10 Comments

Very compelling story. Thank you Val.

My observation and personal experience is that one of the major trends of this pseudo religious organization is attracting inexperienced young people and attracting the narcissistic people who prey on them. This includes both sexes. Hubbard was just such a narcissist, so many people like him joined his merry band.

I was 23 and clueless when I joined Scientology. I did not understand physical abuse because it was not in my family. And the fact is Scientology, does not work. So abusers were not healed or corrected. It papers over the psychological problems and baggage that people carry into the cult.

Val’s story today clearly illustrates the endemic tragedies that were and are common place in Scientology. These stories need to be told. I think it is cathartic for the storyteller and enlightening and healing for the reader. And I agree with Val. Finding peace through forgiveness allows us to move on. Your story is appreciated.

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That's how I see it too. That is to say, there are personality traits that are very good for Scientology to reinforce the vanity that some already had enormously before. But in any case I think that's where ego is bought, among other things.

It's like someone who is very boastful and becomes a policeman or a soldier... the arrogance will increase.

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Yes, that’s a good description of the end result of fake therapy and catering to the ego with Hubbards false promises of becoming a god. It amplifies already problematic psychological issues.

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Valerie Ross is one of my heroes. The end.

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Jan 21·edited Jan 21

Valerie...you sure do know how to write well! And you're one helluva wise strong lady!!!!!

I've read a considerable amount of stories about what's gone on in the S.O. and the G.O. since escaping and am continually amazed at the extent to which their abuse of the individual member is of no account. It's no wonder the organization is falling apart...there's no regard for its building blocks!

Speaking of 'building blocks', the current management considers their 'ideal' orgs to show the world just how successful Scn is; odd...they're all either totally or partially empty of public. Their real estate holdings are on a power trend while their successes are in the crapper. It appears a lot of their income comes from whales (blow fish...whatever) in dire need of tax havens. Some 'religion'!

Hello IRS? Anyone there? Scn is NOT a religion...it's in the real estate business!!!!!

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Valerie, I'm with you. I've come to learn that feeling forgiveness allows us to get the poisonous toxic emotions out of us.

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Yes, it’s not the woo hoo hippie thing people think it is. It’s just looking at the cold hard facts, recognizing them for what they are and allowing yourself to quit being hurt by something that is in the past. You can’t allow someone who did you wrong the power to keep hurting you if you ever want to make a clean break from them. I would never choose to be friends with either of these men, but I will not take responsibility for their actions. That is what scientology does to you, takes the blame off the aggressor and puts it squarely on the person they hurt. Just push the hurt back on them and walk away.

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It is clear that this wise woman did not lack intensity in her life, that when it did not make her happier, it made her much stronger; Only she knows the smallest details of her life.

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Loved this article, Val. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

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Thank you, Val, for sharing more of your story. I can feel your strength, not only in surviving, but your words. Please keep writing. Much love 💜

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