60 Minutes released a Scientology special since controversy reemerged again, this time with “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson, who is getting 30 years to life in prison on rape charges. There is plenty of content that exposes Scientology and its horrifying conduct like this old 60 Minutes episode from 1997. The constitutional right of the freedom of religion is being abused and should not apply to Scientology because of its history of disturbing tactics and surrounding controversies. Where there is smoke, there’s fire!
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During its zenith, Scientology maliciously targeted and dismantled the Cult Awareness Network (CAN), an anti-cult nonprofit aimed at exposing and aiding individuals ensnared in cults such as Scientology. CAN faced relentless litigation onslaughts, orchestrated by Scientology, effectively silencing them and erasing their presence. This egregious act underscores the unfortunate reality that justice doesn’t always prevail within our flawed legal system.
Despite Scientology’s extensive visibility, bolstered by a proficient PR team and endorsements from prominent figures like the renowned actor Tom Cruise, its membership has steadily dwindled over time. This decline can be largely attributed to the efforts of former members and whistleblowers who have exposed its inner workings.
Scientology is an Extremely Conniving Organization.
In a further attempt to suppress dissenting voices, Scientology targeted and attempted to discredit leading cult expert, psychologist Margaret Thaler Singer, author of “Cults in Our Midst: The Hidden Menace in Our Everyday Lives” (1995). While Scientology highlighted criticisms of Singer’s work within the academic community, it does not diminish the significance of her contributions. Her research remains influential. Margaret Sanger was a vocal loud critic of cults like Scientology, and of course, they did not like that and would do anything in their power, including blurring the lines of legality, to destroy her. Scientology is an extremely conniving organization to be very blunt.
The lingering question persists: What egregious wrongdoing must occur for authorities or the government to shut down the Church of Scientology? Given its manipulative, coercive, exploitative, and oppressive nature, it does not fit the conventional definition of a religion. Ironically, now Scientology finds itself on the receiving end of numerous litigations, mirroring the very tactics it employed against CAN.
Final Remarks.
There is no doubt of the negative long-term ripple effect of CAN’s forced bankruptcy by Scientology since it was a leading organization that aimed to help society from cults and dangerous organizations. CAN’s absence for all this time has ginormous implications. How many families and loved ones could have been saved? How many lives would have been spared with more people making better-informed decisions with a higher awareness of the dangers of cults if CAN was still around? I know it’s merely speculative to play with these hypothetical questions of an alternative history. Nonetheless, I think it is justified provided it is not surprising that many cults have sprung up once again in Laissez-faire style and past old cults continue to wreak havoc.
Social Scholarly 