Top 10 Issues With Scientology

Established in 1952 by L. Ron Hubbard (Elron), the Church of Scientology evolved from his earlier self-help framework, Dianetics. However, the organization and Hubbard himself have faced significant criticisms. Here are the top 10 issues with Scientology.

1. Hubbard struggled with drug addiction

Despite Scientology's strong anti-drug stance and its affiliated program, Narconon, which focuses on drug rehabilitation and prevention, L. Ron Hubbard himself battled drug addiction throughout his life. Narconon's mission, as stated on their website, is to combat drug abuse through education and rehabilitation. This raises questions about the credibility of an organization founded by someone who personally struggled with the very issue it aims to resolve.

Here is a statement from Hubbard’s son, Ronald deWolf:

“I can personally confirm that my father frequently used illegal substances such as amphetamines, barbiturates, and hallucinogens. He was a regular user of cocaine, peyote, and mescaline.” — Ronald DeWolf, also known as L. Ron Hubbard, Jr., Affidavit in Schaick v. Church of Scientology, US District Court Mass., No. 79-2491

During his stay in Las Palmas in 1967, Hubbard wrote a letter to his wife, stating: “I’m consuming large amounts of rum and taking pinks and greys.” This is documented in the ruling by Judge Paul G. Breckenridge, Jr. in Scientology v. Armstrong, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. C 420153.

Mr. Hubbard falsely claimed to his followers that he was a Nuclear Physicist:

Scientology, created by L. Ron Hubbard, C.E., Ph.D., who claimed to be a nuclear physicist, has reportedly achieved its long-standing objectives. Dr. Hubbard, who allegedly studied advanced physics, higher mathematics, and the works of Sigmund Freud, began his research three decades ago at George Washington University. [Hubbard, “P.E. Handout”, HCO Information Letter of 14 April 1961]

In reality, Hubbard held no scientific qualifications. In February 1953, he obtained a “degree” from Sequoia University, a disreputable institution in Los Angeles known as a “degree mill,” which was later closed by the California state government in 1958. [Cited in Russell Miller, Bare-Faced Messiah, page 212].

Hubbard also falsely portrayed himself as a war hero. Over an eighteen-month period, he was removed from duty three times.

When Sara, Ron’s wife, sought a divorce in 1951, she alleged that Ron was already married when he wed her. The court document can be viewed here.

In early 1946, the plaintiff, aged 21 and unmarried, lived with her family in Pasadena and attended the University of Southern California. At that time, the defendant, L. Ron Hubbard, referred to as “Hubbard,” was a 35-year-old married man, wed to Margaret Grubb Hubbard of Bremerton, Washington, with whom he had two children. Hubbard falsely represented himself to the plaintiff as single and unmarried. [Stamped: FILED Apr 23 1951, Harold Cecily, County Clerk]

In 1979, Hubbard, though not residing in France, was convicted of fraud and received a four-year prison sentence. Sections of the court record, translated into English, can be read here.

“…the French branch of Scientology misrepresented itself by offering services without its leaders ever acknowledging the potential for failure…”

A particularly revealing statement from the same court record is as follows:

“It has been established that the application of this method alone could not guarantee success in business or employment, as it relied on unrealistic hopes, false promises, and those making such promises were fully aware they could not be fulfilled…”

One of the most notorious tactics employed is known as Fair Game. Although the organization asserts it has discontinued this practice, numerous individuals have reported harassment since this declaration. What exactly is Fair Game?

“Can be stripped of property or harmed by any Scientologist without repercussions. Can be deceived, sued, lied to, or utterly ruined.” — Hubbard

As part of this Fair Game policy, Scientology members have produced and circulated pamphlets filled with falsehoods and defamatory statements targeting those who have publicly criticized the organization.

In a recent Panorama documentary, one of the organization’s leaders in Florida is seen defaming a man who is speaking to a reporter about the group.

Wikipedia provides the clearest explanation: Lisa McPherson (February 10, 1959–December 5, 1995) was a Scientologist who passed away from a pulmonary embolism while under the care of the Flag Service Organization (FSO), a division of the Church of Scientology.

After her death, the Church of Scientology faced two felony charges: “abuse and/or neglect of a disabled adult and practicing medicine without a license,” [source], which brought the nature of Scientology’s beliefs and practices under legal scrutiny. [source] The controversy sparked regular protests outside Scientology offices around the anniversary of her death until 2000. [source]

The charges were dismissed after the medical examiner revised the cause of death from “undetermined” to “accidental” on June 13, 2000. [source]

A civil lawsuit filed by her family against the Church was resolved on May 28, 2004. [source]

Initially, Scientology courses cost around $15 each, offering about sixteen hours of “treatment” for that price, which seems like a great deal. However, this is the only time you’ll encounter such a low cost within the organization.

The first set of courses in the Hubbard hierarchy, known as auditing or processing, includes several levels designed to transform a “preclear” into a “clear.” If taken individually, these courses cost approximately $750 for O-IV, $500 for the next level, $1,200 for Grade V (“Power Processes”), $775 for Grade VI, $600 for “Solo” (self-auditing), and $800 for the final “clear” stage, totaling around $4,625. Package deals slightly reduce this cost. For an additional $2,850, you can advance to OT level VIII, with OT IX expected to be released soon at a much higher price.

The Church of Scientology is vehemently against psychiatry, promoting an alternative with no scientific basis. On their psychiatry FAQ (URL: http://faq.scientology.org/psychtry.htm), they state their opposition to brutal psychiatric treatments.

“The Church opposes cruel and inhumane psychiatric practices for three main reasons: 1) treatments like electro-shock, drugs, and lobotomy harm and destroy individuals under the guise of help; 2) psychiatry lacks scientific validation, making its funding unjustified; and 3) psychiatric theories dehumanizing people have been used to justify atrocities like the world wars.

Many psychiatrists have openly criticized the Church of Scientology. Following the publication of Hubbard’s book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, the American Psychological Association warned its members against using Hubbard’s methods with patients. Hubbard became convinced that psychiatrists were part of a global conspiracy to undermine Scientology and establish a “world government” controlled by psychiatrists on behalf of the USSR.

Hubbard also claimed that psychiatrists represented an ancient evil, existing for billions of years. He accused them of aiding Xenu in a genocidal event 75 million years ago.

Scientology is entirely fabricated, created by L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer. It has no grounding in reality and promotes ideas such as aliens attaching “thetans” to human bodies using nuclear explosions in mountains worldwide.

When questioned about Xenu, the malevolent overlord central to their beliefs, Scientologists often deny its existence. However, leaked documents confirm that this is indeed a core part of their doctrine.

Through initiatives like Narconon and auditing, Scientology deceives individuals into believing they are receiving genuine help. They discourage the use of psychiatric medication, even for conditions like schizophrenia or other biologically rooted mental illnesses.

The Church of Scientology fiercely protects its secrets. When leaks occur, the organization responds with lawsuits and threats, effectively censoring information online. While bomb-making instructions are accessible, details about passing OT level VIII remain hidden, showcasing their unparalleled control over information.

Ironically, despite their secrecy, Scientology uses personal information obtained during auditing against members who leave the group. This is akin to a priest publicly sharing a confession after someone leaves the Church.

Steer clear of the Church of Scientology at any cost.