That's why I think Christianity and a lot of other religions were created early on. As a way to control the masses. Certainly monetary reasons for controlling everyone, as well.

Scientology didnt become a laughingstock until they made Hollywood A Listers their spokespeople (whether they intended to or not)

If Tom Cruise and John Travolta were the Pope, then Christianity would get the same ridicule


But as stated, its not that much different than the fairy tales told in many other religions

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.

Former Cult Members Find New Life In Christ

HANOVER, NH—Times are tough for young people today. Faced with the overwhelming complexities of modern life, many turn to drugs, gangs, and, in some cases, cults. It is estimated that each year, some 200,000 young people fall prey to the abuses of cult life. But in Hanover, NH, some people are fighting back. Here at the Fellowship House, more and more cult members are finding a new life... in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Helen Hurley founded the Fellowship House in January 1987. Since that time, she has helped over 300 former cult victims escape cult life and find new security in the arms of the Lord.

"Cults are ruthless," Hurley said. "They'll often resort to such techniques as isolation, suppression of individuality, and brainwashing to indoctrinate innocents into total domination by the cult. Here at the Fellowship House, we provide such people with an environment totally different from their previous surroundings, so that they may better reject their sinful ways of the past, and give over their hearts and minds completely to Jesus, that they may better learn his doctrines and teachings."

One recovering cult member, 31-year-old Ronald Shelham, currently employed at the Fellowship House helping others like himself, recalls his experience.

"Back in the compound, they told me that any thoughts that came into my mind other than cult law were evil and had to be wiped out," Shelham said. "But thanks to Ms. Hurley and the others here, I now know that all such heathen lies are merely the voice of Satan, whispering temptation into my ear, trying to seduce me away from the one and only true path of Christ's glory. I have truly been born again in the body and blood of the lamb."

Fellow survivor Elaine Drenholt says her involvement with a cult drained her more than just spiritually. "I used to give all my money, resources, and time to the Cosmic Yoho Radiance," she said. Drenholt proudly notes that these days, she spends most of her time volunteering at the Fellowship House, where she strives to earn salvation through charity, stewardship and volunteer work.

Though cults often keep initiates surrounded at all times by other members, preventing the victim from having the chance to think any individual thoughts, Hurley says that, with time, the Fellowship House can help "break" such conditioning. By providing an environment in which survivors have constant, 24-hour access to prayer counselors and other support staff, the house helps them feel closer to Christ and His all-encompassing love.

"I must help these poor souls any way I can," Hurley said. "If I don't get them to give over their bodies and souls to Jesus, they will be left behind when Jesus returns to sweep up the righteous with Him, sparing them the agonies of Armageddon, carrying them with Him to Heaven on the prophesied day of the Rapture. In the battle at the end of time they will be punished horribly by foul dragons and the demonic armies of Hell itself."

"Look," she said, her expression turning serious, "some of the men and women who have come through the Fellowship House were actually involved in ritual cannibalism at one time. Now they can turn their back on darkness and confusion. They are free to take their first communion, and in the sacramental eating and drinking of the body and blood of Christ, they have been washed of their sins by the blood of the Lamb."

After all, isn't that what it's really all about?

That's why I think Christianity and a lot of other religions were created early on. As a way to control the masses. Certainly monetary reasons for controlling everyone, as well.

I'm a big dumb shitlib baby

How do you get a bunch of crazy poor people to stop stealing your stuff? Tell them they'll burn for eternity if they do it.

Disagree. I think most people who knew anything about Scientology mocked it. Bringing the celebs in brought more attention. But the celebs themselves aren't the issue, it's that more people learned what it is and what the religion is all about.

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.

Disagree. I think most people who knew anything about Scientology mocked it. Bringing the celebs in brought more attention. But the celebs themselves aren't the issue, it's that more people learned what it is and what the religion is all about.

I think were more in agreement then. The celebs brought the attention. That's what I meant to say.


And I do think guys like Maverick and Kotter being so high up (what level are they?) or so out in front of it, adds to the ridicule.

Im pretty hammered right now.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

I read this book about a year ago. This religion is some fucked up shit. The made up story is the least problematic thing about it.

You ever wonder if the Xenu crap is cover for telling the "high ranking" members that it's all a money making scam?

I mean to say, put something so preposterous out there that outsiders won't spend time looking for the more mundane, and more sinister, actual reason .... keep people looking at the silliness while they're running out the back door with people's wallets.

Perhaps not, but it's no less farcical than the Xenu story itself, and certainly more plausible.

Yes, that is a good theory

The only issue I see is that someone who left the church (didnt Leah Remini?) would expose them

But this can be explained away two ways

1) She never got to the level where they tell her

2) They sign some sort of give away your life agreement of silence

I wish I had saved them, but some of the articles that feature ex Scientology people are beyond fascinating. There is almost certainly a level of intimidation if you try to leave. And based on some of the documentaries I have seen, a lot of their tactics are far from legal.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

I wish I had saved them, but some of the articles that feature ex Scientology people are beyond fascinating. There is almost certainly a level of intimidation if you try to leave. And based on some of the documentaries I have seen, a lot of their tactics are far from legal.

Although that still doesn't explain why some people believe that people lived for 400 years but make fun of a religion that believes in aliens and H-bombs.

FWIW, when I was in school I was taught that those ages (like many things in the Bible) were not meant to be taken literally. They were meant to connote how much wisdom/knowledge a person had. Someone who was 400 years old was wiser than someone 250 years old, etc.

The ages get significantly less as the bible goes on, though. Does that mean we are all getting dumber!?!?!?!

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.

And see, that is a very evil thing, but becasue I picture Vinny Barbarino and Jerry Maguire doling out the punishment, I cant help but

I wish I had saved them, but some of the articles that feature ex Scientology people are beyond fascinating. There is almost certainly a level of intimidation if you try to leave. And based on some of the documentaries I have seen, a lot of their tactics are far from legal.

Scientology is closer to a cult than a religion. Intimidation & illegal tactics aren't cornerstones of any Church that I have ever attended. If I decide to leave one church or religion for another, I can freely do so without retribution.

I'm a big dumb shitlib baby

was this thread posted 5 years ago?

Frankly, I was impressed a story like that could be told in GIF form

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?