Scientology isn’t something I talk about too often, but its worth checking in on what’s going on with them. The cult is now beset by multiple challenges, most notably a high profile MeToo case, which they’ve just lost. And there’s been an exodus of members, both regular folk and celebrities. So bad is this problem that most Scientology bases now have a “blow team” ready to chase down any would-be escapees (nothing says faith in your religion like a razor-wire fence, armed guards and sniper’s nests).
While its always been difficult to get reliable numbers for the exact number of Scientologists, its now believed the actual number is in the order of a few tens of thousands worldwide. (this ex-member estimates around 30,000). Certainly miles away from the millions of followers they claim.
In part this exodus is due to more media exposure, notably films like “going clear” or Leah Remini’s TV series “Scientology and the aftermath”. In another example, a group of Vloggers, who’ve been harassed for years by Scientology (including going through their garbage and having PI’s camp outside their homes) have teamed up to produce “SPTV” (SP standing for suppressive person, basically anyone who criticises Scientology…which I’m assuming now includes me!). All of these exposé’s (which ironically, have only come about due to the cult’s attempts to suppress its former members) has revealed the reality of life within the church, with allegations of slave labour, the systematic harassment of Journalists and public officials, emotional torture and false imprisonment, etc.
There’s also been allegations of Scientology being involved in crimes such as sex crimes (as already mentioned), credit card fraud, real estate fraud or running ponzi schemes. Now they will probably claim this has nothing to do with them, its the fault of a few individual members. But when members of what is supposed to be a church start developing a pattern of criminal behaviour, which the church just happens to profit from (and the church actively seeks to hide this activity), well there’s no smoke without fire.
Meanwhile the church’s one remaining ship (which is the only place certain upper level courses are taught), is believed to contain blue asbestos (which might explain why so many high level Scientologists end up dying of cancer). They have also been accused of breaking several international laws, notably maritime labour laws. In fact quite a number of the remaining church staff, both on board this ship and in the US, are increasingly from overseas (so possibility they are only staying in the church for fear of being deported if they leave). This raises the possibility that they are engaging in the trafficking of foreign workers. Wait till the Republicans hear about this!
So why are they risking the wrath of Uncle Sam? Because while the church is asset rich, it is cash poor. They own lots of buildings and valuable real estate, yes. But with so few members, even if some of those members are very wealthy (e.g. they are attempting to grab ownership of the Presley estate), they can’t afford the upkeep on those properties or to pay their staff. In fact there’s been cases of their buildings having the electricity cut off for non payment of bills.
And while the federal authorities aren’t doing much to reign in this criminal empire, they are facing a wave of lawsuits and private prosecutions from former members. Church leader David Miscavige is essentially on the run, hiding out at various church properties as he seeks to avoiding being subpoenaed in multiple lawsuits. In fact a judge recently ruled that he can be considered to have been served with regard to one of them (as it was judged he was deliberately trying to evade justice). This mirrors the situation at the end of Hubbard’s life, where he had to go into hiding to avoid the many legal actions and indictments he and the church were facing.
Which again raises the question, why is it falling to activists and former members to take action against Scientology? Why isn’t the US government doing anything? I mean anybody else even thought about committing any of the crimes Scientology seem to do on a daily basis, they’d be bundled into the back of an unmarked van the following morning. While one can understand why there was inaction under Trump (that would be the pot calling the kettle black), much as he allowed a crypto crime wave to run out of control. But the Biden administration has had several years now to investigate matters and yet so far, not a peep.
Well I think the reason why isn’t too difficult to explain. In one word – politics. After all, its not like Scientology is the only religion that engages in criminal activity. Plenty of other churches have been caught stealing from their members, or minsters caught in bed with minors, or engaging in fraud. The issue for the government is, if they take action against Scientology, then why not take action against these other churches too? Where do they stop?
In a scenario where the fed’s did come after them, Scientology would likely try to portray it as an attack on religion in general, rather than just them getting caught doing dodgy illegal things. They would attempt to circle the wagons (and they already have something of an alliance with the Nation of Islam), getting other churches to believe that today its Scientology, tomorrow its the Westboro baptist church (and you can bet Scientology has a dodgy dossier on other religions to leak to the media in order to pressure them into joining in). That would be crippling to either political party.
So for now at least, they get to putter in their sandbox. But personally I wouldn’t count on it lasting forever. At some point something will happen that will force the government’s hand. Hard to say what that will be (this case they’ve just lost might well be it), but we’ve been here before with other preachers and cults. At which point their virtual get out of jail free card, and their tax free status will disappear. It is after all, what’s basically happened to Scientology in other countries, notably France. Alternatively a major celebrity backer could leave (such as Tom Cruise, who like something out of the Simpsons they had to create a fake award ceremony and help him find girlfriends to keep him in), prompting the few wealthy backers keeping the church afloat to all leave too, finally bankrupting them.
But all in all, while I don’t think they are going anywhere any time soon, I won’t count on them being around forever. Now if you’ll excuse me, the PI in the car across the street must be getting thirsty, I might bring him a nice cup of tea.
daryanblog 
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