That emptiness did not fall from the sky. It has deeds, cash purchases, layers of companies, broken promises, and fifty years of history behind it. Clearwater did not wake up one morning as the home of a private religious empire. The city was absorbed piece by piece while too many leaders kept hoping the next promise would finally be different. ^{[11, 15]}

I live in Los Angeles, but I recognize what happens when public space starts bending around Scientology. A sidewalk feels less public. A street begins to operate like part of a private campus. Officials learn to speak softly around the organization, while residents who ask obvious questions are treated like the problem. Clearwater has lived with that pressure for half a century.

That is why Sam Wilson is the bad choice for Seat 5, and why Mark Bunker must win. Clearwater does not need another pleasant political insider who discovers the danger after taking office. It needs the man who has been studying the danger for decades and has already proved he will say its name out loud.

Clearwater has seen this movie before

In 1975, the Church of Scientology entered Clearwater under a fake name. A front called United Churches of Florida bought the Fort Harrison Hotel. Guards appeared with billy clubs and mace. Residents did not even know who their new neighbor was until the Church finally admitted the truth. ^{[11, 15]}

Behind the scenes, Scientology had a plan called Project Normandy. Its stated goal was to sort the Clearwater area into 'friends' and 'enemies' and 'handle as needed.' Church agents worked their way into government offices, the Chamber of Commerce, and a local newspaper. Operatives tried to destroy the mayor with a staged hit-and-run story and false rumors about his marriage. These facts came from internal records seized by the FBI, not from frightened residents trading stories over backyard fences. ^{[11, 15]}

Years later, a Scientology publication listed a new goal: make Clearwater known as 'the first Scientology city in the world.' They wrote the ending down. Clearwater's leaders were supposed to pretend they could not see the plot. ^[11]

The methods became quieter. The drive to expand remained. By 2019, Scientology and people tied to it had acquired 185 properties covering 101 acres in and around downtown. Thirty-two companies bought 92 properties after 2017. Of the $103 million spent, $99 million was paid in cash. Many storefronts stayed vacant while taxpayers poured millions into bringing downtown back to life. ^[11]

By early 2024, the Tampa Bay Times reported at least 200 mostly vacant properties controlled by Scientology parishioners in downtown and nearby North Marina. A July 2026 Creative Loafing report said only seven commercial properties in the downtown core were unaffiliated with Scientology or government. The buildings were still there. The city had not physically moved. Yet the center of Clearwater belonged to fewer and fewer people. ^{[5, 13]}

Good neighbors do not treat a city like territory

A good neighbor does not arrive under a fake name and leave behind a plan that labels local people as friends or enemies. A good neighbor does not make a city-owned lot a loyalty test, then cut off talks when the city buys it. A good neighbor does not hold large parts of downtown dark while taxpayers keep paying to revive the streets around them. And a good neighbor should never need a public street handed over on the strength of a promise that is missing from the written deal. ^{[2, 11, 15]}

In 2017, David Miscavige offered a $55 million downtown plan with high-end shops and an entertainment complex. The offer came with a catch. City leaders had to stop trying to buy a vacant waterfront lot that Scientology also wanted. Clearwater bought the land for the public. Miscavige cut off communication with the city.^[11]

That is the part people miss when they call every new Scientology proposal 'revitalization.' Revitalization invites the city in. Expansionism asks the city to step aside. One creates a downtown where families, small businesses, and visitors mix. The other creates a controlled zone where one organization owns the map and decides when the lights come on.

The old Project Normandy language matters because the 'us versus them' mindset never belongs inside a healthy city. Once questions become attacks and critics become enemies, normal oversight starts to feel forbidden. City officials begin managing the powerful group's feelings instead of managing public property. That is how public control disappears while everyone is still standing in City Hall insisting nothing has changed.

Then there is Mark Bunker

Mark did not parachute into Clearwater after a consultant found a winnable seat. He came with a camera. He founded Xenu TV in 1999 and moved to Clearwater in 2000 to work with the Lisa McPherson Trust. For more than twenty-five years, he has listened to people hurt by Scientology, recorded their stories, studied the organization's methods, and kept showing up after the news trucks left. ^[12]

When the online group Anonymous exploded into the Scientology fight in 2008, Mark did something that tells you exactly who he is. He urged them to stop illegal tactics and use peaceful, lawful protest. Partly in response, Anonymous shifted toward more traditional, legal protest. Members gave him the nickname 'Wise Beard Man.' Mark understood that courage without judgment can become another kind of damage. ^[17]

He is an Emmy-winning journalist and filmmaker. His 2020 council victory was historic. City records show that he served on the council from 2020 to 2024 and became vice mayor. Mark did not spend four years talking only about Scientology. His campaign record points to work on accessory dwelling units and police body cameras, efforts to keep affordable housing moving during COVID, support for North Greenwood, and downtown redevelopment including Coachman Park. ^{[12, 18]}

Mark told Creative Loafing that he is not against every Scientology-backed project. He said a theater could draw people downtown, but the Church should deliver what it has already promised before receiving more approvals. That is not hatred. That is judgment. He knows the difference between cooperation and surrender, and Clearwater desperately needs someone who does. ^[5]

Mark has taken the criticism, lost an election, and come back anyway. He is not running because City Hall is comfortable. He is running because comfort is exactly how Clearwater got here.

Sam Wilson is the wrong man for this moment

Sam Wilson looks like the safe choice on paper. He is a lifelong Pinellas County resident, a congressional staffer, a member of Calvary Christian Church, and a recent appointee to the Clearwater Housing Authority. His website is full of the right phrases: common sense, accountability, transparency, and 'no giveaways.' That polished image is exactly why his silence on South Garden Avenue matters so much. ^{[6, 10, 14]}

Creative Loafing asked Wilson how he would have voted on the biggest Scientology land decision in years. He said he had not done the same research as the sitting councilmembers and refused to choose a side. Mark answered in one word: no. ^[5]

A candidate asking voters for power does not get to borrow the council's homework. Garden Avenue was the test. Wilson had months to study it. He had a campaign team, political mentors, and access to people inside government. He still would not tell Clearwater whether a public street should remain public.

Now follow the support. David Allbritton, Ryan Cotton, and Mike Mannino cast the three votes that gave up South Garden Avenue. All three endorsed Wilson. Allbritton also gave his campaign $100. Wilson's political committee, Clearwater Families for Affordability, lists him as chair and Jamie Jodoin as treasurer and registered agent.^{[5, 7, 8]}

Florida Politics reported that Florida Values Coalition, a committee tied to state Representative Berny Jacques, paid $500 to Wilson's committee. Jacques later endorsed Wilson. clearPAC, linked to Amplify Clearwater, also gave Wilson $500. Creative Loafing reported a later-deleted endorsement from Scientology minister Penny Jones, who called Wilson someone 'on our side.' That was one Scientology minister's endorsement. Creative Loafing did not report it as an official Church endorsement. ^{[5, 9]}

No red string is required. The campaign records and endorsement page say enough. The people most comfortable with Clearwater's current power structure are comfortable with Sam Wilson. That is the problem.

Sam may be skilled at helping people move problems through a congressional office. Clearwater's next councilmember needs a different muscle. He must be able to look at the most powerful organization in town, hear the promises, feel the pressure, and still say no. Wilson had the chance to show that muscle. He blinked.

Garden Avenue is where the future became visible

On the day of the Garden Avenue vote, people gathered in 92-degree heat hours before the meeting. On one side were Scientologists wearing silver bracelets. On the other were residents holding signs that read 'Save the Garden,' 'Keep Our Streets Public,' and 'Save Clearwater.' It looked less like a zoning dispute than a city deciding who it belonged to. ^[16]

The council voted 3-2 to vacate the city's right-of-way over about 0.65 acres and 470 feet of South Garden Avenue. The street was one of only five north-south routes through the downtown core. It held 22 city-paid parking spaces. An earlier plan called for a land payment of about $1.38 million. After an opinion from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the final ordinance required a $114,450 parking-meter fee but no separate payment for the city's interest in the land. ^{[2, 3]}

The Church plans a 286,000-square-foot complex with a 3,500-seat theater and a 1,500-seat banquet hall. Its own announcement says the building will host worldwide Scientology events. This is not a little community theater asking for a loading zone. It is a global religious headquarters expanding its private campus through the center of an American city. ^[4]

Supporters said the project would be open to the public. Then write it down. The ordinance's written conditions include no recorded public-access easement, no required public hours, no equal-use rules, and no clear remedy if access shrinks later. A public promise is nice. A public right is better. ^[2]

Mark understood the vote immediately. Sam would not answer it. Every councilmember who approved the transfer endorsed Sam. If voters want to know how the next deal may go, they do not need a crystal ball. They need the endorsement list. ^{[5, 6]}

This election is bigger than one street

South Garden Avenue is one piece of a much larger map. The next request may involve another road, a city-owned parcel, a permit, or a development deal wrapped in another promise of public benefit. On a five-member council, one independent vote can stop the slow conversion of downtown into a private religious campus.

Pushback means equal rules. It means written public rights before public land changes hands. It means a city council that can hear the word 'revitalization' without forgetting to ask who owns it, who controls it, and whether ordinary residents will still feel welcome there five years later.

Scientologists are free to worship, live, work, and speak in Clearwater. The city is responsible for governing everyone. Religious freedom does not include the right to redesign a public downtown around one institution's wishes. Clearwater belongs to Clearwater.

November is Clearwater's second chance

Wilson received 10,798 votes in the August primary, or 48.98 percent. He came within 225 votes of winning outright. Mark received 7,706 votes, while Kevin Laughlin received 3,540. Together, the voters who chose Mark or Laughlin outnumbered Wilson's total. Laughlin opposed the Garden Avenue deal. The runoff is not a formality. It is a real second chance. ^{[1, 5]}

The first vote showed the strength of Wilson's network. November will show whether the rest of Clearwater understands what is at stake. This seat could decide whether the next request meets a wall of public duty or slides through on another 3-2 vote.

Sam Wilson is the bad choice because he reached the defining question of the campaign and chose ambiguity. His supporters can call that caution. Clearwater has already spent fifty years learning what political caution looks like when a powerful organization never stops expanding.

Mark Bunker is the right choice because he sees the whole board. He knows the history, the pressure tactics, and the cost of looking away. He has a citywide record. He has stood with former Scientologists and ordinary residents. Most of all, he knows that a public street belongs to the public until the public receives something real, written, and enforceable in return. ^[12]

Clearwater does not need the candidate who knows everyone in the room. It needs the candidate the machine has never been able to make look away. On November 3, vote Mark Bunker for Clearwater City Council, Seat 5.

Receipts

1. Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections: Official August primary totals

2. City of Clearwater: Ordinance 9907-26 and the South Garden Avenue conditions

3. Tampa Bay Times: The South Garden Avenue land payment changed from $1.38 million to zero

4. Official Church announcement: L. Ron Hubbard Hall size, seating, and planned use

5. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay: Garden positions, endorsements, clearPAC, Amplify, and Penny Jones

6. Sam Wilson campaign: Platform, biography, and endorsements

7. Florida Division of Elections: Clearwater Families for Affordability committee record

8. WUSF: South Garden Avenue vote and council roll call

9. Florida Politics: Wilson's fundraising and political committee support

10. City of Clearwater: Wilson's October 2025 Housing Authority appointment

11. Tampa Bay Times investigation: Project Normandy and Scientology's downtown property expansion

12. Mark Bunker campaign: Biography, council record, and 2026 platform

13. Tampa Bay Times: At least 200 mostly vacant properties controlled by Scientology parishioners

14. Florida Politics: Wilson's congressional staff background and Luna endorsement

15. Pulitzer Prize archive: How Scientology entered Clearwater and Project Normandy

16. Wall Street Journal: Residents gather over the South Garden Avenue vote

17. Wired: Mark Bunker's lawful, peaceful message to Anonymous

18. City of Clearwater: Council history showing Mark Bunker's 2020 to 2024 term

Page 1

There are many reasons L. Ron Hubbard Way should no longer exist, including how the street itself has been controlled and used. But this article is focused on the question the City should have asked before naming a public street after him: Was L. Ron Hubbard actually worthy of that honor?

Los Angeles has a public street named after L. Ron Hubbard.

That is more than a street sign. Naming a public street after someone is a civic honor. It puts the City’s name and public property behind the message that this person deserves to be recognized and remembered.

I’m not asking Los Angeles to decide whether Scientology is a religion. I’m not telling Scientologists what they can believe or whom they can celebrate on their own property. I’m asking something much simpler: Why is the City of Los Angeles still honoring L. Ron Hubbard?

Once you get past the polished biography promoted by Scientology, the public record tells a very different story. It includes fake credentials, a false war-hero story, abandoned children, and unpaid child support. It includes bigamy, reported threats against his wife and infant daughter, written policies encouraging retaliation, coercive treatment of followers, the infiltration of government offices, and a fraud conviction in France.

Scientology can honor L. Ron Hubbard if it wants to. But the City of Los Angeles should not use a public street to help them do it.

A judge didn’t just question Hubbard’s honesty. He called him “virtually a pathological liar.”

This was not an accusation made by a protester outside a Scientology building.

In Church of Scientology of California v. Gerald Armstrong, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Paul G. Breckenridge Jr. reviewed Hubbard’s personal papers. He also reviewed evidence collected by Scientology’s own staff while they were working on an internal biography of Hubbard.

After reviewing those records, Judge Breckenridge described Hubbard as “virtually a pathological liar” about his history, background, and achievements. The judge said the documents also showed greed, a desire for power, vindictiveness, and aggression toward people Hubbard considered disloyal or hostile.[1]

That matters because Scientology still promotes Hubbard through a carefully polished version of his life. But a judge who examined the records behind that story found it deeply unreliable.

If Los Angeles is going to keep honoring Hubbard on a public street, it cannot rely on Scientology’s version of his life while ignoring what a court found in the actual documents.

Then there is Hubbard’s war-hero story

Scientology has portrayed Hubbard as a highly decorated World War II hero who was wounded and blinded in combat. According to the story, he later restored his own health using discoveries that became the foundation of Dianetics.

There is a major problem with that story: Hubbard’s official Navy record does not support it.

His National Archives file contains no record that he was wounded in combat. It lists four regular service medals, not the impressive combat decorations later claimed for him. Navy evaluations also described Hubbard as unfit for independent command and lacking important qualities of judgment, leadership, and cooperation.[2][3]

And it gets worse.

Scientology gave The New Yorker a different military separation document that supposedly proved Hubbard had received more decorations, including a Purple Heart. A longtime National Archives archivist examined that document and called it a forgery.

The problems were not small technical mistakes. The document listed decorations that were not supported by Hubbard’s official file. It used a symbol the Navy did not use with the Purple Heart. It was also signed by an officer whom archival researchers could not verify.[2]

This was more than Hubbard exaggerating his résumé.

His claimed war injuries and recovery became part of the story used to give Dianetics credibility. The image of Hubbard as a wounded hero who healed himself helped convince other people that his methods worked.

The war-hero story did not simply make Hubbard look impressive. It helped give him the authority he needed to sell his system to the public.

When someone uses a fabricated story to gain credibility and sell a system, I would call that fraud. At the very least, the City of Los Angeles should stop calling it an honor.

Hubbard’s claims about science do not hold up either

Hubbard attended George Washington University, but he did not graduate. He also failed the molecular and atomic physics course later used to make him sound like a scientific expert.[3]

That did not stop him from naming his book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and promoting it as a major scientific breakthrough. Hubbard claimed his methods could create major improvements in both the mind and body.

The E-meter eventually became an important part of Scientology auditing. During a session, a person holds two metal cylinders while the machine measures changes in the electrical resistance of the skin. Scientology gives meaning to the movement of the needle, but the device has never been proven to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

After years of federal litigation, a court limited the E-meter to legitimate religious counseling. The court also required a warning explaining that the machine could not medically or scientifically diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. It could not be promoted as something that improved a person’s health or bodily functions.[4]

The difference is simple. Scientologists can use the E-meter as part of their religious practices. They cannot present it to the public as proven medicine or science.

The same common sense should apply to Hubbard. Scientology can believe he was a scientific genius. That does not make it true, and it does not make his unsupported claims worthy of a public street named in his honor.

Before teaching the world about families and ethics, Hubbard walked away from his own

Hubbard married Margaret Louise “Polly” Grubb in 1933. Their son, Lafayette Ronald Hubbard Jr., known as Nibs, was born the following year. Their daughter, Katie, was born in 1936.

After World War II, Hubbard stayed in California while Polly and their children remained in Washington. Polly filed for divorce in 1947, accusing him of desertion and failing to provide support. By then, she reportedly had not seen Hubbard for about two years. She also said he had provided no money for her or the children.[5]

Nibs was about eleven when Hubbard left. Katie was only nine.

This was more than a marriage that ended badly. Hubbard’s failure to support his children became an interstate enforcement matter. He had been ordered to pay $25 per month for each child. Polly’s petition stated that he paid nothing, and she received an award for the unpaid support.[5]

Hubbard later built an organization that sold his teachings about ethics, families, children, and human behavior. But before telling the rest of the world how to live, he had already left two young children behind and failed to support them.

That story may not appear in Scientology’s polished version of Hubbard’s life. It still belongs in the public record, especially while Los Angeles continues to honor him with a street.

Jack Parsons gave Hubbard a home. Hubbard left with his girlfriend and the yachts.

This is where Hubbard’s story gets even stranger.

In 1945, Hubbard moved into the Pasadena home of Jack Parsons. Parsons was a brilliant rocket engineer who helped develop early American rocket science. He also led a local occult group connected to Aleister Crowley’s Ordo Templi Orientis.

Hubbard joined Parsons’s Crowley-influenced circle and participated in its occult ceremonies, including rituals they called “sex magic.” Hubbard did not study directly under Crowley, but Crowley knew about him through letters written by Parsons.[6]

At the time, Sara “Betty” Northrup was Parsons’s girlfriend. Hubbard began a secret relationship with her, and the two eventually left together.

But Hubbard did not just leave with Parsons’s girlfriend.

Hubbard, Parsons, and Sara had also created a business called Allied Enterprises. The plan was to buy yachts in Florida and resell them for a profit. Parsons reportedly invested $20,970 and provided most of the money.

Hubbard and Sara traveled to Florida and used money from the business to purchase several yachts. They then attempted to leave on one of them. Parsons had to file a lawsuit and obtain a temporary restraining order. The business was later dissolved through a settlement, and Parsons suffered a major financial loss.[6]

It would be easy to summarize this by saying Hubbard stole Parsons’s girlfriend and his boat. The legal details are more complicated than that.

The moral picture is not.

Parsons gave Hubbard a place to live, trusted him as a friend, and provided most of the money for their business. Hubbard repaid that trust by secretly becoming involved with Parsons’s girlfriend and trying to leave with yachts purchased through their partnership.

Once again, Scientology’s polished Hubbard biography leaves out the part that may tell us the most about the man.

Hubbard married Sara before bothering to divorce Polly

Hubbard married Sara Northrup on August 10, 1946.

There was one major problem: he was still legally married to Polly.

Hubbard’s divorce from his first wife did not become final until June 23, 1947. That was more than ten months after he married Sara.[5] His marriage to Sara was therefore bigamous when it took place.

Sara later said she did not initially know that Hubbard’s first marriage was still legally in effect.

At the same time Hubbard was beginning to present himself as someone who understood the human mind and could teach others how to live, he was deceiving his new wife and the family he had already left behind.

Then he used their infant daughter as leverage

Hubbard and Sara had a daughter, Alexis, in 1950. Their marriage quickly fell apart.

In February 1951, Hubbard took the infant and arranged for her to be placed at a nursing agency under a fake name. Reports described Sara desperately searching for her daughter while Hubbard and his associates refused to tell her where the baby was.[7]

Hubbard also took Sara across state lines to Yuma, Arizona. Although Sara told police she had accompanied him, she said Hubbard continued refusing to reveal Alexis’s location.

The dispute led to a habeas corpus petition seeking the child’s return. Sara also filed a divorce complaint containing deeply disturbing allegations.

Sara alleged that Hubbard used Alexis’s location to pressure her into returning to him. She later said he threatened the child’s life rather than allow Sara to raise her, including a reported threat involving drowning.[7]

I want to be clear about the evidence. Those threats came from Sara’s divorce allegations and later account. They were not criminal findings.

But the basic facts do not depend only on Sara’s later memories. Police and newspaper reports documented that Hubbard took the infant, placed her under a fake name, kept her location secret, and left her mother desperately searching for her.

This was also not Hubbard’s first troubling incident involving Alexis.

A February 1951 Los Angeles Examiner article reported that Municipal Judge Kenneth Holaday had fined Hubbard $50 for leaving Alexis unattended in his car while he gave a lecture. The newspaper also reported that a ten-day jail sentence had been suspended.[7]

This was the man who would later sell the world his teachings about children, families, responsibility, and ethics.

When his children no longer fit his story, Hubbard wrote them out

Alexis was eventually returned to Sara as the divorce was finalized. Years later, when Alexis tried to contact Hubbard, he denied being her father.

Think about that.

Hubbard had been married to her mother. He had publicly treated Alexis as his daughter. He had taken her from Sara, hidden her location, and fought over who would have custody of her.

Then, when Alexis reached out to him, Hubbard tried to deny that the relationship had ever existed.

Alexis was not the only child he rejected.

Hubbard became bitterly estranged from his eldest son, Nibs, after Nibs left Scientology and began criticizing him. Hubbard’s final will specifically excluded Nibs and another son, Quentin.[8]

Quentin died at only 22 after reportedly struggling under the leadership demands his father placed on him. He had also reportedly tried to leave Scientology and faced punishment within the organization. No single explanation for his death was officially given.

Even so, Hubbard went out of his way to exclude Quentin from his final will, despite the fact that Quentin had already been dead for nearly a decade.

That served no practical purpose. Quentin could not inherit anything. It was one final act of rejection from a father who wanted his disapproval placed into the permanent record.

These were not ordinary family disagreements.

Erasing people became a pattern. When Hubbard’s children no longer fit his plans or threatened his public image, he did not simply become distant from them.

He tried to rewrite them out of his life.

Then Hubbard turned family rejection into official Scientology policy

Hubbard did not limit disconnection to his own family. He built the same idea into Scientology.

Under Hubbard’s ethics system, anyone considered an enemy of Scientology could be labeled a “Suppressive Person,” commonly called an SP.

Scientologists who continued speaking to or associating with an SP could face discipline. They might also be expelled and declared suppressive themselves.

In plain English, members could be forced to make a painful choice: keep their family, or keep Scientology.

This was more than an internal religious disagreement.

In Wollersheim v. Church of Scientology, the California Court of Appeal upheld a verdict against Scientology for intentionally causing emotional distress. The court reviewed evidence involving auditing, disconnection, financial harm, “Fair Game,” and threats of retaliation against people who tried to leave.[9]

Scientology argued that its conduct was protected by religious freedom. Under the circumstances of the case, the court rejected that defense. It found that the conduct happened in a coercive environment created through threats of punishment.

That difference matters.

Religious freedom protects beliefs. It does not give an organization permission to coerce people, punish them for leaving, or tear families apart without accountability.

The court understood that difference. The City of Los Angeles should too.

Hubbard did not treat children like children

Hubbard taught that a child was actually an ancient spiritual being living inside a young body. In Scientology, this idea is often described as children being “adults in small bodies.”

That may sound like an unusual spiritual belief. In practice, it helped Scientology ignore the real differences between children and adults.

Children need an education. They need protection, family care, and time to grow up.

In Sea Organization policy, Hubbard described children as possible “assets.” He created the Cadet Organization for children whose parents belonged to the Sea Org, Scientology’s workforce and religious order.

Documents and former-member accounts describe children performing cleaning, maintenance, messenger duties, and other labor. Their education and time with their parents could come second to the organization’s demands.[10]

Former members have also described long hours, physically difficult work, poor education, family separation, and punishment when children failed to meet expectations that should never have been placed on them.

The basic philosophy came directly from Hubbard. Children were not mainly viewed as young people who needed care and protection. They were workers who could be assigned duties and placed “on post.”

California law recognizes that children are not miniature adults. Children have special rights to education, safety, family care, and protection from exploitation.

L. Ron Hubbard built a system around the opposite idea.

Why is Los Angeles honoring him with a public street?

“Fair Game” was not invented by Hubbard’s critics. He wrote it.

When Scientology supporters are asked about “Fair Game,” they often claim the policy was canceled or misunderstood.

The written record tells a different story.

In a 1967 policy, Hubbard said enemies of Scientology could be deprived of property or injured without the Scientologist being punished. He wrote that a declared enemy could be tricked, sued, lied to, or “destroyed.” That language is quoted in federal case law.[11]

Hubbard later ordered Scientology to stop using the words “Fair Game” in its ethics orders. But his explanation focused on the bad publicity created by the term. He did not clearly reject the retaliation behind it.

In other words, Hubbard decided the words were creating a public-relations problem. That did not necessarily mean the treatment of Scientology’s enemies stopped.

This issue later appeared in court.

In United States v. Kattar, the First Circuit discussed substantial evidence that Scientology continued trying to destroy a person it viewed as an enemy. According to the evidence discussed by the court, Scientology spread a large amount of false information about the person even after claiming that Fair Game had ended.[11]

Hubbard also created a practice called a “noisy investigation.”

A normal investigation is supposed to quietly find out whether an accusation is true. A noisy investigation could involve contacting a critic’s relatives, neighbors, friends, or employer and announcing that the person was being investigated for crimes.

The investigation itself became the weapon.

The point was to frighten the target, damage that person’s reputation, and make other people afraid to support them.

This is not something Hubbard’s critics invented. It came from his own written policies and the retaliation system he created.

Los Angeles should not engrave that legacy into a public street.

The organization Hubbard supervised infiltrated the United States government

This may sound like something from a spy movie, but it comes directly from federal court records.

Scientology operatives secretly entered offices belonging to the IRS and the Department of Justice. They stole government documents, used fake identification, conducted electronic surveillance, interfered with the investigation, and took part in an organized cover-up.[12]

This was not one Scientologist acting alone.

The operation was carried out through Scientology’s Guardian’s Office. That office handled intelligence, investigations, legal matters, and Scientology’s campaigns against people and agencies it considered enemies.

In Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C. v. Webster, a federal appellate court discussed a stipulation from the criminal case that identified Hubbard as the overall supervisor of the Guardian’s Office. The court also stated that a grand jury had named him as an unindicted co-conspirator.[13]

Hubbard’s wife, Mary Sue Hubbard, and several other high-ranking Scientology officials were convicted.

I want to be accurate about Hubbard’s legal status. He was not convicted in the American Guardian’s Office case. He was identified in the federal record as an unindicted co-conspirator and the overall supervisor of the office behind the operation.

The same appellate decision discussed Tax Court findings that the Church of Scientology of California filed false tax returns, burglarized IRS offices, stole IRS documents, and obstructed the agents trying to audit the organization.[13]

This was a direct attack on public institutions by an organization Hubbard founded and supervised.

Los Angeles should not use a public street to honor the man who sat at the top of that system.

And yes, L. Ron Hubbard was convicted of fraud

Hubbard was not convicted in the American Guardian’s Office case. That distinction matters.

But anyone using that fact to suggest Hubbard was never convicted of a crime is leaving out what happened in France.

On February 14, 1978, a Paris court convicted Hubbard and other Scientology officials of fraud. Hubbard was convicted in absentia, meaning the case went forward while he was not present in court.

He was sentenced to four years in prison, fined 35,000 French francs, and made subject to an arrest warrant.[14]

He never served the sentence.

News reports from the time said the case involved Scientology’s business practices and false promises about professional success and physical cures. The court considered whether people had been persuaded to hand over money because of claims that were not true.[14]

The presiding judge made another important point. The court was not deciding whether Scientology was a religion.

Once again, the issue was not what Scientologists believed. The issue was what Hubbard and his organization did, what they promised people, and how they obtained their money.

A French court called it fraud. Los Angeles calls him worthy of a street.

That contradiction should make every City official uncomfortable.

Los Angeles is not required to keep honoring him

Scientologists have the right to honor L. Ron Hubbard on their own property. They can display his image, publish his books, celebrate his birthday, and describe him however they choose.

But L. Ron Hubbard Way is not private Scientology property.

It is a public street. The name placed on it is government speech. It tells residents, visitors, and everyone traveling through that area that the City considers Hubbard worthy of public recognition.

Changing a commemorative street name does not erase history. It simply ends the City’s role in celebrating this particular man.

And look at the history Los Angeles is being asked to celebrate.

A judge described Hubbard as “virtually a pathological liar.” Official records undermine his war-hero story and his claims of scientific authority. His personal history includes abandoned children, unpaid child support, bigamy, and coercive conduct during a custody dispute.

He wrote retaliation into Scientology policy. He treated children as labor assets. He supervised the office tied to an operation that infiltrated the United States government, and he was convicted of fraud in France.

That is not a disagreement over religious beliefs. It is a documented record of conduct.

The City should restore the street’s neutral geographic name: N. Berendo Street.

Scientology is free to honor L. Ron Hubbard.

Los Angeles does not have to do it for them.

Sources

Sources

[1] Judicial findings regarding Hubbard’s credibility: Church of Scientology of California v. Gerald Armstrong, Memorandum of Intended Decision, Los Angeles Superior Court (1984); UPI, “A Superior Court judge has absolved a former Church…” (June 22, 1984).

[2] Hubbard’s military record and the disputed separation document: Lawrence Wright, “The Apostate,” The New Yorker (Feb. 14, 2011); “Primary Sources: L. Ron Hubbard Leaves the Navy” (Feb. 9, 2011).

[3] Education, biography, and Navy evaluations: Joel Sappell and Robert W. Welkos, “The Mind Behind the Religion: Creating the Mystique,” Los Angeles Times (June 24, 1990).

[4] E-meter litigation: Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C. v. United States and related FDA litigation; FDA Electronic Reading Room, historical Scientology records.

[5] First marriage, abandonment, bigamy, and child support: Tony Ortega, “L. Ron Hubbard, deadbeat dad” (Nov. 19, 2014); “Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s nightmare year, 1951, told in news clippings” (Apr. 14, 2024); Chris Owen, “Ron turns 114: The Scientology founder’s original betrayal: his parents” (Mar. 13, 2025).

[6] Jack Parsons, Sara Northrup, the occult circle, and Allied Enterprises: George Pendle, Strange Angel: The Otherworldly Life of Rocket Scientist John Whiteside Parsons (2005); Hugh B. Urban, The Church of Scientology: A History of a New Religion (2011); Olivia Solon, “Occultist father of rocketry ‘written out’ of NASA’s history,” Wired (Apr. 23, 2014).

[7] Alexis, the custody dispute, and the automobile fine: Tony Ortega, “Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s nightmare year, 1951, told in news clippings” (Apr. 14, 2024); “75 years ago today: Sara Northrup’s epic divorce of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard” (Apr. 23, 2026); Sara Northrup Hubbard’s 1951 divorce complaint. Allegations are identified as allegations.

[8] Hubbard’s rejection of his children: Hubbard correspondence concerning Alexis; Hubbard’s final will; Russell Miller, Bare-Faced Messiah; Chris Owen, “Ron turns 114.”

[9] Disconnection, coercion, and emotional harm: Wollersheim v. Church of Scientology, 212 Cal. App. 3d 872 (1989).

[10] Children, labor, and Cadet Org policy: L. Ron Hubbard, Flag Order 1630, “Governess” (Dec. 3, 1968), and related Cadet Org directives; Stephen A. Kent, “Brainwashing in Scientology’s Rehabilitation Project Force”; Tony Ortega, “DOX: Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard wanted kids to form his personal military” (May 31, 2019).

[11] Fair Game in federal case law: United States v. Kattar, 840 F.2d 118 (1st Cir. 1988).

[12] Federal search and prosecution record: United States v. Hubbard, 493 F. Supp. 209 (D.D.C. 1979).

[13] Guardian’s Office supervision and unindicted-co-conspirator status: Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C. v. Webster, 802 F.2d 1448 (D.C. Cir. 1986).

[14] French fraud conviction: “Quatre dirigeants de l’Église de Scientologie sont condamnés pour escroquerie,” Le Monde (Feb. 16, 1978); “Scientology Leaders Convicted of Fraud,” Catholic Sentinel (Mar. 17, 1978).

Not to a hospital.

Not to a psychiatrist.

And not to anyone trained to treat schizophrenia.

Her 28-year-old son, Jeremy Perkins, was supposed to leave the family home in Amherst, New York, just outside Buffalo, and stay with a man who described himself as a natural healer.

His parents hoped this would finally be the thing that reached him.

By then, there was no pretending Jeremy was simply going through a rough patch.

He heard voices. His paranoia was getting worse. He had started believing the vitamins his mother gave him might be poison.

The son Elli knew was slipping further away. The world inside his mind was becoming more frightening by the day.

She knew something was terribly wrong.

She loved him, and she kept trying.

That is what makes what followed so hard to sit with.

Elli did not abandon her son. She searched for answers, made calls and found people who claimed they could help. She kept believing there had to be some way to bring Jeremy back.

But Elli was also deeply devoted to Scientology.

That mattered.

Scientology had taught its members that psychiatry was not simply flawed or worthy of suspicion. It was dangerous. It was corrupt. It was the enemy.

Elli believed that too.

So when her son developed a serious mental illness, the form of care specifically designed to treat it became the very thing she had been trained to fear.

From that point forward, almost every choice was made inside that trap.

Photo credit: Find a Grave

Before the Tragedy

Before Elli Perkins became the victim in a murder case, she was an artist.

Born Elli Present, she studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology and became known for her glasswork. She sold her pieces at festivals. Friends remembered her as warm, creative and determined.

She was also a serious Scientologist.

Elli and her husband, Don, had spent years moving through Scientology’s system. Both reached the status of “Clear.” Elli became a respected auditor and even worked at Scientology’s Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles.

This was not a casual interest.

Scientology shaped how the Perkins family understood human problems and where they believed answers could be found.

Jeremy grew up inside that world.

He lived at home and worked with his father. He helped his mother with her artwork and dreamed of being a drummer. A close friend remembered him as quiet and kind.

Nothing about that young man pointed toward the crime that would later define him.

Then Jeremy began to change.

While still in his twenties, he told his father that he heard voices. According to one friend, his father told him to tell the voices to be quiet.

The family sent Jeremy to California to join Scientology’s Sea Organization, where members sign billion-year contracts and devote their lives to the organization.

Jeremy did not last a year.

He was sent home.

That should have raised an obvious question: if Scientology could not help Jeremy, where would the family turn next?

They stayed inside the same belief system.

By 2001, people around Jeremy could see something was seriously wrong. In August of that year, police found him wandering around the University at Buffalo after being out all night. He fought with an officer and was taken for a court-ordered psychiatric examination.

The diagnosis was schizophrenia.

This was no longer a vague family concern. Jeremy had been examined after a public crisis, and his illness had a name.

A hospital held him briefly. According to the prosecutor, Elli convinced officials to release Jeremy into her care. The understanding was that he would receive treatment.

But investigators later concluded that Elli strongly opposed further psychiatric care.

A neurologist reportedly recommended antipsychotic medication.

The family rejected it.

That decision did not come from nowhere. It came from a belief system that treated psychiatry as evil and psychiatric medication as poison.

The diagnosis was clear.

Scientology had taught the family not to believe it.

Searching for an Answer Scientology Would Allow

The Perkins family wanted Jeremy’s condition to have another explanation.

They wondered whether it had been caused by an accident while he was working around his father’s truck. Jeremy received two CAT scans. Neither showed an abnormality that explained what was happening.

Still, the search continued.

In the fall of 2002, the family took Jeremy to Dr. Conrad Maulfair, an osteopathic physician in Pennsylvania who was also a Scientologist and promoted drug-free approaches.

Photo credit: Maulfair clinic website

According to Jeremy’s attorney, Maulfair’s clinic concluded that Jeremy had digestive problems and chemical toxins in his body. He supposedly needed to be purged of those toxins and built back up through vitamin therapy.

This was a man with a schizophrenia diagnosis who was hearing voices and developing serious delusions.

Yet the answer offered to his family was toxins and vitamins.

Maulfair declined to be interviewed by CBS.

There is no reliable evidence that Jeremy completed Scientology’s full Purification Rundown. We should not claim that he did.

But the connection is not imaginary.

Maulfair’s wife, Coleen, later publicly described their clinic’s sauna detoxification program as strictly following the Hubbard method. She called it fundamental to their wellness program and directed readers to L. Ron Hubbard’s book Clear Body, Clear Mind.

That matters.

Photo credit: LinkedIn

The Purification Rundown is built around Hubbard’s claim that drugs and environmental toxins can remain stored in the body and interfere with a person’s physical, mental or spiritual condition. The program uses exercise, vitamins, niacin and long periods in a sauna.

So even without proof that Jeremy personally went through the entire sauna program, the clinic’s thinking clearly came from the same Hubbard playbook.

His frightening psychiatric symptoms were being viewed through a Scientology-friendly toxin theory instead of treated as schizophrenia.

Elli began giving Jeremy more than a dozen vitamins and supplements each day.

Jeremy did not improve.

Instead, the vitamins became part of his paranoia.

He began to wonder whether his mother was poisoning him.

That is the brutal irony.

Elli thought she was giving her son something safer than psychiatric medication.

Inside Jeremy’s untreated psychosis, those vitamins became proof that she was trying to harm him.

Scientology had taught Elli to fear medicine as poison.

Jeremy came to fear Elli’s preferred treatment as poison.

The family was now trapped inside a nightmare that the alternative treatment had done nothing to stop.

The Last Alternative

By early 2003, Elli had turned to Albert Brown, a self-taught natural healer who was neither a doctor nor a Scientologist.

Brown said he used meditation and personal counseling.

During one conversation, Jeremy told him that he sometimes believed he was Jesus Christ.

Brown did not believe the situation required a psychiatrist. He said he had dealt successfully with people at that level before.

The plan was for Jeremy to move into Brown’s home.

Even with Jeremy’s diagnosis, growing paranoia and physical struggles with his parents, Elli was still searching for anyone who would promise help without psychiatric medication.

She reportedly made hundreds of calls.

She was desperate.

But desperation does not make every answer safe.

A few days before Jeremy was supposed to leave, Elli contacted her son-in-law, Jeff Carlson, who was then an executive at the Buffalo Church of Scientology.

According to former Scientology officials, the advice was to give Jeremy physical work so he would become tired and sleep.

That was Scientology’s answer to a man in serious psychosis.

Make him work.

Wear him out.

Scientology had reportedly labeled Jeremy a “Potential Trouble Source,” acknowledging that something was wrong with him.

It could recognize the crisis.

It could not admit that psychiatry might be the answer.

March 13, 2003

The morning Jeremy was supposed to leave home, tension was already building.

Don Perkins reportedly returned from work briefly to calm an argument between Elli and Jeremy. He then left again.

Later that morning, Elli told Jeremy to take a shower.

While she was speaking on the telephone, Jeremy attacked her.

Elli Perkins was killed inside the home where she had spent years trying to save him.

Jeremy was arrested soon afterward and confessed.

His statements showed just how far he had moved from reality. He believed his mother was evil and was out to get him. At times, he thought her face changed into something frightening.

This was not a normal argument that became violent.

Jeremy’s mother had been transformed inside his mind into the source of the danger he believed surrounded him.

It would be easy to end the story there and call Jeremy a monster.

That would also miss the story.

Jeremy was suffering from schizophrenia. At least eight psychiatrists reportedly agreed on that diagnosis. The state’s own psychiatrist concluded that he was not legally responsible for the killing because of mental disease or defect.

That finding did not erase Elli’s death.

It recognized that Jeremy was acting inside a reality badly distorted by illness.

What Happened to Jeremy?

Jeremy was charged with second-degree murder and a weapons offense.

In July 2003, he was found not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect. He was eventually committed to a secure state psychiatric facility.

Only after Elli’s death did Jeremy receive antipsychotic medication.

His doctor described the change as dramatic.

Jeremy was not cured. Schizophrenia is not erased by taking a pill. But he reportedly became stable and caused no incidents inside the institution.

His attorney later said Jeremy believed the killing would not have happened if he had received the medication earlier.

His doctor believed treatment and possible hospitalization before the attack could have prevented it.

Those statements do not create absolute certainty. Medicine cannot show us the timeline that never happened.

But they leave a serious possibility that cannot be brushed aside.

The care Scientology taught Elli to fear was the care that finally stabilized her son.

Jeremy later told a doctor that his parents had pushed him too far into Scientology. Whenever there was a problem, he said, they believed Scientology could handle it.

He did not publicly blame the organization for his mother’s death.

But his words suggest something was taken from him long before the killing. Time with friends. An ordinary young adulthood. The chance to have his illness faced honestly before it swallowed his life.

After the mid-2000s, Jeremy largely disappeared from public view. There is no reliable recent public information establishing whether he remains in a secure facility or has moved into a less restrictive setting.

The Question Scientology Cannot Avoid

Scientology did not cause Jeremy’s schizophrenia.

But it did not need to cause the illness to help turn it into a disaster.

Its teachings encouraged Elli to reject the diagnosis. Its hostility toward psychiatry made proper treatment seem more dangerous than untreated psychosis. Its world offered a rotating cast of substitutes: Scientology, physical labor, toxin theories, vitamins and an unlicensed healer.

Anything but psychiatry.

After Elli’s death, former Buffalo Scientology official Rich Dunning said senior church officials came to town and told members to remain quiet. He believed the goal was to move Scientology as far away from Jeremy as possible.

Scientology denied a cover-up and denied that its teachings were responsible.

But its public representative also continued attacking psychiatric treatment, even after medication reportedly stabilized Jeremy.

That says a great deal.

The family’s tragedy did not change the doctrine.

According to CBS, Don Perkins and his daughter Danielle remained committed Scientologists in 2006. Jeff Carlson reportedly remained in as well. His sister said she hoped Elli’s death would finally force him to question Scientology.

Nothing changed.

The case was brushed aside. People were told not to talk about it.

Eight months after Elli was killed, Scientology held a gala for its new Buffalo building.

Jeremy was behind the walls of a psychiatric institution.

The organization carried on.

Psychiatry Is Not Above Criticism

Psychiatry and pharmaceutical companies deserve scrutiny. Patients have been overmedicated, harmed by side effects and failed by a broken mental health system.

But exposing those failures is not the same as pretending schizophrenia can be treated through Hubbard’s toxin theories.

The answer to bad care is better care.

Not no care.

Treatment Is More Than a Prescription

Real treatment can include medication, therapy and family support. It should include monitoring and a plan for a crisis.

Medication is not magic.

But Jeremy’s later stability shows that appropriate treatment could make a real difference.

Mental Illness Does Not Mean Violence

Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. Many are far more likely to be harmed than to harm someone else.

Jeremy’s case involved an untreated and worsening psychosis focused directly on his mother.

The lesson is not to fear people with mental illness.

It is to stop dismissing the illness until a family reaches the point of no return.

Who Really Was the Enemy?

Scientology taught Elli that psychiatry was the boogeyman.

But when her family was in crisis, psychiatry did not tell her to rely on chores. Psychiatry did not sell her Hubbard’s toxin theory. Psychiatry did not offer vitamins while her son’s delusions became more frightening.

Scientology did.

Jeremy killed Elli Perkins.

But Scientology’s belief system helped rob Jeremy of the chance to be treated before his illness took over his life. It taught his mother to fear the people most qualified to help him. Then, when the worst happened, former members say the organization tried to separate itself from the wreckage.

Perhaps the most disturbing part is that Elli’s death apparently did not shake the family’s faith.

How does a belief system survive evidence this devastating?

Maybe the answer is not faith at all.

Maybe it is what happens when an organization becomes so deeply rooted in a person’s identity that even the death of someone they love cannot be allowed to prove it wrong.

Elli thought the enemy was outside the door.

The tragedy is that Scientology was already inside the house.

Years later, protesters continued using Elli Perkins’ death as a warning about Scientology’s anti-psychiatry teachings.

One Last, Strange Irony

There is one final detail in this story that feels almost too strange to have been written.

Elli Perkins was killed on March 13, 2003.

March 13 was L. Ron Hubbard’s birthday.

Hubbard had been dead for 17 years by then. The date did not cause what happened, and it proves nothing by itself.

Still, the irony is hard to miss.

Elli died on the birthday of the man whose teachings had convinced her that psychiatry was the enemy, while her son’s untreated psychosis was closing in around her.

Truth really is stranger than fiction.

And sometimes it leaves behind a coincidence so dark that it feels almost like punctuation.

Sources and Further Reading

Much of the case history in this article comes from CBS News’ 2006 investigation, “Scientology: A Question of Faith.” The report drew from court records, psychiatric evaluations, interviews with people involved in the case, and responses from the Church of Scientology.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientology-a-question-of-faith/

SECTION I

The Lobbying Story We’re Used to Telling

When most people hear the word lobbyist, they imagine advice and advocacy.

Someone explaining how Washington works to a client who wants to be heard.

Someone hired to guide a client through unfamiliar territory.

Someone shaping strategy from the outside.

That’s the definition we’re accustomed to. A client hires the lobbyist for their expertise. They know the ropes, they guide the journey.

But Scientology has never really operated that way.

Scientology doesn’t like giving up control. It doesn’t hand over strategy and hope someone else figures it out. Historically, it prefers people who already understand its worldview, its sensitivities, and its boundaries. People who don’t need convincing. People who already know what not to question. People who do what they are instructed to do. Scientology doesn’t seek guidance, it gives it.

That difference matters.

Because when you look at Scientology’s history in Washington, the pattern doesn’t look like outside experts steering the organization. It looks more like Scientology placing people where they’re useful.

Not as advisors.

As extensions.

As plants.

Once you start looking at it that way, the whole picture shifts.

SECTION II

Control Comes First. Influence Comes Later

Scientology is built around centralized control. Decisions move down, not sideways. Messaging is carefully managed. Deviations are corrected quickly. This isn’t speculation. It’s been documented repeatedly through court cases, sworn testimony, and Scientology’s own internal records.

That structure doesn’t disappear when Scientology steps into politics.

Instead, it adapts.

Rather than lobbying loudly as itself, Scientology has often worked through intermediaries. Individuals or organizations that look independent on the surface. Neutral. Civic-minded. Focused on religious freedom or human rights. But operating within very specific limits.

This isn’t about one administration or one decade. It’s about a method. Their Modus Operandi.

One of the clearest examples came into focus in the early 2010s, when internal documents surfaced describing Scientology’s relationship with Joe Grieboski and the Institute on Religion and Public Policy.

Joe Grieboski was not a Scientologist. He is a religious freedom advocate who has repeatedly spoken on Scientology’s behalf while presenting himself as an independent, interfaith voice. That distinction matters. Scientology did not need him to be a member. It needed him to be credible to people who would not listen to Scientology directly.

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/videos/joseph-grieboski.html

Grieboski’s role fits a familiar pattern. He organized letters, coalitions, and statements involving dozens of religious entities, often framing Scientology’s concerns as part of broader interfaith or human rights issues. This allowed Scientology’s positions to travel through respected channels without appearing to originate from Scientology itself.

That model didn’t disappear. It evolved.

He wasn’t an independent consultant offering guidance.

He was part of a program.

Objectives were laid out.

Tasks were assigned.

Results were tracked.

Payment followed performance.

That distinction is important. Because it shows that, for Scientology, influence isn’t something you stumble into. It’s something you build deliberately.

And that brings us to the Mitchell Firm.

SECTION III

The Mitchell Firm Wasn’t Advising. It Was Positioned.

On paper, the Mitchell Law Firm doesn’t look unusual. It fits neatly into the Washington ecosystem. Small. Connected. Experienced. The kind of firm you’d expect to see moving quietly through the corridors of the Capitol Building, lobbying for clients.

But context changes everything.

When Scientology works with someone like Greg Mitchell, the more interesting question isn’t what advice did he give?

It’s why him?

Scientology doesn’t pick intermediaries casually. It looks for people who are ideologically compatible, and comfortable operating without drawing attention back to the organization itself. They want someone who will follow the rules, not make them.

Seen through that lens, the Mitchell Firm doesn’t really look like a traditional outside lobbyist/strategist. It fits much more cleanly into Scientology’s long-standing pattern of directed intermediaries. People who don’t shape the message, but who know how to carry it.

That framing changes how you read everything that comes after.

Because once you stop assuming the lobbyist is in charge, you start noticing something else: timing.

Yes, Lobbyist Greg Mitchell is a Scientologist.

SECTION IV

What I Knew Going In, and What I Started Noticing

I already knew Scientology’s relationship with Washington didn’t start with Trump.

The Clinton years matter. A lot. That’s the period when Scientology secured its tax-exempt status, and that alone makes it impossible to treat their political engagement as something new. So this wasn’t about discovering that Scientology had influence back then. I knew that going in.

What I didn’t know yet was how the way that influence showed up seemed to change over time.

Looking back at the Clinton era, things look clearer. You can see how it worked. Meetings, negotiations, lawyers, back-and-forth. It follows a logic you can actually trace. Influence moving through recognizable channels.

[Greg Mitchell shaking hands with President Clinton]

When I got into the Obama years, that’s where I started noticing a shift. Not a disappearance. More like an adjustment. The language tightens up. The posture changes. Things get quieter and more careful. Scientology doesn’t go away during this period. It sits in the middle row, instead of the front row.

In the Lobbying Reports, we see basic, safe, minimalistic advocacy.

SECTION V

Where the Pattern Starts to Stand Out

Then I hit the Trump years, and this is where the pattern really starts to stand out. Things shifted while Trump was campaigning for his first term. It shifted drastically and this new approach lasted his entire term. The Lobbying Reports at times were two pages long instead of a paragraph. Heavy duty, intense Lobbying tactics and efforts.

[Cont.]

[Cont.]

The records don’t just look different. They feel different. Suddenly it’s not only about policy or formal access. Personality matters more. Identity matters more. Religious freedom language that once felt more specialized starts showing up everywhere. That’s the point where I started thinking this wasn’t just about lobbying anymore.

It was about maneuvering and fitting in. It was about what Scientology refers to as Safe-pointing. Safe-pointing is a policy concocted by L. Ron Hubbard. It’s about identifying people and institutions they consider “safe,” then keeping them that way. Once someone is safe, Scientology protects the relationship and limits scrutiny. Over time, oversight turns into familiarity, questions stop being asked, and access becomes normal. That’s the playbook.

Next, we move into the Biden years. On paper, things appear to slow down again. No longer in the front seat, they move to the back. Basic and minimal lobbying, as if they were waiting the term out.

That slow down stands out. They hit the brakes.

Fast forward and Trump is back in the picture.

This is where things get especially strange to me.

Because if you look at the current period, there’s no real sign of active lobbying in the way people usually understand it. No obvious push. No visible campaign. The Quarterly filings continue, but they claim no lobbying activity occurred. On paper, the relationship exists. But in practice, nothing seems to be happening.

That disconnect is hard to ignore.

It starts to raise a different kind of question. Not whether Scientology is trying to gain access, but whether it still needs to. Did Scientology finally arrive?

If certain intermediaries no longer have to be visible, is that because the strategy didn’t work, or because it did?

If Scientology’s influence strategy shifted away from traditional lobbying and toward relationships embedded inside the administration itself, that kind of contact would matter.

SECTION VI

This is where the story actually turns.

During Trump’s first term, Scientology was still lobbying in the traditional sense. It was loud, it wasn’t always obvious to the public, but it was very real. Meetings were happening. Access was being pursued. Religious freedom frameworks were being actively worked. That’s where figures like Mike Pence matter. His meeting with religious freedom advocates wasn’t incidental. It was a period when Scientology was still very much engaged in heavy-duty lobbying, just not in a way most people were paying attention to at the time. And yes, Greg Mitchell met with Mike Pence.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/pence-meets-with-russell-moore-religious-freedom-advocates-to-discuss-chinas-abuses.html

That’s not the part that surprises me.

What’s different now is what’s happening in the current Trump era.

Because if you look at the filings today, they say there is no lobbying. The reports continue, but they claim no activity. And yet the same lobbyist is still in place. The same relationships still exist. The same political ecosystem is clearly being accessed.

That’s not a gap. That’s a signal.

At the same time that official lobbying activity drops to “nothing,” Scientologists and Scientology-linked figures are more visible than ever inside the conservative movement itself. Not behind the scenes. Out in the open.

We’re seeing it through major donors like the Dugans, whose political spending connected to Scientology has been widely discussed and tracked. We’re seeing it through Pam Bondi, whose long-standing ties to Scientology donors and institutions are not a secret and who now holds real influence inside Trump’s political orbit.

We’re seeing it through high-profile Scientologists who are no longer subtle about their politics. Grant Cardone has been openly aligned with Trump and conservative causes. Internationally, figures like John Mappin have helped promote Trump-aligned movements abroad, including efforts connected to Turning Point-activism in the UK.

None of this is hidden. None of it requires speculation. It’s being talked about openly now, including across social media, independent journalism, and activist spaces. What used to feel covert no longer does.

And that’s the real shift.

This doesn’t look like infiltration in the old sense. It looks like confidence. It looks like a point where Scientology no longer feels the need to work quietly through formal lobbying channels because it can operate directly through people, movements, donors, media figures, and shared ideology.

That’s why the filings say “no lobbying,” while influence is more visible than ever.

This is not Operation Snow White as it existed decades ago. This is something more evolved. Less about sneaking in. More about standing there openly and daring anyone to say anything about it.

So I am saying something about it.

If Scientology once needed lobbyists to gain access, it now appears to be operating from a place where access is already assumed. And that changes everything about how we should be looking at what comes next.

This isn’t the end of the story. It’s the point where the story finally makes sense. We know what they’ve been up to behind the scenes. They are, if nothing else, predictable.

This is where it stops being academic and starts being actionable. Because once you can see the pattern, once the players are visible and the confidence is out in the open, the mystique disappears. The “emperor” has no clothes. This isn’t covert anymore. It’s happening in plain sight. And that changes the response. The next phase isn’t about watching filings or tracing influence after the fact. It’s about planning. It’s about studying the system they’re operating within, identifying the pressure points, and deciding how to counter it. If they lobby, we anti-lobby. If they safe-point, we unsafe-point. We take the time to analyze, to map, to coordinate, and then we move deliberately. This isn’t the end of the story. This is the moment where the strategy flips.

TO BE CONTINUED….

By AuditLA – The People’s Karen

In 2011, the Australian Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) dropped a bombshell report that flew under most people’s radar, but it shouldn’t have. After a year-long investigation into the Church of Scientology and its drug rehab front groups Narconon and Get Off Drugs Naturally, FWO exposed a disturbing pattern of labor abuse, financial manipulation, and religious gaslighting. (Link at end of article).

If you thought Scientology was just weird courses and Tom Cruise, think again.

1. The Scam: Calling Workers “Volunteers” to Avoid Paying Them

One of the key takeaways from the report? Scientology’s so called “volunteers” were actually full-time workers, some of them children, who were grossly underpaid or not paid at all. We’re talking 60 to 80 hour workweeks for as little as $10 to $30 a week. Some of the younger members were working 72-hour shifts, pushed to meet quotas or finish tasks, often staying up until 4 a.m.

Scientology’s excuse? These people weren’t employees, they were just offering their time out of religious devotion.

But the Fair Work Ombudsman didn’t buy it.

They found that these “volunteers” were:

• Being given job titles and position descriptions

• Clocking long hours with set start and end times

• Receiving performance-based pay slips (however tiny the amounts)

• Having tax withheld by Scientology

• Being punished or demoted if they didn’t meet “targets”

This isn’t volunteerism. This is corporate exploitation under a religious mask.

2. Hidden Behind Holy Words: Massive For Profit Operations

Despite Scientology’s insistence that it’s a religious entity, the report makes it clear: this is a multi million dollar business. In just one year, Scientology Australia raked in:

• $17.9 million in revenue

• Over $3.4 million from book sales

• $11.5 million from “religious services” (aka counseling, auditing, and courses)

• Up to $65,000 charged per member for advanced programs

• “Freeloader bills” issued to ex-members as spiritual debt collection

Scientology argued that this was all about spiritual enlightenment, not money. But the government wasn’t buying that either. They officially classified Scientology as a trading corporation, meaning they had to comply with workplace laws just like any for profit business.

3. Child Labor in a Billion Year Contract? Yeah, That Happened

One of the most disturbing revelations involved Witness 7, a former Sea Org member who was recruited at just 14 years old. Her parents signed over guardianship so she could join the Sea Organization, a Scientology elite unit that requires members to sign a “one billion year contract.”

She lived in Scientology housing, worked seven days a week, and had no way to leave without their permission, because they controlled her transportation. Her weekly “allowance”? Sometimes as little as $30. She testified about working until 4 a.m., being reprimanded, and being physically and emotionally trapped in a system designed to strip her of agency.

If this isn’t child labor wrapped in a cult, what is?

4. Legal Gaslighting and Delay Tactics

Despite all the evidence, the Fair Work Ombudsman was forced to drop many of the most serious cases. Why? Time limits.

Most of the witnesses had left Scientology more than six years before the investigation began, which meant their claims were legally expired, even if their experiences were real and documented.

That timing wasn’t an accident. Scientology has a long history of delaying, intimidating, and stonewalling investigations, both in Australia and globally.

• They denied connections to Narconon and other front groups

• They refused interviews or cooperation in some cases

• They wrapped themselves in legal and religious excuses

• And they argued that “spiritual labor” shouldn’t be regulated at all

But FWO saw through it. They found that Scientology created a tightly controlled labor environment, not a spiritual community.

5. The Price of Leaving: Freeloader Bills and Psychological Control

When members tried to leave, many received “freeloader bills”, demands for tens of thousands of dollars for services they received while “working” for the Church. This tactic is used to guilt, intimidate, or financially ruin those who walk away. It’s also a way to keep people trapped in a cycle of dependence and fear.

Some were also issued “non-enturbulation orders,” which essentially mark them as troublemakers. That label can ruin a person’s relationships and reputation within Scientology’s closed world. It’s not just financial pressure, it’s social and psychological warfare.

6. What This Report Proves (Even If It Didn’t Result in Charges)

Even though the government didn’t prosecute Scientology in this case, the evidence was clear:

• Scientology is a commercial empire, not just a religion

• It uses religious language to hide abusive labor practices

• It targets vulnerable people, especially youth and former addicts

• It creates an illusion of choice, but members are often coerced or manipulated

• It monetizes belief, turning spiritual growth into literal debt

So What Now?

This report should serve as a warning to governments, regulators, and the public around the world: Scientology is not above the law. Its ability to twist labor, tax, and human rights laws to its advantage must be challenged, country by country, law by law, victim by victim.

If you’re reading this and you’re a journalist, lawmaker, or just a concerned citizen: don’t let time run out again. Support legislation that eliminates statutes of limitation for institutional abuse. Demand that religious nonprofits prove their public benefit. And most of all, listen to survivors.

Because what happened in Australia isn’t unique. It’s just one country brave enough to say it out loud.

AuditLA is exposing Scientology’s abuse of public institutions, government contracts, and vulnerable people, especially in Los Angeles. If you want to support transparency, justice, and community empowerment, consider subscribing and sharing. #FSCIENTO #NoMoreKidsInScientology #AuditLA

OMBUDSMAN REPORT

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g1-9edg_-aO3yUy32KQGfsYq9UrpQyoV/view?usp=drivesdk

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By AuditLA

Let’s talk about who’s buying what Scientology is selling, and who’s not.

Some countries have straight up said: “Nope, this isn’t a religion. This is a scam or a cult or a really aggressive pyramid scheme with aliens.” Others have caved, been tricked, or just didn’t care enough to fight back. In the U.S., well… we’ll get to that mess in a minute.

But before we get into the international breakdown, it’s worth asking:

How did a religion built on space stories and e-meters end up with tax exempt status and political influence?

A Quick Reality Check on Scientology’s Origins

A lot of folks already know this, but in case you’re new: L. Ron Hubbard was prolific science fiction writer, maybe the most prolific in U.S. history. However, he wasn’t exactly getting wealthy from all of that hard work and creativity. Eventually he came to the conclusion… “If you really want to make money, start a religion.” Well, he did just that, hence the “Church” of Scientology.

He converted his science fiction into a belief system, slapped the word “Church” on it, and added some pseudo-scientific tech babble involving ancient alien warlords (hi, Xenu) and disembodied souls (Thetans) that are stuck to your body causing all your problems. Not joking.

It’s very sci-fi, very controlling and very obsessed with paperwork, confession (auditing) and secrecy. Which, if you’ve spent five minutes looking into cult tactics, should raise some eyebrows. But Scientology insists it’s not a cult, because it’s got IRS 501(c)(3) status. That’s how they argue they’re legit.

In a future piece, I’ll get into what actually defines a cult and where Scientology lands on that spectrum (spoiler: it isn’t at the “healthy community group” end). But that’s for another day.

Let’s Talk About the U.S. First, Because That’s Where It All Really Went Off the Rails

In America, Scientology got its religious recognition the way it gets most things: through intimidation, harassment, and lawsuits.

This wasn’t some peaceful coexistence with the state. This was Operation Snow White, the largest known infiltration of the U.S. government in history, with Scientologists stealing and shredding federal documents from inside government buildings. You think I’m exaggerating? Google it. It’s all there.

Then came the war with the IRS. Scientology filed over 2,000 lawsuits and sent private investigators after IRS officials. Eventually, the IRS just gave up. In 1993, they cut a secret deal, one that’s never been fully released to the public, and handed over tax exempt status.

So when people say, “But it’s recognized as a religion in the U.S.,” my response is: Yeah, because the government got bullied into it, not because it really is.

Now Let’s Zoom Out: What Countries Recognize Scientology? And Which Ones Said…Noooo!

Scientology doesn’t have the resources to infiltrate every country’s government like they did here. So it’s fascinating to see who resisted, who folded, and how hard they had to work for it.

Countries That Said “Yes”, You’re a Religion (For Now)

These countries either gave Scientology religious status through courts, procedural process or because they’ve got broad laws protecting all belief systems (even the wild ones).

United States

The U.S. is where Scientology won its biggest prize, religious tax exemption in 1993, but it didn’t happen through faith or public acceptance. It happened after a relentless legal siege. The Church filed over 2,000 lawsuits against the IRS, stalked employees, and used its usual cocktail of pressure, PR, and private investigators until the government gave in. The details of that backroom deal? Still sealed. So yes, Scientology is recognized as a religion in the U.S., but only after exhausting, intimidating, and outmaneuvering the agency tasked with saying no. It wasn’t a moral win, it was a strategic one. And ever since, that recognition has been used as a shield, not a sign of legitimacy.

Australia

In Australia, Scientology got its religious status the old fashioned way: through a long legal fight that ended with the courts basically saying, “Well, sure, I guess it’s a religion by legal standards.” In 1983, the High Court ruled in the famous Church of the New Faith v. Commissioner of Pay-Roll Tax case that Scientology met the broad legal test for religion, mainly because it had a belief system and a moral code, even if it sounded totally bizarre. That ruling didn’t mean the public was on board. In fact, Australia has done some of the most damning investigations into Scientology anywhere in the world. Journalists, senators, and ex-members have been calling them out for years. So yeah, they’re legally recognized, but don’t mistake that for public acceptance. That fight’s still very much alive, and you better believe I’ll be digging deeper into what they’ve pulled down under.

South Africa

In South Africa, Scientology got recognized as a religion mostly because the laws there are super broad when it comes to religious freedom, which, on principle, is a good thing. But Scientology definitely took advantage of that open door. They showed up with their usual playbook: “humanitarian” campaigns, free booklets, fake awards ceremonies, and lots of photo ops with government officials. They took advantage of the post-apartheid language of rights and dignity, which is especially offensive when you consider how they treat their own members. They even handed out “human rights” awards to local politicians, classic safepointing. So yeah, they got the recognition, but it wasn’t because anyone looked too hard. It was PR, not public demand.

Sweden

In Sweden, Scientology got religious recognition through a pretty straightforward registration process. They filled out the paperwork, said the right buzzwords, and were allowed in. That doesn’t mean Sweden rolled out the red carpet, it just means the bar for registering a religion there isn’t super high. It’s more like, “You say you’re a religion? Fine, you’re a religion.” But that doesn’t come with government funding or public trust. In fact, Swedish media and watchdogs have kept a close eye on them, especially around their aggressive recruiting tactics and how they treat critics. So yeah, they’re on the books, but nobody’s confusing them with a national treasure.

Spain

Scientology clawed its way into religious recognition in Spain the same way it has elsewhere, through legal loopholes and relentless litigation. After years of being rightly labeled a sect, the Spanish Supreme Court caved in 2007, granting them official religious status. But let’s be clear: this wasn’t because the Spanish people suddenly saw Scientology as holy. It was because the Church out lawyered the system. They appealed, pressured, and pushed until they got the title, not because they earned trust, but because the courts saw no clear legal reason to say no. To this day, public sentiment hasn’t changed. Spain may recognize Scientology on paper, but the people still know a cult when they see one.

Portugal

Scientology managed to register as a religious organization in Portugal, but only because no one was really paying attention. It wasn’t some grand public debate or spiritual awakening, it was a quiet bureaucratic filing, likely rubber-stamped by a government office that treats religion as a checkbox, not a credibility test. But recognition doesn’t equal relevance. In the public sphere, Scientology is practically invisible in Portugal. No cultural footprint, no mass recruitment, no real public presence, just a paper trail that says “religion” and a tax break riding on the back of silence. It’s legal, sure, but it’s also largely unwanted.

Brazil

Scientology is legally registered as a religion in Brazil, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it holds real ground. Recognition here is easy to get, it’s a low bar, high paperwork system, and Scientology checked the boxes. But in terms of influence? Almost nonexistent. The group has tried to set up “Ideal Orgs” and run its usual front groups, but the Brazilian public isn’t flocking to pay for auditing or climb The Bridge. In a country with a rich religious history, from Catholicism to Afro-Brazilian religions, Scientology looks more like a foreign business venture than a faith. They may have the paperwork, but they don’t have the people.

Hungary

Hungary once allowed Scientology to operate with religious status, until the government finally said enough. In 2011, a sweeping overhaul of the country’s religion laws revoked official recognition from dozens of fringe groups, and yes, Scientology made that cut. Today, it’s treated as a “church like organization” without the constitutional protections or tax perks granted to legitimate religions. Authorities have raided its headquarters, citing data privacy violations and health code breaches. Translation? Even a government accused of authoritarian leanings knows Scientology’s game, and they’re not buying the sacred routine. In Hungary, the facade cracked, and what’s underneath looks a lot more like a corporate racket than a church.

Netherlands

The Netherlands gave Scientology religious status decades ago, but even their own courts saw through the scam. In 2013, a Dutch court ruled that while Scientology may call itself a religion, its actual operations are purely commercial. In other words: they might preach about “thetans,” but they bill like a tech startup. The court stripped them of their tax exempt status, saying their “religious services” were indistinguishable from high priced self-help sessions. So yes, they can claim to be a religion, but the Dutch legal system made it crystal clear: if you act like a business, sell like a business, and exploit people like a business, then you don’t get the perks of a church. Period.

New Zealand

Scientology pulled off official recognition in New Zealand in the early 2000s, managing to register as a charitable religious organization. But don’t confuse paperwork with public trust. This wasn’t a cultural embrace, it was a bureaucratic technicality in a country with a broad legal definition of religion. The New Zealand Charities Commission has faced pressure for years to scrutinize groups like Scientology that use religion as a shield for commercial gain and psychological manipulation. The Church may get tax breaks and the ability to perform weddings, but in the public eye, it’s still fringe. In a land that values transparency and decency, Scientology’s playbook of secrecy and coercion sticks out like a sore thumb.

United Kingdom

In the UK, Scientology fought for decades to be recognized as a religion, and in 2013, they finally got the legal win they craved. The UK Supreme Court ruled that Scientology chapels could be used for legally binding marriages, effectively granting it religious status under the law. But let’s be honest, this was a technical victory, not a moral one. The ruling didn’t endorse Scientology’s beliefs; it just said they met the broad legal test for what counts as worship. Meanwhile, the British public has remained firmly skeptical, and government agencies have long refused to work with or promote the organization. Scientology may have cracked the legal code in England, but on the streets, in Parliament, and in the press, it’s still seen as a cult in a fancy hat.

Taiwan

In Taiwan, Scientology managed to get recognized as a religion, but not because people were lining up to hear about Xenu. Like in a lot of places, they got in the door by wrapping themselves in “human rights” and “community service”, mostly through their front groups like the Way to Happiness and Youth for Human Rights. They love to hand out booklets and stage ribbon cuttings, and some local officials fell for the PR. Taiwan has pretty relaxed religious laws. It wasn’t a big legal battle like in the U.S., it was more like a slow, well rehearsed charm offensive. But just because they got the paperwork doesn’t mean the public’s buying what they’re selling.

Denmark

Denmark stands out as one of the few European countries to give Scientology full religious recognition, and keep it. Since 1970, the Danish government has allowed Scientology to register as an official religion, granting it tax exemptions and legal protections. But don’t mistake that for public approval. Denmark’s decision was based on liberal religious freedom laws, not a belief that Scientology was morally upright or socially beneficial. The group’s Copenhagen headquarters, one of its main European hubs, has long operated in plain sight, even as former members and watchdogs ring alarm bells about abuse, disconnection, and financial exploitation. Denmark may have welcomed them legally, but culturally, they remain a well-dressed warning sign.

Mexico

In Mexico, Scientology didn’t win hearts, it slipped through unnoticed. The government granted it religious status in 2009 through a simple registration with the Secretariat of the Interior, with no public hearings, no scrutiny, no real questions asked. This wasn’t an endorsement, it was a rubber stamp in a country where religious registration is often just a formality. Since then, Scientology has tried to cozy up to officials through front groups pushing “human rights education” and anti-drug campaigns, but the public isn’t fooled. On the ground, it has almost no real following, and even less trust. It may be recognized on paper, but it’s treated like an outsider that bought a fake badge.

Countries That Said “No Way!”

These are the places that looked at Scientology and said: You are not a religion. You are a cult, a fraud, or a threat.

Germany

Germany has made its position crystal clear: Scientology is not a religion, it’s a danger to democracy. The government classifies it as a commercial organization with anti-constitutional goals, and it’s been under official surveillance by domestic intelligence agencies for decades. Germany doesn’t mince words; they’ve called out Scientology for its totalitarian structure, psychological manipulation, and aggressive tactics. Politicians, educators, and civilian groups have publicly warned citizens to steer clear. This isn’t just skepticism, it’s systemic resistance. In a country with historical scars from authoritarian cults of personality, Germany knows what control looks like, and they’re not giving Scientology an inch.

France

France doesn’t just reject Scientology, they’ve prosecuted it. The French government classifies Scientology as a secte, a cult, and they’ve backed that up with criminal convictions. In 2009, the Paris branch of the Church of Scientology was found guilty of organized fraud, and French parliamentary commissions have repeatedly listed it as a threat to public order and mental health. The group is allowed to operate, but under constant scrutiny and zero religious recognition. France takes its commitment to secularism seriously, and that means no free passes for corporate cults hiding behind the word “church.” Scientology is tolerated legally, but socially and politically, it’s radioactive.

China

China doesn’t recognize Scientology as a religion, it labels it a dangerous cult, and that’s not up for debate. The government has outlawed its literature, shut down its operations, and made it crystal clear: this isn’t a church, it’s a threat. Beijing doesn’t tolerate foreign movements that manipulate people, hoard money, and preach secrecy, especially ones trying to slide in under the radar with fake humanitarian front groups. Try running a stress test booth in Shanghai, you will get shut down and maybe more. China saw the playbook and slammed the door before the ink dried. In one of the most surveillance heavy countries on Earth, Scientology doesn’t stand a chance, and they know it.

Russia

Russia doesn’t just reject Scientology, it treats it like a national security threat. The government has banned multiple Scientology organizations, outlawed its literature as extremist, and even shut down the Moscow Church of Scientology by court order. Officials have accused the group of undermining public order, operating illegally as a business, and acting as a foreign controlled influence operation. Members have been arrested, offices raided, and bank accounts frozen. In Russia, Scientology isn’t seen as a church, it’s seen as a toxic import with authoritarian tendencies, and the state has responded with equally authoritarian rejection. Whatever else you might say about Russia, when it comes to Scientology, they saw the red flags and slammed the door.

Ireland

Ireland has never granted Scientology religious status, and they’re not about to start. While the group has opened flashy “Ideal Orgs” and tried to charm local communities with concerts and “anti-drug” initiatives, the Irish government has remained unmoved. Scientology is not recognized as a religion, does not qualify for charitable tax exemptions, and receives zero legal perks. It exists there as a private organization, nothing more. And the public? They see right through it. Investigative journalism and grassroots resistance have kept Scientology’s footprint small and its reputation radioactive. In a country with deep scars from real religious abuse, there’s no appetite for cult theatrics dressed up as salvation.

Belgium

Belgium has been calling Scientology what it is for decades: a dangerous, manipulative cult. It is not recognized as a religion, and for years the Belgian government treated it like a criminal enterprise. After a 10 year investigation, prosecutors brought sweeping charges against the Church and 12 of its leaders in 2015: fraud, extortion, illegal medical practice, and running a criminal organization. While a judge ultimately acquitted them on procedural grounds, the message from the state couldn’t have been clearer: Scientology doesn’t belong in the same category as churches, mosques, or synagogues. It operates in Belgium, yes, but under suspicion, not sanctity. And the public? They’ve never bought the “church” act.

Greece

Greece didn’t just reject Scientology, they shut it down. In 1997, the Greek Supreme Court stripped the Church of Scientology of its legal status, calling it out as a for profit business masquerading as a religion. The group was ordered to dissolve after the court found it operated deceptively and harmfully, targeting vulnerable individuals while hiding behind a religious front. Since then, any attempt to relaunch under a new name or as a front group has been met with skepticism and resistance. Greece sent a clear message: freedom of religion doesn’t mean freedom to exploit. And unlike some governments, they didn’t flinch when it came time to act.

Austria

Austria doesn’t recognize Scientology as a religion, and they’re not shy about it. The government officially classifies it as a “sect”, not a church, and it’s been the subject of repeated warnings from Austrian ministries and watchdog groups. While Scientology is allowed to operate, it receives no tax exemptions, no legal religious status, and no public legitimacy. Officials have raised concerns over coercive tactics, financial exploitation, and psychological harm, especially toward young recruits. Austria treats Scientology the way a healthy democracy should: as a high control organization posing as a faith, not something that deserves the legal perks of actual religions.

Israel

In Israel, Scientology has managed to set up shop, but that’s about where the success story ends. While it’s not banned, it’s also not recognized as a religion by the state, and it gets none of the legal benefits that come with that status. The organization operates under a standard nonprofit umbrella, but even that has drawn scrutiny. Their flashy “Ideal Org” in Tel Aviv hasn’t translated into public support, and mainstream Israeli society largely views Scientology as a Western import with cult like tendencies, not a legitimate faith. In a country deeply familiar with both spirituality and manipulation, Scientology reads more like a foreign scam than a sacred path.

Canada (federally)

Canada has never recognized Scientology as a religion at the federal level, and for good reason. The group has been dragged through Canadian courts for decades, most notably in the landmark Hill v. Church of Scientology case, where the Church was found liable for defamation and abuse of process. In Ontario, the courts have flat out stated that Scientology is not a religion but a commercial venture, operating under the guise of spiritual counseling. While it’s technically allowed to operate as a nonprofit in some provinces, that status comes with no religious credibility, no tax exemption, and no public trust. In the eyes of Canadian law and society, Scientology is a business, and a shady one at that.

Armenia

In Armenia, Scientology doesn’t even make it past the door. The country’s deeply tied to the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the government keeps a tight grip on who gets to call themselves a religion. Scientology isn’t on the list, and never will be. It’s not recognized, it’s not protected, and it’s not welcome. The group’s cult tactics, money games, and foreign backing are exactly the kind of thing Armenians see as a threat, not a faith. Sure, they might sneak in with a workshop here or a seminar there, but officially and culturally, they’re nowhere. Armenia knows a real church when it sees one, and Scientology isn’t it.

Japan

In Japan, Scientology exists, but only barely, and with no official religious recognition. The group maintains a tiny footprint, mostly through low profile offices and personality development seminars, but it has no legal status as a religious organization, no cultural relevance, and no public trust. Japanese society, still haunted by the legacy of actual destructive cults like Aum Shinrikyo, tends to view outfits like Scientology with deep suspicion. The government hasn’t had to ban it, because no one’s buying what it’s selling. In a country that values humility and social harmony, Scientology’s blend of arrogance, secrecy, and hard sell tactics just doesn’t land.

Egypt

In Egypt, Scientology doesn’t stand a chance. The government does not recognize it as a religion, and any attempt to operate openly would be met with swift state suppression. Egypt recognizes only a handful of religions, primarily Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and treats all others with suspicion or outright hostility. Scientology’s secretive structure, Western origins, and cult like reputation make it a nonstarter. There’s no legal pathway for recognition, no public presence, and no cultural tolerance for what would be seen as a manipulative foreign ideology. In Egypt, Scientology isn’t just unrecognized, it’s outright rejected.

India

India doesn’t recognize Scientology as a religion, and frankly, nobody’s asking for it. In a country home to some of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions, Scientology reads more like a Western export with a price tag than anything sacred. It’s not legally registered as a religious body, and it holds zero cultural weight. The group’s attempts to wedge in through “volunteer ministers” and self-help seminars haven’t fooled anyone, there’s no movement, no legitimacy, and no demand. India already knows what real devotion looks like, and Scientology’s glossy hustle doesn’t even register as noise.

So What Does All This Mean?

It means that religious recognition doesn’t equal legitimacy.

In the U.S., we’re expected to treat Scientology with reverence because they won a 501(c)(3) fight, by harassing public servants until they folded. And now if you criticize Scientology, they want to call it a hate crime. Come on.

I don’t think it’s hateful to call out corruption, abuse, and deception. And I don’t think the rest of the world is wrong for refusing to play along.

The truth is: some governments did their homework, and others got steamrolled.

What’s Next?

This was just a quick flyover. I plan to go deeper, especially into Australia, the Operation Snow White files, and the cult designation debate. And if you want me to dig into what’s going on in your country or state, let me know. This stuff needs sunlight….

…Because Scientology didn’t get here on spiritual merit. It got here by force, fraud, and legal loopholes, and we shouldn’t pretend otherwise.

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This article contains opinion and commentary protected under the First Amendment. All statements are based on publicly available information, legal documents, personal experiences, personal opinions and constitutionally protected political and journalistic free speech. Any criticism of individuals, institutions, or public figures is made in the interest of transparency, civic advocacy, and public accountability and at times irreverent humor. Everyone mentioned is innocent until proven guilty. Yes even this guy…

The Moxon File

Once upon a time…

…Kendrick Moxon was a legal pitbull for Scientology. He was the guy you called when your IRS approved “cult” needed to look “religious” but act ruthless. He would weaponize the courts, or bury critics in paperwork, whether it be government agencies, journalists, private or charitable organizations. Moxon came for anyone or any entity deemed a critic or enemy. In fact, he didn’t just come for them. He came hard. With subpoenas, surveillance, and strategies that made even seasoned attorneys wince. He turned Scientology into perceived perpetual victims with him as their defender savior.

Kendrick Moxon has been involved with the Church of Scientology for decades. So involved, in fact, that his law firm, Moxon & Kobrin, doesn’t even pretend to have clients other than Scientology. He had an office at Big Blue. He was their guy. In the 1970s, he served in the Guardian’s Office (Scientology’s intelligence agency before it was disbanded for being too brazen even for Scientology, replaced by Office of Special Affairs aka OSA). This is where he “allegedly” helped execute Operation Snow White, the largest infiltration of the U.S. government in history. Yes, really. The FBI raided Scientology offices and uncovered evidence of his role in submitting falsified handwriting samples to cover up church crimes. He denied “knowingly” doing anything wrong, of course. He escaped charges and prison time unlike his clients, including the wife of L. Ron Hubbard. Not surprisingly, Hubbard escaped what his wife, Mary Sue Hubbard, had to endure as well. Prison.

A Career of Intimidation

Moxon wasn’t just a courtroom guy. He helped engineer Scientology’s strategy of legal harassment against anyone they deemed a “Suppressive Person.” He also” viciously “ sued the Cult Awareness Network (CAN) in the 1990s, and won a $5 million verdict which bankrupted them. Who ended up with CAN’s name and phone line after bankruptcy? Scientology. Moxon later bragged about that, calling it his proudest achievement. Seriously.

He’s also tried to shut down protestors through bogus restraining orders, run interference on the Lisa McPherson wrongful death case, and even paid private investigators to stalk David Miscavige’s own father. SMH. That’s just a glimpse of how horrible he’s been.

The Stacy Moxon Tragedy

Not all of Moxon’s story is courtroom drama. There’s also heartbreak.

In 2000, his 20 year old daughter, Stacy Moxon (later known as Stacy Grove Meyer), died while working at Scientology’s Golden Era Productions compound near Hemet. She fell into an underground electrical vault and was electrocuted by a 7,200 volt power line. It was horrifying.

She had been working in landscaping. Witnesses say she removed a 230 pound manhole cover and tried to descend a ladder into the vault. Her contact with the live wire killed her instantly. OSHA later cited the facility for electrical code violations, though not directly tied to her death, but still fined the Church. The facility was reportedly using improper wiring and exposed electrical lines all over the place. It was the kind of workplace safety nightmare that should have triggered a reckoning. But Scientology is adept at avoiding those.

I don’t wish that loss on any parent. I never want to lose sight of anyone’s humanity.

Moxon rarely speaks publicly about his daughter’s death. But behind the scenes, he doubled down. He didn’t leave Scientology. He dug in deeper. Why? How?

And what makes Stacy’s death even more chilling is that the electrical negligence doesn’t appear to be a thing of the past. I’ve personally witnessed multiple unsafe electrical setups at Scientology’s Big Blue in East Hollywood. During the holidays, I saw numerous extension cords running between buildings, lying directly on the ground. Another time, cords were left uncovered and stretched across open walkways, without properly weighted covering. This was for a bouncy house setup, a tripping hazard by any standard. But the worst was when I saw a cord junction box right up against soaking wet ground with a running sprinkler. Children were playing in the water on soaked ground just inches from the connection box. I didn’t see any real supervision to ensure their safety. I raised the alarm, but instead of thanking me for looking out for the children, their security guard named Ted, got upset with me for pointing it out. This is the same culture that let Stacy die. And the city recently cited them for the electric cord violation. The pattern isn’t theoretical, it’s still happening.

EXHIBIT A: Fear Tactics, Failures, and Floundering

Now, Moxon is reduced to whining to the City Attorney about protestors and activists. Spoiler alert: He and his one and only client (Scientology) are losing.

In recent months, Moxon has resorted to bizarre tactics, like firing off petty complaints to the City Attorney’s Office and name dropping activists in emails with veiled implications. One of those activists? Me.

Email from Kendrick Moxon to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

Date: March 14, 2025

“This is the kind of pathetic legal maneuver we’ve come to expect from Moxon lately, just enough innuendo to waste government time, not enough substance to make anyone care.”

For decades, Moxon was the Church’s go to attack dog. If you criticized Scientology, you could expect one of two things: a creepy PI parked across from your house or a letter from Kendrick Moxon. Maybe both. He filed lawsuits, restraining orders, cease and desists, you name it.

But fast forward to now, and the veneer is cracking.

He’s trying to pull the same old tricks: paint the protest movement as a criminal mob, frame critics as a hate group, imply people are part of some vast conspiracy. It’s weak. Worse, it’s boring. If anything, it just makes him look desperate. He’s become the legal version of a guy screaming “Get off my lawn!” while protestors hold up public records and cite the ADA and other laws. We’re learning the law, regulations and our rights.

Although in a last ditch effort to attempt a win…

Moxon seems to be kicking things up a notch, possibly playing a role in pushing the District Attorney’s Office to file absolutely ridiculous felony hate crime charges against Scott Hochstetter aka D.O.A. We’re talking about things like removing a wreath the city itself ordered taken down and damaging planters that were already cited by the city for being illegally placed and ADA noncompliant.

Let’s get one thing straight: under California law, misdemeanors that happen inside the City of Los Angeles are supposed to be handled by the Los Angeles City Attorney, not the District Attorney. That’s spelled out in Government Code 41803.5 and reaffirmed in the L.A. City Charter 271(c). But here’s the kicker: cops can’t even make a misdemeanor arrest unless they personally witness the crime (see Penal Code 836(a)(1)), or unless a private person makes the arrest or a warrant is issued.

So what do they do when they want to make an arrest but don’t have the legal basis? They inflate it. They take a minor, nonviolent misdemeanor and try to “wobbler” it up into a felony so they can hand it off to the DA, who shouldn’t even be involved in basic local infractions. This trick is made possible by Penal Code 17(b), which allows some crimes to be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony (Wobblers). But using that legal loophole as a weapon, especially to target activists or critics, is exactly the kind of prosecutorial misconduct that deserves public scrutiny and redress.

Charging someone with a felony hate crime for removing a city ordered removed wreath or damaging ADA violating planters the City itself cited? That’s not justice. That’s theater. And worse, it’s a dangerous abuse of authority designed to intimidate and silence dissent, and frankly, it reeks of manipulative interference and desperation. Moxon’s.

The Movement Has Evolved. Moxon Hasn’t.

Here’s the thing: the world has changed. Moxon’s power came from secrecy, from operating in the shadows while Scientology steamrolled through communities with safeponting and actual legal intimidation. Fair gaming.

But now? People have phones. People have YouTube channels. People know their rights. The First Amendment auditor and copwatcher movements have empowered a new generation of activists who don’t scare easy. We have footage, facts, and fire. And we’re everywhere. We don’t back down. We hit record. We upload.

The anti Scientology movement today is a decentralized, people driven, multimedia force. It’s not just old skool pickets (though those still rock). It’s flyering, livestreaming, open records requests, city council and commission meetings, social media videos and posts, even street art. It’s legal, it’s strategic, and it’s growing.

We’re informed. We bring receipts. And while Scientology is trying to boost its image with glossy billboards and cringe reality style programming, we’re showing the raw, unfiltered truth in real time. And people love it. People trust it. We are the reality show, and the world is tuning in.

We bring truth, humor, personality, knowledge, and most importantly community. And that community is growing.

Livestreams, hashtags, videos, threads, this movement is everywhere, and Scientology can’t shut it off.

Scientology’s Losing Grip and Moxon Knows It

Let’s be real. Kendrick Moxon is no longer feared. Not by activists. Not by government watchdogs. Probably not even by city staffers who are tired of his shenanigans.

The truth is, he’s become that guy. The guy who files complaint letters that go nowhere. The guy who tries to intimidate with the same rusty toolbox he’s had for decades. The guy courts now look at with side eye when he does anything in an attempt to silence protected speech.

Even his CPRA requests mention a need to correct the official record. How 1970’s Operation Snow White sounding. No criticism or any narrative other than their own allowed.

What’s Next?

And what Scientology needs to hear, if anyone’s still capable of self-awareness in that Organization, is this: You’re not coming back from this by playing the same old game. Moxon isn’t saving you. He’s part of the reason you’re collapsing. If you had a shred of strategic vision left, you’d replace him. But even that won’t fix the core problem: everyone sees you now.

We see the abuse. We see the harassment. We see the slave labor in the name of religious practice. We see the security guards and illegal planters blocking ADA access, the safepointing of city officials, the phony street closures, the lawfare and manipulating the legal system. We are all too familiar with the endless lies, chicanery and shenanigans.

We Are the Giant Now

They woke up the giant. We’re not turning a blind eye anymore, to child abuse, senior abuse, financial exploitation, human trafficking, victim intimidation, lawfare, ADA violations, or abuse of city resources and services The list goes on.

“Every safepointed official is being unsafepointed.”

The grip Scientology once had on Los Angeles is slipping. The backroom deals, the fake permit games, the fake friendly community outreach. We see through it all. If Scientology doesn’t remove Moxon from its tool box, they’ve got no shot at survival in the next phase of their existence….

“Scientology relying on him is like showing up to a Zoom call with a fax machine.”

“Keeping him around is like bringing a flip phone to a tech startup pitch, outdated, irrelevant, and embarrassing.”

“Relying on him is like walking into court with a typewriter and carbon paper, technically allowed, but everyone’s laughing.”

“They treat him like a litigator, but he’s more like a courtroom reenactment actor who missed rehearsal.”

“They treat him like he’s Johnny Cochran, but he’s more like Tom Cruise jumping on a couch and dancing in his underwear, unhinged at best.”

“Bringing him to court is like booting up DOS at a Zoom deposition.”

“He’s the legal equivalent of a pager, obsolete, and only still used by people stuck in the Sea Org.”

“He’s trying to litigate in a TikTok world with a Lite Brite and Magna Doodle.”

“His courtroom strategy is like MadLibs, random, incoherent, and always ending in being laughed at.”

“He builds a case like someone assembling IKEA furniture with no tools and half the instructions, wobbly, confusing, and guaranteed to collapse.”

“He thinks he’s playing 4D chess, but he’s losing at Tik-Tac-Toe to a squirrel.”

I better stop before he reports me to the authorities for using witty one-liners.

My point is, the walls are closing in, Scientology’s legal team is left with fewer tools, and fewer believers.

But let’s be honest, even if they try to change course, it won’t be what it was. Their days of inflicting fear and silencing critics are over. Victims are stepping up, journalists are listening, attorneys are getting involved, and the lawsuits are coming.

We’re done tolerating organizations that bully their way to tax exemption and silence through intimidation. Survivors are speaking up, and society is finally ready to hear them.

“This movement is no longer a handful of brave whistleblowers. It’s hundreds, soon thousands, of people from all walks of life who see through the facade and are speaking out.”

Protesters show up in person and online to confront Scientology’s abuses at public commission meetings. The movement is informed, organized, and growing.

Final Thought

Moxon was once a formidable foe. He had real power. But not anymore. His playbook is worn out. The activists have adapted. The victims are speaking. And society, finally, is listening.

From Diddy to Epstein to NXIVM to Scientology, the tide is turning. We are done with human trafficking of any kind, forced labor, tax exempt systemic abuse disguised as religion,

And we’re not going anywhere.

Even city officials and agencies are waking up. The message to Scientology’s top enforcers is clear: It’s over.

#FSCIENTO #MoxonFiles #AuditLA #NoMoreKidsInScientology #NMKIS #Childrencannotconsent #Scientology #LawfareFails

In a democracy, elected officials are supposed to serve the public, not be stalked, investigated, and threatened by an organization claiming tax-exempt religious status. But in 1968, that’s exactly what happened in New South Wales, Australia. The Church of Scientology, through one of its front groups, was caught launching a covert operation to dig up dirt on politicians and journalists who dared to criticize it.

We know this because of a bombshell speech made in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly by MP R.O. Healey. What he exposed on the floor of Parliament should’ve been enough to cause a national scandal. It was Scientology’s early and blatant attempt to manipulate democratic institutions, intimidate lawmakers, and silence the press. And it fits a disturbing pattern of what critics call “fair game” tactics, a term the Church itself once used to describe how it would destroy its enemies.

Let’s break this all down.

The Smoking Gun: Scientology Targets Parliament

On October 22, 1968, Healey stood in the Legislative Assembly and dropped a bomb. He revealed that a private investigator had handed him two signed statutory declarations detailing how he and at least a dozen other public figures were under covert investigation on orders from Martin Bentley, a senior figure at the Hubbard Association of Scientologists (an official Scientology body at the time).

What was Bentley’s assignment?

“Your assignment is R.O. Healey, Liberal member for Wakehurst. I want everything from his birth certificate to what he is doing today.”

Let that sink in. This wasn’t just background research, it was full-scale political surveillance. And why? Because Healey had asked questions about Scientology in Parliament. That was his “crime.”

In the investigator’s sworn statement, Bentley explicitly said that any damaging information gathered would be used to pressure Healey to stop criticizing Scientology.

They Even Tried Fake Dirt

This is where things get even creepier.

To test Bentley’s intentions, the investigator pretended to have discovered that Healey had a girlfriend on the side, completely made up. Bentley reportedly got excited and told the investigator that kind of info was exactly what he was looking for. The goal? Use it to ruin Healey’s reputation or scare him into silence.

“Bentley said he was most anxious to get something on this bird, meaning Healey.”

This wasn’t an isolated case. Other targets included:

• Anne Deveson, a journalist

• Rupert Murdoch, head of the Daily Mirror

• Members of both political parties

• Doctors and critics involved in public health policy

In other words: anyone who had the power to expose or challenge Scientology.

The Speaker of the House Responds, But Is Legally Powerless

The Speaker of Parliament, Kevin Ellis, reviewed the statutory declarations and did not mince words. He admitted it was clear that Bentley, acting on behalf of Scientology, had hired private investigators to create blackmail files on members of Parliament. He called the behavior “repugnant” and “abhorrent.”

But…and this is important…he also admitted that under existing laws at the time, intentions alone weren’t illegal. So unless Bentley actually carried out the threat, Parliament couldn’t act.

This speaks to a larger issue: Scientology’s tactics are often just legal enough to avoid prosecution while still being completely unethical and manipulative.

Scientology’s Global Pattern: Harassment Disguised as Religion

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This couldn’t happen today,” think again. These same patterns of behavior have been documented around the world for decades.

Scientology has a well-documented history of:

• Using private investigators to stalk critics, defectors, and journalists

• Filing bogus lawsuits to drain resources

• Launching smear campaigns online and through anonymous press releases

• Pretending to be a church while behaving more like an intelligence agency

In the U.S., Operation Snow White involved Scientology infiltrating the IRS and multiple federal agencies. In Germany, the group has been under government surveillance for years. In Australia, the 1965 Anderson Report and this 1968 Hansard file make it clear that the group’s activities raised serious alarm bells more than half a century ago.

Yet here we are in 2025, and they’re still around, tax-exempt, expanding properties, and in some places even holding sway with local police or elected officials.

Why This Still Matters Today

This 1968 transcript is more than a historical footnote. It’s proof that Scientology has always used manipulation and intimidation, not just “spiritual counseling” or “self-improvement” as central tools of its operation.

If an organization claiming to be a religion targets elected lawmakers with surveillance and threats, what protections do ordinary citizens have?

This should be a wake-up call.

Religious freedom should never be used as a shield for coordinated psychological warfare. When we ignore these red flags, we allow bad actors to exploit our legal systems and democratic norms. What happened to R.O. Healey and his colleagues in 1968 should’ve triggered long-term reforms. Instead, much of it was swept under the rug.

Final Thoughts: The Danger of Letting This Slide

This isn’t just about Australia. Or 1968. Or even Scientology. This is about the creeping normalization of harassment by organizations that can hide behind religious status and billion-dollar legal teams.

Whether it’s intimidating journalists, buying influence with police departments, or tracking critics through hired investigators, this is not how a legitimate religious group behaves.

We have the receipts. We have the declarations. And now we have the duty to call it out.

Sources:

• New South Wales Hansard, October 22, 1968

• Anderson Report on Scientology (1965)

• Public statements and affidavits submitted to Parliament

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYR4uuNjWqEdVnP68uQ27GGvxznZHPIM/view?usp=drivesdk

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For decades, the Church of Scientology has worked hard to wrap itself in the image of public safety and community service. It’s a process called Safepointing. Behind the volunteer jackets, drug-free booklets, and toy drives, however, was a long running strategy: form tight, favorable relationships with law enforcement specifically the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

From donations and parade floats to training programs and advisory board seats, Scientology bought itself more than just goodwill: it bought access, legitimacy, and sometimes, silence.

This is how it happened.

The Money Trail: “No Strings Attached”?

Since the early 1990s, Scientology’s Celebrity Centre in Hollywood has donated tens of thousands of dollars each year to LAPD Hollywood’s youth programs.

By 2021, over $460,000 had been given through their annual “Christmas Stories” variety show fundraiser.

LAPD officials regularly appeared onstage to accept checks at Celebrity Centre galas, praising the Church for its “community support.”

The LAPD insists no conflict of interest exists, but the optics tell another story: uniforms, applause, PR gold…all benefiting Scientology.

Meanwhile, LAPD’s 77th Division and others have accepted donations like toys, sound systems, and volunteer labor, helping fund community outreach projects where Scientology is publicly thanked.

Public Events: Parades, Toy Drives, and Block Parties

Winter Wonderland: Each December, Scientology erects “L. Ron Hubbard’s Winter Wonderland” on Hollywood Boulevard, complete with a fake snow village, Santa photos, and LAPD officers joining Scientology volunteers to collect “drug-free pledges.” Until winter of 2023 when William Gude began a protest of that location and officers were not to be seen collecting pledges.

National Night Out: Scientology hasn’t just participated; it’s hosted LAPD’s block parties.

In 2019, the Church ran the entire Hollywood Division’s National Night Out, supplying the stage, volunteers, and infrastructure.

Faith & Blue Cleanup: In 2022, Scientology hosted LAPD’s Faith & Blue community service day in East Hollywood, providing a carnival for LAPD families and public commendations for officers.

Every handshake, every award, every selfie with a Scientology logo in the background helps sanitize the Church’s public image.

Programs and Training: Scientology Materials Inside the LAPD and LASD

The Church’s Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) created anti-drug booklets based on L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings.

LAPD stations across Los Angeles distribute these materials.

Officers host drug-free events alongside Scientology volunteers, blending Church messaging into community policing efforts.

Meanwhile at LASD, under Sheriff Lee Baca:

• Truth About Drugs became embedded in the department’s Multi-Faith Clergy Council.

• Narconon, Scientology’s rehab program, received public endorsements.

• The Way to Happiness (Hubbard’s moral code booklet) was promoted at public events.

Baca even hosted clergy training at LASD headquarters using Scientology materials, formalizing the Church’s social programs into official LASD activities.

When the Sheriff Rode a Scientology Parade Float

In 2004, LA County Sheriff Lee Baca literally rode on a Scientology-sponsored float in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, waving to crowds alongside a Scientology actress and banners for The Way to Happiness.

That same year, he accepted an award from ABLE International, Scientology’s “social betterment” arm.

Few religious groups ever achieved that level of visible, official endorsement from a sitting Sheriff.

Controversy Inside the LAPD:

The Scientology Kiosk Scandal

In 2018, under Captain Cory Palka, Scientology was allowed to install a full promotional kiosk inside the Hollywood LAPD station lobby.

The kiosk displayed Scientology materials to the public, something no other religion was permitted to do.

Only after legal threats from civil liberties groups was the kiosk quietly removed.

The LAPD acknowledged the installation hadn’t followed proper protocols. But by then, it was clear how deep the relationship ran.

Key Officials and Their Roles

Lee Baca (Former LA County Sheriff):

Endorsed Scientology programs, paraded with the Church, hosted clergy training featuring Scientology content, and embedded Scientology allies into LASD advisory structures.

Cory Palka (Former LAPD Hollywood Captain):

Approved a Scientology kiosk inside his station, repeatedly appeared at Celebrity Centre donation galas, and maintained unusually close ties to Church events.

Brent McGuyre (LAPD Hollywood Captain):

Accepted a $20,000 donation from Scientology in 2021 at a public gala. Appeared at Scientology hosted National Night Out events.

Edward Turner (LASD Clergy Coordinator):

Oversaw LASD’s multi-faith program embedding Scientology’s Truth About Drugs curriculum into official community outreach under Sheriff Baca.

Janet Weiland (Scientology Office of Special Affairs):

Longtime Scientology public relations and intelligence officer.

Since at least the early 2000s, she has been embedded in the LAPD Hollywood & Northeast Divisions CPAB (Community Police Advisory Board) influencing LAPD community relations.

More recently, Weiland has also been active in the LASD Multi-Faith CPAC (Community Partnerships Advisory Council), helping maintain Scientology’s access to both LAPD and LASD despite the Church’s global controversies.

Why It Matters

Law enforcement is supposed to be neutral, serving everyone equally.

When police publicly partner with a controversial religious organization, take its money, and promote its materials, they compromise that neutrality.

When an organization like Scientology faces allegations of human trafficking, abuse, fraud, and harassment and yet gets the red-carpet treatment from police, it creates a chilling double standard.

Scientology’s access to LAPD and LASD wasn’t accidental. It was a decades long strategy.

And Los Angeles allowed it to happen.

On August 29, 2023, WildBear Entertainment received a letter from the Church of Scientology that reads less like a professional response and more like a legalistic temper tantrum from a cult under siege. (At end of article). The letter, addressed to WildBear executive Alan Erson was a response to questions about a program the company was working on, which appears to include coverage of the Church’s troubled past in Australia.

Instead of offering a good faith reply or answering basic questions, Scientology came out swinging with threats, deflection, and personal attacks. But this letter is far from unique. It’s part of a long running pattern of media intimidation that the Church has been practicing for decades, a strategy that deserves to be named, exposed, and dismantled.

Let’s break it down.

Scientology’s First Move: Attack the Journalist

Right out the gate, the letter accuses Alan Erson of “journalistic corruption.” No evidence, no specific complaint, just an insult. This is a classic Scientology move: attack first, ask questions never.

If you’re a journalist or producer trying to report on Scientology, the Church doesn’t treat you like a source of inquiry. They treat you like an enemy to be discredited, sued, or stalked.

And they even have a name for it.

The “Dead Agent” Playbook

Scientology trains its members and Office of Special Affairs (OSA) operatives in a tactic known as “dead agenting.” The term comes from L. Ron Hubbard himself, who instructed Scientologists to destroy the credibility of anyone who criticizes the Church, make them appear dishonest, unstable, or evil, no matter what it takes.

When a journalist reaches out for comment, Scientology doesn’t just answer your questions, they try to flip the script and bury you in character assassination, revisionist history, and manipulative outrage.

That’s exactly what happened here.

Whitewashing the Anderson Report

One of the main points WildBear apparently wanted to explore was the 1965 Anderson Report, a major Australian government inquiry that found Scientology to be manipulative and harmful. In the Church’s response, they claim the report was “entirely discredited.” That’s a lie.

Yes, the laws that followed the Anderson Report were controversial and eventually overturned. But that doesn’t mean the findings of the inquiry were false. The Report laid out compelling evidence that Scientology engaged in coercion, pseudoscience, and financial exploitation. To this day, many of those same behaviors are still being reported by ex-members around the world.

But instead of acknowledging any part of that history, Scientology rewrites it. They claim the government inquiry was driven by anti-religious hatred and compare it to Nazi propaganda. No, seriously, they equated asking questions about Scientology’s abuses with quoting Joseph Goebbels to Jewish people.

That’s not just extreme. It’s manipulative, disrespectful, and grotesque.

Diversion and Defamation: Targeting Critics

The letter spends more time attacking individuals than it does responding to actual questions. They call Dr. E. Cunningham Dax a murderer, accuse star witness Phillip Wearne of being a con man with a “psychoneurotic condition,” and hint at government conspiracies to frame the Church.

This is par for the course.

When journalists, whistleblowers, or ex-members speak up, Scientology doesn’t argue the facts. They smear the people. They file lawsuits, dig through personal histories, and even plant fake websites to undermine their critics.

It’s not just toxic, it’s intentional. L. Ron Hubbard laid this strategy out himself:

“Don’t ever defend. Always attack.”

“Find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace.”

That’s not religion. That’s mafia playbook energy.

The “Offer” That’s Actually a Trap

One of the most disturbing parts of the letter is the demand for all of WildBear’s sources, footage, and research materials. Why?

So Scientology can find out who’s talking and retaliate.

The letter pretends to offer help, “we’ll give you the real documents!” but this is a control tactic. Once they get access to your editorial process, they try to dominate it. And if you decline? They’ll claim you refused the truth and were biased from the start.

This fake offer of collaboration is nothing more than a setup for later legal and PR attacks.

Scientology’s Global Strategy to Silence the Press

This isn’t a one time incident. It’s part of a coordinated global strategy. Scientology has:

• Sued major publications like Time Magazine (over a single article that called them a cult).

• Stalked and harassed reporters, including BBC’s John Sweeney and Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath’s entire production crew.

• Created front groups and fake news websites to discredit critics.

• Weaponized copyright law to block documentaries and YouTube exposés.

• Filed thousands of frivolous legal threats to stall reporting.

It’s all part of a long game of reputation control by any means necessary. Journalists aren’t just a nuisance to Scientology, they are a direct threat to its business model of secrecy, manipulation, and control.

Why This Matters Now

This letter is a chilling reminder that Scientology doesn’t operate like a normal religion. It behaves like a corporate cult with a war room, not a sanctuary. Any time someone tries to shine a light on their practices, they launch into attack mode, hoping to scare people into silence.

But it’s not working like it used to.

More and more people, ex-members, journalists, activists, are coming forward. And every time Scientology sends a letter like this, it only proves the point: they can’t stand transparency.

That’s why exposing their tactics is just as important as exposing their abuses.

To Journalists: Keep Going

If you’re reporting on Scientology, don’t let letters like this stop you. Save them. Publish them. Show the world how they respond to even the mildest scrutiny.

Because Scientology doesn’t just want to scare you. They want to rewrite reality.

And the best way to fight that is to keep telling the truth.

Have a tip about Scientology?

Reach out, even anonymously. And stay tuned, because we’re not done exposing their playbook.

THE LETTER:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZmEBIsOfOFet-bzAiYzsCothYKuv8fLo/view?usp=drivesdk

James Richardson: The Man Behind Scientology’s Hollywood Power Moves

Most people who walk past the big, fancy building on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, the one that looks like a castle don’t realize it’s one of the Church of Scientology’s most powerful hubs. That’s the Celebrity Centre International, and it plays a big role in Scientology’s public image, especially with celebrities and city officials.

At the heart of this operation is a man most Angelenos have never heard of: James Richardson.

He’s not a celebrity, a preacher, or an executive. He’s the Chief of Security for the Celebrity Centre and also a liaison to the LAPD, a partner to a private security firm called Talon, and a key player in Scientology’s efforts to build political and law enforcement influence in Los Angeles.

Let’s break down what he actually does and why it matters.

More Than Just a Security Guard

Officially, Richardson is in charge of security at the Celebrity Centre. That might sound like a simple job, guard the property, monitor the cameras, and make sure no one sneaks into events.

But Richardson’s role goes much deeper. He’s regularly seen at LAPD events and community gatherings, representing Scientology. He wears LAPD issued “Clergy Council” pins, chats with officers, and speaks at events meant to show unity between religious groups and law enforcement.

He also helps organize street cleanups and outreach events where volunteers hand out Scientology’s moral code booklet, The Way to Happiness. These events may look like charity on the surface, but critics say they’re actually about building public support and political cover, a strategy Scientology calls “safepointing.”

What Is Safe-Pointing?

“Safepointing” is a tactic where Scientology works to build relationships with people in positions of power like police officers, city officials, or community leaders so that when controversy arises, those allies help protect the Church’s image and operations.

By organizing “feel good” events, showing up at public meetings, and even working with LAPD officers on community projects, Richardson plays a major role in this strategy. He helps Scientology appear like a normal, caring, community focused organization, even though the Church has a long record of serious accusations, from harassment to forced labor.

Enter Talon Security: Private Force, Public Connections

Richardson’s influence doesn’t stop with LAPD. He’s also a key contact for Talon Security, a private company that works closely with Scientology. Talon is staffed with former federal agents and offers high level services like surveillance, personal protection, and threat assessments.

Sources say Talon handles some of Scientology’s most sensitive security assignments, including keeping tabs on high profile critics and protecting figures like Shelly Miscavige, the missing wife of Scientology leader David Miscavige, whose mysterious disappearance has sparked international concern.

Talon’s work reportedly includes:

• Running surveillance operations for the Church

• Protecting key Scientology properties

• Managing outside threats or protestors

• Coordinating with local police when needed

Richardson acts as the middleman between Talon and the Church, giving him major sway over who gets access to which spaces, how law enforcement gets involved, and how the Church’s public image is protected.

LAPD + Talon + Scientology: Why It’s a Problem

When you add it all up, Scientology’s religious status, its private security firm, and its close ties to the LAPD, you start to see how conflicts of interest could arise.

Critics worry that:

• Police may ignore or downplay complaints against Scientology.

• Protestors may be unfairly surveilled or silenced.

• Victims of abuse may not get the investigations they deserve.

• The public is being misled by “outreach” events that are really about PR.

Richardson sits right in the middle of all this. He’s the friendly face at LAPD events, the coordinator of cleanup projects, and the behind the scenes fixer managing private security deals. It’s a position of enormous influence and almost no public oversight.

Why You Should Pay Attention

This isn’t just about one man. It’s about how powerful organizations like Scientology use their money, connections, and influence to operate outside normal accountability. It’s about how private security firms and public police departments can get tangled together in ways that don’t serve the public interest.

And it’s about the fact that someone like James Richardson, who isn’t elected, isn’t sworn in, and doesn’t answer to the public, can play a huge role in shaping how a controversial organization like Scientology is treated by the City of Los Angeles.

If we care about transparency, fairness, and justice, we need to ask hard questions about these relationships. Because power in this city doesn’t always wear a badge or a collar. Sometimes it wears a security uniform and stands quietly behind the scenes.

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1. Social Betterment Programs:

Narconon: A drug rehabilitation program based on L. Ron Hubbard’s methodologies.

Criminon: A program aimed at rehabilitating criminals using Scientology principles.

Applied Scholastics: An educational organization promoting Hubbard’s “Study Technology” in schools.

The Way to Happiness Foundation: Distributes Hubbard’s booklet outlining moral precepts.

Foundation for a Drug-Free World: Conducts anti-drug campaigns, notably the “Truth About Drugs” program.

Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI): Focuses on human rights education, often targeting young audiences.

United for Human Rights: An extension of YHRI, promoting human rights awareness.

2. Advocacy and Watchdog Organizations:

Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR): An anti-psychiatry organization that campaigns against psychiatric practices.

Foundation for Religious Freedom: Advocates for religious liberties, often aligning with Scientology’s interests.

Religious Freedom Watch: Monitors and responds to perceived threats against religious freedoms.

3. Business and Management Entities:

World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WISE): Promotes the use of Hubbard’s management principles in businesses.

Sterling Management Systems: Offers business consulting services based on Scientology principles.

Hubbard College of Administration: Provides education in Hubbard’s administrative techniques.

Performia: Assists companies in hiring and personnel management using Hubbard’s methods.

U-Man: A personnel management consultancy utilizing Scientology techniques.

4. Educational Institutions and Programs:

Delphi Schools: A network of private schools incorporating Scientology teachings.

Mace-Kingsley Ranch School: A boarding school for children, utilizing Scientology methodologies.

Clearwater Academy International: A private school in Florida aligned with Scientology principles.

5. Health and Rehabilitation Centers:

HealthMed: Operates health clinics offering detoxification programs based on Hubbard’s Purification Rundown.

Downtown Medical: Provides detoxification services, notably to rescue workers, using Scientology methods.

New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project: Offers detox programs to 9/11 rescue workers, based on Hubbard’s techniques.

6. Cultural and Arts Initiatives:

Artists for a Better World: Engages artists to promote Scientology’s vision of a better society.

Writers of the Future: A contest and publication platform for aspiring writers, founded by Hubbard.

7. Community and Civic Organizations:

Volunteer Ministers: Provides disaster relief and community service, promoting Scientology practices.

Concerned Businessmen’s Association of America (CBAA): Initiatives aimed at instilling moral values in youth, based on “The Way to Happiness.”

Set a Good Example Foundation: Encourages ethical behavior among young people, aligned with Scientology teachings.

Drug-Free Marshals: A youth-oriented program promoting drug-free living.

8. Environmental and Animal Welfare:

The Earth Organization: Focuses on environmental conservation, founded by a Scientologist.

9. Human Rights and Legal Advocacy:

International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance: Promotes human rights education and advocacy.

National Commission on Law Enforcement and Social Justice: Addresses issues related to law enforcement practices.

10. Publishing and Media:

Bridge Publications: Publishes and distributes Hubbard’s writings and Scientology materials.

Galaxy Press: Publishes Hubbard’s fiction works.

11. Political and Social Advocacy:

Citizens for Social Reform: Engages in political lobbying on issues aligned with Scientology’s interests.

Friends of Freedom: Advocates for civil liberties and social reforms.

12. Rehabilitation and Correctional Programs:

Second Chance Program: A rehabilitation initiative for criminal offenders, based on Scientology principles.

13. Online and Information Platforms:

Religious Technology Center (RTC): Holds and protects the trademarks of Scientology and Dianetics.

Author Services Inc.: Manages the literary works and intellectual property of L. Ron Hubbard.

This list covers a wide range of organizations connected to the Church of Scientology, showing how it uses different groups to spread its ideas and expand its reach into many areas of public life.

Scientology’s Front Groups Are Quietly Slipping into Public Schools. Here’s How to Spot Them

If you’re a parent, teacher, or student in a public school, there’s something you should know: over the past few years, organizations tied to the Church of Scientology have been sneaking into classrooms through programs that look helpful on the surface, but are anything but.

These programs show up with names like The Truth About Drugs, The Way to Happiness, or Youth for Human Rights. They hand out brochures, run school assemblies, and even offer free lesson plans. But behind the positive messaging? You’ll find ideas rooted in the writings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

This article breaks down what’s happening in schools around Los Angeles and across the country, shows you how to recognize these groups, and gives you the tools to push back if they show up in your district.

What Scientology Linked Programs Look Like

These programs don’t come in waving Scientology flags. Instead, they show up with names that sound totally normal or even good for students.

Here are some of the main groups you should know:

Foundation for a Drug Free World

Sounds great, right? But this is actually a front for Narconon, a Scientology linked drug rehab network. They offer flashy anti-drug videos and booklets for schools.

Youth for Human Rights International.

This group promotes the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Sounds neutral. But it was started by a Scientologist and is closely tied to the Church.

The Way to Happiness Foundation Distributes “moral education” based on a booklet written by L. Ron Hubbard. These lessons are sometimes used in anti-bullying and anti-violence programs.

Applied Scholastics Promotes something called “Study Tech,” a learning method created by Hubbard. It’s been used in some tutoring centers and charter schools in the past.

Real Examples from Schools

Compton Unified School District (2023)

Compton, just south of Los Angeles, started using The Truth About Drugs curriculum from Foundation for a Drug-Free World in sixth-grade classes. It looked like a solid anti-drug program but it was based on Narconon materials, which have been widely criticized for pseudoscience. Compton didn’t mention Scientology anywhere in its official materials, and it’s unclear if teachers even knew the connection.

Broward County, Florida (2021)

In one of the largest school districts in the U.S., Youth for Human Rights was quietly involved for over a decade. When parents finally found out about the group’s ties to Scientology, they were furious. The school board quickly stepped in, canceled the program, and changed their vetting policies.

Santa Monica High School (2017)

Although this one is a few years old, it’s worth mentioning. Santa Monica High hosted a few anti-drug assemblies by Foundation for a Drug-Free World. After parents realized the connection to Scientology, the school canceled the program mid-series.

What’s in the Curriculum That’s a Red Flag?

These programs might look educational, but dig a little deeper and the problems show up fast.

Here are some examples of questionable or misleading claims found in Scientology linked materials:

From “The Truth About Drugs” (Narconon):

• Claims that drug residues remain in body fat for years and cause flashbacks long after use. (There’s no solid science to back this up.)

• Suggests that vitamins and saunas can “detox” the body from drugs, this idea comes straight from Hubbard’s detox method, not medical consensus.

• The materials often avoid citing mainstream medical sources like the CDC or NIH.

From “The Way to Happiness”:

• Teaches 21 moral “precepts” written by Hubbard, like “Set a Good Example” and “Be Worthy of Trust.” Harmless on the surface, but it’s worth noting that Scientology calls this booklet a “bridge” to the religion.

• Some versions include the address of a local Scientology church and offer free courses to “find out more.”

From “Youth for Human Rights”:

• Uses slick videos and booklets to promote the UN Declaration of Human Rights, but also subtly links viewers to Scientology materials online.

• Features Scientologist celebrities in promo content.

How to Spot These Programs

If your school is approached by an outside group offering free resources or assemblies, here’s how to do a quick background check:

• Google the name of the group + “Scientology.” If there’s a connection, it’ll show up fast.

• Look at the source material. Does it reference L. Ron Hubbard? Are there vague medical claims or “miracle cures”?

• Ask who’s funding it. Legitimate health and education programs will usually cite universities, government agencies, or nonprofits with no religious agenda.

What Parents and Educators Can Do

1. Ask questions.

If your child comes home with booklets about drugs or human rights, ask where they came from. Check if the materials mention Foundation for a Drug-Free World, Youth for Human Rights, or The Way to Happiness.

2. Contact the school.

Email or call the principal and ask if the program was vetted by the district. Mention your concerns about Scientology ties and request the source of the curriculum.

3. Talk to your school board.

Show up at a meeting or write a public comment. Let them know these programs have caused problems in other districts, and that you want stronger vetting policies.

4. Reach out to watchdog groups.

Organizations like the Freedom From Religion Foundation or The Underground Bunker blog monitor Scientology’s outreach efforts and can help with advice or exposure.

5. Report it to your school district’s central office.

If you’re in LAUSD, you can file a formal complaint. Their email for inquiries related to outside programming is: info@lausd.net. Other districts will have similar contact points.

Who to Contact

If you think one of these programs has reached your school, here are some places to start:

Los Angeles Unified School District

Website: lausd.org

General contact: (213) 241-1000

Email: info@lausd.net

Compton Unified School District

Website: compton.k12.ca.us

General contact: (310) 639-4321

Email: info@compton.k12.ca.us

Broward County Public Schools

Website: browardschools.com

General contact: (754) 321-0000

Or contact your local school board using their public comment system. Most districts are required to publish agendas and offer open comment periods.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to teach kids about healthy choices, human rights, or kindness, but it’s got to be honest, fact-based, and free of religious manipulation. Scientology’s front groups are slick, and they count on schools not doing their homework. But now you know what to look for.

If something seems off, speak up. You’re probably not the only one who’s noticed.

By AuditLA | March 23, 2025

Los Angeles City Council member Curren D. Price Jr. is at the center of a high-stakes legal battle, facing charges related to alleged self-dealing, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and misuse of public trust.

While the core of the criminal case involves real estate votes and financial ties to developers, a lesser-known disclosure reveals a financial relationship between his wife’s firm and the Church of Scientology.

This detail is not central to the DA’s case, but for those tracking the Church’s influence in L.A., it’s a thread worth pulling.

The Criminal Case Against Curren Price

In June 2023, the Los Angeles County District Attorney filed 10 felony charges against Councilmember Price:

• 5 counts of embezzlement

• 3 counts of perjury

• 2 counts of conflict of interest

The allegations center on votes Price cast in support of development projects that allegedly benefited Del Richardson & Associates, Inc. (DRA)—a firm owned by his wife, Del Richardson.

“Public officials must act in the best interest of the people they serve—not their own financial interests.”

— L.A. District Attorney George Gascón

Source: LA County DA press release

Who Is Del Richardson & Associates?

DRA is a private consulting firm that provides services to developers, government agencies, and infrastructure projects. Their specialties include:

• Tenant relocation assistance

• Property acquisition and negotiation

• Community outreach and engagement

Their work often intersects with politically sensitive urban development—gentrification, housing displacement, and equity in city planning.

The Scientology Connection: Quiet but Telling

In a Form 700 “Statement of Economic Interests”, filed by Price and obtained through public records, it’s disclosed that:

Del Richardson & Associates received income from the Church of Scientology International.

This relationship is not part of the DA’s charges, but it’s notable for those familiar with:

• Scientology’s expansive real estate holdings in L.A.

• Its history of clandestine influence and PR efforts

• Ongoing concerns about its impact on urban development

While the Form 700 doesn’t detail what services were rendered, it’s reasonable to assume they fall within DRA’s wheelhouse—likely consulting on property-related issues, relocation, or public messaging.

Visualizing the Connections

Not Illegal—But Ethically Murky

It’s important to clarify:

• The Scientology connection is not part of the formal criminal case

• But it reflects a larger ecosystem of quiet influence, where developers and controversial institutions hire local consultants with political ties to help navigate opposition and policy

⸻

Sources

• LA District Attorney Press Release

• Public Records: Form 700 Disclosures (PDF)

• Del Richardson & Associates official site

• L.A. Times coverage

• Scientology real estate footprint

⸻

Final Thoughts

This case is more than just one politician’s ethics problem. It offers a glimpse into how influence, money, and development intersect in Los Angeles—and how organizations like the Church of Scientology may operate under the radar through local firms and political ties.

If we care about transparency and accountability, this is exactly the kind of overlap we should pay attention to.

⸻

Call to Action

Have insight on Scientology’s presence in L.A.? Worked on a project that intersected with DRA?

Email tips confidentially or leave a comment below.

Take Christianity: Hubbard outright denied Jesus even existed. In a 1968 lecture, he claimed Christianity was just a big mental trick, saying, “Somebody on this planet, about 600 B.C., found some pieces of ‘R6’… And it became what is known as Christianity. The man on the cross – there was no Christ!” Hubbard insisted the entire Christian story was a fake memory implanted by an evil alien ruler 75 million years ago. Basically, he called Christianity brainwashing, positioning Scientology as the only true path.

Privately, Hubbard was even harsher about Jesus. In secret teachings, he labeled the “Historical Jesus” as “a lover of young boys and men,” painting Christ as homosexual and pedophilic. He dismissed the revered image of Jesus as a false memory implant. Instead, Hubbard portrayed himself—not Jesus—as the real savior of humanity, calling himself an Antichrist figure here to liberate humanity from these implanted delusions. This twisted inversion shows just how radically Scientology opposes Christian beliefs, even though publicly it claims to respect them.

Islam didn’t fare much better. Hubbard rarely mentioned Islam, but when he did, he mocked it openly. In 1952, he joked that Prophet Muhammad created Islam simply because “trade wasn’t good in his home town.” He even suggested the Ka’ba (Islam’s holiest site) was just a fake relic made up to attract tourists. Such disrespectful views reveal Hubbard’s dismissive attitude toward Islam, treating it as another scam religion based on implants.

Judaism is also implicitly grouped by Hubbard with all religions he considered false implants. Hubbard often talked about “international bankers” secretly controlling the world—a common anti-Semitic motif. Critics point out this language echoes anti-Jewish conspiracies. Although Hubbard didn’t frequently target Judaism explicitly, his teachings still lump it in with other “brainwashed” religions.

Hubbard also bizarrely claimed to uncover the truth about heaven and hell. In his 1963 bulletin “Routine 3 – Heaven,” he announced he’d visited Heaven and found it wasn’t divine, but rather a cruel hoax, “complete with gates, angels and plaster saints—and electronic implantation equipment.” He described Heaven as a fake paradise built by evil aliens to trap souls. According to Hubbard, Earth religions have it completely backward: heaven is actually a deceptive spiritual prison, and hell is just reincarnation without Scientology’s salvation.

Perhaps most disturbingly, Hubbard even claimed he himself was fulfilling the biblical role of the Antichrist. In leaked documents from the secret OT VIII course, he wrote he was here to expose Christianity as a false implant religion and saw himself as a Lucifer-like figure, the real liberator against Christianity’s “false god.” This makes Scientology not only anti-Christian, but eerily apocalyptic in how it positions itself against traditional faith.

Even Hubbard’s teachings on demons show contradictions. He mocked traditional belief in demons but later instructed followers to perform exorcisms (without using that word) to remove “body thetans”—essentially sci-fi demons—from themselves. Hubbard essentially took religious demonology and gave it a modern twist, leaving followers unknowingly performing rituals akin to casting out demons.

In short, Scientology under Hubbard doesn’t just reject traditional faiths—it ridicules and demonizes them. Its hidden teachings insult prophets, portray respected religious figures as perverse frauds, and recast Hubbard himself as humanity’s real savior, turning all other religions into cosmic hoaxes. While publicly the Church claims respect for other beliefs, Hubbard’s own words show a radically different story behind closed doors.

Adds new meaning to “All Are Welcome.”

Jesus Christ – Hubbard’s secret writings speak of Jesus in shockingly derogatory terms. Most infamous is the leaked OT VIII course (the highest Scientology level at the time), in which Hubbard allegedly describes the “Historical Jesus” as “a lover of young boys and men” – implying Jesus was a homosexual and pedophile – and “the sainted figure [he] has been made out to be” is merely due to a false memory implant . Hubbard casts himself, not Jesus, as the true savior: he claims his own mission is to fulfill “the biblical promise represented by the Antichrist” by stopping an impending alien invasion, and says “I will return not as a religious leader but a political one” to prevent mankind’s enslavement . In Hubbard’s narrative, Jesus is not the Son of God but a decadent imposter, and Hubbard (as an “Antichrist” figure) is the one to truly save humanity. This twisted inversion – branding Jesus a pervert and Hubbard the world’s liberator – underscores how Scientology’s esoteric doctrine directly contravenes and maligns Christian teachings, even as the group publicly claims to respect all religions.

God – In Scientology, the concept of God is marginalized and often implied to be an artificial construct. Hubbard’s cosmology holds that souls (“thetans”) have godlike creative powers but became trapped by deceptive implants. He taught that traditional gods and heavens are implants to subjugate thetans. For instance, in a 1963 bulletin “Routine 3 – Heaven,” Hubbard announced that after extensive “research” he discovered “there was a Heaven… complete with gates, angels and plaster saints – and electronic implantation equipment”, which enslaved spirits . He apologized sarcastically for his earlier skepticism about Christian Heaven, implying that the real “Heaven” was a high-tech sham. Likewise, Hubbard said the “symbol of the crucified Christ… is the symbol of a thetan betrayed” – in other words, an image used to trick souls. In Scientology’s secret “OT III” story, Hubbard even asserted that ideas of God or the Devil were brainwashing implants from 75 million years ago . There is no singular omnipotent God in Scientology theology; Hubbard referred obliquely to an “eighth dynamic” (infinite beingness or God concept), but he provided no worship or doctrine around it. Instead, Scientology essentially places itself as the ultimate authority and “technology” to attain godlike freedom. By reducing God and Christ to mental implants and emphasizing Hubbard’s “tech” as the only path to salvation, Scientology positions traditional faith in God as misdirection – effectively dethroning God in favor of Hubbard’s teachings .

The Antichrist – In an eerie appropriation of Christian apocalyptic language, Hubbard identified himself with the Antichrist figure. The original version of the OT VIII course (leaked in court records) contains Hubbard’s startling revelation that he is fulfilling “the Biblical promise represented by the Antichrist”, describing an evil alien plot masquerading as the Second Coming of Christ which he aims to thwart . He writes that the “historic Jesus” was a fraud and that Hubbard’s own role is to emerge as an “arch-enemy of Christ” to save mankind from being “happy slaves” of extraterrestrials . By co-opting the Antichrist identity, Hubbard paints himself as a Luciferian liberator (indeed, he saw “Lucifer” as the bringer of light). This secret doctrine is deeply anti-Christian: it not only denies Christ’s goodness but casts Hubbard’s movement as the prophesied opposing force to Christ. Publicly, the Church of Scientology denies this Antichrist document – yet in one lawsuit, Scientology lawyers inadvertently confirmed its authenticity as Hubbard’s work . The implications are cult-like in the extreme: Hubbard essentially presents Scientology as the “Anti-Christ” religion, destined to supersede Christianity. It highlights the us-vs-them mentality – Scientology isn’t just separate from other faiths, but in Hubbard’s mind is prophesied to vanquish them.

Islam – Hubbard’s opinions of Islam, though seldom voiced, are derogatory and flippant. In a 1952 lecture, he implied that the Prophet Muhammad concocted Islam for mercenary reasons. Describing one of his “between-lives” implant stories, Hubbard digressed: “By the way, that [implant] is the source of the Mohammedan lodestone they have hanging down there… when Mohammed decided to be a good small-town booster…. The only reason he mocked that thing up is the trade wasn’t good in his home town” . Here Hubbard mocks the Ka’ba in Mecca (Islam’s holiest site) as a copy of an implant device (“Emanator”) and portrays Muhammad as a huckster who faked a religious relic to draw tourists. He literally calls Muhammad “a good small-town booster in Kansas, Middle East, or something” – dismissing the prophet in crude, facetious terms . Hubbard also lumped Islam into his implant theory, suggesting that Islam’s sacred Black Stone was just a misinterpreted bit of extraterrestrial tech. This offhand disrespect – effectively accusing the founder of Islam of peddling a scam – is extremely offensive and absurd. It demonstrates Hubbard’s pattern of denigrating major religions: he saw Islam as no more valid than Christianity (which he said was based on implants as well ). Notably, the lecture’s aside about Islam is one of the few places Hubbard mentioned it at all, underscoring Scientology’s fundamental incompatibility with Islam despite the Church’s public claims of respecting all faiths. Muslims would undoubtedly find Hubbard’s characterization of Muhammad blasphemous – reinforcing the cult-like insularity of Scientology’s worldview (they privately ridicule others’ beliefs while demanding their own be respected).

Judaism – Hubbard rarely discussed Judaism directly in his writings, yet Scientology doctrine implicitly treats Judaism like other religions: as a byproduct of ancient “implants” rather than objective truth. In the secret OT VIII materials, Hubbard wrote that “all world religions” (which by definition includes Judaism) are part of an alien conspiracy to enslave thetans, with only “Original Buddhism” exempted . This sweeping claim would categorize Judaism’s beliefs – from God to moral law – as implanted illusions. Moreover, Hubbard’s early conspiracy theories carried undertones reminiscent of anti-Semitic tropes. He often railed against “international bankers” or a secret cabal manipulating world events . Critics have noted that “international banker” is a common code for Jewish financiers in anti-Semitic literature. For example, in a 1967 policy letter, Hubbard advised a leader to “move off with… potential blackmail on every erstwhile rival, unlimited funds in your private account and the addresses of experienced assassins” – reflecting a ruthless worldview akin to the forgery “Protocols of the Elders of Zion”. While Hubbard didn’t overtly attack Judaism the way he did Christianity or Islam, his “us vs. them” mentality toward perceived global elites dovetails with classic anti-Jewish conspiracy theories. Additionally, Scientology’s vehement attacks on psychiatry often invoke the Holocaust (blaming it on psychiatrists), which can be seen as revising the history of Jewish suffering to serve Scientology’s agenda. In sum, Hubbard’s doctrine offers no special place for Judaism – it’s just another “implant religion” in his eyes – and some of his rhetoric skates close to anti-Semitic conspiracy, contributing to the view of Scientology as a cult with extremist tendencies.

Demons, the Devil, and Satan – Despite Hubbard’s denunciation of traditional religious figures like the Devil, Scientology’s practices are akin to demonology in sci-fi clothing. Hubbard taught that what ancient religions call “demons” were actually just fictitious implants or manifestations of a person’s reactive mind. In Dianetics, he wrote that a neurotic’s “demons” were mental constructs (dubbed “demon circuits”) rather than external entities. However, in a twist, Hubbard later introduced the concept of Body Thetans – which function almost exactly like possessing demons (invisible entities influencing one’s thoughts and body) except they’re said to be alien souls. So while Hubbard scoffed at the idea of a literal Satan or demonic possession, he ended up instructing his followers to perform exorcisms (though he’d never use that word) on the countless spirits attached to them. The OT III materials explicitly mention that the mass implants Xenu used contained images of “God, the Devil, etc.” to confuse spirits . This implies Hubbard’s view that the Devil (Satan) as conceived by Christianity is just an implanted false memory – not a real being but a lie fed to souls eons ago. He similarly dismisses the idea of hell; indeed, he claimed Earth itself and its reincarnation trap was a kind of hell until Scientology came along . Amusingly, in the Philadelphia Doctorate Course lectures, Hubbard favorably quoted Crowley’s occult maxim “Do as thou wilt” and even referred to the Christian Devil in symbolic terms. He quipped that Crowley “signed himself ‘the Beast 666’” and noted the irony of Crowley’s “black magic” on one hand and Scientology’s goals on the other . Hubbard seemed to relish using Luciferian imagery – culminating in his private OT VIII message where he essentially cast himself as Lucifer/the Antichrist, come to undo the “second coming” implants. In that text Hubbard says the “Arch deceiver” of the implant false religion was actually the Christian God, and Hubbard/Lucifer was here to expose it . To a non-Scientologist, this sounds Satanic: Hubbard taking the role of the light-bringer opposed to the “false god” of Christianity. Some critics indeed call Scientology a neo-Gnostic or Satanic philosophy because it inverts traditional labels of good (God) and evil (Devil). However, within Scientology, talk of “Satan” is rare – Hubbard preferred the term “dev-t” (deviltry) to refer to disruptive nonsense, and joked that the only devils were incompetent staff making a mess of org admin. The official stance is that Satan is not an entity Scientology believes exists – but paradoxically, members spend hundreds of hours purging “evil purposes” and “body thetans” from themselves, which is essentially a process of casting out inner demons. This contradiction highlights Scientology’s tendency to reframe old concepts in new jargon. Hubbard rejected the Christian Devil myth, yet created a elaborate cosmology of insidious spiritual entities causing harm. In effect, Scientologists do believe in “demons” (body thetans and evil intentions) and engage in rituals to expel them (OT auditing). This underscores the cult-like nature of Scientology: practitioners often aren’t even aware that what they’re doing is akin to demon exorcism, because Hubbard couched it in space-age terms. As one scholar noted, “Hubbard has secularized the idea of possession – body thetans are essentially demons by another name”. All told, Scientology tries to distance itself from superstition, but its hidden practices revolve around battling invisible evil influences – making its approach to Devil/Demons both hypocritical and deeply steeped in the supernatural, despite Hubbard’s claims to science.

Heaven and Hell – Hubbard’s teachings turn the religious notions of heaven and hell upside down. In his 1963 bulletin “Routine 3 – Heaven”, Hubbard claimed to have uncovered real incidents in the distant past that inspired the Heaven legend. With absolute seriousness, he wrote: “Yes, I’ve been to Heaven. And so have you… It was complete with gates, angels and plaster saints – and electronic implantation equipment. So there was a Heaven after all – which is why you are on this planet and were condemned never to be free again – until Scientology.” . According to Hubbard, some 43 trillion years ago (an eye-popping timeline far beyond modern cosmology), thetans were lured to a false “Heaven” and implanted with the idea of a paradisical afterlife as a trap. He describes Heaven as a cruel hoax: a beautiful facade that hid a high-tech prison for souls. This “implanted” Heaven was, in Hubbard’s words, a “betrayal” – hence he says “The symbol of the crucified Christ is very apt indeed. It’s the symbol of a thetan betrayed.” . In other writings, Hubbard indicated that the traditional Hell doesn’t exist except in one’s own nightmares. He believed the true “hell” was here on Earth, or more precisely, being stuck in the cycle of birth and death (the “trap” of reincarnation set by implanters). Only auditing could break one out of this trap. So, Scientology preaches that heaven and hell are false constructs implanted to control beings. Hubbard even compared the Heaven implant’s treachery to the legend of the Assassins using a fake paradise to inspire suicide warriors (an analogy he mentions in the Heaven bulletin) . This teaching is extremely controversial and offensive to Christians (and Muslims, who also have heaven/hell beliefs): It flat-out says your deepest faith in heaven or fear of hell is just an alien-induced hallucination. No genuine religion other than perhaps some Gnostic sects so explicitly calls Heaven a trap. This again underscores Scientology’s cultic secrecy – Hubbard instructed that this “Heaven is a lie” material be kept confidential, as its disclosure would horrify most religious newcomers. When this HCOB leaked (via Gerry Armstrong in the ’80s), it showed the world that Hubbard saw himself as literally saving humanity from Heaven! In essence, Scientology posits that the only “Heaven” attainable is through Hubbard’s Bridge to Total Freedom (the OT levels), and any other hope of heaven is a step into enslavement. Similarly, the only true “Hell” is to die and reincarnate without Scientology – an endless cycle of amnesia and suffering. By hijacking the powerful symbols of heaven and hell and giving them this sci-fi interpretation, Hubbard positioned his movement as the sole path to freedom, rendering all other post-mortem beliefs not just false but actually dangerous. This is a classic cult tactic: reframe salvation and damnation such that leaving the group = spiritual death, staying = the only salvation. Hubbard literally wrote that outside Scientology there was only “weeping in the night” and eventually nuclear doom . Thus, in Scientology, Heaven and Hell aren’t places one might go based on morality – they are part of the psychological warfare Hubbard claimed thetans have been subjected to, and only he discovered the escape. This teaching is as absurd as it is arrogant, reinforcing how Scientology elevates Hubbard’s cosmology above millennia-old religious concepts and uses them to alienate members from traditional faith.

Aliens – Scientology is famously built on a sci-fi cosmology of extraterrestrial beings, kept secret from new members. The most infamous story is that of Xenu, introduced at Operating Thetan Level III. According to Hubbard’s secret “OT III” materials (which were exposed in court and by the press in 1980s), 75 million years ago an alien tyrant named Xenu ruled a Galactic Confederacy of 76 planets including Earth (then called “Teegeeack”) . Facing overpopulation, Xenu carried out a genocide: he rounded up billions of his people under the pretense of tax inspections (with the help of psychiatrists, notably!) , froze them, and transported them to Earth in spacecraft that looked like “DC-8 [airliners] without fans” . These captives were arranged around volcanoes and blown up with hydrogen bombs, killing their bodies . Hubbard described this cataclysm in vivid detail – mushroom clouds, great winds, etc., as if straight out of a pulp sci-fi novel . After the blasts, the souls of those aliens (the thetans) were captured by Xenu’s forces using an “electronic ribbon” and sucked into giant “implant stations” – essentially 3-D cinemas – where for 36 days they were forced to watch brainwashing films . These films implanted in them “various misleading data… which has to do with God, the Devil, space opera, etc.” . In particular, all world religions were implanted into these alien souls – Hubbard says that elements like the Christian Crucifixion were false images implanted at that time . Eventually, these billions of traumatized thetans clustered together and attached to the bodies of the few survivors. Fast forward to today: every human is covered with hundreds or thousands of these alien spirit “clusters,” called Body Thetans, which cause spiritual harm and must be cleared in the OT levels. This Xenu narrative is arguably the most absurd aspect of Scientology’s doctrine: it reads like science fiction because it is – Hubbard was a sci-fi writer and this cosmogony borrows heavily from mid-20th-century space opera tropes. Yet the Church kept it top-secret (members only learn it after years of indoctrination and payments). When it leaked, it made headlines and exposed Scientology to ridicule. Aside from Xenu, Hubbard’s lectures abound with alien lore: he spoke of other galactic civilizations, alien invader forces, visits to Earth (“Mars Inc.” installations on Earth’s polar caps, etc.), and past lives spent on distant planets. In one 1968 lecture, he matter-of-factly says people on other planets wear clothes and drive cars just like 1950s Earth – a whimsical assertion . In A History of Man (1952), Hubbard even claimed human ailments could derive from incidents like being a clam on an alien world or getting whacked as an “Arkansas man” by an alien “Implanter.” The sheer volume of space opera mythology in Hubbard’s “scriptures” is enormous and fantastical. This reliance on aliens in a purported religion is a major reason critics label Scientology a cult or science-fiction fantasy rather than a bona fide religion. The Church, however, tries to downplay the alien talk in public – even lying about Xenu – because they know how bizarre it sounds. Regardless, the documented evidence is clear that Hubbard’s doctrine is deeply entwined with belief in aliens and ancient galactic atrocities. Members must exorcise invisible alien souls (body thetans) in themselves to attain spiritual freedom. It is hard to imagine a more outlandish belief system, which is why the Xenu story has become a cultural touchstone (e.g. parodied in South Park). For many, Scientology’s alien mythology epitomizes its absurdity and cult-like secrecy.

Black Magic and Witchcraft – L. Ron Hubbard’s own son has testified that “Scientology… came from the black magic, from Crowley.” Hubbard Jr. revealed that his father was deeply involved with occult practices and Aleister Crowley’s teachings before he created Scientology . In fact, Hubbard Sr. spoke admiringly of the infamous black magician Crowley, calling him “my very good friend… The Beast 666” in a 1952 lecture . Decades later, court evidence (the 1984 Armstrong case) brought to light Hubbard’s private papers, confirming extensive occult involvement: in the late 1940s Hubbard participated in Crowleyan sex-magic rituals with rocket scientist Jack Parsons, attempting to summon a moon goddess (the “Babalon Working”) . He even wrote of a guardian spirit he called “The Empress” that dictated Dianetics to him via automatic writing . Scholars like Jon Atack note “it is impossible to arrive at an understanding of Scientology without taking into account its creator’s extensive involvement with magic” . In essence, Hubbard repackaged elements of ritual black magic into what he termed “applied religious philosophy.” The secret “OT” levels, with their spells to exorcise spirits, bear a striking resemblance to occult exorcism rites. These origins are highly controversial – far from being a purely scientific endeavor, Scientology has one foot in the dark arts. Hubbard’s magical pursuits and later denial of them (he publicly derided “witchcraft” even as he privately practiced it) highlight a core hypocrisy and cultic secrecy in Scientology’s formation. Hubbard never publicly aligned Scientology with “witchcraft,” but observers note that many practices mirror occult rituals. Hubbard’s affinity for Crowley’s magic (Crowley referred to himself as a witch or sorcerer) effectively made Hubbard a modern warlock in the eyes of his son and other insiders . Early Scientology texts invoke arcane concepts like summoning or banishing spiritual entities (e.g. the Body Thetans in OT levels), which is essentially witchcraft by another name. Hubbard was known to experiment with spells and incantations: during the Parsons sex-magic workings in 1946, he took on the role of the scribe in an occult ritual, chanting spells to invoke a goddess . He later incorporated ritualistic processes in Scientology (repetitive commands, visualization techniques, etc.) that function much like magical rites to alter consciousness. While Scientology does not outwardly label these practices as witchcraft, Hubbard’s writings betray the influence – he frequently references ancient sorcery in his space opera mythology. For example, Hubbard taught that long-ago alien “Implanters” used hypnotic trickery tantamount to black magic to control souls . The church vehemently denies being occult, yet Hubbard’s occult history and doctrine speak for themselves. As one academic delicately put it, Scientology is “a hybrid of science-fiction and magic” , rebranding spells as “technologies.” This blending of science, religion, and witchcraft contributes to critics’ view of Scientology as esoteric and cult-like, with Hubbard as a self-styled sorcerer-prophet.

• Racism: Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, expressed overtly racist views in his lectures and writings. He commonly referred to non-Scientologists as “wogs,” a derogatory British term for people of color . Hubbard’s own statements reveal a deep contempt for non-white races; he characterized entire peoples as “barbarous” or uncivilized. For example, he sneered that India was a “wonderful place – except for its people”  and claimed one “could not conclude otherwise” than that he “had a very low opinion of anyone who was a member of a non-white race” after reading his quotes . Scientology has never disavowed these views – Hubbard’s pronouncements remain part of its scripture, which critics say shows the cult’s unwillingness to repudiate its founder’s bigotry .

• Blacks: Hubbard repeatedly disparaged Black Africans in particular, especially those in South Africa under apartheid. He wrote that “the South African native is probably the one impossible person to train… by any human standard” . In a 1956 lecture, he asserted Black workers would only be productive under constant white supervision, implying any program would collapse “the moment that a white foreman turns his back” . Hubbard described the indigenous African as a “primitive” with “complete contempt for truth” and “emphasis on brutality and savagery” – “a no-civilization” in his words  . Church policy in apartheid-era South Africa reflected this racism: Hubbard’s 1961 Johannesburg Security Check (termed “the roughest security check in Scientology”) listed interracial intimacy as a crime on par with murder. One question pointedly asks, “Have you ever slept with a member of a race of another color?” – right alongside “Have you ever bombed anything?” and “Have you ever murdered anyone?” . This reveals Scientology’s early stance that mixing races was a grievous offense. Hubbard even downplayed the evils of apartheid, insisting “there is no native problem” and that the South African government “is not a police state. It’s easier on people than the United States government!” . Such statements underscore the virulent racism embedded in Scientology’s doctrine regarding Black people.

• Latinos: While Hubbard’s writings focused more on Africans and Asians, critics note that Scientology has also treated Latino individuals as a exploitable underclass. Many Hispanic members have been recruited into the Sea Organization (the church’s clergy) with promises of salvation, only to be subjected to grueling labor on near-starvation pay. Internal defectors and journalists have documented how young recruits from Latin America are brought to Scientology’s Flag Land Base and cruise ship with their passports confiscated – effectively trapped into servitude  . A 2022 human trafficking lawsuit describes how children of Latin American origin in the Sea Org were isolated from their parents, denied schooling, and forced to work 100-hour weeks of menial labor under threat of punishment  . This “captive workforce” dynamic has led experts to liken Scientology’s treatment of many Latino members to modern-day indentured servitude. In doctrine, Hubbard seldom mentioned Latin Americans specifically, but he did employ racist tropes about “small brown men” in other contexts (e.g. Egyptians), reflecting a general disdain for non-white “brown” peoples . The exploitative way the Church uses Latinos in practice – as cheap, obedient labor – speaks to an unstated position that they are tools for the organization’s ends, a view wholly consistent with Hubbard’s broader racial hierarchy.

• Asians: Hubbard’s racist generalizations extended to Asians (“yellow” peoples in his terminology). In private journals and lectures, he routinely demeaned Asian cultures. For instance, in his 1928 travel diary he wrote, “A Chinaman can not live up to a thing, he always drags it down. Hence [China] is rather dirty in spite of Japan’s efforts to clean it up.”  He warned of “Asiatic hordes” overrunning western countries and discussed ways to prevent places like Australia from being “deluged” by Asians . Hubbard even claimed that “the very nature of the Chinaman holds him back,” alleging that an Asian person would consider it proper to “stamp on the underdog’s face” if someone fell down . In Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought, he expounded a bizarre racial theory: “Unlike yellow and brown people, the white does not usually believe he can get attention from matter or objects… The yellow and brown races are not very progressive but by and large, saner. And the white race is progressive but more frantic… The white can’t understand them. Nor can they understand the white.”  . Such passages reveal Hubbard’s view of Asians as a fundamentally different, “other” category of humanity — one he saw as intellectually stagnant and emotionally cold. These writings reinforce how Scientology’s founder held blatantly supremacist beliefs about Asians, which remain part of the church’s recorded lectures and thus its ideological legacy.

• Native Americans: Hubbard rarely discussed Indigenous Americans at length, but he did fold them into his racial hierarchy. He often spoke of humanity in terms of color categories — “White, Black, Brown, Red and Yellow” — suggesting that Native Americans (the “Red” peoples) were, like other non-whites, fundamentally lesser. In one lecture Hubbard joked that all beings, whether “White, Black, Brown, Red and Yellow,” are spiritually the same thetans — then sarcastically quipped “who knew?”, tacitly mocking the idea of racial equality  . Scientology’s official materials have also been criticized for underrepresenting or stereotyping Native peoples. A review of Hubbard-inspired educational texts noted “very little representation of nonwhite groups” — with virtually no depiction of Native Americans — and only token inclusion of minorities, reflecting Hubbard’s biases in the content the church promotes . Notably, Hubbard claimed in church lore to have befriended the Blackfeet tribe in his youth, but this appears to be self-mythologizing; in practice he showed little respect for Native American culture. By lumping Indigenous people under the label “red” and otherwise ignoring their distinct histories, Hubbard signaled that they ranked low in his worldview. The church has not challenged that implication, and it notably has made few inroads among Native American communities, which critics attribute to Hubbard’s obvious lack of regard for them.

Disabled Individuals and Disabilities: Scientology’s teachings exhibit a disdain for those deemed “unfit” or disabled. L. Ron Hubbard stated bluntly that Scientology “only helps the able-bodied, sane, non-neurotic types” and refuses to assist the mentally ill: “The insane and so forth – somebody else can have them. They’ve already failed.” . In practice, individuals with psychiatric diagnoses or certain illnesses are labeled “illegal PCs” (preclears) and barred from Scientology services. Hubbard’s goal of creating “a civilization without insanity” effectively writes off people with mental disabilities as unwelcome . This callous attitude is reflected in church policy; for example, Scientology considers those on psychiatric medication or with severe mental illness as untouchable rather than deserving care. Even terminal illness is stigmatized – once a Scientologist is diagnosed as terminal, they are deemed an illegal pc, often leading members to avoid medical help to not be cast out . Such doctrines highlight a lack of empathy for the disabled, viewing them as “down-stat” liabilities rather than people in need of support, a stance widely criticized as inhumane.

Homosexuality – Scientology’s teachings on homosexuality are unapologetically homophobic, rooted in Hubbard’s 1950s prejudices. In Science of Survival (1951), Hubbard classified homosexuality as a form of “sexual perversion” on his emotional Tone Scale, assigning gays the level 1.1, called “Covert Hostility” – “the level of the pervert, the hypocrite, the turncoat, […] the subversive” . He described people at 1.1 as “skulking coward[s]… [who] strike back without warning” and flatly labeled homosexuals “extremely dangerous to society”. Hubbard wrote that such “perverts” must be handled drastically: “It is of vital importance, if one wishes to stop immorality, and the abuse of children,” to stamp out “sexual perversion (including homosexuality)” . He advocated “drastic action” – “Such people should be taken from the society as rapidly as possible and uniformly institutionalized”, regarding them as a contagion to be quarantined . Chillingly, Hubbard even mused that there are “only two answers” for those low on the Tone Scale: “The first is to raise them on the tone scale… The other is to dispose of them quietly and without sorrow.” . This statement, from Science of Survival, essentially suggests that if gay people (and others he saw as “low tone”) can’t be “cured,” they should be eliminated “without sorrow.” Such rhetoric is frankly totalitarian, echoing eugenics. Hubbard’s anti-gay stance was not a one-off; it persisted in Scientology materials for decades. As late as 1978, the Dianetics textbook still referred to gay people as “perverts who are physically ill… and extremely dangerous to society” . In practice, ex-members report that being gay in Scientology is stigmatized – one could be sent to “security checks” or pressured into “therapy” to become straight . The Church of Scientology opposes same-sex marriage and has tried “gay conversion” techniques . These doctrines are highly controversial and have been condemned by experts as pseudoscientific bigotry. Scientology’s homophobia has been exposed by high-profile defections (such as director Paul Haggis, who left over this issue ). In sum, Hubbard’s own writings reveal a deep-seated hostility to homosexuality – one that legitimizes discrimination and even violence (“fair game”) against LGBTQ individuals, fitting the profile of a cult with dangerous anti-social beliefs.

Transgender – While Hubbard did not explicitly discuss transgender people in the 1950s (the term wasn’t in common use then), Scientology’s ideology is inherently antagonistic to any non-cisgender identities. Hubbard lumped all “sexual perversions” together as manifestations of insanity or moral defect – and it’s clear that gender variance would fall under his catch-all of “deviance.” The Scientology Tone Scale item for “sexual pervert” (1.1) historically included not just homosexuality, but implied any unconventional sexual behavior or identity . Church spokespeople have, in modern times, equated being transgender with the same “aberration” as being gay, since Hubbard taught that a person’s gender in this life is merely the choice of a thetan (spirit) and any confusion about it would be treated as a psychological flaw. Internal defectors note that Scientology is extremely gender-role conformist – men are expected to be “masculine” and women “feminine” according to 1950s norms. Trans or nonbinary members have reported being shamed or coerced into living as their birth sex. For example, Kate Bornstein – a trans woman and former high-ranking Sea Org member – has spoken about how the Sea Org was “deeply puritanical… sex before marriage strictly prohibited” and absolutely no tolerance for LGBTQ identities . The Church would not allow Bornstein to transition; she only embraced her gender after leaving. Additionally, Hubbard’s emphasis that the spirit has no gender (he wrote “the spirit has no gender” in one lecture , ironically a true statement) is used not to support trans people, but to invalidate their experience – Scientology would say any gender dysphoria is just an engram or past-life issue to audit out. In auditing sessions, trans individuals have been interrogated about “perversions,” indicating the Church views their gender identity as something to fix. Although Scientology has tried to downplay its anti-LGBT stance in recent PR, its scriptures still pathologize LGBTQ+ conditions. In summary, transgender people are not accepted in Scientology’s doctrine – they are effectively classified as “aberrant perverts” similar to Hubbard’s classification of homosexuals, and the organization’s rigid rules force conformity to birth gender, making it a hostile environment for any trans or gender-nonconforming person.

Children – Hubbard’s doctrine treats children in a way that many find disturbing. In Scientology, children are regarded as spiritual adults in small bodies, which has been used to justify denying them normal childhood protections and education. Hubbard wrote that a child should be treated “half as an adult” and that any failing is the parent’s for not recognizing the child as essentially a grown thetan. The lawsuit mentioned above encapsulates this: “Scientology views [minors] as ‘adults in the bodies of children.’ Hubbard taught that each person is an immortal being who has lived many lifetimes” . Therefore, in the Sea Org, children have historically been made to work extreme hours, sign billion-year contracts, and endure harsh military-style discipline. In the 1960s and ’70s, Sea Org children (the Cadet Org) lived communally, often separated from parents, and were pressed into manual labor and Scientology study instead of regular schooling. One infamous incident from the Apollo ship years: a young boy (just 4 or 5 years old) was confined alone in the chain-locker (a dark, roach-infested compartment) as punishment – a story told by multiple Apollo veterans, illustrating child abuse under Hubbard’s watch. Hubbard’s writings on child rearing in Dianetics and Scientology counsel did not encourage overt affection; he believed children should be treated like little adults who can make their own decisions. He even wrote that if a child messes up your office, “the greatest punishment you could give that child is to let it continue” (implying children want limits but you should use reverse psychology). Discipline could be severe: reports exist of children assigned to the Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF), Scientology’s punitive labor camp, doing hard labor and auditing for hours as teenagers. Education for Sea Org kids was scant – many ex-members attest they had nearly no formal schooling beyond Hubbard’s teachings. Furthermore, Hubbard’s policy of “disconnection” – cutting off contact with Suppressive Persons – has torn children from parents. There are heartbreaking accounts of minors forced to disown a parent deemed an SP, effectively brainwashing children to shun their own family for Scientology’s sake. All of this stems from Hubbard’s view that the group’s dynamics override familial bonds. Children are tools for the cause (witness the child signing of billion-year vows). The phrase “mankind’s most valuable asset is the fanaticism of its youth” – often attributed to Hubbard (though also said by others) – rings true in how Scientology mobilizes kids. The implication and result of Hubbard’s doctrines is that children in Scientology are not shielded as children normally are. They can be treated as laborers, punished like adults, indoctrinated from toddler-age, and deprived of normal development. Such practices have drawn comparisons to child exploitation in other destructive cults. Indeed, courts and child welfare experts have slammed Scientology for its child neglect and abuse allegations (some countries have banned minors from intensive Scientology practices). By erasing the distinction between child and adult, Hubbard created a climate where the innocence and rights of children are sacrificed to the “greatest good” of the group – a deeply controversial aspect of his legacy.

Pedophilia – Scientology has no overt scripture endorsing pedophilia – in fact, Hubbard in public denounced sexual crimes against children as extremely damaging (as any mental health authority would). However, what makes this topic concerning is how Scientology’s practices have enabled the cover-up of child sexual abuse and how Hubbard’s own writings indirectly sexualized minors. Hubbard viewed children not as innocent youngsters but as spiritual beings (“thetans”) who have lived eons and are effectively adults in small bodies. He wrote, “Children are not really children… they are men and women in little bodies”, and thus should be treated as adults in many ways . This belief has had dire consequences. It has been alleged in court that the Church’s policy is to not report crimes by Scientologists to outside authorities, no matter how heinous . In one lawsuit unsealed in 2023, a former Scientologist detailed how, at age 16, she was molested by a much older Scientology man – and the Church arranged for her to marry her rapist rather than notify police . The suit states Scientology officials performed a sham wedding to make the sexual abuse “legitimate” and pressured the victim to stay quiet, invoking Hubbard’s policy that airing the Church’s dirty laundry is forbidden . This horrific scenario was enabled by Hubbard’s culture: since children are “adults” spiritually, a teen girl’s rape was handled as a consensual matter to be hushed up within the group. Moreover, Hubbard’s own behavior raised red flags. In the early Sea Org on the ship Apollo, Hubbard was constantly surrounded by teenage girls as his personal Messengers. He allowed these underage girls to dress in hot-pants and perform intimate duties like lighting his cigarettes, fixing his bed, even pulling off his boots and socks while he was in his underwear . One of Hubbard’s former Messengers noted “what would you call it when a 16-year-old girl is sitting by your bed… pulling on your socks? There is a sexual subtext… he was a dirty old man to that extent.” . While not outright pedophilia, this blurred master–minor boundary was highly inappropriate. Hubbard also wrote graphic case studies in Dianetics about children having sexual encounters (with much older relatives) and treated it in clinical terms, sometimes even blaming the child’s “engram” for seducing adults – a disturbing perspective. The net effect is that Scientology has a track record of protecting abusers when they are in the Church’s good graces. Multiple cases (e.g., in Australia and the USA) have surfaced where child molestation by Scientologists was kept secret by the Church and the victims were pressured not to report it, under threat of being declared SP. This institutional suppression is rooted in Hubbard’s emphatic rule that Scientology must handle all matters internally to avoid “PR flaps.” Thus, while Scientology does not preach pedophilia, its authoritarian, secretive structure has made it a haven where pedophiles (like any abuser in the group) might evade justice. Critics and prosecutors have likened this to the cover-ups in the Catholic Church, but with even less accountability since Scientology vehemently fights outside oversight. All of this casts Scientology in an extremely unfavorable light regarding the protection of children.

• Rape: Scientology has no formal scripture condoning or endorsing rape, but its practices in handling sexual assault allegations are extremely troubling and serve to protect perpetrators. In Scientology culture, reporting a fellow Scientologist to law enforcement for any crime – including rape – is considered a “Suppressive Act” (a high sin) because it subjects the church to “external influence.” The organization insists that all issues be handled internally via Ethics or Justice procedures. This has led to numerous cover-ups of rape and sexual abuse within the church. A high-profile example is the case of actor and Scientologist Danny Masterson, who was convicted in 2023 of raping two women (both former Scientologists). The victims testified not only to the assaults but also to the church’s aggressive efforts to silence them. When they initially reported the rapes to Scientology authorities, they were told it wasn’t rape because an “OT” like Masterson could not rape and that they must have “pulled it in” (Scientology jargon for somehow causing it themselves) . They were forbidden from going to the police and instead coerced into Scientology counseling. When one woman persisted in seeking justice, the Church of Scientology harassed and stalked her mercilessly, in classic Fair Game style – hacking her security cameras, following her, killing her pets, and smearing her reputation . This campaign of intimidation was aimed at preventing her from testifying. In civil court filings, these women and others detail how Scientology officials teach that reporting a Scientologist to law enforcement is treasonous: one must use “Scientology justice” procedures instead, which typically involve the victim being interrogated about their own faults. Indeed, the policy letters on “Justice” in Scientology state that punishing a Scientologist in good standing or causing bad PR for the church are offenses worse than any underlying crime. Hubbard himself set this tone: in one policy he wrote that a truly “Suppressive Person” (enemy) may be “tricked, sued, lied to, or destroyed” with no penalty . Conversely, a loyal Scientologist is to be defended at all costs. Thus, if a woman accuses a Scientologist man of rape, the institutional instinct (per Hubbard’s teachings on protecting the image of Scientology) is to disbelieve or shun her and shield the man. There have been disturbing reports beyond the Masterson case: in the 1980s, a Scientology executive, Don Jason, raped a fellow Sea Org member; she was pressured not to go to authorities and the matter was hushed up internally. In another case, a young girl molested by a Scientologist (her own father, Donald Strawn) was forced, along with her mother, to sign an NDA and not contact police, with the mother being told Scientology would handle it quietly . The consistent pattern is institutional concealment: rape survivors in Scientology are often re-traumatized by being blamed and then silenced under threat of punishment or bankruptcy (through “freeloader” debts or expensive arbitration). Leah Remini, a prominent ex-member, has bluntly stated that obstructing justice is an “absolute law” in Scientology when it comes to crimes by members . In essence, Scientology’s position is that rape must be dealt with “in-house,” which in practice has meant no real accountability while the church’s reputation is protected. This authoritarian, self-serving approach has allowed sexual predators within the church to operate with impunity for years – a hallmark of a cult that puts its image above the safety of individuals.

Premarital Sex-Scientology imposes unusually strict controls on premarital sex, especially within its Sea Organization. Hubbard’s ethos was oddly prudish in some respects (despite his own libertine behavior). Sea Org members take a vow of celibacy outside marriage, and the rule is enforced to an extreme. Publicly, Hubbard wrote against “promiscuity” as part of society’s decline . In Science of Survival, he lumped “free love, easy marriage and quick divorce” into the category of undesirable, “irregular practices” that harm the family unit . But the real impact is seen in the Sea Org’s day-to-day life: “Sea Org members… agree to strict codes of discipline, such as disavowing premarital sex” . Even dating couples in the Sea Org are monitored – they must get approval to marry if they become intimate. Any “out-2D” (Second Dynamic) misconduct, which includes any sexual activity outside of marriage, is an offense that can lead to punishment or expulsion. This has led to what outsiders view as cultic sexual regulation: young members who develop feelings face a stark choice – a quick wedding or severe discipline. Many former members testify to marrying extremely young. For instance, ex-member Saina Kamula said “at 16 I was forced by the Church to marry my 21-year-old boyfriend to avoid punishment for premarital sex.” Such accounts are common. As Kate Bornstein recounts, before 1970 the Sea Org was more free-wheeling (even “lots of orgies on the boat”), but Hubbard abruptly shifted policy around 1971-72 . Disturbed by the “out ethics” of unmarried sex among crew, he implemented new rules incentivizing marriage (like promoting women who got married) to stamp out fornication . This created a flurry of teenage marriages. The culture became intensely puritanical: “deeply puritanical… sex before marriage is strictly prohibited,” as an interviewer summarized Bornstein’s experience . Even hand-holding or kissing was frowned upon unless formally engaged. Essentially, Scientology attempts to control the sex lives of its members to a degree far beyond mainstream society – more akin to a cloistered cult. Any slip (like consensual premarital sex) is treated as a major ethical violation requiring confession, “amends,” or punishment. It’s also notable that Hubbard’s own track record was hypocritical: he had multiple wives (bigamously marrying his second before divorcing his first) and affairs, yet he expected his followers to live like chaste ascetics until wed. This double standard – libertine founder vs. repressed followers – is a common cult pattern. Sea Org members, some still teenagers, have been assigned heavy manual labor or sent to the punitive RPF just for engaging in premarital sexual acts. The denial of normal youthful relationships unless under Church-sanctioned marriage is psychologically harmful, as many ex-members attest. It is one reason so many marriages within the Sea Org end in divorce once the initial purpose (having legal sex) is fulfilled or when one partner leaves the group. Scientology’s micromanagement of fornication exemplifies its broader control over personal decisions – a hallmark of high-control groups.

Adultery – Extramarital affairs are equally, if not more, condemned in Scientology ethics. Hubbard considered marital fidelity important for maintaining the “2D” (second dynamic, which covers sex and family) stability. In the Code of a Scientologist, Hubbard includes commitments to honor one’s family. Adultery is viewed as a betrayal that can harm the group’s image and coherence. In practice, an affair in the Sea Org can get one declared in a lower ethical condition or even labeled a Potential Trouble Source if it disrupts org operations. There’s a famous Hubbard policy from 1970, “The Responsibility of Leaders,” which, ironically, tells a parable of a South American leader who failed because he didn’t “legitimize” his mistress by marrying her . Hubbard’s takeaway was that the man should have made the relationship acceptable – implying Hubbard favored proper marriage over illicit relations. This policy letter actually highlights Hubbard’s patriarchal view (a woman’s safety comes only from her man claiming her). Culturally, within Scientology adulterers are looked at as having “out-ethics” and are pressured to undergo ethics handling. There is also a financial angle: divorces and affairs cause instability that might make members stray from the Church (or spend less on services), so clamping down on adultery is in the institution’s interest. Some observers note that although Scientology isn’t as publicly vocal about adultery as, say, some evangelical religions, internally it has zero tolerance: married Sea Org couples who cheat are often separated and routed out (fired) in disgrace. One infamous example: In the mid-2000s, the President of Scientology’s Celebrity Centre, Mike Ellis, was reportedly removed after an affair – showing that even high execs aren’t immune. Meanwhile, Hubbard himself had an affair with his third wife Mary Sue while still married to his second, and numerous mistresses according to his son’s accounts, but he justified his own actions in private writings (like his secret affirmations) while enforcing puritanical standards on others. The dichotomy between Hubbard’s personal life and the rules he set is stark here. For rank-and-file, adultery is a serious sin requiring “sec checking” (interrogation) and possible Disconnection (if one leaves their spouse for an outsider, the remaining spouse must cut ties if the ex-partner is declared an SP). Thus, Scientology uses adultery as another lever of control: members who stray sexually may find themselves in heavy ethics trouble, risking their standing in the group. This climate, combined with the ban on premarital sex, leads to a strange dynamic – people rush into young marriages (as mentioned) and sometimes later cheat due to the unnatural pressures, only to be punished severely. It’s a vicious cycle engineered by Hubbard’s rigid 1950s morality. In summary, Scientology preaches strict monogamy and will shame or expel adulterers. While not unique to cults, what is cult-like is how the doctrine is enforced not just by social pressure but by formalized ethics codes and punitive actions. Every aspect of a member’s intimate life falls under Hubbard’s rules. And because Hubbard is seen as source of all wisdom, his often hypocritical or outdated views on sex remain frozen in policy. This has made for many absurd situations – from child marriages to forced divorces – that paint Scientology as a group utterly out of step with healthy human relationships. Each of these points, backed by Hubbard’s own statements and leaked materials, builds a portrait of Scientology as an organization with authoritarian, extremist, and often bizarre doctrines that justify viewing it not as a harmless new religion, but as a cult rife with abuse and delusion .

Abortion: Hubbard vehemently condemned abortion in his writings, yet the church he founded has been accused of coercing abortions among its elite Sea Org members. In Dianetics (1950), Hubbard asserted that attempted abortions cause severe spiritual trauma and lasting mental harm. He wrote that “It is a scientific fact that abortion attempts are the most important factor in aberration” and even claimed “the child on whom the abortion is attempted is condemned to live with murderers…through all its weak and helpless youth!” . Hubbard blamed attempted abortions for everything from psychological disorders to criminality, stating that many “feeble-minded” or delinquent individuals were actually suffering from prenatal abortion attempts . Despite this anti-abortion stance, Scientology’s practice has been starkly at odds with its scripture. Members of the Sea Organization (who sign billion-year contracts and are forbidden to have children) have reported intense pressure or orders from superiors to terminate pregnancies. In the 1980s–2000s, numerous female Sea Org members (some underage) were coerced into abortions under the rationale that having a child would interfere with their duty to the group . One such member, Claire Headley, testified she “was forced to undergo two abortions in order to keep her position” in the Sea Org . Another, Laura DeCrescenzo, became pregnant at 17 and says she was told by her Scientology supervisors that it was her “greatest good” to abort – which she did under duress . These reports led to lawsuits (which the church settled quietly) and stand in jarring contradiction to Hubbard’s published view of abortion as spiritually catastrophic. The combination of Hubbard’s writings – which label abortion akin to murder – and the church’s draconian control over members’ reproductive choices underscores the cult-like subordination of personal rights to organizational demands .

Child Brides – The phenomenon of underage marriages in Scientology circles is a documented outgrowth of the Church’s sexual strictures. In the Sea Org (Scientology’s elite order), no one is allowed to have sex unless they are married . This rule, combined with Sea Org members joining as young as 14-16, led to teen marriages. Numerous ex-Sea Org members have testified that they felt pressure to marry early simply to have a normal young-adult relationship. For example, former member Astra Woodcraft recounted, “People often married young within the Sea Org, as premarital sex was forbidden. I chose a husband at age 15, [he was] 22…” . A 16-year-old marrying a 22-year-old is essentially a child bride situation, even if “consensual,” and it was tacitly encouraged by Scientology’s policies. Kate Bornstein describes that in the early 1970s, Hubbard noticed too much “extramarital” hooking up on the ships, and to crack down he instituted a reward for marrying: “if a woman proposed to a man, and they got married, he would promote her one grade in rank. That was the first move toward institutionalized heteronormativity within Scientology.” . This bizarre Sadie Hawkins-style incentive led to many quick teenage proposals and weddings – essentially Church-sanctioned child marriage. The context was not romantic but disciplinary: Hubbard was trying to eliminate the “distraction” of unwed sex by pushing teens to wed. Moreover, when underage marriages did occur, Scientology had no qualms as long as local law could be navigated (often requiring parental consent). The earlier example of the 16-year-old victim forced to wed her abuser in 1991 also qualifies as an orchestrated child marriage – done to give legal cover to statutory rape . Children in the Cadet Org (the Sea Org’s nursery in past decades) were sometimes betrothed or matched young. There are also reports from the 1970s of Hubbard approving the marriage of a 12-year-old girl to a much older man on the ship (this claim, if true, would be extremely controversial – it appears in some memoirs, though verifying it is hard due to secrecy). What is verifiable is the pattern: Scientology’s internal rules and Hubbard’s dictates created an environment where “child brides” and very young marriages happened with alarming regularity. The well-being of the minors was secondary to enforcing the no-sex-before-marriage rule. This again underscores the cult-like prioritization of Hubbard’s law over societal norms or individual welfare. Such practices, when exposed, make Scientology look absurd at best and abusive at worst – a far cry from a mainstream religion, more like a closed community with its own skewed moral compass.

The Holocaust – Rather than honor the Holocaust as a unique atrocity largely targeting Jews, Scientology has perversely revised Holocaust history to serve its crusade against psychiatry. The Church’s propaganda arm (Citizens Commission on Human Rights) flatly blames psychiatrists for the Holocaust, claiming that Nazi psychiatrists orchestrated Hitler’s genocide. A Scientology publication titled “Psychiatrists: The Men Behind Hitler” asserts that the entire Nazi program, including the extermination camps, was conceived and run by psychiatric professionals . Scientology exhibits and articles state that “the Holocaust was planned and carried out by psychiatrists.” This outrageous claim is presented as fact in their anti-psych museum “Industry of Death” and Freedom Magazine . Hubbard himself set the tone for this revisionism: he taught that psychiatrists are “evil incarnate” and responsible for virtually all of humanity’s worst ills. In Scientology’s cosmology, psychiatrists were even the henchmen of the galactic overlord Xenu 75 million years ago , and in modern times Hubbard saw them behind global war and tyranny. This has led the Church to portray Nazi psychiatrists as the true architects of genocide, downplaying Hitler’s ideology and the targeting of Jews. The effect is a kind of Holocaust denial by distortion – shifting blame away from antisemitism and fascism onto Scientology’s favorite scapegoat. Moreover, Hubbard’s “Suppressive Person” doctrine (declaring certain people as subhuman or fair game) has disturbing parallels to Nazi rhetoric. For instance, Hubbard’s 1951 suggestion that society “dispose of [1.1 people] quietly and without sorrow” evokes the language of eugenics that underpinned Nazi “euthanasia” of undesirables. In sum, Scientology’s treatment of the Holocaust is controversial and self-serving: rather than showing sensitivity, Hubbard’s movement co-opted the Holocaust as a talking point to demonize its enemies (psychiatrists), which scholars and Jewish leaders have found absurd and offensive.

War – Hubbard frequently cast Scientology as the only antidote to war, while also militarizing his own organization. In the 1960s, he created the Sea Organization with naval ranks and described Scientology’s struggle in warlike terms (against Suppressive Persons, governments, etc.). He warned that global catastrophe was imminent unless Scientology prevailed. In Fundamentals of Thought, Hubbard wrote: “With Scientology man can prevent insanity, criminality and war… The only race that matters at this moment is the one being run between Scientology and the atomic bomb. The history of man… may well depend upon which one wins.” . Here Hubbard paints a doomsday scenario: either Scientology “wins” or humanity wipes itself out in nuclear holocaust. He further declared, “The mission of Scientology is not conquest – it is civilization. It is a war upon stupidity… which leads us to the Last War of All.” . This apocalyptic framing positioned his church as mankind’s sole savior from World War III, instilling a siege mentality in followers (the world’s fate hinges on their dedication). Ironically, while claiming to end war, Hubbard also urged relentless “attack” against critics and rival institutions. In a 1967 policy, he stated, “We are the only people… with the technology and ambition” to resolve issues like the atom bomb – a grandiose claim of exclusive competence. Under David Miscavige, this militant posture continued. Miscavige often speaks of Scientology “waging war” on psychiatry and other enemies. For example, in the 1990s he trumpeted a victory over the IRS in warlike rhetoric: “the war with psychiatry should have been over… Those pea-brained psych-indoctrinated mental midgets… [then] the IRS became the active force to destroy Scientology” . He likened opponents to “vampires… sucking the blood” of the country . Such language reveals Scientology’s mindset: it views itself at war with the forces of evil in society. Members are drilled to think of themselves as an embattled vanguard. Indeed, former insiders report that every Scientologist is expected to contribute to “Scientology’s goal of taking over the planet – they really do want to take over the planet.” . This goal of world domination to achieve peace is a classic cult dichotomy (peace through absolute victory). In summary, Hubbard preached that only Scientology could stop war, while simultaneously running Scientology like a war. This contradictory stance – promising a world without war, yet ever belligerent to outsiders – highlights the cult-like, militant nature of the organization’s doctrine.

Fair Game – Perhaps the most notorious Scientology policy is Fair Game, which explicitly sanctions harm against the Church’s “enemies.” In 1967, Hubbard issued an internal order declaring that anyone deemed an “Enemy (Suppressive Person)” has no rights within Scientology: “SP Order. FAIR GAME. May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed.” . This is a direct quote from Hubbard’s policy letter of 18 October 1967 and it spells out a literal license to commit fraud or violence against people labeled Suppressive (ex-members, critics, etc.). In Hubbard’s ethics system, a person in the “Enemy” condition is essentially an outlaw whom faithful Scientologists can target at will. Hubbard did later say the term “Fair Game” was canceled for PR reasons, but he pointedly noted that this “does not cancel any treatment or handling of an SP” – only the use of the label publicly . In practice, Fair Game has meant sustained harassment of critics: lawsuits designed to ruin them financially, private investigators following them, smear campaigns, even alleged tampering with enemies’ jobs and families. Hubbard’s own words in 1955 set the tone: “The law can be used very easily to harass… If possible, of course, ruin [the enemy] utterly.” . This instruction (from Manual on Dissemination of Material) shows that abusing legal and extralegal means to destroy opponents was baked into Scientology from early on. High-profile examples of Fair Game include the relentless hounding of journalist Paulette Cooper in the 1970s (Scientology operatives framed her for bomb threats in “Operation Freakout”) and private investigators tailing ex-Scientologist activists in more recent years. The “Fair Game” doctrine is a hallmark of Scientology’s cultic behavior, as legitimate religions generally do not encourage followers to lie to, trick, or harm those who leave or criticize. The existence of this written policy, confirmed in court exhibits, has been hugely damaging to Scientology’s reputation . It demonstrates that Hubbard’s organization considers itself above conventional morality and law when dealing with enemies – reinforcing the view that Scientology can be a menacing, extremist cult rather than a benign church.

Safe Pointing – Alongside aggressive tactics, Hubbard also instructed covert public relations strategies known as “Safe Pointing.” This doctrine appears in Hubbard’s PR Series Policy Letters (e.g. HCO PL 1 April 1982, “The Safe Point”). Safe pointing means quietly establishing influence and goodwill in a community so Scientology can operate without opposition. Hubbard wrote: “The most important action to undertake when going about making a safe point is to carefully and painstakingly find out who exactly are the top dogs in the area in financial and political circles… and to what each one is hostile.” . In other words, Scientology should map out the local power structure – the wealthy, the officials, the opinion leaders – and learn their sensitivities. Hubbard continues that merely a few “allies” is not enough: “Viability depends on having all areas and persons who could affect or influence the operation under PR control. Most important are the groups who… are the key, real powers in an area.” . The policy bluntly says to bring those powerful people under Scientology’s PR control. Practically, this means cozying up to politicians, donating to charities, holding “open house” events for community leaders – anything to create the image of Scientology as a positive, indispensable part of the community. “One must learn carefully his Ps and Qs with regard to these people and take care not to step on their toes… This data must be learned and USED.” Hubbard emphasized . Only after “safe pointing” an area should Scientology expand there. The goal is to neutralize potential enemies before they even manifest, by making influential locals into friends or at least non-threats. Internally, this is seen as creating a “safe environment” (safe point) from which the org can then disseminate Scientology freely. Critics point out this often leads to deception – front groups and “good works” are employed to win trust (e.g. anti-drug programs, literacy campaigns) while hiding the Scientology agenda. Safe Pointing illustrates the cult-like cunning in Scientology’s expansion: rather than transparency, it uses infiltration and manipulation of opinion. By ingratiating itself with “top dogs” and flying under the radar, Scientology seeks to eliminate criticism or scrutiny preemptively. This calculated strategy is a Hubbard-dictated policy , and has been observed in actions like the Church’s attempts to charm local police and politicians in Clearwater, Florida in the 1970s, or more recently, partnering with community centers via front groups. It’s essentially a soft-power complement to Fair Game – where Fair Game targets outspoken enemies, Safe Pointing aims to ensure those with power never become enemies. Together, they highlight how Scientology operates more like an intelligence agency than a religion, concerned with “controlling the environment” to safeguard the cult.

Enemies (Suppressive Persons) – Hubbard’s doctrine defines certain people as enemies who can be treated without mercy. He labeled critics, defectors, and even governments that oppose Scientology as “Suppressive Persons” (SPs) or Suppressive Groups. In policy, he equated an SP to a criminal or insane individual who seeks to undermine all that is good (i.e., Scientology). The language Hubbard used is extreme: such enemies are “fair game” (as described above) and losing one’s status as a normal human in the eyes of Scientologists. Hubbard gave explicit instructions on dealing with critics in the 1960s: “This is the correct procedure: 1. Spot who is attacking us. 2. Start investigating them promptly for FELONIES or worse… 3. Start feeding lurid, blood-sex-crime actual evidence on the attackers to the press… Don’t ever tamely submit… Make it rough, rough on attackers all the way.” . This playbook (from HCO Policy Letter “Attacks on Scientology,” 25 Feb 1966) shows how any opponent is to be treated as an enemy combatant, to be harassed and publicly smeared. Hubbard also encouraged using the law as a weapon: “The purpose of the suit is to harass and discourage rather than to win. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly.” . In his view, an enemy of Scientology deserved no fairness. This created an atmosphere of fear: members know that leaving or speaking out will make them “fair game” for ruthless retaliation. David Miscavige has continued this stance, referring to dissenters as “criminals” and overseeing campaigns against them (e.g., private investigator surveillance, creating hate websites, etc.). Moreover, Hubbard indoctrinated members to believe that anyone opposing Scientology is by definition evil or psychotic. This black-and-white thinking is typical of cults: it isolates the group from criticism (since critics are painted as morally bad) and justifies any abuse against outsiders. For example, in one policy Hubbard mused that normal justice does not apply to SPs because they are not really people – “people from 2.0 down have no traffic with reason”, so one must either reform them or “dispose of them quietly” . This dehumanizing attitude is frightening. Indeed, the FBI in its investigations of Scientology (such as the Snow White case) noted the organization’s “machine mentality” toward enemies. In summary, Hubbard established an explicit doctrine of enmity: a polarized world of Scientology vs. everyone else, wherein enemies are to be attacked, defamed, and destroyed as a sacred duty. This policy has led to countless court cases and horror stories, cementing Scientology’s reputation as a group that will stop at nothing to silence its critics.

Niacin (Purification Rundown) – Scientology promotes bizarre medical claims, particularly regarding niacin (vitamin B3), which Hubbard touted as a near-miraculous detoxifier. In the 1970s, Hubbard developed the “Purification Rundown,” a regime of extreme sauna sweating and massive doses of vitamins (especially niacin) to purportedly flush out drugs and radiation from the body. This program is still used today in the Church and its front groups (e.g. Narconon). Hubbard’s assertions about niacin are highly unorthodox and widely criticized by medical professionals. As far back as the 1950s, he was pushing a niacin-based formula called “Dianazene.” He claimed: “Dianazene runs out radiation – or what appears to be radiation. It also proofs a person against radiation to some degree. It also turns on and runs out incipient cancer.” . This quote from All About Radiation (1957) shows Hubbard blatantly suggesting that niacin and vitamins can cure radiation poisoning and even cancer! There is no scientific basis for such statements – indeed they are dangerous nonsense. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1958 seized thousands of Dianazene tablets as misbranded, because Hubbard was marketing them with these false medical claims . Undeterred, Hubbard expanded on the idea, theorizing that toxins and even nuclear radiation “lodge” in fat cells and can be sweated out with high niacin doses creating a flush reaction. He wrote elaborate (and scientifically baseless) explanations for how niacin purportedly breaks up “radiation deposits” in tissues. One Hubbard bulletin insists niacin causes a visual phenomenon of “sunburn” replay – “running out” past radiation exposure, which is actually just the common niacin flush effect. Despite medical experts warning that the Purification Rundown is at best unproven and at worst harmful (people have suffered liver damage, heatstroke, etc.), Scientology holds niacin as a cure-all. They require members to undergo the Purif (sometimes taking 5,000 mg of niacin daily – dozens of times the recommended limit) and credit Hubbard with saving lives. Scientology’s Narconon rehab centers also mega-dose clients with niacin, claiming it cures addiction by detoxifying drugs – a claim not supported by mainstream addiction medicine. The absurdity of Hubbard’s niacin doctrine is often highlighted by critics to illustrate Scientology’s pseudoscience. For example, Dr. David Touretzky quipped that according to Hubbard, “radiation can be sweated out like cholesterol”, which is utterly ridiculous to medical science. Yet within Scientology, Hubbard’s niacin theories are unquestionable truth, demonstrating the cultic blind faith in his pronouncements. Scientologists will consume potentially dangerous levels of niacin and sit in saunas for hours (risking dehydration or worse) because Hubbard said it “purifies” them. This is a concrete case where Hubbard’s quackery could and did endanger health. It underscores the cult-like rejection of conventional science in favor of Hubbard’s authoritative but erroneous “tech.”

Death: Scientology downplays the finality of death, sometimes with dangerously negligent consequences. Hubbard taught that a person is an immortal thetan (spirit) who will simply pick up a new body after “dropping” the current one, which can foster a cavalier attitude toward death and medical care. In one notorious “processing” suggestion, Hubbard introduced “R2-45” – a code for shooting a person with a .45 pistol – as an effective method of “exteriorization” (freeing the thetan from the body) . He half-jokingly noted society frowns on its use “at this time,” but the mere suggestion that a bullet to the head is a legitimate spiritual procedure is deeply disturbing . Moreover, Scientology’s intense anti-psychiatry stance has led to tragedies. The 1995 Lisa McPherson case is a grim example: McPherson, a devoted Scientologist, suffered a mental breakdown and was put on an “Introspection Rundown” (isolation with only Scientology methods) instead of receiving psychiatric or medical help. After 17 days in confinement at the Clearwater church facility, she died of dehydration and severe neglect . In another case, longtime Scientologist Elli Perkins tried to treat her schizophrenic son with vitamins per church teachings. Her refusal to allow psychiatric care ended in horror: in 2003 her son, in a psychotic state, stabbed her to death . Investigations revealed that Elli had been taught to view psychiatry as evil and had been discouraged by the church from seeking outside help . These incidents show how Scientology’s doctrines regarding death and mental illness – viewing physical death as insignificant and psychiatric intervention as taboo – can lead to fatal outcomes. Rather than seeing death as a loss, Hubbard wrote that suppressive enemies who oppose Scientology inevitably “wind up dead” due to their own misdeeds , reinforcing a mindset that death is just a consequence or stepping stone in Scientology’s cosmology. This approach to mortality, prioritizing dogma over basic compassion or safety, underscores the cult-like elevation of doctrine above human life.

Honesty and Integrity: Despite frequently touting “integrity” as a virtue, Scientology’s policies encourage deception if it serves the organization’s interests. Hubbard explicitly prioritized the “greatest good for the greatest number of dynamics” – a utilitarian code often interpreted to mean that lying or misconduct is justified if it benefits Scientology . In a Hubbard policy for the Guardian’s Office (the church’s intelligence arm), he lists bribery, theft, and blackmail as acceptable means of gathering information . He then makes clear that Scientology’s ethics supersede “wog law” (non-Scientologist society’s law) and that transgressions of those laws are sanctioned if done for the cause . One Hubbard quote drives this home: “THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CONTROL PEOPLE IS TO LIE TO THEM.” . Accordingly, Scientologists (especially staff operatives) are schooled in deceit. A secret drill called “Intelligence Specialist Training Routine – TR-L” literally trains members “to outflow false data effectively,” i.e. to lie convincingly under pressure . Graduates of TR-L can baldly deny truths or spread misinformation without flinching – a skill ex-members say is used to mislead authorities and outsiders. The church’s notorious Fair Game policy (issued by Hubbard in 1967) likewise gave license to deceit: enemies “may be tricked, sued, lied to or destroyed” with no repercussions . This doctrinal contempt for ordinary honesty has been borne out in practice, from the false front groups and cover stories Scientology uses, to high-profile denials later proven false. For example, in the 1970s when Hubbard’s agents were caught infiltrating the government, the church initially lied extensively to investigators about any wrongdoing . Far from valuing transparency, Scientology teaches that integrity means loyalty to the church above all. Telling the truth is secondary, and indeed “acceptable truth” (a partial truth that misleads) is a concept in Scientology PR strategy. These teachings and actions paint a picture of an organization that, contrary to its claims of promoting personal integrity, systematically erodes honest behavior in favor of protecting the cult’s image and power.

Euthanasia: One of Hubbard’s most chilling doctrinal pronouncements concerns the fate of those he considered irredeemable on Scientology’s scale of spiritual worth. In Science of Survival (1951), Hubbard writes that people low on the “Tone Scale” (below 2.0) – whom he associated with criminality, perversion, and insanity – should be disposed of quietly and without sorrow if they cannot be raised to a higher level . He states: “There are only two answers for the handling of people from 2.0 down on the Tone Scale… The first is to try to raise them up somewhat. The other is to dispose of them quietly and without sorrow.” . This is essentially an endorsement of covert euthanasia or even genocide against a segment of humanity Hubbard deemed undesirable. He went on to argue that removing all such “low-toned” individuals from society would result in an “instant rise” in social health and culture . To illustrate, Hubbard approvingly cited a historical anecdote in which a Venezuelan ruler eradicated beggars: “By the simple expedient of collecting and destroying all the beggars in Venezuela an end was put to leprosy in that country.” . The implication was that a benevolent regime might need to exterminate society’s perceived dregs to achieve social improvement. Such rhetoric is profoundly disturbing – effectively Hubbard flirted with eugenics and justified murder for the “greater good.” Scientology officials today downplay these passages, but they remain part of Hubbard’s published works. Moreover, ex-members note that this callous philosophy trickles into how the church treats those who are ill or aging: rather than care for them, the organization often shuns members who are no longer “productive.” In fact, elderly or sick Sea Org members have been offloaded to die elsewhere so as not to be a burden (a practice some former insiders liken to Hubbard’s “dispose of quietly” mandate put into action). This extreme lack of compassion – effectively viewing certain lives as without value – highlights the cult-like way Scientology places its ideology above basic human dignity .

Immigrants and Immigration Policies: Although Scientology claims to be apolitical, it has exploited immigration systems to its benefit while treating foreign recruits inhumanely. In recent investigative reporting, it was revealed that the Church of Scientology recruited thousands of foreigners on R-1 “religious worker” visas over decades, only to assign them manual labor and menial jobs with scant pay . Workers from Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia were lured with promises of religious service, then compelled to work in conditions described as quasi-slave labor – cleaning dumpsters, construction, landscaping, etc., often 100+ hours a week for as little as $10–$50 weekly . These immigrant staff, many in the Sea Org, had their passports confiscated and movement restricted; the threat of sudden deportation hung over anyone who complained. Former members report that Scientology leadership became heavily reliant on this steady influx of foreign labor to run its operations in the U.S., essentially gaming the visa system . An exposé in Documented NY concluded the church’s use of religious visas “unmasked decades of nearly unpaid immigrant labor” and likely constituted fraud, according to legal experts . In terms of doctrine, Hubbard himself had made xenophobic remarks – for instance disparaging the people of Asia as having “reached the lowest states of degradation” and needing Scientology’s salvation – reflecting a colonial attitude toward other cultures. Scientology’s overarching goal to “Clear the Planet” (i.e., spread Scientology everywhere) has at times led it to disregard national laws and boundaries. In the 1970s, Hubbard’s operations went so far as to infiltrate government agencies of multiple countries (Operation Snow White) to purge negative records . Such actions show a pattern of seeking to infiltrate or manipulate sovereign systems for the cult’s ends. While not a traditional stance on immigration policy, Scientology’s behavior reveals a willingness to abuse immigration channels for manpower and an implicit view that secular laws (immigration or labor laws) don’t apply to them. This hypocritical exploitation of immigrants – using their labor while denying them basic rights and freedoms – has been likened to human trafficking in ongoing lawsuits , underscoring the cult-like disregard for individual welfare in favor of the organization’s growth.

Respect and Sovereignty: Scientology has a long record of refusing to respect the authority of governments, laws, or any entity outside its control. Hubbard taught that Scientology’s own “ethics” were superior to the laws of the land – dismissively calling non-Scientologist authorities “wog law” – and insisted that the church must answer only to itself . An internal briefing declared that Scientologists constitute an elite and “the Scientology system of ethics…is superior to any system of ‘wog’ law”, thus transgressions of wog law necessary to further Scientology are acceptable . This philosophy of self-proclaimed sovereignty led to Scientology effectively waging war on various governments. Most infamously, in the 1970s Hubbard launched Operation Snow White, a massive covert operation to infiltrate and steal files from at least 136 government agencies in countries around the world (including the U.S., Canada, and UK) . Up to 5,000 Scientologists acted as double agents, in what the DOJ called “the largest known infiltration of the U.S. government in history.” Hubbard’s wife and 10 other top officials ended up convicted for these crimes . Rather than accept the sovereignty of nations, Hubbard believed Scientology had the right to subvert any government that impeded it. He even ascribed Scientology’s troubles to a grand conspiracy, claiming (without evidence) that a cabal of 12 international bankers and psychiatrists were plotting to undermine Scientology . Thus, Hubbard instilled a siege mentality and lack of respect for any external authority. Current leader David Miscavige has continued this posture, aggressively invoking religious freedom to shield the organization from scrutiny while vilifying government agencies (like the IRS and FBI) as persecutors . When faced with court orders or law enforcement, Scientology often responds not with compliance but with obstruction, hiring teams of lawyers to challenge jurisdiction and insisting that civil authorities “do not understand our ecclesiastical processes.” This was evident in recent cases where the church argued that all disputes (even criminal allegations) must be handled by its internal arbitration, not courts . In essence, Scientology behaves as a sovereign entity unto itself – a hallmark of cults that set their rules above society’s. Its lack of respect for the sovereignty of families (through disconnection), of nations (through infiltration and non-compliance), and of individual rights highlights how it sees itself as the ultimate authority.

Crime and Law Enforcement: Far from encouraging members to uphold the law, Scientology has a documented history of obstructing justice and enforcing a code of silence about internal crimes. According to Hubbard’s “justice” policies, reporting a fellow Scientologist to outside authorities is itself considered a high crime – an act of treason against the group . The organization teaches that any wrongdoing by a member should be handled internally through Scientology’s Ethics system, never by involving police. One Hubbard policy (written in 1965) explicitly forbids “reporting or threatening to report Scientology or Scientologists to civil authorities” and labels such reporting a suppressive (expulsion-worthy) act . This has led to multiple instances of serious crimes (including sexual assaults) being covered up or ignored within the church. A 2019 lawsuit revealed that a young girl who was molested inside Scientology was punished with manual labor and accused of “pulling in” the abuse, while the predator – a Scientologist teacher – was shielded and never reported to law enforcement . The lawsuit states: “The only answer to crimes committed by church members…is Hubbard’s policy and technology, not law enforcement or the courts.” Phones in Scientology facilities were even programmed to be unable to dial 911 in an effort to keep authorities out . This obstructive stance first came to broad light during the FBI investigations of the 1970s, when agents discovered the extent of Scientology’s internal espionage and document theft. Rather than cooperate, the church fought back with an onslaught of legal motions and by destroying evidence, reflecting Hubbard’s directive to “never fear to hurt another in a just cause” and to use any means necessary against “enemy” investigators . Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs (and previously the Guardian’s Office) has also been known to harass or frame those who attempt to bring crimes to light – for example, private investigators were deployed to intimidate witnesses and critics in cases ranging from the Lisa McPherson death to the Danny Masterson rape allegations. This all stems from Hubbard’s view that secular justice is invalid: only Scientology’s justice matters. Consequently, law enforcement officials often find Scientology to be hostile territory – officers serving warrants at Scientology properties have been met with non-cooperation or coached members reciting scripted refusals. The organization’s penchant for “self-policing” (or more accurately, not policing at all when crimes might generate bad PR) demonstrates a dangerous parallel legal system. By keeping crimes in-house and retaliating against victims who speak out, Scientology’s policies subvert the rule of law and allow criminal behavior to fester under the radar, as long as it’s committed by someone in the cult’s good graces .

Government and Police: Hubbard inculcated in Scientologists an “us vs. them” mentality toward government and law enforcement, viewing them as oppressive forces to be fought. A Hubbard maxim from 1960 was, “Never treat a war like a skirmish. Treat all skirmishes like wars.” – and he declared Scientology was at war with agencies that queried its activities . The church thus takes an adversarial, combative stance toward any perceived external scrutiny. Hubbard told followers regarding those who attack Scientology: “I never forget it; always even the score.” . This vengeful attitude became policy. In practice, Scientology has not “turned the other cheek” when dealing with police, regulators, or governments. Instead, it has deployed aggressive schemes to undermine or intimidate officials. During the 1970s, under Hubbard’s orders, the church ran Operation Snow White to infiltrate the IRS, FBI, DOJ, and foreign governments, stealing documents and eavesdropping to derail investigations . When officials in France, Canada, and Australia pursued fraud charges, Scientology leadership responded with espionage and smear campaigns against those government agents. The Los Angeles Times noted that “Ministers mingle with private detectives” in Scientology, and that “sacred scriptures counsel the virtues of combativeness” toward authorities . For example, Hubbard warned that anyone impeding Scientology (deemed an SP) would attract illness or death – effectively threatening that opposing the church is lethal . Over decades, the church spent millions on litigation and P.I. operations to harass government officials and journalists who investigated it . In one case, Scientology operatives even paid members of the Mafia for forged incriminating evidence to frame the Mayor of Clearwater, Florida (an outspoken critic), though the plot ultimately failed . Such tactics underscore that Scientology views law enforcement and government regulators as enemies to be tricked and fought, not as legitimate authorities. Internally, Hubbard compared Scientology’s struggle to a battlefield; his playbook “Attack the Attacker” became the church’s approach – whether the “attacker” was a police investigation, an FDA raid, or an IRS audit. This combative posture is a hallmark of Scientology’s relations with government: the church reflexively uses lawsuits, propaganda, and covert action to deflect oversight. It insists on its own sovereignty (as noted above) and portrays any legal accountability as religious persecution. Consequently, many outside observers characterize Scientology as having effectively declared war on the rule of law. From Hubbard’s time to today, the organization has treated government and police as adversaries to be outsmarted or overwhelmed, rather than showing any respectful compliance – a stance that has cemented its reputation as a lawless, insular cult .

Love and Relationships: In Scientology, personal relationships are often subject to the control of the church, frequently with destructive effects on families and romantic partners. The most notorious policy is Disconnection, by which members are required to cut all ties with anyone declared a Suppressive Person (an “enemy” of Scientology). This practice has forced countless splits between husbands and wives, parents and children, and lifelong friends. Hubbard instructed that continuing association with a suppressive individual would jeopardize one’s own standing, so spouses have divorced and children have been estranged from their parents under intense pressure from church officials . For example, if one partner in a marriage voices doubts about Scientology or decides to leave the church, the other partner is given a stark choice: disconnect (separate or divorce) or face being labeled suppressive as well. As a result, Scientology has broken up marriages in order to keep one partner loyal to the group. Numerous ex-Scientologists (such as actor Jason Beghe and director Paul Haggis) have spoken publicly about being forced to disconnect from loved ones; even Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of the leader, described how she grew up effectively orphaned in the Sea Org, and later her own parents disconnected from her when she left the church. This level of interference stems from Hubbard’s view that the “dynamics” of family (the 2nd Dynamic) must be subservient to the goals of Scientology. The organization even dictates rules for dating and marriage within its ranks. In the Sea Org, members must obtain permission to marry and can be split up if their union is seen as counterproductive. Women in the Sea Org who became pregnant (desiring a family) were routinely coerced into abortions – indicating that even the decision to have children is overridden by the church’s demands . Reports also exist of arranged relationships: for instance, the church infamously orchestrated the girlfriend “auditions” for Tom Cruise in 2004, essentially playing matchmaker to satisfy a high-profile member, only to later enforce the breakup when the woman displeased leadership . Furthermore, the concept of “Ethics” in Scientology can intrude into the bedroom; members have been punished for infidelity or homosexuality (the latter being considered “perversion” by Hubbard at the 1.1 tone level) unless such issues are handled in auditing. Rather than fostering unconditional love, Scientology teaches that love is conditional upon allegiance to the church. If a conflict arises between the church and a personal relationship, the doctrine requires the relationship be sacrificed. This was illustrated by the heartbreaking account in a 2019 lawsuit of a girl who was sexually abused in Scientology: when she tried to speak out, her own mother, a dedicated Scientologist, disconnected from her in order to stay in good standing with the church . In sum, Scientology’s policies routinely pit loyalty to the organization against family bonds – and typically the organization wins. This systematic undermining of natural love and attachment in favor of cult allegiance is one of the clearest signs of Scientology’s corrosive, controlling influence on members’ private lives.

Poverty and Homelessness: Compassion for the poor or homeless is virtually absent in Scientology doctrine – in fact, Hubbard often viewed people in low economic conditions with contempt. The church operates no soup kitchens, shelters, or meaningful charity for the poor; rather, its resources go toward lucrative programs for those who can pay. Hubbard preached a form of social Darwinism in which “downstats” (people with low income or production) are looked at as responsible for their own plight. In Science of Survival, he suggested that society would be improved by the wholesale elimination of the lowest 20% of people on the Tone Scale . He even gave the shocking example of a ruler who “collected and destroyed all the beggars” to solve disease – implying this as a legitimate solution . Such statements reveal Hubbard’s belief that those who struggle (the beggar, the mentally ill, etc.) are expendable. Scientology’s internal culture reflects this lack of empathy: members are pushed to be “able” and successful, and anyone who is poor is often seen as having ethical or spiritual failures. There is a cynical saying in Scientology: “What did you do to pull that in?” – meaning if someone is destitute or ill, they must have caused it through their own misdeeds. This blame-the-victim mentality results in zero outreach to poverty-stricken communities (aside from recruiting attempts). Indeed, Hubbard’s priority was “to help the able become more able,” not to tend to the downtrodden . The organization’s pricing of services – requiring tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Bridge to Total Freedom – effectively excludes anyone who isn’t relatively wealthy or capable of fundraising large sums. In one policy, Hubbard wrote that those who can’t afford Scientology should be either recruited as staff (to work off their debt) or dismissed; free services are not to be given because, he claimed, “free services wind up being free fall” (implying people won’t value help unless they pay lavishly). As a result, homeless individuals or the very poor are not targeted for salvation in Scientology’s grand plan – they’re mostly ignored or used as PR props during events where Volunteer Ministers hand out booklets. Tellingly, when Hubbard discussed an “ideal society,” he imagined a community entirely without insanity or criminality or poverty. But rather than alleviating poverty through charity, he spoke of eradicating those conditions by removing the people associated with them. This harsh stance was exemplified by Hubbard’s anecdote that a leper beggar problem was solved by extermination, which he cited approvingly . Such rhetoric and lack of humanitarian aid underscore that Scientology, unlike genuine religions or charities, has little concern for alleviating poverty or helping society’s most vulnerable. On the contrary, Hubbard’s writings portray the poor as biologically or spiritually inferior. This elitist, merciless attitude further solidifies Scientology’s reputation as a cult that idolizes wealth and success while scorning compassion for the needy.

Globalism and World Affairs: Rather than engage constructively with world affairs, Scientology presents a fantastical pseudo-history of the planet and seeks global dominance for its own ideology. At the core of Scientology’s secret teachings is a bizarre cosmology: Hubbard claimed that 75 million years ago an alien overlord named Xenu committed genocide on a galactic scale, killing billions of beings on Earth (then called “Teegeeack”) in order to resolve an overpopulation crisis . According to Hubbard’s Operating Thetan Level III materials (leaked in court records), Xenu transported populations from 76 planets to Earth, dropped them into volcanoes and annihilated them with hydrogen bombs, then captured their disembodied souls for electronic “implanting” of false memories . These traumatised alien souls (thetans), Hubbard said, cluster around human beings today, causing spiritual harm until they are cleared by Scientology auditing . This cosmology reads like science fiction – indeed it is often ridiculed as the “Xenu volcano space opera” – but it is presented to Scientologists as literal truth and explains Hubbard’s view of world affairs in a cosmic context. Hubbard even warned that revealing the Xenu story to unprepared people could be deadly (a claim used to justify its secrecy) . The implications are cult-like: Scientology teaches that all of humanity’s problems stem from an ancient extraterrestrial event and only Scientology has the technology to address it. In terms of global ambition, Hubbard unabashedly sought to “Clear the Planet,” effectively aiming for worldwide conversion. He positioned Scientology as the only solution to Earth’s ills – be it war, crime, or illiteracy – dismissing international institutions or other religions as irrelevant. In a 1960s lecture series, he spoke of a “Galactic Federation” and interplanetary civilizations, blending his worldview with outer space narratives . This grandiose framework paints current world events as trivial shadows of a much larger 75-million-year-old struggle. On more earthly global matters, Scientology has often clashed with nations and international bodies. It spent years fighting the governments of France, Germany, and others that labeled it a dangerous cult, rather than reflecting on why multiple countries perceived it as a threat. Hubbard tended to see global affairs through a paranoid lens – e.g. claiming communists and psychiatrists were behind an international plot to sabotage Scientology . Thus, instead of espousing any coherent political or humanitarian stance, Scientology’s “position” on world affairs is essentially that the world must come to accept Scientology or perish. Hubbard once wrote that if Scientology was not heeded, civilization would decay into nuclear war or worse, whereas a Scientology-run world (a “Cleared Planet”) would be free of war, crime, and insanity . This absolutist, utopian rhetoric is characteristic of cults. Finally, Scientology’s space-age mythology extends to an almost apocalyptic view of globalism: Hubbard prophesied that without Scientology, advanced aliens or cosmic forces might destroy humanity again, as in Xenu’s time. In sum, Scientology does not engage with global issues in any conventional sense – it reframes them into its sci-fi/cult narrative, prioritizing spreading its influence everywhere (even “off-world,” one might say) above any genuine global cooperation. This perspective, where worldly institutions are either enemies or targets for conversion, underscores the cult’s isolation from reality and its grandiose global self-importance.

Murder and Violent Crimes: Hubbard’s writings and Scientology’s tactics have implicitly and explicitly condoned violence against those deemed enemies. The Fair Game policy, for instance, stated that a person labeled as an SP (Suppressive Person) “has no rights of any kind”, and that actions taken to destroy them are not punishable within Scientology . This chilling edict essentially gave Scientologists carte blanche to harm ex-members or critics. While the church insists it doesn’t condone physical harm, Hubbard’s own words tell a different story. In 1968, he infamously issued an ethics order (humorously titled “Racket Exposed”) in which he instructed that several dissident members be subjected to “auditing process R2-45” – code for being shot in the head with a .45 pistol . Hubbard had earlier demonstrated this process by firing a gun into the floor during a lecture, to make the point that a thetan could be “exteriorized” via gunshot . Although the church later claimed this was metaphorical, the written order was literal enough that Guardian’s Office staff understood it as authorization to use deadly force. There is no confirmed case of the church outright murdering someone on Hubbard’s orders; however, there have been suspicious deaths and numerous plots to neutralize enemies by any means necessary. In the 1970s, Scientology’s Operation Freakout aimed to have author Paulette Cooper (an outspoken critic) either jailed or driven to suicide – plans included forging bomb threats in her name and considering pushing her off a window ledge . The ruthless mentality behind such operations comes straight from Hubbard’s directives. He taught that enemies could be “destroyed” utterly, and he celebrated violence against traitors. In one policy, he mused that punishments could include being thrown off a boat or put through brutal hard labor, penalties which indeed were practiced in the Sea Org (e.g. the overboardings at sea, and the abusive Rehabilitation Project Force camp for perceived transgressors) . Even Hubbard’s own son, L. Ron Hubbard Jr. (a.k.a. Ron DeWolf), attested in court that his father had contemplated assassination plots and had a list of enemies. Moreover, Scientology’s literature glorifies an almost vigilante ethos – claiming that if the world were “cleared,” crime would be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly by Scientologists. A subtler but insidious effect of Hubbard’s teachings on violence is how they may encourage fanatical members to act out. In 1985, a Scientologist named Gene Denk brutally assaulted a lawyer (bashing his head with a hammer) who was litigating against the church, reportedly justifying it as protecting Dianetics. In 1996, another Scientologist firebombed an IRS building in Los Angeles after years of internal anti-government indoctrination (fortunately no one was killed). While the church officially disavowed these acts, they are consistent with Hubbard’s rhetoric of “we come back fighting” and taking justice into one’s own hands. It’s telling that Hubbard’s own private viewpoints were violent as well: during his turbulent second marriage, he kidnapped his infant daughter and reportedly told his wife he had cut the child into pieces – a cruel lie meant to torment her . Hubbard’s flair for terrorizing those close to him (his wife described years of domestic violence and threats in her divorce filings ) set the tone for a group where fear and the threat of force loomed large. In conclusion, Scientology’s stance on murder and violent crime is not a publicly admitted one – but its foundational texts and secret directives effectively encourage extra-legal violence against those who impede the cult. This embrace of intimidation and potential murder “for the cause” is one of the clearest indicators of Scientology’s dangerous, cult-like nature, placing it far outside the norms of any legitimate religion or philosophy .

Domestic Violence: The Scientology organization not only fails to prevent domestic abuse but, in some cases, has excused or even facilitated it. Hubbard’s personal life provided an ominous template: he engaged in domestic violence against his second wife, Sara Northrup, throughout their marriage. Court documents from Sara’s 1951 divorce describe Hubbard as “paranoid schizophrenic” and detail how he physically assaulted her multiple times, once strangling her until she lost consciousness, and kidnapped their infant daughter Alexis as leverage against Sara . Sara stated Hubbard told her he had “cut Alexis into little pieces” – a menacing psychological torture to control his spouse . She finally fled Hubbard, fearing for her life, and only obtained her freedom after he agreed to divorce (in exchange for her signing a false statement that she had lied about the abuse). Rather than treat these allegations with gravity, the Church of Scientology to this day whitewashes Hubbard’s abuse – at one point even denying Hubbard was ever married to Sara to erase the episode . This historical example set a tone wherein domestic violence is hidden or denied within Scientology. In the Sea Organization, couples live under immense stress, cramped in dorms and working around the clock. Numerous ex-Sea Org members have reported incidents of spousal battery that were handled only by internal Ethics officers, not by any outside authority. The attitude has been that such personal issues are secondary to the “greater good,” and victims often stay silent for fear of punishment or being labeled PTS (a “potential trouble source”). Disturbingly, the 2019 lawsuit in Florida revealed that child sexual abuse within a Scientology family was hushed up by the church for years, demonstrating that even severe domestic crimes (abuse by a family member) were kept in-house to avoid scandal . The victim was a little girl repeatedly molested by her Scientologist “guardian”; when she reported it, church officials did nothing except discipline her for “provoking” it . This shows an institutional failure to protect the vulnerable in domestic settings – indeed, it shows active enabling of the abuser by not reporting him. Additionally, due to the Disconnection policy, someone in an abusive Scientology relationship faces the dilemma that leaving the marriage could mean being declared an SP and losing contact with all their friends and family in the church. This trap can force victims to stay with abusers. There are cases of women who remained in toxic marriages because the alternative – leaving Scientology entirely – was made too frightening. Another dimension is how staff members’ children were treated: many accounts from the Cadet Org (Scientology’s children’s cadre) in the 1970s–80s describe neglect and harsh discipline verging on abuse. Parents, separated from their kids, were told their family attachments were “aberrations,” leading some to essentially abandon their kids to be raised communally with minimal care. The lack of normal parental protection led to physical and sexual abuses in some instances (as detailed by whistleblowers like Jana Moreillon and others in the 1980s). In summary, Scientology’s record on domestic violence is one of silence and suppression: Hubbard’s own abusive behavior was emblematic, and the organization has consistently put its reputation above the safety of spouses and children. By discouraging outside intervention and prioritizing loyalty over wellbeing, Scientology creates an environment where domestic violence can persist unchecked – a stark indicator of its cult-like prioritization of the group over the individual’s most basic rights .

Animals and Their Role in Scientology’s Philosophy: Animals per se are not a major focus in Scientology, but Hubbard’s teachings about living beings extend to some frankly bizarre claims involving animals (and even plants). In Hubbard’s cosmology, humans supposedly pass through earlier evolutionary stages in past lives, and traumas from those animal lifetimes still affect us. For example, in his 1952 book Scientology: A History of Man, Hubbard asserts that one of the “key incidents” on the wholetrack is the experience of being a “Clam.” According to Hubbard, early in Earth’s history there was a clam-like creature with a hinge problem – one shell wanted to open, the other to close – that led to great agony. He wrote that the hinges of this clam later evolved into the human jaw, and that this ancient trauma is the hidden cause of modern jaw pain, dental trouble, and even a fear of dentists . Hubbard warned auditors that merely mentioning the clam incident to a person could restimulate a subconscious memory of having been a clam and cause the person to clutch their jaw in pain or even “not be able to use his jaws for three days.” He seriously advised that describing “the poor clam” could induce temporary paralysis of the jaw in the uninitiated. Such claims have been widely mocked (this is the origin of the nickname “Clams” for Scientologists, used by skeptics), yet they are presented in Hubbard’s book as scientific truth. Hubbard similarly described other evolutionary “implants,” like the “Weeper” (an oyster-like creature that moaned) and even attributed human problems like indecision to incidents of being a barnacle popping off rocks due to heat . These fantastical animal past-life narratives highlight the sci-fi absurdity in Scientology’s doctrine. Additionally, Hubbard conducted quack experiments on plants and animals that demonstrate the pseudoscientific mindset. In 1968, he used the Scientology E-meter (a crude lie detector) on tomatoes, announcing that he had discovered that “tomatoes scream when sliced.” A contemporary account in LIFE magazine captured Hubbard’s eccentric experiment: “L. Ron Hubbard uses his Hubbard Electrometer to determine whether tomatoes experience pain… his work led him to the conclusion that tomatoes ‘scream’ when sliced.” . A photograph shows Hubbard jabbing a nail into a tomato attached to the E-meter. This anecdote – Hubbard musing that vegetables feel agony – is often cited as evidence of his dubious scientific rigor (or lack thereof). With regards to animals, Hubbard did occasionally mention pets or creatures in his lectures, sometimes crediting them with perceptiveness (he once said dogs are good at spotting “Suppressive Persons”). But more often, animals figured as test subjects or metaphors. Hubbard wrote in Scientology 8-8008 that one could even audit an animal’s “genetic entity” to heal it, and some Scientologists have tried “assist” techniques on pets. There’s also the troubling fact that Hubbard’s xenophobic statements dehumanized people by calling them “walking horses” or “gorillas” if they weren’t enlightened – revealing a certain contempt that blurs the line between how he viewed non-Scientologist humans and animals. In Scientology’s ethics doctrine, hurting a person lower on the tone scale was sometimes analogized to putting down a mad dog – an acceptable act. In summary, animals in Scientology serve as part of Hubbard’s odd cosmology (humans supposedly carrying engrams from clams, sloths, etc.), and as props in his “research.” The notion that your migraine might come from being a tortured clam in a past life is as absurd as it sounds, yet it’s laid out in church materials . Such teachings contribute to the view of Scientology as a far-fetched, pseudo-scientific cult. And Hubbard’s claim about screaming tomatoes – implying even plants feel pain – shows the extent to which Scientology’s founder would depart from reality and scientific consensus, reinforcing the organization’s reputation for bizarre, unfounded beliefs .

• Trauma: Scientology teaches a pseudoscientific approach to trauma that often blames the victim and rejects conventional care. Hubbard’s Dianetics posits that all psychological pain and neuroses stem from hidden “engrams” (recordings of traumatic moments, including those experienced in the womb or in past lives). He was obsessed with the idea that mothers create trauma: he claimed that pregnant women commonly attempt self-abortions, curse their fetuses, have illicit sex, or otherwise harm the unborn child, thereby implanting engrams that “cause [the child] to be messed up throughout adult life” unless erased by Dianetics  . For example, Hubbard wrote that if a mother had morning sickness or a quarrel during pregnancy, the baby would grow up with irrational fears or illnesses – all due to those prenatal engrams. Scientology’s solution is not therapy or empathy, but intensive “auditing” to force the individual to re-experience and thus neutralize each traumatic memory. The organization explicitly rejects psychiatry or counseling for trauma; Hubbard vilified those fields as evil (calling psychiatrists “psychos” and “butchers”). In one infamous case, a Scientologist named Lisa McPherson suffered a mental breakdown (likely trauma-induced) and was put on the church’s Introspection Rundown – a program of isolation intended to deal with psychotic episodes. Lisa was confined in a room for 17 days, denied proper medical care, and became severely dehydrated; she died under Scientology’s watch in 1995  . The McPherson tragedy and others like it illustrate how Scientology’s doctrines handle trauma in a dangerous, cult-like manner: by imposing Hubbard’s quack methods and shunning professional help, even when members are at risk of self-harm or psychosis.

• Corporal Punishment: Disciplinary brutality is well-documented in Scientology’s history, despite the church’s claims of promoting non-violence. Under Hubbard’s leadership in the late 1960s, the Sea Organization (Sea Org) enforced physical punishments that can only be described as cruel. Multiple crew members attest that Hubbard ordered people – including children as young as 5 – to be locked in the ship’s chain locker (a dark, dangerous compartment with the anchor chain) for days at a time as punishment  . Kima Douglas, one of Hubbard’s aides, recalled that “children were put in there and kept overnight” with only a bucket for a toilet . Another Sea Org veteran, David Mayo, described how a woman was imprisoned in the chain locker for a week, emerging “filthy, covered with dirt and rust” when Hubbard brought her out briefly during his birthday party – only to send her back in after humiliating her before the crew . Hubbard also devised other forms of corporal punishment and public degradation: on the ship Apollo, he once made an older staff member push a peanut around the decks with his nose while the entire crew was forced to watch, turning the man’s face into a bloody mess . Such abuse was intended to instill terror and obedience. In the Hubbard era, offenders (even children) could also be thrown overboard from the ship (an act called “overboarding”) as a scare tactic  . Under current leader David Miscavige, this violent ethos continued – high-ranking defectors report that Miscavige frequently slapped, punched, and beat staff who displeased him. In one incident in 2004, Miscavige suddenly slapped a Scientology manager, threw him to the ground, and delivered multiple blows in front of dozens of others, who stayed silent out of fear . This was not an isolated case: a 2009 Tampa Bay Times investigation collected accounts from numerous former executives who said Miscavige “enforces loyalty with beatings and bullying”  . The persistence of physical abuse at the highest levels of Scientology underscores its cult-like climate of fear and the lack of basic human rights for members.

• Humility: Scientology does not promote humility; on the contrary, Hubbard and his teachings exude arrogance and a grandiose self-importance. Hubbard declared himself the singular authority on the mind and spirit, often boasting that he alone had uncovered truths that eluded “lesser” minds. In his policy letter Keeping Scientology Working, he flatly wrote, “We will not speculate here on… how I came to rise above the bank.”  (“the bank” meaning the reactive mind). In effect, he claimed to have transcended normal human fallibilities, a boast that faithful Scientologists are expected to accept without question. Hubbard frequently emphasized that Scientology is the only workable path and that any failure of the tech is the student’s fault, never the tech’s – reinforcing an attitude that the movement is infallible. The culture this breeds in members is one of elitism rather than humility: they consider themselves “at cause” over life, possessing superior knowledge in a world of ignorant “wogs.” Hubbard’s Code of Honor explicitly instructs followers to “Never need praise, approval or sympathy” and “Never fear to hurt another in a just cause,” reflecting a philosophy that elevates steadfast adherence to Scientology above meek virtues like modesty or compassion for outsiders  . Former insiders note that admitting error or weakness is frowned upon in Scientology – doing so would imply the tech might be insufficient. Even current leader Miscavige exemplifies the lack of humility: he is heralded in church publications as an infallible visionary continuing Hubbard’s work, and he has never acknowledged or apologized for the abuses under his regime. In short, the doctrine and culture of Scientology encourage a kind of fanatic pride (even a superiority complex) in members, viewing humility as a weakness that would undermine their “cause.” This stance further solidifies its image as a cult that believes it’s above the norms and ethics that govern mere “humans.”

• Communism: Hubbard was virulently anti-Communist and often painted communism as a great evil – yet he also distrusted all government economic systems. In the 1960s he wrote: “Capitalism, communism and socialism all wind up with man in the same situation — owned body and soul by the State.” . Hubbard saw communism and socialism as authoritarian threats to individual freedom (a supreme irony, given Scientology’s own authoritarian structure). In the 1950s, during the height of the Cold War, Hubbard tried to leverage anti-communist sentiment to Scientology’s advantage. He secretly authored a pamphlet titled “Brain-Washing: A Russian Textbook on Psychopolitics,” which he falsely presented as a Soviet Communist manual for subverting the West  . This fake “Russian textbook” claimed communists were using psychiatry to undermine American society – clearly an attempt by Hubbard to discredit psychiatry (his nemesis) by linking it to communist brainwashing. In private, Hubbard’s paranoia ran deep: he saw communist agents behind many of his critics. He instructed Scientology’s Guardians Office to monitor government “Red influence,” and for a time the church labeled external foes “Communists” as a smear. For example, Hubbard once described an imagined conspiracy of a “hidden government… that aspired to world domination,” claiming “Psychiatry is the dominating force behind this sinister institution” in league with communists . Scientology doctrine thus frames communism as part of an “evil” triad (with psychiatry and secular government) that seeks to enslave mankind. Notably, Hubbard’s fixation on communism even extended to blaming societal ills on Karl Marx in Science of Survival, where he said Marx’s communist theories were drawn from the mind of a repressed sexual “pervert” (a bizarre personal attack Hubbard makes with no evidence). Overall, the church’s foundational texts portray communism in an entirely negative, conspiratorial light. This entrenched anti-communism remains ingrained in Scientology’s worldview, even as the church in practice will cozy up to any regime (even communist ones) if it thinks it can gain a foothold. The stance is less a thoughtful political position and more an all-purpose boogeyman Hubbard invoked to rally members against perceived “dark forces.”

• Socialism: As the quote above indicates, Hubbard lumped socialism with communism as systems that reduce individual liberty. He warned that any form of robust state control over the individual – whether communist or socialist – was ultimately an enemy of Scientology. In a 1966 issue of the church’s Freedom Magazine, Hubbard wrote that socialism, like communism, ends with man “owned… by the State” . He saw no real distinction between socialist policies and outright communism; to Hubbard, socialists were just communists in disguise. This extreme stance likely stemmed from Hubbard’s fierce anti-government streak. He railed against social welfare programs and taxation (Scientology itself fought for years to avoid taxes by claiming religious status). The organization’s teachings hold that individuals are wholly responsible for their condition, rejecting the socialist idea of collective responsibility or safety nets. Additionally, Hubbard viewed any government regulation as a threat – for instance, when countries in Europe considered regulating Scientology in the 1960s, he decried them as socialist or totalitarian regimes trying to crush religious freedom. Internally, Hubbard’s policies forbade Scientologists from accepting government aid or charity, and the group opposed programs like public mental health services (preferring their own practices instead). Interestingly, even though Hubbard denounced socialism in theory, the actual structure of Scientology is very collectivist (Sea Org members live communally, own no property, and work as directed for a supposed greater good). Critics often highlight this hypocrisy: Hubbard feared “socialism” outside, yet created a micro-society in Scientology that demands socialist-like self-sacrifice (albeit under an autocratic leader rather than a democratic state). In summary, Scientology’s doctrine is stridently anti-socialist, equating it with a loss of freedom and using it as a catch-all pejorative – reinforcing the cult’s narrative that only Scientology can bring true freedom, whereas any government-led social system leads to spiritual imprisonment.

• Capitalism: Despite operating a hugely profitable enterprise, Scientology under Hubbard expressed cynicism about capitalism as commonly practiced. Hubbard felt that unfettered capitalism could become just as controlling as communism. As noted, he claimed all “isms” – capitalism included – result in the individual being owned “body and soul” by some external authority . In the Freedom Magazine article “Economics” (1966), Hubbard suggested that both East and West had it wrong: in his view, capitalism and socialism were merely two sides of the same oppressive coin . This likely reflected Hubbard’s belief that only Scientology’s system was truly pro-individual. Indeed, Hubbard was wary of big business almost as much as big government; he spoke of a “World Bank conspiracy” at times and criticized materialism. However, this theoretical position didn’t stop Scientology from aggressively pursuing money. Hubbard famously wrote policies on “Make Money, Make More Money” and described the selling of auditing and training as a religious commerce. He instructed franchises to squeeze maximum profit from members (“always charge enough and make them pay” was an HCO Policy Letter mantra). The church’s pricing of courses and counseling – often tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars – reflects a hyper-capitalistic drive. When questioned on this contradiction, Scientology officials claim their form of capitalism is ethical since it’s “exchange for value” (spiritual salvation), whereas government or corporate control is not. Hubbard himself lived lavishly off Scientology’s proceeds while condemning the “greed” of bankers and capitalists outside his sphere. He once mused that starting a religion was the best way to make a million dollars, well before he founded Scientology  . In practice, Scientology embraces capitalist tactics (marketing, high-pressure sales, accumulation of property), but doctrinally it distrusts secular capitalism as just another system that could challenge its influence. Thus, Hubbard’s position on capitalism was paradoxical – disparaging the capitalist State as a potential “enslaver,” even as he built a lucrative empire by exploiting capitalist freedoms. It highlights again that Scientology’s ultimate allegiance is neither left nor right economics, but only to its own expansion and power.

• Sacrifice: Total sacrifice to the cause is expected of Scientologists, especially those in the Sea Org, and the church’s writings praise such commitment while condemning personal attachments as “selfish.” Members are taught that this lifetime is insignificant compared to the eternity Scientology promises. Thus, Hubbard had Sea Org recruits sign a billion-year contract, symbolizing they will sacrifice life after life “for the next billion years” in service of Scientology’s mission. In practice, this has meant extraordinary personal sacrifices. Family, education, and health are all secondary to advancing the church. An investigative report found that Sea Org women who became pregnant were coerced into having abortions so they could remain on duty, since raising a family would interfere with their service  . At least a dozen ex-Sea Org women (some mere teenagers at the time) have testified that they were pressured by superiors to abort pregnancies they wanted, being told that having a child was “out-ethics” and a betrayal of the group  . They were warned that refusing would result in punishment or expulsion. One former member said staying and terminating her pregnancy “affirmed one’s commitment to the all-important work of saving the planet” . This exemplifies how Scientology equates personal sacrifice with virtue. Hubbard’s Code of Honor states “Your self-determinism and your honor are more important than your immediate life” – essentially, one’s spiritual duty (to Scientology) matters more than one’s own survival. Sea Org members endure grueling 100-hour work weeks, sleep deprivation, and subsistence living conditions for as little as $50 a week or less, all justified by the idea of “saving mankind.” The culture venerates those who give up everything for Scientology’s expansion. Conversely, if a member prioritizes their own needs – whether it be a relationship, personal ambition, or even medical care – they are accused of selfishness or “counter-intention.” Hubbard derided the concept of selfless sacrifice for anyone outside Scientology, yet demanded absolute sacrifice within it. The result is a classic cult environment: devotees surrender their time, money, careers, and even their bodies (in the case of forced abortions and neglecting health) for the supposed greater good defined by the church. Such expectations of sacrifice, pushed to extreme lengths, underscore Scientology’s view that the individual must be subservient to the organization’s demands at all times.

• Human Trafficking: The conditions inside Scientology’s Sea Org have led courts and experts to label them as human trafficking and forced labor. In April 2022, three former Scientologists filed a federal lawsuit under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, detailing how they were recruited as children, kept isolated, and forced into years of unpaid labor under threat of punishment  . They claim children as young as 10 years old were made to work around the clock – cleaning, doing construction, cooking, etc. – instead of going to school, all to benefit the church  . According to the lawsuit and other affidavits, minors in the Sea Org are indoctrinated to believe they cannot leave – those who attempt escape are chased down, and told they will face terrible fates (even “death by pneumonia” in one infamous Hubbard policy) if they flee. One plaintiff described being made to sign a “billion-year contract” at 6 years old and thereafter working 14+ hour days for little or no pay, with sleep deprivation and regular verbal and physical abuse as a control mechanism . The Freewinds, Scientology’s cruise ship, has been singled out as a site of particular abuse – young crew were held there with no easy means of escape, doing menial labor in engine rooms and kitchens 7 days a week  . Internal disciplinary camps like the Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF) are another aspect of this system, where Sea Org members who break rules are sent for even more extreme forced labor and re-education under guard . In 2009, the FBI reportedly opened an investigation into Scientology for human trafficking after numerous ex-members came forward with accounts of virtual imprisonment and forced labor, though no charges were filed at that time  . Former Sea Org member Janis Gillham Grady said, “We were virtual slaves” from childhood, describing how her passport was confiscated, movements controlled, and any dissent met with brutal retaliation. Scientology vehemently denies these allegations, but the consistency of accounts from many defectors – across different continents and decades – is compelling. The picture that emerges is of a highly controlled labor force, fitting the definition of human trafficking: “one person controlling another… exploiting them economically, paying them absolutely nothing” and making it so “a person can’t walk away”  . These troubling practices highlight the cult-like enslavement at the core of Scientology’s Sea Org, belying the church’s public claims about “volunteer ministers” and religious dedication.

• Suicide: Scientology publicly claims to oppose suicide, but its teachings and actions around this issue are deeply problematic. Perhaps the most telling incident is the suicide of Hubbard’s own son, Quentin Hubbard, in 1976. Quentin was a high-level Scientologist (an OT and Class XII auditor) who was also reportedly struggling with his sexual identity. He was found in a coma from an apparent suicide attempt (carbon monoxide poisoning) and died days later. L. Ron Hubbard’s reaction to learning of his son’s attempt was one of rage and blame – “That stupid fucking kid! Look what he’s done to me!” he shouted, furious that Quentin’s act would reflect badly on him  . This chilling response (witnessed and later recounted by Hubbard’s aides) highlights a lack of empathy or understanding; Hubbard saw his son’s death as a personal affront rather than a tragedy. In general, Scientology portrays suicide as a failure or “counter-intention” rather than approaching it with compassion. The doctrine holds that a being is immortal and will simply pick up a new body if they die – potentially encouraging a cavalier attitude toward one’s own life. Moreover, Scientology vehemently discourages members from seeking mental health care or psychiatric medication, even in cases of severe depression or suicidal ideation. This has had dire consequences. A notorious case is that of Elli Perkins, a devoted Scientologist in New York whose adult son Jeremy suffered from schizophrenia. Following church teaching, she refused to get him psychiatric treatment and tried to handle him with vitamins and auditing. Jeremy’s condition deteriorated; he grew paranoid and in 2003, in a psychotic state, he stabbed his mother to death (after an earlier suicide attempt)  . Media reports and a court found that Scientology’s anti-psychiatry stance played a major role in this murder – essentially a suicide turned outward – and that Elli herself was a victim of that policy  . There have been other suicides connected to Scientology pressures: members who couldn’t bear the heavy demands or the shunning through disconnection. The cult’s response is typically to cover it up or deny any role. Rather than provide genuine counseling for suicidal individuals, the church subjects them to internal “ethics” handling or isolation (as in the Introspection Rundown for perceived psychotic behavior). This was the case with Lisa McPherson, who, while not suicidal per se, had a mental breakdown and was isolated until she died – a fate some experts say could befall other suicidal members kept away from professional help  . In summary, Scientology’s position on suicide is deeply troubling: its dogma prevents proper mental health intervention, blames the person for “pulling in” their misery, and even views the act as a betrayal of the group. This has resulted in preventable deaths and is a stark indicator of the organization’s cult-like prioritization of ideology over human life.

• Education: Scientology has its own “educational” doctrines, and Hubbard’s positions on education are unorthodox and considered harmful by many educators. He developed what is called Study Technology, used in Scientology courses and pushed via front groups into schools. Study Tech emphasizes strict Hubbard methods: students must painstakingly define every word, use clay models to demonstrate concepts, and never advance past a misunderstood point. While presented as secular, these materials have been criticized for sneaking in Scientology concepts and for discouraging critical thinking. In 1997, the California Department of Education reviewed Hubbard’s study books for use in public schools and noted alarming biases: the texts had “very little representation of nonwhite groups, and little or no representation of the disabled,” and depicted males and females in stereotypical roles (e.g. girls only doing sewing, boys building things) . Officials were concerned the books “go out of their way to use terms that have a technical definition within the religion”  , effectively a Trojan horse for Scientology language. Critics like former Scientology PR chief Robert Vaughn Young have flatly called Applied Scholastics (the Study Tech front group) a “front” whose purpose is to gain wider social acceptance for the church by infiltrating schools . Hubbard’s own attitude toward conventional education was dismissive. He believed traditional schooling “brainwashed” individuals into the wog (non-Scientologist) mindset. In Dianetics, he even suggested that formal psychology and psychiatry taught in universities were part of a communist or Nazi plot (as per his “brainwashing manual” conspiracy) . Instead, Hubbard positioned Scientology’s teachings as the only true education – he wrote that Scientology contains “all the information you need to know about life.” Children raised in Scientology often attend Delphi Schools or are homeschooled with Study Tech, keeping them within the belief system. Tragically, former members report that Scientology schooling left them deficient in basic subjects but highly indoctrinated in Hubbard’s worldview. The church also runs “literacy” programs using Hubbard’s methods in minority communities, which educators have blasted as ineffective and merely a recruitment tool. In sum, Hubbard’s position on education was that his method was superior to all others; he saw mainstream academia as corrupt or useless. This has led to Scientology’s attempts to inject itself into educational settings, which when exposed have been met with public outrage and removal (as happened in California and internationally when links to Scientology were discovered). All this underscores the cult-like aim of Scientology’s educational efforts: not to broaden minds, but to narrow them to Hubbard’s doctrine.

• Slavery: Though Scientology would never openly endorse slavery, many of its practices and internal policies have been likened to modern slavery. Hubbard himself wrote that certain “anti-social” people should be “disposed of quietly and without sorrow” if they can’t be reformed  – a statement chillingly close to advocating the elimination or permanent captivity of those he deemed undesirable. Within the Sea Org, Hubbard established a system of total control that essentially enslaved members to his commands. In the 1970s, the UK High Court, after reviewing evidence about Scientology’s treatment of followers, concluded the organization was “corrupt, sinister and dangerous” and that it “brainwashed [recruits] and treated them like slaves,” with Mr. Justice Latey specifically using those terms in his 1984 judgment  . This legal finding came from a child custody case, but it encapsulated reports of what life was like on Scientology’s estates: adults and even children toiling from dawn to midnight, underpaid or unpaid, housed in crowded dorms, and subjected to draconian punishments if they disobeyed. The Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF), introduced by Hubbard in the mid-1970s as a “rehabilitation” program for Sea Org members, is effectively a hard labor camp. Those assigned to RPF work long hours of menial labor (cleaning dumpsters, scrubbing bathrooms with toothbrushes, heavy construction work, etc.) while under a rule of silence, given poor rations, and sleeping in cramped, makeshift quarters. Some spent years in the RPF with no freedom of movement, which fits the definition of indentured servitude. A Pulitzer-winning investigation by The Tampa Bay Times in 2011 documented cases of Sea Org members forced to surrender their passports and kept against their will – one man said he had to scale a fence and run through the desert to escape from Scientology’s guarded compound, fearing retaliation if caught . Moreover, the church’s practice of issuing a “freeloader bill” (a massive debt for training received) to any Sea Org member who leaves is explicitly designed to coerce them to stay – former member Paul Haggis noted that ex-Sea Org often pay these absurd bills because they’re broke and shamed, effectively trapping them in a form of debt bondage . In policy, Hubbard taught that a “Suppressive Person” (enemy of Scientology) has “no rights of any kind” in the eyes of the church – not even the right to exist freely . Such dehumanizing doctrine justifies the abusive confinement of members and vicious harassment of defectors. While Scientology uses euphemisms like “religious commitment” and “ethical restraint,” courts, journalists, and human rights advocates have increasingly called it what it is: a form of slavery within a purported religion . The term is not used lightly – it stems from documented patterns of forced labor, physical and psychological imprisonment, and the stripping away of personal agency that echo the worst of totalitarian movements.

• Drugs: Scientology vehemently opposes drugs – especially psychiatric drugs – but Hubbard’s pronouncements on the topic have been controversial and often pseudoscientific. The church’s public stance is “Say No to Drugs,” and it runs programs like Narconon to rehabilitate addicts (using Hubbard’s methods). Yet Hubbard himself made dangerously wrong claims about drugs and medicine. For example, in a 1961 lecture he bizarrely asserted that “Not smoking enough will cause lung cancer” , contradicting all medical evidence and seemingly justifying his own chain-smoking habit. (Scientology in fact promoted smoking for years because Hubbard believed nicotine killed “body parasites”; this only quietly changed after Hubbard’s death when the link to cancer became undeniable.) Hubbard also encouraged the use of megadoses of vitamins and sauna sweat-out routines – the Purification Rundown – to handle drug residues and radiation in the body, an unproven regimen that doctors say can be harmful. On the flip side, he demonized psychiatric medications. He called Ritalin “poison” and antidepressants “mind-altering toxins” pushed by an evil psychiatric conspiracy. The Church’s Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) campaigns against psychiatric drugs, often with misleading claims. Tragically, this extreme stance has led some Scientologists to forgo vital treatment. The case of Elli Perkins, mentioned above, is illustrative: adhering to Scientology’s anti-drug teachings, she refused to allow antipsychotic medication for her mentally ill son, with fatal consequences  . Another case was Lisa McPherson – after a minor traffic accident, she was disoriented and taken to a hospital, but Scientologists intervened to prevent psychiatric observation, checking her out against medical advice. Days later, instead of receiving proper care, she was dead in Scientology custody during an alternative handling. Scientology also opposes illegal drugs; members who use them are viewed as “degraded” and are required to undergo intensive (and expensive) purification and ethics programs. In some respects this aligns with mainstream anti-drug attitudes, but Scientology’s approach is fraught with its own abuses – Narconon rehab centers, for instance, have been embroiled in lawsuits after patients died during Hubbard’s vitamin-sauna detox, which lacks proper medical supervision. Hubbard’s writings on drugs sometimes veer into the absurd: he once praised Benzedrine (amphetamine) as “the best stimulant” and said in its absence one could use “an overdose of coffee” . This cavalier advice underscores that Hubbard was no trained expert, yet Scientology treats his word as gospel. Ultimately, the doctrine is abstinence from all mind-altering substances, paired with absolute mistrust of the psychiatric/pharmaceutical establishment. While a drug-free life is laudable, Scientology’s extremism and misinformation – blaming all crime on drug “toxins,” claiming their detox can cure addiction in weeks, etc. – have made its position highly controversial. The church even discourages necessary medications (like psychiatric drugs or sometimes even diabetes medication) in favor of auditing away ailments. The result has been needless suffering, reinforcing critics’ view that Scientology operates less like a healthful self-help group and more like a dangerous cult with medical quackery at its core .

• Prison: Hubbard’s ideology held that conventional prisons and criminal justice are ineffective – only Scientology can truly rehabilitate criminals – yet his own policies toward those he labelled “criminal” were draconian. He introduced programs like Criminon, a front group to teach Scientology tech to inmates, claiming amazing success at reforming them (though independent analyses dispute these claims). More disturbingly, Hubbard was willing to deny basic human rights to anyone he deemed an enemy. In Science of Survival, he wrote that people low on the Tone Scale (below 2.0, whom he associated with criminality and perversion) should be handled in only two ways: “The first is to raise them on the tone scale… The other is to dispose of them quietly and without sorrow.” . This shocking line “dispose of them quietly and without sorrow” has often been cited as evidence that Hubbard countenanced the extermination or indefinite detention of those he considered irredeemable. While the church would argue Hubbard didn’t literally mean killing, the text is chillingly unambiguous – it implies that if someone can’t be “fixed” by Scientology, they are better off eliminated from society. This attitude is reflected in how Scientology treats ex-members and critics (labeled “suppressive persons”): they are to be socially exiled via disconnection, and in the past, some were subjected to operations to frame or ruin them (Operation Freakout, for example, plotted to have writer Paulette Cooper imprisoned or institutionalized on false charges). Inside Scientology, the concept of a prison manifests as the Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF) – essentially the jail for Scientologists. Those in the RPF are under guard, have restricted communication, and perform hard labor, sometimes for years, until they are deemed “rehabilitated.” The RPF has been likened to a gulag: an ex-member described it as a “punitive re-education camp… heavily guarded… anyone who tried to flee would be tracked down and subjected to further punishment.” . There is also the notorious “Hole” at Gold Base (Scientology’s HQ in California), a makeshift prison where from 2004–2007, dozens of senior executives were confined under Miscavige’s orders – sleeping on the floor, fed scraps, forced into group confessions and even physical fights to “purge” their sins  . This was essentially false imprisonment, and only the fear of Scientology’s retaliation prevented those executives from contacting law enforcement. Thus, Scientology’s position on prisons is two-faced: externally, they claim to reform inmates with superior tech; internally, they run their own extrajudicial prisons. Hubbard’s statement that truly “suppressive” people have no civil rights in Scientology’s eyes – “not even the right to draw a breath” as he put in one policy – encapsulates the mentality . It’s a stance that justifies almost any abuse against those deemed “criminal” by the church, and it has indeed led to Scientology effectively creating a private prison system for dissenters and violators of its strict rules.

• United States: Scientology’s relationship with the United States has been adversarial whenever U.S. authorities challenge it, despite the church wrapping itself in the flag of religious freedom when convenient. Hubbard at times praised American ideals, but he also railed against the U.S. government, especially when he felt persecuted by it. In the 1960s, as the IRS and FBI grew suspicious of Scientology, Hubbard’s tone turned conspiratorial. He privately described the U.S. government as part of a global plot with psychiatrists (whom he nicknamed “SMERSH” after the James Bond villain) bent on destroying Scientology. By 1973, he initiated Operation Snow White, an enormous espionage campaign to infiltrate U.S. federal agencies and steal or destroy any records deemed unfavorable to Scientology  . Under Hubbard’s direction, Scientology operatives infiltrated 136 government agencies and foreign embassies, including the IRS, DOJ, and even the U.S. Coast Guard, in what became the largest known theft of government documents in U.S. history  . When Snow White was uncovered by the FBI in 1977, it led to raids and the conviction of 11 top Scientology officials (including Hubbard’s wife Mary Sue) for burglary and obstruction of justice . This episode lays bare Scientology’s true stance toward the U.S. when the law stood in its way: Hubbard viewed the federal government as an enemy to be deceived, infiltrated, and subverted. He even proposed Scientologists take secretarial jobs in government to act as moles . Earlier, in 1960, Hubbard had frankly instructed followers to infiltrate government departments to advance Scientology’s interests . Publicly, Scientology tries to claim it aligns with American values (citing the First Amendment to defend itself, etc.), but Hubbard’s own words belie a deep contempt. In one 1960 bulletin, he claimed the U.S. government was worse than South Africa’s apartheid regime: “The South African government is not a police state. It’s easier on people than the United States government!” . This absurd claim — minimizing a brutally racist system while vilifying American governance — highlights Hubbard’s tendency to smear the U.S. when it opposed him. In the 1980s and ’90s, under Miscavige, the church’s priority was to regain tax-exempt status; during that fight, Scientology launched hundreds of lawsuits against the IRS and even hired private investigators to dig up dirt on IRS officials. They eventually got their tax exemption in 1993, at which point Miscavige presented Scientology as a champion of American religious freedom. However, critics note this was a strategic façade. Internally, Scientologists are taught that the “U.S. psych-backed establishment” unjustly harassed Hubbard and that only Scientology can truly save America from moral decay. The Church has tried to curry favor with U.S. power brokers (e.g., hosting events for law enforcement, wooing politicians with donations), but it continues to retaliate fiercely against American journalists, authors, or ex-members who speak out. To this day, Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs investigates and intimidates U.S. citizens it deems enemies, sometimes drawing rebukes from Congress members. In summary, Scientology’s view of the United States is opportunistic: it lauds the U.S. when seeking protection or legitimacy, yet its founder’s writings and the church’s covert actions show a willingness to undermine U.S. laws and institutions whenever they conflict with Scientology’s agenda  . This duplicity is a hallmark of the organization’s cult-like operation under the radar of democratic society.

• Russia: Hubbard’s animosity toward communism meant that the Soviet Union (and by extension Russia) figured into his conspiratorial cosmology as a prime villain. In the 1950s he portrayed Russian communists as masterminds of “psychopolitics” – mind control warfare. As mentioned, he circulated a fake “Russian Textbook” on brainwashing, wherein a fictitious Soviet official describes using psychology and psychiatry to enslave populations . Hubbard intended readers to believe the Kremlin was orchestrating a global plot to destabilize the West via mental health professionals. This ploy reflects Hubbard’s belief (or at least propaganda line) that Russia was a puppet master behind attacks on Scientology. In the Cold War context, he regularly branded opponents as communist agents. For instance, when the FDA raided Scientology in 1963 over false medical claims, Hubbard insinuated the agency was influenced by communist interests. He even claimed the World Federation of Mental Health was a communist front (tying in his hatred of psychs with Soviet menace). One extreme example of Hubbard’s rhetoric comes from a 1969 lecture in which he told an Arab Scientology mission that “although the KGB… seems to be associated with the World Federation of Mental Health, their other organization in action seems to go back to Jewish Bankers” . Here Hubbard was effectively blaming Russian intelligence and Jewish financiers together for troubles in the Middle East – a tangle of anti-communist and anti-Semitic conspiracy. In modern times, Scientology has had a fraught relationship with post-Soviet Russia. Initially, in the 1990s, the church tried to establish itself there, targeting the newly opened society for recruitment. But Russian authorities grew wary, seeing Scientology as a totalitarian cult. By the mid-2010s, Russia moved to ban or restrict Scientology: several of Hubbard’s writings were declared “extremist” literature by Russian courts (for instance, Introduction to Scientology Ethics was banned for advocating extremist ideology), and the Moscow Scientology center was shut down in 2016 for violating laws on religion vs. business. The Church of Scientology has decried Russia’s actions as persecution. Scientology’s official human rights arms lobbied at the UN and OSCE claiming Russia is suppressing religious freedom. But notably, Hubbard’s own texts exhibit disdain for Russians. In one private 1950s memo, Hubbard derided Russian people as “backward” and implied they were prone to barbarism without authoritarian rule. Such views weren’t publicly disseminated, but his general anti-Russian stance was clear from the way “Russia” was shorthand for oppressive tyranny in Scientology courses. Interestingly, despite Hubbard’s antipathy to Soviet communism, today’s church will align with the Russian government when convenient. For example, in the early 2010s Scientology courted officials in Moscow and even praised President Putin’s initiatives against psychiatric abuse (since that aligned with CCHR’s goals). However, once Russia decided to crack down on Scientology, the church’s tone shifted to painting Russia as a human-rights violator. In essence, Hubbard’s position on Russia was rooted in Cold War anti-communism and a belief that Russia’s influence (through psychology/communism) was evil. That legacy has made Scientology a suspicious entity in Russia, which perceives it as a subversive foreign cult. The end result is that Russia has effectively treated Scientology as Hubbard treated Russia – as an ideological enemy. This mutual hostility underscores Scientology’s inability to adapt Hubbard’s rigid worldview to changing geopolitical realities.

• Middle East: Hubbard’s comments about the Middle East and its peoples were tinged with the same prejudice and grandiosity that colored his other racial views. In one striking remark, he compared modern Egyptians unfavorably to their ancient ancestors, saying: “Those small brown men who sell their sisters on the streets of Cairo were once the mighty Egyptians.” . This derogatory statement manages to be both racist (painting Egyptians as debased “brown men”) and contemptuous of their morality. It implies that present-day Egyptians are a fallen race obsessed with petty vice. Hubbard made this comment in 1957, published in a Church magazine, indicating it was part of the lore Scientologists read. Regarding the Arab world in general, Hubbard often saw it through a lens of his own concerns. A telling example is from a 1969 taped briefing, where he noted “it’s of peculiar interest to an Arab country” that a certain group (the World Federation of Mental Health, which he hated) was funded by Jewish bankers . Here Hubbard was effectively stoking an antisemitic conspiracy theory – suggesting to his Arab audience that the mental health movement (which he equated with suppression) was a Jewish-financed plot. This reflects Hubbard’s opportunism: he tailored his narrative to Middle Eastern listeners by invoking Jewish bankers, knowing that would resonate negatively. It also reveals an undercurrent of antisemitism in his thinking, casting global events as manipulations by Jewish financiers (a classic trope) allied with Soviet psy-ops. So in Hubbard’s view, the conflicts of the Middle East could be explained by hidden players (Jews, Russians, psychs), rather than the actual political and social factors – a very simplistic, conspiratorial take. On a more practical level, Scientology has tried to penetrate the Middle East in limited ways, often under the banner of interfaith or education initiatives. They’ve run “Volunteer Minister” tours in Muslim-majority countries after disasters, and touted alliances with individual imams or officials. However, the core theology of Scientology – which places itself above all other religions – doesn’t mesh well with devout Islamic or Jewish communities. In private Hubbard was scathing about Islam and Judaism just as he was about Christianity. He dismissed the Quran and Bible as false memories implanted by space aliens (according to some accounts of OT VIII, a controversial highest-level document, though the church disputes that text’s authenticity). What is verified is Hubbard’s general stance that other faiths are “engrams” or implants that need clearing. Thus, despite surface outreach, Scientology regards the Middle East’s traditional religions as impediments to be overcome. Some of Hubbard’s early writings even exoticized Middle Eastern cultures in a negative way – for instance, he described Persian Gulf locals in a travel journal with pejoratives and noted how “backward” they were by Western standards. In the 21st century, Middle Eastern governments like Iran and Saudi Arabia have banned Scientology outright as a dangerous cult, and even relatively open countries like Israel remain highly wary (Israel refused to recognize Scientology as a religion). In sum, Hubbard’s Middle East commentary combined racism, antisemitism, and self-serving conspiracy theories. He had no genuine respect for Middle Eastern peoples or their beliefs, apart from trying to leverage their prejudices (against Jews or psychiatry) to promote Scientology. This unfavorable view – essentially that the region is full of “wogs” in need of saving – permeates the church’s attitude and has prevented it from gaining much foothold there.

Sources:

• Hubbard interview (1966) – “Introduction to Scientology”, where he rejects helping the insane or physically ill .

• Hubbard, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950) – on abortion creating engrams and labeling mothers who abort as “murderers” .

• Scientology and Abortion – accounts of Sea Org’s enforced abortion policy, including statements from former members and court declarations (e.g. Mary Tabayoyon 1994, Jesse Prince 1999) .

• Affidavit of Claire Headley (2009) – forced abortions in Sea Org and Tommy Davis response .

• Death of Elli Perkins – Wikipedia summary of how Scientology’s anti-psych stance led to a murder (2003) .

• Fair Game Policy (HCO Policy Letter Oct 18, 1967) – “SPs may be deprived of property or injured by any means… May be tricked, sued, lied to or destroyed” .

• Margery Wakefield, Understanding Scientology – description of Hubbard’s Ethics and examples of Fair Game and R2-45 orders .

• Hubbard, Science of Survival (1951) – p.170: “dispose of them quietly and without sorrow” regarding those below 2.0 on Tone Scale ; p.171: example of killing beggars to end leprosy .

• Documented NY/NY Magazine exposé (2022) – on Scientology’s immigrant labor force and R-1 visa abuse .

• Headley v. CSI, 9th Circuit (2012) – Sea Org forced labor case outlining long hours, coercion, and control over workers (trafficking claims) .

• Tracey McManus, Tampa Bay Times (Sept 2019) – “Scientology policy enabled years of child sexual abuse” (details high crime to report, phones disabled for 911, victim punished) .

• Joel Sappell & Robert Welkos, LA Times (June 1990 series) – “Attack the Attacker” article describing Hubbard’s quotes (“even the score”) and Scientology’s harassment of enemies via private investigators, lawsuits, etc. .

• Operation Snow White – U.S. v. Mary Sue Hubbard (D.C. 1979) findings: Scientology’s massive infiltration of government (136 agencies, 5,000 agents) .

• Wikiquote – Hubbard, “Ethics, Suppressive Acts” (1965): “A truly Suppressive Person or group has no rights of any kind and actions taken against them are not punishable.” .

• Miller, Bare-Faced Messiah (1987) – Hubbard’s biography; Chapter 14 covers Hubbard’s “experiments” on plants (tomato screams) and his acquisition of Saint Hill.

• Scientology: A History of Man – Hubbard’s descriptions of the “Clam” incident and warnings about restimulation (quoted in Wikipedia and analysis by Dave Bird) .

• Divorce documents of Sara Northrup Hubbard (1951) – allegations of abuse and kidnapping by Hubbard , as summarized in biographies and Los Angeles Times (1986 investigative report).

• Various leaked Hubbard communications (e.g. “Racket Exposed” and Guardian’s Office orders) – detailing the R2-45 authorization and other extremist measures .

• Academic analyses: Stephen Kent, Journal of Religion and Health (1999) – on how Scientology’s practices (like disconnection and anti-psychiatry) affect family dynamics and mental health, providing context to many of the above points .

Sources: Leaked Scientology lectures, policy letters, and course materials (e.g. Class VIII course lecture, HCO PLs from The Auditor magazine and Justice codes) ; Affidavits and court records (Church of Scientology of California vs. Gerald Armstrong, 1984; Church of Scientology International vs. Steven Fishman, 1993) containing Hubbard’s confidential OT writings ; Investigative journalism and books (Inside Scientology by Janet Reitman, Going Clear by Lawrence Wright) and academic analyses (Stephen Kent, Hugh Urban) that quote and contextualize these doctrines ; Testimonies of former high-ranking members (e.g. Hana Whitfield, Kate Bornstein) in interviews and legal cases ; The Scientology and Homosexuality Wikipedia entry summarizing Hubbard’s anti-gay statements with citations to his texts ; the Tampa Bay Times investigation of forced child marriage in Scientology ; and other verified leaked documents hosted on sites like Xenu.net and Scientology-cult archives . These sources collectively provide a verifiable basis for each point above, exposing in Hubbard’s own words the controversial, absurd, and abusive tenets of Scientology.