Does Scientology deserve more scrutiny than other religions?

[abaris]

They did own like 40 huge buildings in Clearwater alone, those didn't pay themselves either...

But who doesn't only pay in but gets something out? It can't be only David Miscavige and family.

[Alex K]

They did own like 40 huge buildings in Clearwater alone, those didn't pay themselves either...

But who doesn't only pay in but gets something out? It can't be only David Miscavige and family.

Yes good point. One never hears about any higher-ups who profit from it apart from the boss...

[Rev. Rye]

But who doesn't only pay in but gets something out? It can't be only David Miscavige and family.

Yes good point. One never hears about any higher-ups who profit from it apart from the boss...

It's worth noting that the higher-ups in Scientology (particularly in SeaOrg) seem to get paid very little, roughly 40-50 cents per hour, and if they've run afoul of Miscaviage and are in the RPF or The Hole, aren't even paid that. So, it seems that Miscaviage (and possibly celebrity endorsers like Tom Cruise or John Travolta, who almost certainly make enough from their film work that they don't even need the CoS to pay) is the only one to actually profit from the Church's activities. And, of course, since David's wife Shelley is living in a nuclear bunker somewhere, and his dad and the rest of his extended family have defected (and evidence suggests even they didn't profit), I'm heavily inclined to say not even his family profit from it. Except maybe the private dicks they hire to spy on their critics.

[vorlon13]

Referring to Scientology as a religion, when it's founder, L. Ron Hubbard admitted to actual witnesses it was a scam to make money either reflects poorly on Scientology as a religion, or reflects poorly on the concept of religion.

[tee hee]

[abaris]

I'm heavily inclined to say not even his family profit from it. Except maybe the private dicks they hire to spy on their critics.

But someone has to profit. I doubt that Travolta or Cruise are making a profit. I'm pretty sure they are paying in and serve as ambassadors for the cause at the same time. Miscavige is pretty young. He probably made his way through the ranks too. So there has to be a profiteering network somewhere in the organisation, given the shitton of money they're making. It can't be only one person.

[account_inactive]

I'm heavily inclined to say not even his family profit from it. Except maybe the private dicks they hire to spy on their critics.

But someone has to profit. I doubt that Travolta or Cruise are making a profit. I'm pretty sure they are paying in and serve as ambassadors for the cause at the same time. Miscavige is pretty young. He probably made his way through the ranks too. So there has to be a profiteering network somewhere in the organisation, given the shitton of money they're making. It can't be only one person.

He did, I am fairly certain I remember reading that he served as a messenger for Hubbard in the early days.

[abaris]

He did, I am fairly certain I remember reading that he served as a messenger for Hubbard in the early days.

He was 26 when Hubbard died. I can't imagine a 26 year old taking over in such a quick time. There had to be others higher up than him.

[account_inactive]

He did, I am fairly certain I remember reading that he served as a messenger for Hubbard in the early days.

He was 26 when Hubbard died. I can't imagine a 26 year old taking over in such a quick time. There had to be others higher up than him.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Misc...cientology

When L. Ron Hubbard died in 1986, Miscavige announced the death to Scientologists at the Hollywood Palladium. Shortly before Hubbard's death, an apparent order from him circulated in the Sea Org that promoted Scientologist Pat Broeker and his wife to the new rank of Loyal Officer, making them the highest-ranking members; Miscavige asserted this order had been forged. After Hubbard's death, Miscavige assumed the position of head of the Scientology organization. Miscavige holds the rank of Captain, and is the highest-ranking member of the Sea Org.

[abaris]

Still no money trail and there has to be one. I'm surprised they managed to keep it that quiet over decades. That in itself should give anybody pause. And it certainly warrants to give the organisation more attention than other sects and denominations where it's pretty clear where the money goes.

[account_inactive]

Still no money trail and there has to be one. I'm surprised they managed to keep it that quiet over decades. That in itself should give anybody pause. And it certainly warrants to give the organisation more attention than other sects and denominations where it's pretty clear where the money goes.

It's no money trail, but it answers your questions about higher-ups.