A “Red flag” is a term used to signify a warning sign. It indicates a potential problem, concern, or danger, serving as a a signal to yourself that you need to look at something more closely.
Any organisation, philosophy, religion, club, social group, business, educational or sporting facility can provide a wonderful service and provide excellent resources, but still have some red flags that indicate areas of concern. They may not mean an organisation or group is harmful or malicious, but they are a warning to take care. Unfortunately, in many cases they are pointing to issues that cannot be excused or overlooked no matter how much good stuff they have done.
Red flags aren’t exclusive to cults, but cults do have a lot of them!
Regardless of whether you think Scientology is a cult or not, there are lots of red flags which have been identified over the years. For some people the red flags just keep adding up until they reach a tipping point. For others, just one is a ‘deal breaker’.
Scientologists have been conditioned to accept all Scientology teachings as fact, and not question it or even read or listen to anything that is at all critical. Surely, if it is all so great, it would withstand a little scrutiny and analysis?
If you find your mind sliding away from questioning Scientology, it means you’ve been taught to not think for yourself.
Here’s a few examples of red flags in Scientology which have led to many, many people leaving. While some of these concerns could perhaps be excused or tolerated individually, if there’s enough of them, or even just one that goes against your morals, please, if you’re still in Scientology, consider what you’re involved with.
RED FLAG EXAMPLES
High-pressure sales tactics
Scientology recruits aggressively and pressures the purchase of expensive courses and materials. They will send people into great debt, and continue to harass those who have given their contact details, to try to get them to join, often for years after a brief contact was made.
Financial exploitation
It costs a lot of money to move through the Scientology levels, It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to reach OT (Operating Thetan) level.
And those who work for Scientology are considered volunteers and paid a pittance.
Isolation and disconnection
Scientology forces people to “disconnect” from family and friends who are considered “SP” (Suppressive Persons), for as little as questioning some of the rules. Families are broken up, and people are never seen or heard from again as they are subsumed into the Scientology organisation and become more and more isolated from the world. This coercive control is a way to suppress dissent or criticism.
Disallows questions and criticism
Those outside Scientology are subjected to aggressive legal tactics – particularly former members. Incidents of of stalking, harassment and more have been well documented. Inside scientology, members are often subject to harsh disciplinary measures for questioning something as simple as where someone is who hasn’t been seen for a while. Serious cases of assault and medical negligence have been well documented. Even telex/fax machines have been used as weapons.
Expects worship and obedience/cult of personality
The founder, L.Ron Hubbard, is practically deified, and his teachings and policies regarded as sacrosanct and unquestionable. The current leader of the organisation, David Miscavige, exerts dictatorial control over Scientology and its members and fosters a culture of adulation and obedience.
Promises unattainable outcomes
Such as spiritual enlightenment, improved financial, relationship and career success, health benefits, living for millions of lives.
The group is right everyone else is wrong
Members are taught to view Scientology as the only true source of knowledge and enlightenment.
Overbearing friendship and love
“Lovebombing” is used to help draw new people in, and also encourages members to prioritize relationships with other Scientologists over those outside the group. This can create a sense of overbearing camaraderie and pressure to conform to group norms. It is conditional on loyalty and adherence to Scientology’s teachings and the organization. Members who express doubts or criticisms may face rejection or ostracism from their fellow Scientologists, leading to a fear of expressing dissenting opinions or questioning the group’s leadership.
Secrecy and lack of transparency
Access to information about Scientology is strictly controlled and many of the teachings are only available for those who reach the higher levels.
Lack of contact with the outside world
Scientologists are not allowed to read about Scientology except through approved material. They are discouraged from independent research on Scientology.
Billion year contract
Those who join the Sea Organisation (Sea Org) are made to sign a billion-year contract, which continues on through multiple reincarnations. This includes underage individuals.
Education
Many Scientologists allow their children to be essentially raised and educated by the church, denying them a normal family life. They often start working for Scientology at a young age and receive very little education beyond an 8th grade level.
Scientology Is a Cult 