The "Church" of Scientology

Doyle Mills, a Scientologist Auditor met Blessed John Paul II.
I must inform Mr. Mills that the Pope is weilding a much more
powerful "e meter" than you've ever been hooked up to!

Have you ever taken one of those Cosmo quizzes to find out which personality type you are?  Have you ever read your horoscope and believed it?  Do you believe that these diversions are just insightful entertainment?  You may have primed yourself to take a "stress test" or "personality test" by a practitioner of Dianetics (Scientology).

Many years back, I had a friend who was an ex-Scientologist.  Her family had paid big bucks to get her out of the cult and deprogrammed.  A bunch of us in a dorm sat down and heard her explain Scientology for a few hours.  It blew our minds!  I'll give you a thumbnail sketch of what I learned.

How to become a Scientologist

1. Take a personality test
1. Like many cons, this test makes everyone a "winner".  Since people like to be part of the "in crowd," they are pleased to "pass" the Oxford Capacity Analysis test (OCAT), the main recruiting device of Scientology.  
2. If you don't "pass" the test you an an "S.P."  My friend (we'll call her Heidi) said that if you are approached by a Scientologist, just tell  them you're an s.p. and walk away.  
2. Get Audited



This woman is attached to an e meter.  The Scientologist
Auditor would be with her.  This is a kind of cross between
psychotherapy and lie detection.  The irony of this being the
cornerstone of Scientology is not lost on me.  Scientology
is adamant that modern Psychiatry is a lie.  

1. This is the most ironic part of Scientology!  After you pass the OCAT, you pay for auditing sessions.  In these sessions an e reader machine measures your electrical output and various waves of energy while you talk about your history and your problems with a Scientology Auditor.  The concept is a mix of psychotherapy and lie detection.  
2. Every bad thing that has ever happened to you or you in a past life is stored on you in the form of an "engram" on your mind.  In order to be happy and live up to your potential, you must rid your mind of engrams.  Auditing is how this is done.
3. As a bad experience is discussed, the auditor reads the e meter.  Through this kind of talk therapy, the cult member gradually eliminates the engram through self-empowerment, a bit like ironing wrinkles from a shirt with multiple strokes of the iron.  
4. Evidently, confession to the engram of homosexual attraction is a standard part of all members' auditing experience.  Auditors lead subjects into their present and past lives to find engrams and discuss the experiences in detail.  
5. Did I mention that auditing sessions are recorded?  If you try to leave the group, they use confessions to keep you in.  
6. Once all engrams have been eliminated from your mind, you are "clear."  This might be likened to a state of Nirvana among the Buddhists, but instead of becoming jolly and serene like Buddah, you turn into Tom Cruise!
3. Learn more
1. Once clear, the new Scientologist begins to learn more about the story of Xenu (their god who is L. Ron Hubbard in another form) and other elements of the story of Dianetics.  
4. Recruit
1. This goes without saying.

I believe that the practice of Scientology is antithetical to the practice of Catholicism.  You cannot be a Catholic Scientologist!  While the Vatican has yet to make a pronouncement about Scientology, many Catholics, both clergy and laity have stood up to Scientology.  The Sisters of Saint Paul have courageously published a book that exposes abuses within the cult.  Cardinal Marc Oulette has been strong in his stance against the dangerous cult.

Scientology has stuck by its policy of offensiveness.  It is suing constantly.  Scientology is currently suing an Orthodox Church in Russia because the church had criticised Scientology and warned members about their tactics and stress tests.    They are also seeking a civil judgement against Paul Haggis, a former leader of the "church."  Oh, did I mention that they are suing the Sisters of Saint Paul?

I think it's time for the USCCB and The Vatican to make an official statement.