What is it like to become involved with Scientology and then elect to leave? Did it help transform your life?

Question

I guess I want to know how far "in" one has to go with the organization as a religion -- I can see benefits, but I'm concerned about the so-called "cult-like" aspects of it -- I don't want to go broke or dump all my friends!

Answer 1

Well I worked in Scientology like for 2 years and then I joined the Sea Org for another 2 years. Then I left and enlisted my self in the US Air Force and currently I'm a Technical Sergeant working in the US Air Force. But I still consider my self a Scientologist. Scientologist are like the Marines, once a Marine always a Marine. Maybe you can find one or two persons that joined for the wrong reason or never understood Scientology but that's rare. The cult like aspects.... could you be more specific? I have never lost a friend due to Scientology. And I'm not broke... I have probably spend like $1000- in books (I have all the books and many tapes) and once I took a course for $350-. Yes auditing is expensive but you can take the courses and do your auditing with a partner. And getting a book from the library and reading it is free.
Like that guy says "The difference between a cult and a religion is free will to join or leave. You make the choices in your life in a religion, in a cult the cult leader tells you what to do." In Scientology what is true for you is what you your self observe to be true. And you are free to go and come at will. Believe me I have done it many times. Don't listen the the anti-Scientology propaganda, they are just bias. If it works for you it works for you. If it doesn't just keep looking. The true test is your own observation. Not someone Else's.

Answer 2

The difference between a cult and a religion is free will to join or leave. You make the choices in your life in a religion, in a cult the cult leader tells you what to do. In a religion love and forgiveness are taught, in cults it is serving the leader (scientology this s by paying money to them.)

Scientology is only a rewritten version of Alister Crowley's Satanism. Do you really want to be a part of that? Do you believe for a moment that you were evolved from a clam?

Try either of the web sights below for any answers you are looking for about this outfit. The more you know the more likely you are to scared of them.

Answer 3

I've never experienced what you describe in your question
as "cult like" aspects. I've been a Scientologist for over 34 years. I've worked as staff in the Church, I've also worked in the secular social programs sponsored by the Church.( Drug Rehab) I'm currently doing other things like setting up my own business. These were all my personal choices.
I'm still a Scientologist. I use and apply it's principles in whatever I am doing. It's basically knowledge about your spiritual nature and applying this knowledge to your life. Also how to become more able and realize your own potential. It's entirely up to you what you do with this knowledge and ability, or how much you help with Scientolgy and it's overall purpose.

It's about life.... that's really what we are all involved with.
So I can't see how this could do anything but improve your friendships and ability to make money, or assist you in forfilling your goals or purposes, whatever they might be.
You make your own decisions in life, no one can take that from you. There are no "rules" in Scientology, self determinism and spiritual freedom is the goal.

Best to just read some basic books first and see if it makes sense or applies to you and your life. That way you will have more understanding of what it is.

Here is a good description of what it is actually about that might be helpful. (I wrote it myself to answer questions on this forum)

Scientology is an applied religious philosophy. When I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. This is different from a religious practice. All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances, and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this, but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew,for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.
You can have no specific religious beliefs and still benefit from using it.
And it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.
It is a non denominational religion . The dictionary definition that applies:
Religion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognises the existence of superhuman power or powers.

The most basic principle of Scientology is that YOU are your own immortal soul, that this is not a "thing" you HAVE but what YOU actually are.
The whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. And thereby his native abilities .
When you do this the sphere and zone of his positive influence increases and moves outward into his life, his family ,his friends, his groups and mankind which he is part of.

How this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit. The basic religious philosophy and knowledge of Scientology is very old, going back 10,000 years at least to the Veda or Vedic Hymns from the East. The developement of the technology is new.
He completed his research before his death in 1986 and left all of his results and copyrights
to the Church of Scientology along with most of his considerable personal estate, when he died.

He published a book in 1951 to communicate the basic principles he discovered called: " Scientology The Fundementals of Thought"
There are currently over 8 million Scientologists in more that 150 countries world wide. However we are a new religion, only 53 years old.
The true story of Scientology as a religion goes like this:
1. A philosopher developes a philosophy about life and death.
2. People find it interesting.
3. People find it works.
4. People pass it along to others.
5. It grows.

Answer 4

WHat is Scientology? Well, whatever it is, why don't you come to my church and take a look in the Good Book. It has all the answers.

www.nlcc.com

Answer 5

You will be relieved of your mind and your money...be careful

Answer 6

you can become a reject like tom cruize