1 of 17

Scientology Cult Unit

By: Patrick Swentzel

2 of 17

Purpose Statement

This case study will investigate the coercive psychological resocialization tactics employed by the infamous Scientologist organization to recruit, manipulate, and retain followers.

3 of 17

Origins

Founded by L Ron Hubbard in 1954.

He was a science fiction writer.

They believe it started 75 million years ago.

​

4 of 17

Beliefs

Galactic Federation ruled over by xenu.

He thought space was overpopulated.

Froze aliens and sent them on space ships to be dropped in Hawaii’s volcanoes.

When they died their souls were caught by Xenu’s soul catchers and brought to his soul brainwashing facilities, where they were shown false images of God. Once the souls were brainwashed, they were released and wandered around depressed and confused.

They possessed humans and all the sadness and confusion they felt was felt by humans.

5 of 17

Beliefs cont.

Man is an immortal spiritual being.

Unlimited capabilities.

Take tests and spend money to move up in “church”

Excommunicate anyone who deviates from the church.

6 of 17

Thetons and E-Meters

Thetans are the remaining souls of the inhabitants of the overpopulated planets destroyed by Xenu

To achieve the highest level of Scientology you must exorcise the Thetans from your body, as you are the most powerful Thetan

​

E-Meters are Devices used to examine a person’s mental state, “See a thought”, and discover hidden crimes

7 of 17

Why is Scientology famous

Countless celebrities are current or former members. Including John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Leah Remini, among others. Even Charles Manson has even reported to have adopted aspects of Hubbard’s teachings.

8 of 17

Even Will Smith has been said to have been associated with the “religion”

9 of 17

The Hole

Where people who anger the church or try to speak out go to

A prison environment, armed and protected heavily

10 of 17

Resocialization Tactics

  • Get individuals to question and reject core values and beliefs- make people believe the whole religion of aliens and souls possessing humans.

​

​

  • Social Status change- pay to take a class and once you pass you are promoted

11 of 17

Resocialization Tactics

  • Financial commitment-must pay a lot of money to advance in status within church
  • Communication controlled within the group-members are not allowed to talk to ex members

​

12 of 17

Resocialization Tactics

  • Social isolation-must leave their family and go to “camps” and can’t talk to them while they are there.
  • Fear- If a person tries to leave, speak out against the Church, or angers the head of the Church, they could be sent to the Hole.

13 of 17

Resocialization Tactics

Excessive rewards- recieve an award for doing something good. Ex. Tom Cruise

Public humiliation-when a high profile celebrity does something the church does not like. They slander and often sue them. Ex. Leah Remini

14 of 17

Resocialization Tactics

Make them where a uniform-

​

​

​

​

​

Promise superpowers- Believe humans have unlimited capabilities, which can only be unlocked through their courses.

15 of 17

Operation Snow White

  • Infiltrate and steal classified files on scientology from governments all over the world
  • Infiltrated IRS, the FBI, the Justice Department, and the American Medical Association
  • Used the information against
  • Exposure by the FBI lead to the arrest of senior leadership of Church’s intelligence agency

16 of 17

What to do If a loved one is sucked into a cult

  • Keep contact with the person
  • Don't give up
  • Educate yourself on what they’re in
  • identify tactics used by the cult

17 of 17

Biblography

​

​