I follow Tony Ortega's blog about the cult of Scientology. Former Scientologist Claire Headley has a post today about growing up and ultimately leaving the group. She originally wrote this presentation to be a TED talk and although she was called for an audition ultimately decided to opt out.

She writes eloquently about her experiences. Some of them are specific to Scientology but some are universal to all cult victims and I think many of you will identify with her experiences.

She writes:

From my experiences and my life in a cult, the following points best define a cult:

1. Unquestioning commitment to a domineering leader.
2. Dissent and discussion discouraged.
3. Alteration of Personality.
4. Polarization of members.

I'm sure everyone here understands these points, so I will not expand on those. However, let me translate for you how these points characterized themselves to me as a child:

1. Do as you are told or risk losing your family immediately.
2. Don't every question Scientology. Ever. Under any circumstances.
3. Never say anything bad about Scientology. Ever. Under any circumstances.
4. Never think anything bad about Scientology.
5. Anyone not in Scientology should not be trusted, family or otherwise.
6. The world outside Scientology is a very dangerous place.


She had to disconnect from her father at age two after he left the cult. At four, in effect, lost her mother, when her mother joined the highest levels of Scientology.

She asks: "What impact does it have on a child to never experience unconditional love?"




http://tonyortega.org/2017/06/25/claire-headley-on-growing-up-in-scientology-and-other-howdycon-highlights/#more-40919

This could as easily be descriptive of life as a Mormon.

So true, and so sad. :(