Many describe Scientology as nothing more than a brainwashing cult that thrives on the weaknesses all of us have to some degree.  Over the years, there have been countless claims of abuse and misrepresentations and just as many denials from the ultra-private religion.  We do know this faith abhors the use of modern

.

psychiatric practices, including the use of medications.  Even before the big Tom Cruise meltdown (which forever changed his image from a Hollywood hero to a disturbing has-been), Scientology had been accused of many wrongdoings, both medically and ethically.  Now, though, a former high-ranking medical official is telling the long overdue tale.

In 1995, a young woman left her Dallas home to join her fellow Scientologists in Florida.  While there, Lisa McPherson gained a “clear” status within the church which meant she was free of pain, trauma and bad feelings (this should’ve been a huge red flag years ago).  Within two weeks of this declaration by the church, she was involved in an automobile accident and was found nude walking the streets and shouting at passersby.  She found herself in a local hospital and was about to receive the mental therapy she clearly was in need of.  Once leaders in the church heard of this, a group of ten showed up and escorted her out of the facility and back to church headquarters.  They told the hospital they opposed psychiatric care on any level and that they would see to her proper medical treatment.

This is where Marty Rathbun says he began lying to outsiders.  He was ordered to reassure anyone who asked about her well-being that she was fine, when in fact, she was far from it.  Over the next seventeen days, she lost close to twelve pounds and had a complete breakdown.  Even when Rathbun called another Scientologist in the area who happened to be a physician, he still followed orders from his own leaders and disregarded the doctor’s insistence of taking her to a hospital.  What Rathbun and others within the church agreed to do was drive forty five minutes to the area in the state where the Scientologist/physician was located, despite her poor condition. Once there, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Afterwards, church officials ordered any documentation that even documented her existence within the church walls be destroyed.  Rathbun told the group, “Lose ‘em” (referring to these documents). 

The woman’s family filed a wrongful death case against the church and settled for an amount that’s never been disclosed.  Now that Rathbun is no longer under the influence of the church, he’s agreed to come forward and was interviewed by a Florida newspaper.

Meanwhile, church officials continue to deny Rathbun’s story and say he was a “bitter former employee who never climbed as high in the ranks as he’d hoped to”.

As the anniversary of the Jonestown massacre nears, we’re reminded of how cults remain the great mystery to many of us. We know they exist and we’re equally horrified and fascinated with those who find comfort in these social structures. Mostly, it’s hard to fathom the mindsets of those who not only dedicate themselves to their chosen lifestyles, but who will fight to death in their defenses of the group they believe is the only place they belong.

I was surprised, though, during my search for active cults that Scientology tends to be the leader in all search engine results. Honestly, any reference to Scientology has always evoked Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes images in my mind. What I discovered, though, had nothing to do with Hollywood glamour. Specifically, the RPF method that’s practiced within this group that has me wondering at what point someone agrees to prove his worth to any group through punishments that result in his loss of dignity and self respect. RPF stands for Rehabilitation Project Force and is designed to remind wayward members the importance of Scientology teachings. Some say it can easily take years for those who’ve broken the rules or have violated any part of the program to complete the RPF process and be reinstated to a “worthy” status. Those being punished aren’t allowed to spend time with their families until they begin to rehabilitate. What’s so insane to me is how one is deemed rehabilitated. Some of the ones sent to RPF include those who have hidden evil thoughts and who scored low on IQ tests that would lower the averages within the church itself. Somehow, though, I doubt any of the celebrities who are vocal members have been sent to RPF, regardless of their IQs or evil thoughts.

There are many criminal activities that Scientology as a whole has been accused of and some high members have been convicted for, including a Scientology minister who was convicted in Los Angeles for charities fraud. And even L. Ron Hubbard himself was convicted of fraud in France and was sentenced to four years in a French prison, although he never served any time nor made any financial restitution. He was, however, banned from the UK. There are many witnesses to his drug abuse, some say he took so many pills, it was a wonder he’d even lived as long as he did. This is a far cry from the infamous show of enraged behavior displayed by Tom Cruise, the face of Scientology, on the Today show. You remember - the one where he declares chemicals in general inappropriate for the treatment o f post-partum depression?

The supporters, and there are many, say there are no activities that could be deemed cult-like and every member is free to walk away at any point. Still, those who have left (they call it “escaping”) say they did so with threats of huge fines; and because they were taught to release all of their earthly shameful behaviors while they were members, they stand to be outed due to their confessions upon becoming members. Whether it’s crimes they committed or affairs they may have had prior to entering the church, anything that can be used against them upon their break from the church are all fair game.

Just as there are those who are loyal to the teachings and swear their lives have been changed, there are those who are no longer part of Scientology who say it was nothing but one of the worst cults our society has ever known.

To find a lawyer or lawyers for your legal matter, click here.