A Glimpse At The Core Of Scientology

atlasmb

After watching the first episode, I am glad that the show did not focus on the term "cult", which is almost meaningless due to its various inexact definitions. Virtually all organized religions can be termed cults by common definitions. Instead, it is best to evaluate organized religions by where they fall on the continuum of how they treat their adherents. By such a measure, the Church of Scientology is among the worst.

If your church is bad for your physical or mental health, that is the best measure of its vileness. As Leah points out, Scientology uses "disconnection" (the separation of church members from those deemed dangerous to the church) to separate people from their friends and families. Other religions use similar measures, whether it is called shunning or excommunication or disfellowshipping. This practice is used to protect the church, not to protect the congregation.

Leah says the point of the series is to "shed light on the truth". The show uses first-person accounts of those who once belonged to the Church, even those who operated within its highest echelons.

She admits that she derived confidence from Church teachings when she was younger, but eventually she recognized the inconsistencies and the illogical demands of the Church, and left.

There are accusations that the Church is really a business, and that it brainwashes children. This is a charge that can be levelled at most organized religions. Hopefully, viewers will make that connection.

Leah comes across as honest, and dedicated to helping those who might still be in the Church because of her past actions. The Church of Scientology actively uses the celebrity of famous adherents to recruit others. Therefore, it is hypocrisy for the Church to condemn Leah for "trading on her celebrity".

This show offers a glimpse into the inner workings of Scientology and can serve as a warning for those who only see the positive promises that are its façade.

Update 12/16/16: Episode 3 talks about the mechanics of the church's "belief" system: moving up the different levels via the courses and auditing. And it puts a face on the victims of church brutality. This is a must see show for anyone who wants to understand the "church" of Scientology. I am raising my grade to "10".

score 10/10

atlasmb 30 November 2016

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3589551/