Scientology: The Eating Disorder of Religion?

So I’ve recently watched a couple documentaries on Scientology: Going Clear, and Leah Remini’s 8-part series, Scientology and the Aftermath.

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Wow. If you want your minds blown, give them a watch…I included the links.

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Let me begin by saying, I’m not here to bash anyone’s beliefs. I am all for respect and inclusivity. But I was just astounded at the level of oppression and corruption in that “religious” organization (as depicted in these exposés).

And it stuck with me all weekend. I couldn’t stop thinking about those poor people trapped in that culture of repression.

What made them stay in a dire situation? Why did they put up with the mind games and the systematic oppression?

And the more I thought about it, I realized that scientology is exactly like being trapped in an eating disorder.

Scientologists are fed dogma that they must protect scientology at any cost – including their policy of disconnection – where one cuts off any and all communication with a declared “Suppressive Person,” (SP)…including family members and loved ones.

They spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in classes, materials, and “auditing” to work their way up “The Bridge” to the highest level of spiritual awareness.

Members are encouraged to tattle, or submit “Knowledge Reports” on their loved ones if they suspect that they are questioning their “faith” or have been looking up “anti-Scientology” material online. They are then met with penalties and punishments.

But the biggest take away was that this “religion” is really an insular system of belief that has build an iron-clad fortress, cut off from all other view points or voices of reason, where no new or opposing information comes in, and instead, circulates its own “truth,” (publications and other propaganda) thereby forcing its members to submit to their perpetuating culture of suppression.

That is, for all of you non-eating-disorder-survivors, exactly what it is like to live with an eating disorder. You isolate yourself from all “voices of reason” – cutting yourself off from family and loved ones, and instead cling to the lies in your head being fed to you by the eating disorder.

Lies like: “You’re not good enough.” “You have to be perfect to be loved.” “You’re a burden.” “You deserve this tortured existence.”

You’re living to protect the eating disorder. And all the while, it is slowly killing you, and robbing you of your time, money, dreams, relationships, future, hobbies…robbing you of life…all to obtain that ultimate “goal weight.”  ((Sound like “The Bridge” much??))

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Why does one remain in that oppressive existence?

Because they are literally trapped. 

You stop thinking for yourself, and eventually start believing the lies to be truth.

Getting out of my anorexia, ten years ago…I thank God everyday for breaking through that iron fortress that I had created for myself.

It took Him, lifting me out of that bunker of hell where I was being buried alive. Because without His help, I would have just let it destroy me. And it almost did.

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I think about how people get into such a clearly destructive cult-like religion in the first place. I mean, Tom Cruise, Leah Remini, John Travolta – these people aren’t stupid. How did they fall into the trap?

And just like an eating disorder, it starts off innocently enough. Standing for values like, bettering the earth, becoming more spiritually aware, working on self-improvement — those are values that anyone can get behind.

Just like my anorexia, it started out giving up sweets for Lent one year. Then it was healthy eating. Then it was an unyielding obsession with calories and exercise. And then the next thing you know you’re 78 pounds with brittle bones and a heart that’s clinging on for dear life.

When you’re trapped in the cycle of oppression, believing the lies, and embracing the abuse, freedom is simply unimaginable. I couldn’t fathom what a life without ED would be like. What my potential could be. The abuse I was self-inflicting in my head with the lies and the negative self-talk became my safety. It became all that I knew. My comfort. My “normal.”

And as sad as it is to think about, that’s what it is for those poor people in scientology.

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And you know, I could sit here and make fun of their beliefs about aliens and reincarnation and jab that their founder was a science-fiction writer by trade. But that would negate the suffering that these people are enduring.

Because you know what, the lies I believed in my head are just as outrageous. (Hello, an emaciated girl thinking she’s fat??) So to belittle the lies as “stupid” or “far-fetched” is to disregard and discredit the agony I endured believing them — almost to the point of death.

I don’t know what the outcome of this post is supposed to be.

I just felt this strange kinship, watching these enthralling documentaries.

I guess hearing about this system of oppression sparked in me a common bond, as one former oppress-ee to another.

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Give it a watch.

It will astound you that this outrageous belief system is still in existence today, in 2017.

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285 responses to “Scientology: The Eating Disorder of Religion?”

  1. I appreciate your describing anorexia as a form of toxic relationship. It helps me understand it better. The parallel to Scientology seems accurate, as would a comparison to someone married to an abuser whose thinking gets similarly twisted.

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    • thanks so much Elizabeth. Yeah, it is definitely an unhealthy relationship, and a battle you wage in your mind. thanks for sharing your thought and taking the time to read!! big hugs xox

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  4. Yay first, and how cool is that. This is the first time it’s ever happened to me. I’m smiling from ear-to-ear. Because of this feeling I think I deserve to insert an emoji here now 😄. On to the topic at hand Scientology the eating disorder of religion. I don’t know much about scientology nor do I care to know anything about scientology because Jesus is good enough for me he always was and he always will be. So take that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. highest point of spiritual awareness what a weird phrase but I would say that these rich scientogists hope that by gaining knowledge they can gain a higher place in heaven. Sounds familiar to a story I once heard about a man who thought his college degrees would earn him a higher place in heaven because of the amount of intelligence he acquired throughout his life. However we know this is not true at all because Saul of Tarsus was a very educated man but when he came to Jesus he said his education meant nothing and didn’t count it as being Worthy of anything. Listen to the wise words of Gamaliel. This is where men have it wrong and they had it wrong the entire time they’ve been in existence. What do I mean by what I mean this, man thinks that by acquiring such knowledge they can be greater than their creator it’s the same spirit of Lucifer and he was cast out of heaven for his pride and ego. Now the real way for people to experience Christ the way God wants them to is to read the word and to have the word drop Into the Heart thus changing the mind is the word that drops into the heart and abstaining from all the sinful Deeds one did in the past life and if they repent they can come to know the Lord and he can wash them clean as only never sinned. Put people of this generation are carried to and fro with every sound wind of Doctrine by the deceits of men. Read 2nd Timothy and also read Ephesians chapter 3 and four.

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      • I actually can’t believe you watched that documentary if I did I would have to take a shower 5 times over just to get that kind of stench off me. I get it you were curious but you have to know that you’re brighter than most scientologists. The reason why is because you do everything with a very big heart for everyone else. Become a servant to others because Christ served you first that is what I’ve noticed about you recent years what I make a fair assumption on this Carolyn is Anthony right at all? I don’t know I mean you and I are on two different education systems UC Fahrenheit I say degrees. You say tomata I say tomato. We are Lost in Translation. Boy am I glad to have me read Webster by my side to unite our two languages of hey and holla let’s not forget bonjour while we are at it two okay I’m going to shut up now I don’t know why I have rambled on I guess I like to make you laugh. It’s better than standing at the bottom of your balcony reciting sonnets. Hahahaha that’s a job for Leo.

      • Hey Carolyn I wanted to ask you something personal a little while ago I bought a year ago I started to read your blog and at first I read it because I liked how you wore a big hat. I also started to read it because well just being honest you’re pretty however something and caught my attention and it wasn’t just your face. You had said that while you were going through all your trials you went to see people of faith and what caught my attention was Faith Healers? Did I have that right did I read it right? You went to see a faith healer? If this is true I’m curious as to where you found this person. I know Jesus heals man doesn’t although man tries to buy the knowledge that God gives him through becoming a medical doctor or a scientist. Doctors are great but they can only do so much. That’s when people have to reach for Jesus.

      • Don’t you read my emails? As it relates to you now I’m very happy to have known you as a friend. And I’m extremely proud of the courage that you displayed it then and I’m extremely proud of the courage you display even now writing about the impact that God has left upon your life. You miss are very special. The people that knows to get battled are the one with soft hearts and those soft hearts and very important because they can accept the gospel really easy.. you’re a fantastic person Carolyn thank you for writing. I’m sure God is really proud of what you have accomplished through him by means of this blog. I can also see this as just the beginning… Be well be happy do not fear do not worry be strong and of a good courage.

      • You’re from there so it should be rather easy when you come home for visits however for me to come from Canada I have to travel 68 hours by car and 16 hours by bus but I do it because I love Jesus that much

      • Carolyn my name is Anthony and I’m going to be honest with you I may not have a lot and I certainly wasn’t given a lot of love growing up but what I have now I count most dear. I may not be rich in the world’s eyes but I’m reaching the faith in Jesus Christ knowing that he is capable of everything he is not weak. That being said because I didn’t get a lot of love growing up I now have an overabundance of of more than I could ever ask for. That is why I email you periodically Because I would like to encourage you to keep going I would like to encourage you to keep going in studying but the only way to do that is to get off the black hole of Netflix. Seriously Carolyn your blog is meant a tremendous amount to me and I’m sure I’m not the only one to say that. I think you’re a terrific person. I’m not just saying that also because you voted for Trump which I think is a great start to 2016 – 2017 but the only reason I talk to you this way is because I feel comfortable and talking to you this way I have developed quite a bond with you. You’re my friend and I hope I’m worthy to be your friend as well. In fact I tried it have a friendly competition with you matching you per blog post. Your words inspire me to sit at the feet of Jesus every day. 😐😇

      • Honestly, I don’t remember. I was in my ulcerative colitis flare, and I was so incredibly sick. That whole time period is a fog. the intense physical pain i was in made me kind of have a mental block on it all. It was just a healing church service. No one particular “guy.” I think it was in Eastern Indiana, but I could be wrong.

  5. Scientology is repulsive to me as well, and the similarity you draw between it and ED are appropriate. I could come to the same ones with depression. This is what really impacted me as a pastoral care giver.

    “So to belittle the lies as “stupid” or “far-fetched” is to disregard and discredit the agony I endured believing them…”

    As we practice the ministry of presence with those who fight ED and depression we must never invalidate or negate the other’s perspective.

    That which is denied creates death as you are painfully aware of.

    That is all from Nashville. 🙂

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    • Thanks so much Daniel. I really appreciate hearing your thoughts. you’re so right, we must love the person and realize that we all are fighting lies to one degree or another. Thanks for stopping by. hugs xo

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  6. Thank you for your wise post. I would like to expand the idea of it being like an eating disorder to being abuse. Abuse is a multi-layered animal that can be something done to another (physical, psychological or emotional abuse) or something that one does to themselves (drug abuse, alcohol abuse, food abuse). The end result of all of these things is the same: the person who is being abused is unable to hear the voices of reason. Perhaps they fell unworthy of something better or perhaps they feel that these actions are the only way to the life they see for themselves. Either way, the abuse is a form of “golden calf” – a God replacement that becomes more and more corrupt with time and other influences.

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  8. I’ve watched them a year or so ago, and your analysis is correct, eating disorder fits it perfectly.

    Sadly, this is not the only “religion” of this type, nor is it anything new, just look at Jonestown and the Branch Davidian’s. History is replete with similar groups, and tend to draw in the same type of person – those having an inward need for someone to control them, give them direction, tell them they are loved and needed.

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  9. The enemies lies are very subtle. Isolation used as a tool. Praying for lost is important. Thanks for your compassion.

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  10. I thing Scientology is a cult and am glad it is being shown for what it is. I think Lisa and her program is a brave step for her to take.

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  11. Thank you for this post. I enjoyed your comparison although I must admit I felt a twinge when I saw one peanut kicking the other peanut 🙂

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  12. I am glad that you wrote this. I never thought of the comparison between the anorexia sufferers I knew and this ‘trapped’ experience by those poor folks in Scientology. it makes perfect sense. I am reminded of the images of the circus or laboratory animals when rescued and exposed to a “real” environment – how hesitant and timid they are. But then they grow to thrive in the freedom. The God of our Bible wants to give us freedom, not repression and isolation. Freedom to thrive, love and live. Or freedom to walk away.

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    • thank you so much for this powerful response. Yeah, my heart goes out to them, who are trapped. Yes, He wants us to have life to the full!! thanks for stopping by! hugs xo

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  13. Your restrained tone is respectable.

    Scientology is a pretty obvious money scam for its members once you see how things are done, and it’s locked in place by fear. Ironically, it’s everything people often claim Christianity to be, and while a few churches out there might be oppressive in that fashion, practically all of Scientology practices that tone. Every time people level abuses at Christianity – greedy, oppressive, what have you – it seems that the accusations lie better with a different religion. Christianity is freedom.

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    • thanks so much Brandon. Yeah, they had a huge celebration when the IRS granted them tax exemption. Red flag?? Thanks for your thoughts — cheers for His freedom!! hugs xo

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  14. L. Ron Hubbard actually began scientology as a scam operation so he could get laid and avoid paying taxes. Whereas other religions began as people coming to a set of ideas and beliefs they were compelled to share, scientology is at its core a business. Unfortunately, it survived him and subsequent CEOs have turned it into a multi-billion dollar outfit that exists to reel in the vulnerable and fleece them. Once you get to Tom Cruise’s level of involvement, you are let in on the con job and become a willing and active participant in it. There’s no way he doesn’t know scientology for exactly what it always has been.

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  16. Love the post! I have to say I’ve spent much time looking into the background of Scientology. I grew up with a guy whose family were non-practicing Scientologists. They took me to a meeting here and there and I fled from it. 20 years later I’ve asked people, What’s the difference between Mormonism and Scientology? The name.

    Like you, my purpose is never to discredit someone else’s beliefs, simply to expose the elements that pose a threat to healthy religious growth. I come from a background (as you know after reading some of my posts) that have the elitist, secluded and ‘us only’ mentality and its unhealthy, unbalanced and dangerous. Thank you for having the courage to share this story!

    I’ve enjoyed all of your stories especially about your mother. God Bless your day,

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    • Thanks so much. Yeah that’s very wise! And thanks for that – I’m going back to Ohio on Wednesday so there will be more where that came from:) Hugs and love xox

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      • It is a very creepy cult style setup of Christianity. I was in an Apostolic Pentecostal church for 15 years and I can tell you it’s extremely similar in it set up to Mormonism and in some areas even more controlling over daily aspects of people’s lives. It’s certainly not what Christ set out to create.

      • I have a friend who escaped the Fundamentalist faith of her family and loved to tell the story. People can be Really creepy and hardcore about their faith while being mean to non-believers.

      • That’s absolutely correct Tony the harshness of legalism knows almost no boundaries. I started my blog as a method to expose and talk about legalism and then to use that as a platform to talk about the real Christian faith

  17. Great thoughts. I like how you’ve tied eating disorder to this cult, a good comparison. John Travolta and other famous people have been caught in this trap, some have escaped. I’ve heard about Scientology for many years now, never hearing one good thing about it.

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  18. I saw some of Leah’s shows about her time there and could not watch them all as I too couldnt believe this trap. There is some serious brain washing going on so they make you frightened to leave….

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    • Thanks for this. Yeah it’s really sad. You’d think that with technology and everything that kind of thing couldn’t happen in 2017…glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  19. I have read how this “religion” abuses children. That is why Katy left Tom, from what I read. He wanted her to go to one of their “schools” where they are isolated from families and treated horribly. Scientology is evil. I have known one person who was a Scientologist and he refused to tell me about it. He said it was evil and dangerous for him to talk about.

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  20. I was in Scientology for a year back in the 70’s. At the time it rescued me from some stuff I was going through. I was newly wed and my wife took off with another. I was on the other side of the country and did not know a soul. I had a job, but wound up getting laid-off. I took their classes, took some auditing and the theory and techniques makes a ton of sense!! Really! It’s almost genius. It really helped me. I worked for them in their Sacramento office as a ‘Cope Officer’ The pay was nonexistent. $10/week. The hours long. And it gave me a purpose and a family away from home. The only reason I left was, well, who can live on $10/week? So, I went home to Boston. Severed ties with Scientology and didn’t get involved again. It’s very expensive. No one chased me or harassed me, but then I wasn’t Tom Cruise and I was only in it for a year. I still have my e-meter!! I had a good experience with Scientology, but I got out early.

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    • Hi Eric, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m glad that it was a positive experience for you! And also, I’m really sorry about your wife. That makes me really sad. 🙁 sending you so much love xox

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  21. I think people getting trapped in cults starts with wanting acceptance and belonging and it ends up in a myriad of abuse and stuck-ness. Horrifying nightmares these people will be living if they get out and the poor children, my heart breaks to hear about all of this. You are right, becoming trapped starts off simply wanting to better oneself….

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    • Thanks so much for this powerful perspective. You’re right – my heart breaks too. The longing for acceptance is a force to be reckoned with. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  22. Scientology is a cult with lots of personalities in it. People are drawn to it for a lot of reasons. It’s a reason I’m not a fan of Tom Cruise or John Travolta. It’s just a weird place to be in.

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  23. When I saw today’s title I wasn’t sure where you might be taking this. It quickly became very clear! I never looked at it this way. At least not in terms of ED. After some thought, I offer you a suggested ending for today. But you have to go to Patreon to get it! 🙂

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    • Thanks so much Jeff! Haha yeah I realized after I posted that it could be taken a very different way lol oh awesome-can’t wait to read it! Thanks Jeff! Hugs and love xox

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  24. “All ideology requires blind faith…learn from the wealth of information available to everyone with internet 😎”

    Stay strong young lady😍

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  25. Thank you Caralyn, for sharing another eye opening Truth. There are many people who get lured, and then trapped in “false religions” following a human who leads them for his / her own benefit or enrichment. I thank you that you always share the Truth of One God, One Way of Salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ, who already paid the price, the debt, the cost of our sins with His willing death on the cross, and gives us who call upon Him, eternal life by His Resurrection.
    With the vast readership you have Caralyn, I am praying that some who are trapped in any of these areas, or any area in life as you and others have noted, will see the Truth, and call out to Jesus Christ because He is always listening.
    God’s Blessings Caralyn. Praying God’s Protection over you, as you continue to speak these truths, knowing that some persons and the enemy of man’s soul, will not be pleased.
    Luv 😀🌹❤️
    George

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    • Thanks so much, George. Yeah, it’s hard to believe that these kind of false religions still exist given the internet and everything. But amen to that — there is One God, and One Savior! That is my prayer too. Thanks for your kind words. big big hugs xox

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  27. Wow! This was an amazing post and you’re just gorgeous. There’s nothing better in this world than looking at the broken chains of something that once had you in its clutches. It may have had a stronghold but you were and ARE stronger. God bless!

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    • Thank you so much! and oh my gosh what a kind thing to say. I’m very touched by that. You’re so right – those chains are broken and God is good!! 🙂 thanks for your encouragement! big hugs xox

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  28. How sad how they deny any member, children included, medical healthcare, because they believe that they will be healed. It reminds me of the scene in The Ten Commandments where Ramsees lays his dead son on the pagan god statue, believing that it will bring him back. God helps us yes, and God can help us through health struggles of all kinds, but it takes us helping ourselves and enlisting the resources that he brought into this world, to make it happen. He doesn’t just “cure us”. Have their been miracles? Yes, but those are up to Him and where He sees them fit, not as a cheap cure all by a cult group. Your faith in God brought you strength in your healing but so did His encouraging you by bringing about good doctors and the facility you were in, to help things along. With all that, you are better, and stronger for it. He didn’t just go “boom you’re cured”. Hugs you and <3 <3 too!!

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  29. Your post makes me wonder about religion in general… or any ideology, I guess. A good thing that can go wrong, you know? It’s been interesting reading posts on WordPress and articles of people who left Catholicism/Christianity/Islam/atheism largely because of emotional abuse from people within it, and I feel like I need to be careful about that with my own children. My son recently was play-fighting with his brother and it got heated and turned ugly, and he hit him in anger. And he was so distraught he did it, partly because he has a big heart, I think, but he also said, “We need to not do this, or else I won’t go to Heaven.” My heart come up into my throat when I heard it. I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him God loves him more than even his parents do, but also, I knew his self-knowledge – “If I put myself in this situation, it will lead me to sin” – can be a really healthy thing, too. Your point about giving up sweets for Lent and it leading you down this rabbit hole I think illustrates that point. How do we keep what’s good in our faith from slipping into a disorder?

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    • thank you so much for sharing this. I can’t imagine all of those “parenting moments” that you deal with on the daily. It sounds like you’re a really great dad. That’s such a powerful question – I think it all boils down to keeping the Truth in perspective and keeping things in balance. Good things are good things, until they become the *best* thing, and take the place of God. Creating idols – even of ourselves – is playing with fire. And I think God knew this when He gave us the ten commandments. But what do I know….lol Those are just my thoughts. thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox

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  30. This is one of the most insightful commentaries on Scientology that I have ever read. Thank you for sharing!

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  32. I watched The Path on Hulu, knowing it was based on Scientology. I thought if even half of it is true, they should be prosecuted as a criminal organization. Then i saw Leah Rehmini’s series, and I thought, Wow. The Path is almost a documentary. With great acting. I think your comparison with an eating disorder is both surprising and on the money.
    I say I’m in recovery from depression and fundamentalism. Depression is a mental illness I didn’t know I had. I guess like an eating disorder, you don’t believe that’s you until you start recovering. But what’s my excuse for fundamentalism? Probably all the same reasons as people caught in Scientology. I don’t mean to bash anyone’s beliefs. Heck, I believe in a Virgin Birth, a Resurrection, eternal life, a three-in-one God, and that I can take in the essence of Christ through bread and wine (grape juice, actually. We presbyterians are wimps – ha ha). A religion with “crazy beliefs” isn’t something I would point fingers at. Fundamentalism to me doesn’t refer to any specific belief system.
    Mind control, censoring any and all opposing views, severely punishing, shaming, and cutting off contact from anyone one who doesn’t believe the way they say you must believe or you’re out, and don’t ever talk to your mother, father, son, daughter, brother, or sister again because we have judged them unworthy, that is what I call fundamentalism. It can exist in any belief system, religious, political, Scientologist, Christian, Muslim, liberal, or conservative. It is dangerous, and something I was susceptible to for a long time. I almost lost my family at one point, because they wouldn’t come around to “the truth.”
    Even though my faith is important to me, I don’t want to get too gung ho about it, because for me, any beliefs I become enamored with can become a slippery slope into a hell of absolutes, insanity, and my own self-imposed and self-righteous “audits.” I don’t know if I’m making sense here, but I feel the truth in what you’re saying. Just don’t want to turn fundamentalist with it, if you know what I mean.

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    • Thanks so much for sharing this. I so get what you’re saying. Perfect sense. Lots of really great food for thought. I’ll have to check out The path! Thanks for the recco. Have a great night. Hugs and love xox

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  33. I watched a lot of the shows and found it so disturbing how someone can exploit people this way. I applaud those who made it out and pray for those who are still trapped. Thanks for sharing.

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  34. I suspect that some actors must think, “Hey, if Tom Cruz is into it…and it might be a good career move.” Sad. As for non-actors and non – LA / NY area people, it might start in science fiction (Hubbard) and feed a certain human spiritual hunger. But the bait leads to the trap.

    Leah R is brave to take it all on now with a view to helping others. As for you, good lord, you’re so young and pretty you’d look good if you gained 20 pounds. 🙄 But congratulations on your overcoming, and especially your helping others.

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    • Thanks for this friend. Yeah it really is sad. What a kind thing to say. Yeah Leah is brave and good for her for trying to put an end to the corruption. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  36. Wow. I’ve never seen the shows you linked to, but I’ve heard stories about Scientology over the years. And I had never thought of the similarities between Scientology and anorexia. Thank you for sharing. <3

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  38. Another article of great insight. It is true… the enemy of God uses the same basic strategies to deceive and destroy those who are unaware (it’s the same lies… just all dressed up in different “packaging”). Thanks again for sharing your journey… with such a sensitive heart. God continue to bless and guide you! M. A.

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  39. <>
    I think there are lot of other “famous” 🤓 religions doing that too! Basically when anyone forces his faith on other person its no more a religion! 😌
    BTW eye opener article! Although we don’t hear about this Scientology thing in this part of the world much!

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  40. I’ve been back to your website a handful of times… You’re doing a great job here! Keep up the good work. If you’re ever looking for a place to guest post or if you’d be interested in being on a podcast, check out DailyPS.com – We’d be honored to have you! Regardless, I just wanted to say great job; you’re impacting lives!!!

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  41. Great post. I haven’t watch Leah Remini’s series yet, but I plan to this summer. I think the analogy between EDs and Scientology or any oppressive dogma is spot on and powerful. The damage done to our body and mind may be different, but the mechanism of injury is the same.

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  42. Yes there are practices that are destructive, they could even be healthy practices as you mention. Exercise is not evil and neither is diet but its the extremes we have to avoid just as we have to be very discerning about man made philosophies that are the oft times flavour of the day and just as destructive as cocaine. When Jesus said He would give us life abundantly He was obviously talking about the life hereafter and in this life the peace that comes to us in the knowledge of that hereafter in spite of the travails of daily living.

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    • Thanks Ian, you’re so right – both those things are good but like you said, when taken to the extreme they become destructive. Amen! Jesus brings life. Hugs and love xox

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  43. Okay I might not watch it, but I to know about people who make themselves think of being fat, not good looking as models are, and try to cut down on food, when that isn’t the answer, but if you are over weight and if you not over weight then just keep eating foods that’s a healthy weight to eat, or just not a big plate of something, but just a normal meal size for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner to keep a normal weight that is healthy for you.
    I’m trying to say this as nice as I can without sounding offence, hopefully I’m during a good job at it.

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  44. Brave on you, on the topic of Scientology! And done with care.
    An eating disorder as a religion, that’s interesting…
    … and finding commonalities in the patterns of behavior between the two. You’re a thinker.

    As a Christian, and as an Anglican…, food’s an interesting topic. (And I am aware of the topic of communion…) And yet the heart and the Spirit matter more, in relationship

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    • Thanks so much David. Yeah I tried to be as respectful as I could. Hah…I guess when you have a blog you mind ends up going weird places haha thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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      • Just a thought, and in mind of your story. People sometimes fast from breakfast before Holy Communion. And so, instead of one meal, there is another meal. (And breakfast can then be had as usual afterward…) I am not comfortable to say much more but that was where my thought was. David

  45. Interesting article! I’m checking out the links now! Never knew much about scientology before reading this. Only that Tom Cruz was into it.

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  47. My dear friend,

    Unfortunately there are hundred thousands of false prophets as we could already read in the Bible. However, there are some certain features how to find out if they are so-called prophets or ideas or true once to differentiate them. There are religious groups and sects they build a fense around themselves and do not allow others (normal ones) to enter their “premises” – they claim: We are the truth (like propaganda), only our organisation is right, they squeeze the money out of people, in so called seminars, giving people some valueless documents in their hands declaring them as spiritual aspirants etc… In doing so they are very tricky and clever. The more they mix truth with untruthfulness, the more people are unable to differentiate and remain confused. Their leaders claim: We are the master, the guru, the spiritual teacher (also just propaganda in which many people are easily trapped) – they make promises to use these promises as baits to fish their “followers” – in the end they find them brain-washed with no clear mind to think beyond the brim of the life-plate. Spirituality cannot be bought in any shop, nor it can be achieved in seminar or testaments – not even obtained from book-reading. Spirituality is like an “infecting disease” that can only be taken and developed by the receptivity of our inner eye, by our heart-understanding, not with our intellect. In the end all those so-called religious organisations, sects, groups etc – have one intrest in common: Power over other people, manipulate them and benefit from their money and credulousness – to increase their own power within the society… and for this they built a fortress, in fact a prison for all their fellowers – who are not able to see that they are captured, imprisoned, brain-washed – and fight vividly against each and everyone who is against their “idea” – covering and protecting it under the blanket of a religious liberty…

    Thanks for your courage too to share this subject 🙂
    All good wishes
    Didi

    Reply

    • Hi Didi, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. you’re so right, it’s a sad truth…there are a lot of those out there. My heart goes out to all those people trapped in the oppression. thanks for taking the time to read and respond. big hugs xo

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  48. Reblogged this on Turning the Page on Suicide and commented:
    The enemy of all of us often uses the same pattern, just with different skin, to isolate us and separate us from the love of God. Beauty Beyond Bones gives excellent insight into recognizing the isolation we spiral into. She encourages us to move away from judging the false beliefs we observe others wearing, instead, cultivate compassion for the brokenness we all share in common. We can learn to recognize the internal organs of the lies we believe about ourselves, others, and God and put on the new skin of truth.

    Reply

  49. Good stuff! Yeah, I’ve seen a few episodes of the Leah Remini series…it really is eye-opening and sad.

    I love the comparison you made, too. Thank God for the freedom we have in Him 🙌🙌🙌!!

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  50. Hi Carolyn!
    Great article, very well written, exposing it for exactly what it is. I watched the videos at the time Leah Remini exposed this demonic organization.. What got my interest was the extreme measure she with through to expose this demonic organization. I feared for her life. Some have mysteriously died after leaving the organization, even reports of suicide. Scientology is a death game that many soul commit there life to playing expecting to be winners, but they don’t realize they are losing. I say “losing” because some time people appear to be winning, but in the end they find themselves standing at death’s door step.* By the way, you’re an awesome writer and I love reading your posts. Great Job!

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  51. I’ve also been following that documentary. I might have skipped a few episodes but it’s really scary to see what those people are actually going through. I mean being shunnes from your family? or abort a baby just because you’re part of some organization.

    They started a branch here in my city but disappeared after a while…

    Thanks for sharing glad I’m not alone who watched this doccie!

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  52. I’ve done a little research on this “religion” and it is so sad that people have fallen prey to this cult and not been allowed to escape and if they have managed to, they were harassed and their family members have been forced to deny them.

    It reminds me that I must focus on the God part of my belief system and not any man-made concepts or ideals to pervert it or else I am promoting kind of the same thing.

    Thanks for sharing!

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    • Fallen “prey” is exactly what it is — they are being preyed upon, and it just makes me so sad. thanks for your thoughts, Mike. I really appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to read. big hugs xox

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  53. Watched one not too long ago as well and it was quite eye-opening and scary. My heart and prayers go out to them and hopefully they can wake up and escape that.

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  55. Cable AMC was carrying Leah Remini’s documentary awhile ago. I watched it. It was on every night in repeat fashion and some days for hours and hours. Kinda like E! does the Kardashians. I saw it in Jan Feb. It’s no wonder that people go astray after erroneous ideas, not to me. Those that believe in a God are nothing but parasites on his body. Like a Zeus or any other “deity” is actually going to save anybody…REALLY???! All religions are bunk, not just scientology. There is only one truth. Survival of the fittest. Science rules all. Numbers will always trump prophecy. Science will always trump religion. Effort and hypothesis will always beat the trusting in some other being, whoever it may be. A dependence on a man or a man for God is nothing but slavery. Let man free. Quit preaching captivity.

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      • I’m aching for you to write another scathing post about me. But, it seems you used up that once-a-year scathing post on someone else…I figure you Christians are all the same, carbon-cut copies from the same mold. All words. No works. You say you had or have anorexia. I don’t even believe it. All I see is words on a screen. Pictures that may be doctored, fake. You may just be a virus stored in a mainframe, garbling out some somewhat-sensible stream. I don’t believe anything I can’t see. Clearly, you are invisible, nothing more than ones and zeroes. I won’t believe in anything, until it kills me.

    • I read your comments, and they make a great deal of sense, to a point. I had thought, because your thinking seems to work quite similar to my own, that you were writing brilliant Sarcasm. I do this for social commentary and political commentary, choosing the most extreme language and the most cliched arguments. I then salt it with the memory of the bitterness of my former self. And I leave those ugly and (mostly) untrue words hanging like a pigeon whose neck you’ve rung to hang it above the hole in the barn, daring another pigeon to drop by and say something. I got to say, I like how you write. You are brilliant; there is no doubt. But I also have to say, God IS that Freedom/Liberty for man. HE speaks Freedom to the captives. Even to me and you.

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      • Not to me, that about speaking freedom to captives. I the most captive captive of all, But thanks for reading my comment, no matter how lame it may sound when read out loud.

  57. I like your comparison. I have read quite a bit myself about Scientology and, truth to be said, I never understood it, until like you, I made some comparisons with other things I had experienced.

    It is also like narcissistic abuse. That’s the reality you know and you’re trying to make it work so hard and so much that you lose perspective. You’re trapped. You’re all the time trying to anticipate what will happen next. You walk on eggshells, trying to control every thing you do, say, or even your body language because you do not know what it going to trigger the narcissist. Sounds like those reports from Scientology, doesn’t it? You think you are losing your mind you try even harder. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t reach the end. It’s never good enough. It’s never enough, no matter what you do or say. The bar keeps on being raised and you keep on trying to reach it.

    Instead of buying Scientology books, in the case of NPD, you have no idea what hit you and you start buying books on how to improve your relationship or marriage. You spend a lot of money on that and therapy and going to doctors because your body starts to suffer, as well. You’re depressed, tired, exhausted

    Eventually you can’t take anymore and the fear of staying the same is stronger than the fear to change your situation. And that’s when you finally take a step out of the grave you have dug yourself into. I’m guessing it’s a lot like that with people in Scientology. And like you said, these are smart people. The same happens with a lot of narcissistic-abuse victims. They are incredibly smart. But they were charmed by the narcissist and they fell into his or her trap. I feel it’s just like that with Scientology, as well.

    Love your post!

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  58. Valid correlation. Both are spiritual bondage, teeming with demonic forces and lies. I believe many addictions fit into this category also. And for all of them, truth from God and His Word and salvation from Jesus is the way out. There is no other lasting way. Hard road to climb because it shatters pride to do it. But praise God He brought you through and I pray for those still in the enemy’s grasp. Love you as always! 🙂 ❤

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  59. Interesting post. I must say scientology is perhaps a cult. Yes I feel bad for those oppressed by that system. It’s a form of mind control. Remember the devil is the father of all lies. John 8:44: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” So without God and His Word, any of us will fall for anything. So I can see how they fell for the lies.

    Satan and his demons are powerful and can convince us of anything if we don’t seek God for His wisdom. The devil can appear as an angel of light and his people as righteous. 2 Corinthiana 11:13-15: “(13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
    (14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
    (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

    Satan and his demons love to attack us an isolate us. He did it with your eating disorder. He did it with me with depression. I am glad you are better now. Thanks again for posting this. It reminds of what needs to be done. May God bless you and all who read this.

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  60. My sister and I were talking today about religion, the orthodox Church, etc. I was just baptized and Christmated on June 3rd. Orthodox Christianity is so different and healing than the other Christian churches in which I grew up. I asked my sister, ‘what the H have we been doing all our lives?!’. If something is all you have known your whole life (protestantism is right and everything else is a cult/lie) and if that lie is repeated often enough it becomes truth. Protestantism/Evangelicalism was my eating disorder. Life is so much better now. Lord have mercy!

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  61. I used to live near the UK Scientology headquarters. Families were torn apart by them and they were harder than Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses to get off the doorstep. I never heard a positive story about their believers. But hey, I worship guitars.

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  62. Well done for speaking out about this oppressive and deceptive system of beliefs. It’s indoctrination that uses bullying tactics. It is a SCIENCE and it has nothing to do with GOD. My nephew got into it and he is now poor, his music career has come to a halt because all his money is tied up with the courses he has to do and his relationships have broken down. Scientology is not restorative, it is not about forgiveness and definitely not inclusive.God has created us individually and we are wired to HIM. I say, if it doesn’t feel right then let it go – that’s God speaking to us. Kudos to you Caralyn.

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    • Thanks so much friend. Yeah it really makes me sad. Nothing to do with God at all. I’m so sorry to hear that about your nephew. Will definitely keep him in my prayers! Hugs and love xox

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  63. Wow. Your writing often touches me. God speaks to me through you. Having undergone a trial with anorexia as a result of my own bad choices–which resulted in early childhood trauma and DID–AND having been lifted from that pit, these words comforted me. I thank you for writing what God told you to write. You listen to Him; it is apparent. I am grateful to GOD for the blessing of having discovered your blog.

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  64. I like that comparison.

    It doesn’t matter what the lie is, as long as believing it keeps you from seeing Father as he is, and yourself as you are, the accuser wins.

    I grew up in an on-the-verge cult denomination and I’ve been researching again into the early history and it’s just so… subtle. It’s not over the top, but after reading and then writing about what I’ve been learning and writing proofs (or rather de-proofs) on some of the doctrine that has shaped generations of people globally…I begin to see again even more clearly, anyone with a proper, or close to proper view of Father, and a basic understanding pf the Bible, could refute this stuff, but because now 170+ years later those doctrines are covered in such a layer of dust and disambiguation, even though they still hold control over so many people with fear it’s so difficult for them to separate truth from lies and fact from foolishness and after so many generations supporting the lies it’s just so ingrained and..heartbreaking…that they cannot see Father as he is because everything they believe depends on him being another way…

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    • Thanks Carson. I’m sorry that this hits so close to home for you. Yeah my heart just breaks for those who are trapped in such an oppressive situation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Big hugs xox

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  65. Thank you so much for sharing an inside look at eating disorder. It’s my sincere hope that such will help free people who are being tortured in a similar way. Sincerely, Art

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  66. A great perspective. I love how you drew from personal experience in this post! Very inspiring. God guides us through things that help us gain experience and strength to share with others.

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  67. Thanks for information and links. I know very little about Scientology, but it’s tragically sad whenever people’s innate desire to believe in something transcendent is manipulated like this. And, unfortunately, it’s not just Scientology that does this.

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  68. This comment has nothing to do with your post, but I just have to ask you a few questions about SCD! After a year of intrusive, anxiety-provoking, and just plain gross symptoms, I have been diagnosed with candida overgrowth. The doctor advised me to try to SCD diet in order to starve the bad bacteria in my gut. I feel so overwhelmed, and I don’t even know where to start. I am also in recovery from anorexia so I can foresee this being a big issue; however, I have to do this if I want to start feeling better. The diet is so restrictive, and I don’t know how to cook as it is. If you could give me any advice or words of wisdom, that would be so so helpful. I’m so thankful I’ve been following your blog for over a year because when the doctor told me about the SCD diet, I immediately thought of you. Thank you so much for any encouragement you could give me!

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    • Thanns so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through that. Yes, I too had candida and SCD cured that. Email me at beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com and I’ll send you all my information on it and my cookbook! Praying for you! Hang in there friend! Hugs and love xox

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  69. Wow, I’m almost afraid to watch these expose’s. I know I should considering your remark regarding the beginning is about good intentions and then I see us going down the rabbit hole of those good intentions under someone else’s stronghold. Thanks for sharing!

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  70. Scientology aside: You give me such courage to share my story with complete & total abandon. Thank you for being inspirational and courageous!

    I see how God has worked in you! 🙂

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  71. Scientology aside: you give me such courage to share my story with complete and total abandon! Thank you for being so honest and raw 🙂

    I see God working in you! 🙂

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    • Thanks Mitch, yeah it really is eye opening. Makes me sad to think of the havoc it’s wreaking on the lives of so many. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  73. Great perspective. There are so many things we get trapped in and believe the lies of the Enemy. Scientology is very dangerous, and while I don’t know much about it I appreciate your post and what you had to say.

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  74. Great post. I think addiction to alcohol works the same way … you start out drinking a little wine, just like everyone else. Soon you are having a drink before you go out, so that you settle your nerves a little and can be more sociable. The substance begins to make subtle changes in your brain that cause you to want to reach for a drink whenever you feel stressed. Now it’s the perfect answer to more and more of your problems. And for me, it was the perfect way to segue from an eating disorder. When drinking, I wasn’t hungry. I could drink instead of eat, or I would eat much less after a drink or two. Alcohol on an empty stomach is REALLY bad for you. Fast forward to the inevitable: the damaging experiences that come with drinking are the voices of Scientology: you are not good enough anymore without the drink. You are not worthy. You are weak. Finding your way out of this trap eventually must become your life mission, as with an eating disorder.
    Thank you for your words of wisdom. ❤️

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  76. I’ve heard accounts of oppression from muslims and evangelicals that sound similar to what you describe. Systematic control is quite common in all religions, it’s only the strategies that change from one to another. We’re still at a point where people associate faith and spirituality with religion, so it isn’t surprising to see someone submitting to systematic control in an attempt to connect to God.

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  77. Thank you for sharing this post! Even though I have never heard of it, its still pretty eye opening for me to know this. And thank you for liking my first post ^-^.

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  78. There are so many levels of “Religion” and believers and non believers out there in this world. I get it – People have the desire to question all things. Me personally, I would rather be right in my faith and Christianity and meet Gods’ Grace than I would to risk it all and meet Gods Wrath? Thanks for the post and as always, I look forward to the next.

    Also – just to point out – I love the way that you are able to contain yourself and remain objective when others clearly are looking for something to egg you on about.

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    • Thanks friend, yeah that’s a really powerful way to look at it. thanks for that encouragement..yeah it can definitely be tough sometimes, especially when people try to get a rise out of you haha Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox

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  79. Hi BBB,

    I think we will check out the series. I hope she got out and came to know the Lord. You know how to pray for folks caught up on this. It is like us and Mormons. My oldersr son is dating a girl whose parents are Mormons. We know how to pray for them and for folks get out of that trap. Crazy the Scientology HQ in Hemet, right next door to Menifee. We all know what is going on there. Keep praying for them.

    In Christ,

    Gary

    On Mon, Jun 12, 2017 at 3:04 PM BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: “So I’ve recently watched a couple documentaries > on Scientology: Going Clear, and Leah Remini’s 8-part series, Scientology > and the Aftermath. Wow. If you want your minds blown, give them a watch…I > included the links. Let me begin by saying,” >

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  80. I too saw the series with Leah Remini and was completely astounded at what was going on. I couldn’t believe that there are people willingly following this religion despite what transpires after gaining admission. Guess they found a need filled through it. I’m just glad that I have God in my life and none of that baggage. Thanks for sharing Caralyn!

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    • Thanks for this, Mark. Yeah, it was really eye opening. It made me sad to think of all the people who have lost so much time and have devastated relationships as a result of the organization. breaks my heart. big hugs xox

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  82. That belief system astounds me too! Some people need to be told what to do and then there are those of us who want to think for ourselves! Different strokes for different folks so to speak.
    I left the catholic church I was raised in after my marriage, and sadly my dad disowned me and broke my heart. He refused to take my calls or be home if I visited. On Christmas eve I stopped by unannounced but he heard the doorbell and slipped out the side door to a neighbors house. He was so stubborn. He died 8 days later of a heart attack. I never got to see him or say goodbye or anything at all. I was heartbroken to the core! Life goes on and I made my peace with him spiritually. All this came out today I guess after reading your post. I had the audacity to leave a church with rules I could not believe or follow. But I was lucky to follow my heart and I have deep spirituality guiding me every day.

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      • Thank you, I am just fine, that happened so many years ago! You just brought it out of me today. We forgive and try to understand others behavior, but trauma never really goes away does it!!
        I have just read 5 or 6 of your blogs and love your writing!

  84. It really is ALL oppression no matter the form… I caught quite a bit of her show and it truly is mind blowing, especially the sheer amounts of money people were to pay, we often think of “stars” as wealthy but most were being cleaned out and it is so sad. I thank God for her and all who has gotten out and truly pray that she finds the love of Christ. So many fall victim to lies (even in our minds) and oppression by “predators” such as cults, or even bad relationships because so many of us all are just truly broken vessels in search of that “magic glue” that will repair us and hold us together. And as you know, magic doesn’t exist and it is a process, well worth it, but still a process. Praying many will see the truth and get out! Wonderful post.

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    • Thanks for this reflection, Nina. Yeah I will definitely join you in that prayer. It just breaks my heart to think of their oppression. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  87. My little brother has an eating disorder, and there’s been this chasm between us that I’ve been unable to cross. I can’t understand what he’s gone through. I just grieve for the happy and bright little boy he once was. Unlike you, I don’t know that he’s ever had a true connection to God. Our parents weren’t spiritual people, and I pretty much owe everything to my grandmother as it pertains to my introduction to Jesus. I guess I was just more receptive to Him than my family was, and it protected me from some of the snares that I might have fallen into without Him. I’ve tried every so often to gently approach the subject with my brother, but he’s just been weathered by so much darkness at this point that I don’t know how to reach him. I guess I feel like I’ve failed him…and Him. Maybe if I’d been a better Christian, or a better big sister as he was growing up, this wouldn’t have happened. I just don’t want to see him die. Please, pray for him.

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    • Thank you so much Angela for sharing his. I’m so sorry that your little brother is going through that. I will definitely keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Keep trying with him. You’re a great big sister, and often times it takes a lot of exposure to Jesus before something finally breaks through. Keep trying. Your efforts are making more of an impact than you know 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  88. Thank you so much for sharing pieces of your personal struggles with everyone. What you’ve been through is so emotionally/physically draining, and the fact that you remain standing tall today speaks volumes of your character. Those who suffer the most and make it through to the other side of the dark tunnel of struggle end up being the most significant sources of inspiration to others struggling to discover themselves. The fact that Leah Remini became a scientologist then left the community and now speaks out against it is so important. She reveals the dangers of the belief system the same way you address the risks of living with an eating disorder. The photos you included in the post are beautiful as well. 😇💚📝

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    • Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. Yeah I am so glad that remini is raising awareness. I hope it helps. Thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox

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  89. It’s a scary cult. Simply because it’s so large and SO powerful! It has its hooks in so many different sectors of our society. I once met a group of “Christians” while in university. I believe they were called “Church of Christ” (there are a lot of Christian groups whom go by this name but I am talking specifically of one known in just my city – no mean to defend those who belong to a Church of Christ in their city of which is a legit religious organization) and seemed like, at first, just like any other Christian church. The students were my age, fun, nice… I thought I had found a good group to be with. Turns out they were using a true religion to disguise itself as a cult. Now, the group of people I met might not have realized this. They were, after all, one of the thousands of brain-washing minions. Soon, however, I found myself in quite a situation. The first sign was that they told me I had to break up with my boyfriend in order to purify my soul. My then boyfriend was also attending their bible study group (we found them together) as well as the Sunday services. We were to be “schooled” separately. I started to get that gut feeling that something was wrong. So, my boyfriend and I discussed we should just part ways with this group. After all, if it doesn’t feel right, then it is not meant to be. After we told them, nicely, we decided this group was not meant for us, I got STALKED! I would get one call from a member. As soon as I hung up the phone another one would call me. They would not take ‘no’ for an answer. Mind you, they did not threaten me but they were just AGGRESSIVE! I felt completely victimized. I got into arguments with them and finally had to say I would go to the police if they continued this harassment. Luckily that worked. So – nothing as bad as a worse cult, including Scientology, but I got a taste of what it means to get into something cult-like.

    Religion is a faith-based system. And its church is not meant to have control over their members. After all, God gave us free-will for a reason. It is up to us to make our own choices and decide what path to follow. And He and only He determines what judgement we will face in the end. Any group which claims their ‘control’ methods are the way down to a path leading to some great, white light at the end is just not right. And no group should try to separate a person from their loved ones. That’s what abusive partners do in relationships – they separate their partner from all parts of their former world so that they can have complete control and domination.

    Yes, I agree. It is sad for those who are trapped. And ever sadder for those who don’t see that they are trapped and honestly believe they are part of something good.

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    • Thanks for this powerful reflection. wow, what an experience! i appreciate you sharing. Yeah, it’s really sad. It breaks my heart to think of the families torn apart because of this oppressive system of belief. thanks for sharing hugs xox

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  91. When I was younger, my parents told me about two of their friends who had joined a cult. They were well educated, middle classish folks. Of course, I don’t know the heart but I suspect cults and the cult of self, is all about saving oneself.

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    • yeah, it’s really confusing to think about. Living in the information age, it’s hard to imagine getting sucked into a cult, but I guess it happens. my heart goes out to all of those who are trapped. Makes me sad to think about. thanks for all of your reading today! hope you have a great monday! hugs xo

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    • thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that you can personally relate to the trapped feeling. hang in there. i believe that you can break the cycle. You got this, friend. sending big hugs xo

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  93. You have an extraordinary insight. In some ways Scientology, Anorexia or any type of condition that controls you is initially perceived as a form of ‘escape’. Take Nazism in the 1930s. Millions of ostensibly rational German people followed a cult of violence willingly in order to escape the pain and oppression imposed upon them by the Versailles treaty after the First World War. Initially, Hitler and his cohorts promise the starving German people food, jobs and shelter – all attractive things for a broken nation. Eventually, they went to war, killed in the name of their benefactors and eventually took part in ‘The final solution’ – the extermination of all who followed the Jewish faith. They had been told that the rich and greedy Jews were responsible for their oppression and their hunger. Murdering Jews became a new kind of ‘Normal’ for people who decades before would have seen their actions as abhorrent. They were trapped, in the same way that Anorexia traps people, or Scientology. They all contain at their core the insidious lie; that in order to cure, or worse avoid your pain, that following this path will lead to your salvation – when in actual fact, the only place it can lead is to your destruction. Self-destruction, imposed by a subtle and dangerous, fraudulent ideology that convinces you that if you follow this path, it will lead to deliverance, or redemption, or better still, an end to your pain . Thank goodness you found God. Thank God, you escaped the trap, the lie of anorexia. You are doing such a wonderful job telling your story. If just one person gets your message and breaks free, then you have succeeded. Thank you for what you do. Rich.

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  94. Tim Keller says that religion is the default mode of the human heart. We want to follow rules and be able to get ahead by following the rules. When we are following the rules we do not care about other people or who we step on, because we are following the rules.

    True relationship does not have these rules. In relationship there is an invitation to explore and be yourself within a framework of unconditional love. It is both scary and challenging to get out from underneath rules and able to live in freedom. the people who do not understand freedom. As you will know you had to admit to a problem and then have the courageous Constitution to be able to do battle with the problem.

    Wonderful analogy formulated and expressed, I hope it bearers much prayer For the imprisoned.

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  95. Hey Girl! I have been thinking about you lately! Glad you are well. Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking my Waiting post! Thank you also for posting about your journey out of the dark into the light! All Praise to God, our Father for His love and grace that reaches down to us and meets us where we are and pulls those up who willingly grab His Hand!

    “For by what a man is overcome, that he is enslaved!” 2Peter 2:19

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    • thank you so much, i really appreciate this beautiful reflection. amen to that — what a beautiful image of His grace extending down to us! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo

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  96. That post should have read “by that he is enslaved.” Would you mind going in and editing the Scripture verse for me? just add the word “by”

    For by what a man is overcome, by that he is enslaved!” 2Peter 2:19

    Thanks! Hugs!

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  97. I’ve read the book Going Clear. Similar title but I believe HBO is searching for the “magic” in English religions. Another recent series was Tom Perrotta’s “Leftovers” (also on HBO I think I don’t have TV) that starts at the rapture but stays far away from Revelations strangely. I’ve read a few other books and manuscripts on Scientology. After World War II, it was an Order from Britain sent to the US. The secrecy. I don’t know. It’s an old Order and closed societies are much like fraternities and vice versa. I agree religion should be healing in a community. Unfortunately, there are those that lean toward only the magic without the moral philosophy of religion. India’s Bhagavad-Gita has much mysticism and seems the foundation of Yoga. In this example it’s the reverse for us Westerners. We have accepted Yoga and denied the Gita. We’ve also accepted meditation but know nothing of Gautama’s first Dharmas.

    I’m including these examples as a way to understand the social fabric and how without acquiring a respect for other cultures we cannot really come together. It is a large reason for many religious arguments. As I’ve read over the years “who is right?” Turned to “truth is ugly.” As, it should be.

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    • thanks so much for sharing your thought Kenzie. Lots of scary stuff out there. scary stuff. yeah – gotta get back to that Christ centered community aspect. thanks for stopping by! hugs x

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      • I agree. Jesus accepted people as is. It’s easy to get lost in something popular but when it crowns and everyone chooses something else to idolize. I think that’s what gets lost, on believers and atheists is Jesus is free. Costs nothing. To be like Him is, hard. It’s putting aside our petty social etiquettes without fear and knowing a stranger like Jesus knew the thief that died with him. Easy to say and hard to do.

      • I like how you take deeply complex topics and try to see something there. For our attempts at separate church and state in America. We fail and since a better part of the time the faith is accepting it kind of works out. Now, why have these other beliefs about the world? Well, there are few Scientologists that are not loaded. For many faiths the communal approach allows them to advance their methods on the riches of its members. Tax free like the Bible faiths. So, we cannot be naive to think that a lost soul did not see a better deal. Its human.

      • It’s hard to not have a religious bias when speaking of different religions. It’s good to be proud of your faith but also know when it becomes a sin.

  98. Good write. At times our minds can be our worse enemy. It can make you believe and see what isn’t real. My anoxeric friend didn’t see herself as being so..

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  99. The last “conversation” which I had with someone from Scientology was about 36 years ago. I was walking along a street in downtown Seattle. “How do you have a corner on the truth?” I asked. No reply. – Oscar

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  100. Thank you for this blog post. I have watched the documentaries also and found them to be fascinating. I am a secular humanist myself & have a difficult time understanding indoctrination of any kind. My mother has also suffered with eating disorders all of her life. I think it’s about control for her. You are beautiful and courageous. Keep up the good fight!

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  102. God Bless You Woman of God! Just want to tell you Thanks for Your Support, You are so Faithful, I really Appreciate your Feedback. Stay Pure in Heart because I can tell that you are genuine! Im praying that you Stay Blessed in Jesus Name!

    Reply

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