Alan Levy
LIFE: A true life nightmare
«Recruits to Scientology are most often young,
intelligent and idealistic. They become fanatics on the subject,
impervious to argument, quick to cut themselves off from
doubters. Many young people have been instructed by their
Scientology organizations "orgs," they are called to
"disconnect" from their families. "Disconnect" means exactly
that: sever all relations. Such estrangements can be deep and
lasting, leaving heartsick parents no longer able to speak
rationally with their children.
Scientology is expensive. To reach the first meaningful stage
costs the beginner $650 in tuition. To become an Operating
Thetan, Class VIII -- the highest present classification -- can
raise the all-in cost (books, tuition, equipment, board and
lodging at Scientology centers during advanced training) to as
much as $15,000. The high costs have the effect of turning many
young Scientologists into permanent parts of the apparatus. To
finance their own advanced studies they take low paying jobs
within the org -- and in the end find themselves alienated from
life outside of Scientology.»
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