Poison Ivy
Patron
I'm a religion journalist working for an urban newspaper in New York. I'm writing a piece about what makes scientology weddings unique. I tried reaching out to the administration, but I keep hitting dead ends. They point me to this website: http://www.scientology.org/faq/inside-a-church-of-scientology/what-is-the-scientology-wedding.html And then they insist that scientology weddings aren't any different from your average "American" wedding. But I don't really buy it. Religions often help give meaning and purpose to a marriage and every religion has something different to offer. So I'm turning to reddit, since information flows freely here. Have any of you been a part of a scientology wedding? Do you know how the church helps you prepare for that day? What about the ceremony itself? Did how Scientology treats marriage have an effect on your decision to stay/leave the church?
Can you link me up with anyone who has recently had/is planning a Scientology wedding?
I'm a never-in but know enough to be dangerous, and I'd say a "religion journalist" isn't the best guy to be writing about a criminal pyramid scheme disguised as a religion.
I do know this - there is no 'God' in Scientology. Scientology promises its adherents that they will become gods (or god-like ), if they pay enough money.
ALSO - I'd suggest you contact a number of ex-Scientologists who were Sea Org members, to view how marriage is viewed inside the 'clergy'. Since sex before marriage is a no-no, Sea Orgers marry young and often divorce many times. Many divorces are 'decreed' by upper management. Ask Marc and Claire Headley about Scientology marriage and how the church tried to destroy theirs. Ask Jenna Miscavige Hill.
In Scientology, the 'sanctity' of marriage and family is considered far less important than loyalty to the group. So Scientologists cannot discuss their 'case' - or their feelings about their spiritual processing within the church - with each other, particular if they are having questions or doubts. If a husband is having doubts and he tells his wife, she is 'religiously' obligated to report him for ethics handling. Ditto children reporting parents and parents reporting children.
Again, I've learned this from ex-members. I'd suggest you interview several about this aspect of Scientology marriage. The good news is - several strong marriages HAVE survived the church, even after attempts to break them up - Jenna Hill, the Headley's, the Fagens. So love does sometimes win in the end.