Rolling Stone just published a very interesting article entitled Inside Scientology. It’s long, balanced, and in parts, disturbing in the level of mind control they exert, especially on children. Well worth the read.
It is an insular society — one that exists, to a large degree, as something of a parallel universe to the secular world, with its own nomenclature and ethical code, and, most daunting to those who break its rules, its own rigorously enforced justice system.
HT: Get Religion
christianity to a "T"
My wife showed me a similar article she read in Glamour (or some other women's zine). It was an interview with a woman who literally, physically escaped from Scientology. She talked a bit about their ultimate, most important, ultra-secret beliefs that are only revealed to someone when they are "ready", otherwise the person will die upon hearing them. What are these doctrines? You can learn them via narrative by watching Battlefield Earth.
Actually, typical of any spiritually controlling organization, xian or otherwise. But not all xian churches are as unhealthy as this.
A very impressive piece of investigative journalism.
Scientology deserves all the bad press it gets.
My favourite source on cult reports and background is http://www.rickross.org
Plenty of extra goodies about Scientology. Enjoy.