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The so-called religion

Is Scientology all about faith or making money?
November 21, 2005

We've all heard about the "Church" of Scientology. Most are probably sick of the talk. But how much do we really know about the organization?

Tom Cruise warns us, "I don't talk about things that I don't understand. I'll say, you know what? I'm not so sure about that. I'll go find more information about it so I can come to an opinion based on the information that I have."

With all the criticism of Scientology, some from people who have never given it a fair chance, I decided to visit the "Church" myself to formulate my own conclusions. I was invited to a free movie screening there by a Scientologist in a New York subway station. He also offered me a book by founder Ron Hubbard. Anxious to learn more, I expressed my interest in reading it. Of course the catch was that the book was for sale ... not for a donation, but instead for an exorbitant price. I felt like I was talking to a salesman, not a "religious" volunteer. Nonetheless, I looked forward to my visit.

Fearing traveling there alone, I thankfully convinced another intern from my summer job to make the journey. Our coworkers were anxious to hear about the trip. While I had read a lot about Scientology, both what the organization openly acknowledges and what former members and critics have said, I decided to play dumb. I would use my knowledge just to ask informed questions.

According to some former Scientologists, the organization is very hierarchical -- and expensive. Based on the science-fiction writings of Hubbard, Scientology essentially acknowledges that humans are controlled by alien thetans living in our bodies. The detoxification of this influence comes through eight stages, starting at Operating Thetan I, or OT I. According to The Post-Standard of Syracuse, N.Y., some researchers have estimated that it costs around $365,000 to move from OT VII to the final step.

During my visit, Scientologists acknowledged little of this. I spoke with a representative who had been in the organization for over 20 years, but he was mysteriously still at the first level. In the multi-floor building, he was not even allowed upstairs because he was not high enough in the organization. There are also some Scientology buildings solely for higher-ranking members.

In the basement, there were a number of motivated people studying within a viewable room in the middle. My guide explained that they were in the preliminary stages of the process. They would have to pass a "test" to enter OT I, as they would for each subsequent level. We talked for a while, but my findings were pretty consistent: There was something eerie about Scientology.

The organization claims to have millions of members. But, in reality, the consensus estimate is around 500,000. And despite its unclear practices, Scientology has an alarming influence on society. New York City Councilwoman Margarita Lopez routed government funding to Scientologists for a controversial 9/11 rescue-workers recovery program. According to the New York Post, the program was "deemed ineffective by the FDNY, firefighters unions and most in the medical community." Lopez received nearly $100,000 of campaign contributions from Scientologists after the successful lobby.

I hesitate to criticize any "religion"; however, it is important that we are careful in handing out tax-exempt status. While I am not overtly denouncing Scientology as a cult or pyramid scheme, I, along with many others, have major doubts about its legitimacy. The organization challenged the IRS for over 25 years in what was a very expensive battle in order to gain a "church" tax exemption, reversing recognition as a commercial enterprise.

This victory was over 10 years ago, but much has changed. A 1997 The New York Times article examined this unexplainable reversal, questioning the organization's actions in hiring private investigators to study IRS officials and in suspiciously meeting with top tax officials on the side. The public cannot be complacent with Scientology's status. It is again the burden of Scientologists to open up their organization and show it is worthy of its current status.

I hate to give publicity to a suspicious fringe movement, but Hollywood stars have the limelight in advertising the wonders of Scientology.

Until Scientology is more honest with the public, it should not have legitimate "religious" recognition or tax-exempt status. When a supposed "religion" happens to be led by rich (and naive) Hollywood stars, while other faithful followers -- like those I met -- have little access to the organization, its status needs to be questioned.

Cruise, and other celebrities in the upper OT levels, just prove that Scientology is merely a business ... and a risky one at that."

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