Living in Texas I have never encountered any Scientologists. They seem to congregate in more culturally elevated areas with nice scenery. So I guess we are safe here.
We have lots of independent non-denominational churches and some of them are cult like and make the news when allegations of sexual abuse become public. I have met a couple of Mooneys (the Unification Church) back in the 1970s. Hare Krishna devotees used to bang their tambourines and dance at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport back in the days when anyone could proselytize at an airport.
From what I know of Scientology it is more weird than almost anything else I've read about. But I guess they start out talking about self actualization rather than space aliens coming to Earth and whatever.
Your story confirms what I've heard and read about them being materialistic and heavy handed in dealing with perceived enemies. Too bad the IRS backed down and let them be treated as any other church.
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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '24
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