Originally Posted by SERPENT7

Mormons teach their followers to self-reliant, but obedient.
They require you to tithe.
They support you in times of hardship.
They exile you if you REJECT thier teachings.

Scientologists seek out the weakest, most vulnerable people. (The 'questionare' they use to get people interested in them is 400 questions long, and is mostly filled with questions designed to diagnose various forms of Borderline Personality Disorder.)
They bilk thier followers for as much money as they can, using the 'progressive revelation' theory of spiritualism (Stolen from free-masonry, among other groups).
At the higher levels, people are REQUIRED to sign over ALL of thier personal assets, including bank accounts, house etc. (This is rationalized as the best way to shelter your assets from taxation, but in truth they will kick you out of YOUR own house if you try to leave the 'church'.)
Scientologists use serial harrassment against ANYONE that crosses them, or publishes anything damaging. (The FBI used to consider them a crime syndicate, they were so bad.)
Once Hubbard died, they changed tactics, but it is only a matter of degree, not kind.
Also,
the reason so many celebrities are into it is because the hollywood branch is basicly just protestant-lite. They do not get treated the same as an ordinary schmoe. (Tom cruise has not signed over a single cent, but considers himself an OT. It is also rumored that Toms involvement with this group led to his divorce. Rumored, mind you.)