[..] Surely one of the most difficult things for the uninitiated to understand is how intelligent, well-meaning people ever end up in this organization in the first place. In a Salon interview with L. Ron Hubbard’s great-grandson, Jamie DeWolf, (L. Ron Hubbard’s great-grandson: Scientology is a brainwashing “cult”), the following points are made:
DeWolf said that Scientology leaders “prey on narcissism….[You’re] told you’re a God-like creature.”
DeWolf also explained how Scientology specifically tries to rope in celebrities, though they are often “insulated from the nastier aspects of it.” DeWolf said Elvis Presley turned down an offer to join Scientology.
As a former member, I have to take some issue with his “prey on narcissism” statement. While that might well be the intention of some leaders and recruiters, most people I met and grew to know while in Scientology were not narcissistic in any way. In fact, they there because they were looking for a spiritual path that was vibrant, contemporary and not weighted by the arcane traditions of “old time religion.” They got involved because, in the beginning, it seemed enlightened, hopeful, and exciting. They wanted to help themselves get off drugs, get happier in their lives; handle their families. They wanted to help others, make the world a better place; “clear the planet.” It was only through the experience itself, the slow unfolding of the “technology” and bizarre policies and philosophies, that many were led to an awakening of realization about the hollowness of its many promises, its calculated manipulations, its arrogance and exclusionary practices that often exhibited cruelty and lack of compassion. That is why I got out; why most people I know got out.
However, the readers should see that the article here was written in 2013 but worth reading because it is very good and happens to be was written by a former scientologist! That's an added plus
