Growing the Cojones to Leave Scientology

From time to time I receive e-mails from moderate ex-members who share my views. It is always rewarding, especially when they have been substantially helped by the information contained on my web site. I have webbed such an example on my Scientology kids page. Check also this blog entry for another example, but I have many more on my email archive.

Often, it helps ex-members to know that not everything in Scientology is either rabid anti-Scientologists or fanatical CoSers, and that there exists a "third way" that is neither nor one or the other and that goes beyond both on the path that ultimately amounts to a spiritual journey.

On occasion also, it helps members who are on the edge to break away from the bond of Scientology more than other critical web sites. Indeed, they are quickly put off by the exaggerations and distortions most critical web sites typically engage into, whereas on my site they find a more gentle approach, as well as a stand against the myths they can observe for themselves at various places on the net. They thus tend to listen more attentively to a critical view, which in turn can bring them to think about it all.

Below is the email I received today, from a lady who grew up a Scientologist and gradually broke away from Scientology. The email is published with permission.

I am very gratified to read your perspective both on Scientology and the Anti-Cult freaks that so mischaracterize it. I was born and raised in a Scientologist family, with a very strong willed and critical thinking Scientologist mom, while Dad was less critical but perhaps more deeply philosophically-minded – together they made a fine, inquisitive pair.

Like you, I have noticed that there are cultish aspects of the church that are both encouraged by some of LRH's writings while completely contradicted by others. My big cognition was that the EP of Scientology was growing the cojones to leave Scientology.

Anyway, it really heartened me to read your perspective, because I deeply appreciate much of what I learned in the CoS, and I wouldn't trade the training and study I had as a young adult and adolescent for anything. It was a great way to grow up and it instilled in me a lust for learning and bent for philosophical inquiry that benefits me to this day. The anti-Scientology comments from overwrought critics annoy the hell out of me. It's sheer ignorance and closed-mindedness. I am also annoyed at my friends who constantly tease me when I still use the term "we" while gently correcting their misinformation regarding the beliefs of Scientologists (after spending most of my life identifying with that group, it slips out sometimes) and who make cult jokes and rib me about Xenu. Like you, I walk the middle ground, defend Scientology when appropriate, and agree with criticism when appropriate. I am very glad to know that I am not the only one!

I am not a Scientologist, but I'm not a non-Scientologist either. I'm my own damn self!

Thank you so much for your website.