By Tolula Dada

Remember Dawson's Creek? You know, that long-running drama series detailing the emotional ups and downs of a group of fast-talking, quick-witted American adolescents? Well, a once much-loved former teen idol is in grave danger, and it’s up to us to save her. Katie Holmes, a.k.a. “little” Joey Lawson, is purportedly living under the watchful eye of her “entourage”: scientologists, hired by her husband to ensure all aspects of her life comply with church doctrine.

Although Scientology has attained some credibility as a religion, it is often referred to as a ‘cult’ because of the allegedly abusive and coercive methods employed in controlling its members, which include blackmail, brainwashing and slander. There are frequent reports that confidential information elicited during the disclosure therapy stage of Scientology counselling is used to discourage former members from speaking out.

Individuals who have violated church policies or failed to meet its expectations are sent to the Rehabilitation Project Force, and must redeem themselves by performing hard, physical labor and dedicating five hours each day to Scientology study. Although physical force is not used to detain RPF members, and all Scientologists are apparently free to leave upon will, the common practices of giving up one’s job and severing ties with non-Scientologist friends and family can leave individuals feeling isolated.

Non-celebrity escapee, Rhett Westerman, decided to leave Scientology upon witnessing the “corruption” brought about by Scientology Chairman “David Miscavige and his cronies”, who took charge of the church in the early 1980s. “They would take you [as a member] no matter how much money you made - but you would never be able to pay for the services to go clear,” which is to find freedom from the reactive mind, the main objective of Scientology training.

Former “Scientology poster boy”, actor Jason Beghe, has given lengthy interviews about his thirteen-year experience, branding the cult as “destructive” and “a rip-off”. He grew disillusioned with the institution’s ideological inconsistencies. Despite ardent dissuasion from top level figures in the church, Beghe was finally permitted to leave only after he demanded a refund for the hundreds of thousands of dollars he spent on ineffective treatments.

Those seeing the affluent, glamorous, life led by Mrs Cruise III may be sceptical as to whether she is in need at all. But alas, a gilded cage is no less of an enclosure. Besides, if you were married to Tom Cruise, and Victoria Beckham was your only contact to the real world, you might need rescuing too!

Average user rating

   (0 vote)