We started watching it. I always loved Leah Remini and her sitcom was one of my favorites.
King of Queens with Kevin James. Hilarious. But I digress.
My dh watched a documentary on Scientology called
Going Clear 6 months ago and he loved it. He also read the book by L Ron Hubbard called
Dianetics. The book is a science fiction story (and not a good one) that provides the philosophical underpinnings of his completely invented religion. My dh found the book to be terrible and almost unreadable in his opinion. He said the documentary was wonderful and we are going to watch it again together because I missed it the first time. Anyway back to your question about Scientology. IMO it is both a religion and a cult.
A newly manufactured religion (that began in the 20th century) as compared to older manufactured religions but still a religion. Its non profit status was recently revoked and then reinstated.
http://abcnews.com.co/united-states-revokes-scientologys-tax-exempt-status/
In the 1940s L. Ron Hubbard wrote "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion." And in the 1950s L. Ron Hubbard fulfilled his aim and started the Church of Scientology to make money.
IMO the reason religions can be and are successful is because they help people grow and endure and and fulfill a spiritual need. They offer a (comforting) sense of community that often people cannot find themselves. So in this way religions can be positive. However many religions take it way too far and try to brainwash and control their members and offer far more negative influences than positive.
It is amazing how so many people can be fooled into joining such a dangerous (IMO) organization. And I think it just goes to show how vulnerable we all can be to wanting a better life. To fulfilling an empty void, to give one a need of belonging they might not find elsewhere , and to often a sense of purpose higher than what one might be able to find on their own.
Karen, I completely agree with you about Warren Jeffs.