Church of Scientology International — Attraction in Los Angeles

I've been to a few to check it out. I'm a very bright individual myself, so there is nothing actually useful that any church or organization can teach me that I already haven't learned on my own. All my lessons from life and experience itself. I agree Scientology's presentation is silly and feels fictional which makes it hard to take them seriously, but they do make valid points if you understand what they try to explain, but fail to present it to others who aren't already part of their groups. I can see the founder had good intentions, but now passed away. Who ever is now running the show seems to be using this more as a mean to gather money than to focus on the individuals, hence why it feels like a bunch of cheesy advertisement about their books, with fiction novel covers. They are like any other religion and church I've come across: "Support us, buy books from us, donate what you don't need, so we can give it to the needy and take credit for it that we did something, but never really waste any money and rarely out our way to truly help someone." That seems to be many church and religions' golden rule. I don't have a problem with Scientology other than them following that same rule. Their teachings are in ways accurate and sincere but misrepresented and feel like bullshit, due to poor management and communication. I would however deem anyone as mentally confused or lost, that attacks this belief system but believe in an inaccurate, heavily edited and mistranslated 2000 year old book about a man who believed himself to be god and freed the men in this world of their sin but left the world to continue in conflict. Scientology is silly, but doesn't go out their way to push bullshit down your throat or completely misguide already lost individuals, like other religions do, unless you walk into their buildings, but still more tolerable I'd say. I put good in quality, but I actually consider my experience and their quality as Fair.

ONE IMPORTANT NOTE TO REVIEWERS:

The founder is dead, do not blame him for your bad experiences. Judging one's beliefs due to being Sci Fi writers is as low as you can go. I am a Sci Fi writer myself, and I implement many of my beliefs and feelings to my stories, just as many writers, artist, and cultures do to their forms of arts. Just as fiction was implemented to many religions, the bible, and is even incorporated with science to prove what may be possible. Sometimes implementing beliefs, knowledge and advice in entertainment is the only way to pass it on to those with short attention spans or lacking interest in raw information. Lets agree that we all need to learn respect, and reflection, to understand one another better in...

I want to share my experience with Scientology to warn others about how destructive and manipulative this organization can be. At first glance, Scientology presents itself as a self-help movement, promising personal growth, happiness, and success. But behind this polished exterior is a cult that preys on people’s vulnerabilities.

When I first encountered Scientology, I was in a difficult place in my life, searching for answers and a sense of purpose. Their programs and courses seemed like the perfect solution. The initial sessions were harmless enough—some basic self-help ideas mixed with pseudo-psychology. But as I became more involved, the pressure to spend money and dedicate my life to their teachings became overwhelming.

Scientology operates on a system where your spiritual progress depends on how much money you can give them. I was encouraged to spend thousands of dollars on courses, books, and auditing sessions, often leaving me financially strained. If you question this or hesitate, they manipulate you into believing your hesitation is a flaw within you—a sign you need even more Scientology.

The organization is also highly controlling. They demanded personal information during “auditing” sessions, which they later used to intimidate and silence members who expressed doubts or tried to leave. They isolate you from friends and family who don’t support Scientology, labeling them “Suppressive Persons.” This creates an echo chamber where only their views are reinforced.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect is their retaliation against critics and defectors. Those who leave or speak out face harassment, public shaming, and even legal action. It’s a system designed to instill fear and ensure obedience.

Scientology claims to offer freedom and enlightenment, but in reality, it’s a web of lies, control, and exploitation. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but also the most liberating. Once I got out, I saw clearly how they had manipulated me and so many others.

If you’re considering joining Scientology or know someone who is, I urge you to think twice. There are legitimate ways to find personal growth and healing that don’t involve sacrificing your independence, relationships, and finances. Scientology is not the answer—it’s a trap.

Take care of yourself and protect your freedom. No one should have the power to control your life under the guise of...

Worst bloody place out! I am visiting LA from Australia and on my last day here. Today I had errands and activities to do and happened to walk past this guy who handed me a free personality test flyer. I told them I didn’t want to get scammed and they reassured me it wasn’t a scam! I decided to go along with it as I was quite curious and was led on to compete 3 tests that took 30 mins long and that’s not all up but each test was 30 mins or so!!! They took me through a stress test etc and then I received my results back etc. Mate I kid you not, tell me why the lady reporting back to me was SO LOUD and pretty much degraded me in front of everyone that was there!! How embarrassing!! And not to mention, I had other things to do within a short time frame and she would not listen! She literally told me that I should take her advice and buy a $200 seminar package instead of exploring Hollywood!! I told her that I would rather explore Hollywood because I am not from America! She kept insisting I buy this stupid seminar package and forced me to get cash out from the atm or use my card to pay for the package on the spot. I said I had to go and she still would not listen and she then continued to degrade me by saying if I didn’t buy the package, i wouldnt be happy. I said I’d like to find out more info and she proceeded with a “it’s ok you don’t have to lie to me you can be honest if you don’t want to buy anything. I guess you’ll buy something in the next 20 years???” Not to mention, these people are just volunteers!!...