Daughter and this classmate of hers have been dating since August. She told us him & his whole family are Scientologists. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know anything about it until she mentioned it, my first thought was “oh, they believe in science? That’s cool”. Then I looked it up online… and I still don’t understand anything. Most sources say it’s a bad thing, but I don’t get what it’s all actually about, as in doctrine, beliefs, activities, etc. I don’t even understand if it’s an actual religion or one of those pay-to-level-up self-care courses. One of the most confusing things I’ve ever read about. So if anyone could explain it straight to the point, I’d be very grateful.
Depends a lot, whether you are in Usamerica or not.
They are the classical gang of cultists who manipulate people into donating all of their money (by buying “courses” and reaching “levels”), and then some more. People who have escaped are seriously damaged, emotionally.
But if you are in Usamerica, they have made some courts grant them full rights like any real church.