Scientology : Secrets of the Controversial Religion

Author and former Scientologist Marc Headley joined Ian Punnett to reveal some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the controversial religion. Headley said he was indoctrinated into Scientology from a young age, and eventually recruited by the elite Sea Organization to work at the church's international headquarters, known as Gold Base, in the California desert. Headley likened the working conditions there to slavery, noting that he worked every day, 100 hours a week, and often received no payment for his services. "In the 15 years that I worked there... I earned $29,000," he added.According to Headley, several times a year a fixed amount was deducted from the small weekly checks he and other Sea Org members earned in order to purchase lavish gifts (suits, cars, motorcycles) for David Miscavige, the leader of the Church of Scientology. Such perks were also allegedly showered upon renowned Scientologist Tom Cruise. A recent article in The New Yorker asserts the famous actor received numerous free services from the organization on a series of extravagant projects, including customizing his Ford Excursion SUV and renovating his airport hangar in Burbank.Headley reviewed some of the basic beliefs and practices of Scientology, explaining that at its core is the idea that people are spiritual beings, In order to 'clear' oneself of spiritual impediments the adherent must submit to extensive training courses, counseling (auditing), and E-meter sessions, Headley continued. One would have to pay several hundred thousand dollars to learn the church's upper-level doctrines, he added. Headley also talked about the night he escaped from Gold Base and the organization's policy of disconnection, noting that since he left in 2005 he has not spoken to his mother, brother and sister. Biography:Marc Headley grew up Los Angeles, California. His mother was a Scientologist and raised Marc in the church. He started working as an employee for Scientology when he was 16 years old and was employed at the International Headquarters for Scientology (Int Base) in Hemet, California for 15 years and eventually escaped in 2005 with the assistance of the local police.He began writing about Scientology shortly after leaving it. Headley's articles have appeared in news magazines, internet publications and websites in many countries around the world and in 2008, Marc was invited to speak at a European conference in Hamburg, Germany about the abuses that occur within Scientology.Marc currently lives with his wife and two children in Los Angeles, California, where he owns and operates his own business. WikipediaScientology is a body of beliefs and related practices created by L. Ron Hubbard (1911--1986), starting in 1952, as a successor to his earlier self-help system, Dianetics. Hubbard characterized Scientology as a religion, and in 1953 incorporated the Church of Scientology in Camden, New Jersey.Scientology teaches that people are immortal beings who have forgotten their true nature. Its method of spiritual rehabilitation is a type of counselling known as auditing, in which practitioners aim to consciously re-experience painful or traumatic events in their past in order to free themselves of their limiting effects. Study materials and auditing courses are made available to members in return for specified donations. Scientology is legally recognized as a tax-exempt religion in the United States, Italy,] South Africa, Australia, Sweden, New Zealand,Portugal and Spain; the Church of Scientology emphasizes this as proof that it is a bona fide religion. In other countries, notably Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, Scientology does not have comparable religious status although Churches are allowed.A large number of organizations overseeing the application of Scientology have been established, the most notable of these being the Church of Scientology. Scientology sponsors a variety of social-service programs. These include the Narconon anti-drug program, the Criminon prison rehabilitation program, the Study Tech education methodology, the Volunteer Ministers, the World Institute of Scientology Enterprises, and a set of moral guidelines expressed in a booklet called The Way to Happiness