The upside: this family could still be stuck as prisoners of this vile organization and their children and grandchildren would be destroyed by the cult as well. As horrific and painful as this was, it was better than lifetimes of slavery, doing everything at the behest of the cult.

Kudos to the DeWalls!

I’ve always wondered that myself. Somebody, I’d bet a team of writer’s puts together that wordy nonsense.

I understand why you might think that. Please check out the comments above. It might help to broaden your perspective on others’ viewpoints. 😉 (Starting with DrevinX from three months ago)

A truly humble response. Bravo for you. Humility and a willingness to say “Hey. Maybe I can learn something new”, seems to be a rare commodity these days. I certainly didn’t have that ability while under the influence of LRH (unless of course it was in reference to HIS and ONLY his philosophy). Thank you for your positive remarks. We are very happy to be out and truly free. 🙂

Thank you for taking the time to review my comment and to answer it back – I appreciate it! First off let me reiterate how happy I am for you, and that your story is that of a more positive nature, especially when dealing with a cult as strong, and with as deep of pockets, as Scientology. I spent week after week enthralled with Scientology videos and articles; it just fascinates me to no end for some reason. Most of what is out there is very sad all around, especially how it rips families apart. And you are right …. especially considering I have never personally been affected by it, I shouldn’t judge like I do/did to you, and I apologize. I was on a bit of a roll when I wrote this comment, as I had been commenting on many boards about my disdain for Scientology, and those who allow themselves to be brainwashed by the higher-ups within this origination. You make a great point on how we are all inoculated to some extent in our lives by something and/or someone. And when we are young we are that much more susceptible to things, such as religion, patriotism, sports and the like. My comment that you should never have messed around with Scientology to begin with was a bit naive on my part, considering I didn’t take into account your age, just to name one factor (of many) I may have omitted.

Your story was really interesting, and I am very happy that you were able to overcome their hold on you! I hope more people find their own ways out somehow and this cult breaks its hold on the thousands it still has. Those within the ‘walls’ (both figuratively, and physically from what I have read in some cases ….) need to do some research, like you did, and they need to get a better understanding of what they are a part of, and how they can get away from its grasp! Again, I wish you and your family well ….your story is truly amazing with such a great outcome!

My folks got me in when I was just thirteen. And as far as my wanting to staying in good standing, it was simply to not rock the boat. I already knew it was a mind controlling cult, but I didn’t want to lose my husband, my friends, my home, my business. Hence ‘staying in good standing’ was the goal. Realize that many folks call themselves ‘scientologists’, yet hardly if ever attend courses, receive auditing or even volunteer for their “church”. They simply want to belong to a group. And when you lose that group, in most cases you lose social, economic and familial ties – devastating your life. Being programmed (or brainwashed) happens to all of us to a certain extent everyday. Cults are simply an extreme version. Example: When I joined the military at 18, I hardly knew the words to our national anthem. Nine weeks later after graduating basic training, I was snapping to attention and tearing up at the first few notes. I had been conditioned to pick up a gun and shoot when given an order – no questions asked. Another example are sporting events in certain parts of the world where fans physically harm each other over the outcome of a soccer game. Advertising, news media, our own parents…. all condition us to a certain extent. Try not not to judge too harshly. 😉