To fully understand the difficulties involved in leaving Scientology, a thorough examination of the complex psychological and sociological dynamics that underpin the Church's grasp over its members must be studied. The documentary "Going Clear," which investigates Scientology's internal operations in great detail, sheds light on the difficult challenges faced by those who attempt to break free from its hold. One of the main topics covered in the documentary is the coercive aspect of Scientology's recruitment and retention strategies, which take advantage of people's weaknesses and fears in order advance the organization's objectives. With a mix of focused recruiting campaigns, individualized "auditing" sessions, and highly developed brainwashing …show more content…
Scientology imposes severe restrictions on the financial and personal independence of its devotees, including substantial dues and required donations, to keep up with ongoing pressure to acquire new members and go up the organizational ladder. The fact that Scientology is a tax-exempt religious organization, which falsely lends it some credibility and shields it from legal investigation, makes this kind of misconduct easier. The financial and psychological costs associated with achieving greater levels of spiritual enlightenment inside Scientology, as "Going Clear" demonstrates, are strong disincentives for members to quit, keeping them imprisoned in a cycle of servitude and …show more content…
As stated in the reading, the foundation of Scientology's belief system is its origins myth, which is cloaked in mystery and secrecy and offers followers a grand tale of cosmic significance and existential meaning. Scientology successfully raises its creator to the rank of prophet and enshrines his books as sacred text by portraying L. Ron Hubbard's teachings as revelations inspired by the divine and casting Hubbard as a messianic figure. This mythologized story of Hubbard's life and teachings gives Scientology's ideology an air of transcendent substance, establishing its power structure and making it difficult for followers to doubt or question their