identify and exploit individuals' emotional buttons.
Examples include cutting off communication to frustrate and upset individuals.

Scientology opposes psychiatry, viewing it as evil and damaging to humanity.
The Church presents exhibitions highlighting alleged psychiatric abuses, including claims about involvement in the Holocaust.

Internal communications within the Church's leadership involve obscene language and demeaning messages.
Acronyms like CSMF (cocksucking motherfucker) and YSCOHB (you suck cock on Hollywood Boulevard) were reportedly used.
The Church denies these allegations and claims any such messages are fraudulent.

The Church seeks respectability and has contacts with government officials.
Tory MP Charles Hendrie advocated for Scientology constituents.
Despite controversies, the Church has gained recognition as a not-for-profit educational organization, receiving tax benefits.
However, a 1984 judicial ruling labeled the Church a corrupt, sinister, and dangerous cult.

In the USA, Scientology is more popular and recognized as a religion by the tax authorities.
Former members of the Sea Organization (Sea Org) make serious allegations impacting the Church.

Sea Org members, often joining in their teens, sign a billion-year contract committing themselves to the Church.
Former members Claire and Mark Headley describe a strict environment with constant surveillance and limited freedom.
They allege fear and intimidation were dominant controlling emotions.
The Church controls personal aspects of life in the Sea Org, including restrictions on marriage and childbearing.
Abortions were allegedly encouraged to avoid members leaving the Sea Org to raise families.
Defectors like Amy Scobie describe Scientology's International Headquarters (INT) as a restricted compound with limited personal freedom.
Leaving the Sea Org involves weeks of procedures, signed statements, and potential "freeloader debt" payments.

Celebrities receive preferential treatment and have dedicated churches.
Celebrity centers are luxurious and exclusive.
Interviews with celebrity defenders of Scientology were filmed but initially blocked from broadcast (later released in a film investigating the investigators themselves).

Jason Begay, a former celebrity Scientologist, now campaigns against the Church after spending a substantial amount of money.
Larry Anderson, another former member who appeared in Church recruiting films, left after discovering critical information online.

Scientology features Operating Thetan (OT) levels, requiring increasing payments for each level.
Critics describe it as a "pay as you go" religion.
A core secret, revealed at OT Level III, involves the story of Xenu, an intergalactic warlord who banished spirits to Earth (near volcanoes).
The Church claims this information is restricted until members are spiritually prepared.

Auditing covers all aspects of life, and sessions are routinely recorded using hidden cameras and microphones.
The Church claims filming auditing sessions is not secret and that auditing secrets are protected by confidentiality.
However, personal information obtained during auditing can be used against members, especially those who leave.
Former members, such as Amy Scobie, have had intimate details of their personal lives leaked by the Church.

A damaging accusation against the Church is its policy of "disconnection," which splits families apart.
Members who leave without the Church's blessing risk losing contact with family members still inside.
Mike Rinder and other defectors have experienced disconnection from their families.
The Church defends its policy of disconnection as a fundamental human right.

The Church of Scientology strives for respectability through property, wealth, and celebrity endorsements.
However, actions such as spying, intimidation, revealing private information, and dividing families continue to define Church of Scientology is summed up by some as a cult.