By Melissa Antoinette Garza
There’s not much Americans agree on right now. The one thing that isn’t up for debate is SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH. Everyone loves it and everyone talks about it. Whether on Facebook, Twitter or in person (imagine that) everyone I know is cheering on Leah Remini and her partner in justice, Mike Rinder. Their crusade against a large evil entity has given us heroes that we all can root for.
By far, AFTERMATH was the best new show of 2016 and A&E’s most successful program in years. It sounds as season 2 is in the bag, but I can’t wait. I really wish the season wasn’t over. I purchased the series on AMAZON and have watched each episode numerous times. It’s not only that the ordeals of each person were compelling, but to compare the situations the individuals experienced and see the parallels is both fascinating and horrifying.
Whether hearing tales of mothers being disconnected from their children or twin brothers losing the last few years they had together, it’s gut-wrenching. The fact that a system of beliefs tears so many people apart is insane. Generally, one thinks of religion as a uniting factor in a family’s life. They go to church, feel good about the world, have breakfast, go home and get back in to pajamas.
It’s unbelievable to me that SCIENTOLOGY has gotten away with so many awful acts for so long. When I was in my early 20s, I read a lot of L. Ron Hubbard’s work. I still have the books. DIANETICS was my first venture in and I thought it was a compelling read. I vaguely remember THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THOUGHT and THE WAY TO HAPPINESS. Hubbard had a way of explaining philosophical ideas in latent terms. His work reminded me of a dumbed down Friedrich Nietzsche. I exchanged a few emails with SCIENTOLOGY, but it never went beyond that. They would ask me how my reading was going and when they started prying a little too much, I stopped responding.
Come to find out, that may have been the smartest move of my life. In the early noughties, I was very naive. In college, I believed my professors had all the answers and their ideas were superior to me because of their status. I adopted thoughts and positions easily, both because of my insecurity and the professor’s self-assurance. So, had I gone a little further with this cult, I could very well be sitting in the hole right now.
Unsurprisingly, major players at A&E have stated that Scientology is harassing Remini. That’s such a stupid play on their part. This cult is the most self-destructive group I’ve ever seen. Their recent 20/20 appearance didn’t help their cause either. Having their lawyer come out and defend asking sexual questions to children was just beyond disturbing. The videos they have on their website is laughable. I watch the pro-Scientology videos where they bash Mike Rinder and other people who left, and it’s hilarious. They make them like political attack ads, but it’s so obvious and so poorly made.
There are so many things Scientology could do to save face, but they’re making every wrong move. First, Remini is a fighter and has all of America behind her on this one. If the cult comes after her, we’re going to use every forum we have to come after them harder. Same goes for Mike Rinder. The two have become heroes to the public and we don’t like it when villains start following them and making veiled threats.
Second, Scientology could have turned this into positive publicity easily. If I were a head official in the cult and really believed in its cause, I would say that the church takes the actions mentioned in the show very seriously and are deeply sorry for anything that may have happened. I wouldn’t send out an attorney. People don’t trust lawyers. I would say that due to the accusations, David Miscavige is stepping down immediately.
Lastly, I would seriously do an internal investigation and stop anything damaging the reputation of the church. Fair game and disconnection would REALLY be stopped. The hole would be taken down and the people there would be freed.
If the church actually watched AFTERMATH, they would see that money was on the bottom list of concerns. It was the violence, hatred, harassment, and disconnection practices that angered these ex-Scientologists. If Scientology wants to be a greedy church and collect ridiculous fees for classes, it sucks, but whatever. They could still collect the money and not be abusive pricks about it.
I know Remini and Rinder have something big going on and I hope that everything goes their way. I along with the rest of America send good karma and great wishes to them both. They familiarized everyone to a dark side of Scientology and without question saved many from making the same mistakes they had.
If you haven’t watched this show yet, get on it. It’s both on the A&E website if you have cable and available for purchase via AMAZON.
This show and the strength of Leah, Mike, and their army, is simply amazing. I didn’t want the season to be over. I’m jyst going to have to watch it from the beginning again!! Thank you Leah! Bring em down girl!!!!!
I just watched them all again today. So touching and heartbreaking. I can’t wait for the next season to come out, but most of all I watch the internet and the news to see what they are saying about all of this and if DM has been arrested like Warren Jeffs (LDS polygamy). I pray that Leah and Mike keep up their courage and fight. What an awesome thing you are doing for those that are not able to tell their stories. Much love and Prayers.
DM needs to be out of the church and we need to find out where his wife is. The fact that a police officer took the word of a Scientologist without ever seeing her, is horrifying. If I was missing and someone reported me missing, I would expect the police to demand to see me personally and not just take the word of the people who may be holding her captive. I think if there are more than 10 cases of abuse by different individuals, the statute of limitations should be removed. It’s unfair to the victims that they are unable to obtain justice for abuse and rape within the church because they were brainwashed by a cult too long for it to be considered for trial. I think the court needs to make any contract signed within the church null and void so these clauses they use to cover up the abuses by DM and others within the organization would come to light sooner.
Agree. Except Warren Jeff’s was not a true LDS member, just claimed to be.
I agree with this article. This series by Leah and Mike has been very shocking and eye-opening to me. I have enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait to see more. Hurry up!
I am obsessed with this show. I knew Scientology was this weird “religion” but had no idea how weird it really was. So thankful Leah and Mike have come forward along with others to expose these crazy people. I am waiting for the day when Scientology is just a memory in history. Keep up the good work!
You just never know who God will use and how to gight evil in this world. The light has been shone upon the ugliness of Scientology and its demise is imminent.
*fight
We have watched all of her latest shows. We support her efforts to share the horrible things that go on in that organization. I fear she may be harmed someway for speaking out. Sending positive vives her way. Keep up the truth sharing.
Looking forward to Season 2! I see that this is an incredibly difficult and upsetting process, but more power to both Leah and Mike for carrying on bravely – literally. Prayers and blessings.
I totally enjoyed it, I have watched every episode several times! The torture these humans went thru is far from humane! What I really loved was the support of others that had left scientology, no grudges were held against one another! They were all just wanting normalcy!
I truly lost it when Claire was talking about her forced abortion, what kind of religion is that! David Miscavage should rot in hell!
I hope you know how important what you are doing is. Just know that no matter what the church says or does we believe you and believe in you. You are now doing what the church claimed to be doing, you are saving people. Stay strong and keep going.
This show was confusing to me. People were extremely emotional, and recounted numerous unpleasant experiences. At no point did I hear anyone accept any personal responsibility for becoming involved with this outfit,and some spent thirty years in the organization!
It was like listening to children, who, when asked about the missing cookies, reply, “A monster did it.”
I disagree wholeheartedly. You cannot blame the survivors. Leah and Mike both said numerous times that they regret the actions of promoting the church’s agenda and now are on the side good fighting against evil. They are true heroes. Scientology and specifically David Miscavige is the monster. They are the ones who told them the path to enlightenment was through the methods taught. They were brainwashed – typical brainwash techniques were used. The military utilized similar methods up until the 70s in a program called MK-Ultra. Mind control is crazy stuff and we need to make sure that those who are practicing it knowingly are the ones blamed – not the ones who suffered.
A lot of these people were born into Scientology and knew of. I think g else! How can you put blame on them when that is all they ever knew?????
I agree. Even those not born into Scientology and came to it later on were victims. A lot of people seek out religion because something is missing out of their life. Ms. Remini for example really had no choice after her sister’s biological father took off on the family. Scientology came in as a supposed “safe space” and instead basically indoctrinated them into servitude, hard labor, keeping silent, shutting the rest of the world out and turning in their loved ones. Hard to escape that indoctrination and God Bless Ms. Remini and Mr. Rinder for having the strength to leave. On a side note, I happened to google Denyse Prendergast’s name and she came up under some Tom Cruise articles and commented on some of those: http://deadline.com/2017/01/tom-cruise-arrangement-scientology-katie-holmes-jonathan-abrahams-tca-1201888034/ not saying she’s a Scientology plant – but I’m not saying she’s NOT a Scientology plant either.
You’re confused??? Get educated and learn how cults operate and brainwash people and then you won’t be confused… you’ll just be furious that our government has allowed this CULT to exist for so many years!!!
FYI: I googled Denyse Prendergast’s name and she came up on some Tom Cruise articles commenting on those http://deadline.com/2017/01/tom-cruise-arrangement-scientology-katie-holmes-jonathan-abrahams-tca-1201888034/ – I’m not saying she’s a Scientology Plant – but I’m not saying she’s NOT a Scientology plant either.
I wonder too, if she is not connected in some way
Kind of a weird statement she made
My guess is she is. She ran to defend Tom Cruise in the comments of articles. I just tweeted Mike Rinder to see if he knows her. My money is she works for Scientology as some sort of social media defender. Rest assured, any non-spam comments will be posted so I hope everyone feels free to respond in any way. I welcome Scientologists to comment on this article – maybe if they read the replies they’ll gain some insight into public opinion and their practices – and who knows maybe they’ll watch AFTERMATH and get out of the cult.
Needy people get sucked in. while some were not needy-all were searching and little by little were brainwashed without realizing it. After all they are made to work long hrs and still have to fit so many hours of programming in each day. Thank God for the ones that were able to get away. As for the children-they only know what they live-they don’t have much contact with the outside world and brainwashing starts early.
I agree with you wholeheartedly 🙂 Interesting find, I Googled Denyse Prendergast and she “surprisingly” came to the defense of Tom Cruise on some articles: http://deadline.com/2017/01/tom-cruise-arrangement-scientology-katie-holmes-jonathan-abrahams-tca-1201888034/ – I’m definitely not saying she’s a Scientology plant – but I’m not saying she’s NOT a Scientology plant, either.
yes, I too wonder if she is connected-that was a really weird reply she made.
kit
Are you a moron or what??
Really? If you had LISTENED, you would have heard that the majority were enlisted as CHILDREN. And a MONSTER (DAVID MISGAVIGE) did and is doing it!! You sound like an absolute ray of sunshine!!
I looked forward to the series from beginning to end. I’ve read Leah’s book and just ordered “Going Clear”. Leah, Mike and the A&E staff and crew have done an excellent job with this documentary. I did not perceive it as malicious or contrived. They simple stated facts. The emotion and pain displayed by the individuals they interviewed (as well as Leah and Mike) was all too real. None of these people seemed angry, bitter, or vengeful. They all were wronged, they knew it, and now we all know it. Here’s to hoping progress is soon made at the local, state, and federal levels to get more people the help they need and deserve.
You’re confused??? Get educated and learn how cults operate and brainwash people and then you won’t be confused… you’ll just be furious that our government has allowed this CULT to exist for so many years!!!
I’m with you on that one. Not sure what Denyses’ mindset is.
Its time for the government to step in, Remove their tax exempt status and close them down for being a CULT! Then seize all the money and hold it for those abused by this CULT and reimburse their money back to them!!!
Here here Robin. I can’t believe that they’re not looking into this. If not we’re all in trouble.
I’m hooked on this show, This is no church, it’s just like Leah and Mike have exposed, it’s a dangerous cult and a big business! Keep on going after them guys!
Leah stated she felt like a hypocrite when she went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to pray for the work they are doing. That broke my heart. She is so brave, caring, and intent on helping others to avoid the pain this evil cult causes. I believe whole heartedly God brought her, Mike, and others through Scientology and out the other side so they could do exactly what they are doing. There is no hypocrisy in learning from your mistakes and helping others. I experienced some abuse from a church years ago, and I know how deep it cuts into your soul. These brave people have all my prayers and support behind them! Keep it up, Leah! You are awesome!
I’m so sorry for the abuse you endured. I hope you have a great support system. Even if it was years ago, I know trauma sadly lasts forever. I’m an incest survivor myself and I’ve been in therapy for over a decade. It still hurts. I understand pain and if you suffer or think you’re suffering from PTSD or any other type of depression or anxiety, please find a qualified therapist – I can tell you from personal experience, they’re lifesavers. God bless.
I love this show! Its is more than clear that Scientology is a CULT! How do we get their tax status REVOKED????? 1st and biggest step to take this CULT down. They ARE NOT A RELIGION! Let get this done folks!!!!!!!!!!!
Outstanding review! I’m w/u all the way in supporting Leah & Mike. They ARE TRUE HEROS!! I 2 cant w8 til season 2!!
Love the show. Very proud of both Leah and Mike -as well as all the others who were brave enough to share their personal stories. Can’t wait to see what’s next. Would love to know the whereabouts of Shelly Miscavage. There should be a real investigation.
I love what she is doing here. Calling out scientology for what is is. There are many so called religions that could use the same. I admire her courage and honesty. And the passion with which she does this. It is clearly important to her and she is doing the right thing. Sending love and energy that you stay safe in this brave endeavor. You rock! Also love you in King of Queens. You’ve got this Leah Remini!
Do not be fooled, very smart people fall into cults too. Cults are kind of like an addictive drug, you start with something that makes you feel good about yourself, and before you know it, you’re hooked.
It is a very addictive rush to think that you are special agent of a world changing ideology. The “I am special” philosophy is incredibly addictive, especially to those who are needing some self-esteem!
I applaud Leah and Mike, and all those who are shining a light on this mind controlling cult!
As they say, Karma! Those in Scientology, from DM to all those who disconnected from their family, will soon find themselves on the outside looking at their religion that is revealed as a cult. I do hope the ‘church’ has to pay back all its victims who lost everything to the ‘church’. Keep up the great work, Leah and Mike!!!
Loved the show.
Have been shocked by the info that has come out but in a good way.
Bring on the next season & lets shut down the Cult ASAP.
I’m amazed that this is posted on the same day that everybody has their minds wrapped around all the gala of the day. Strategic or coincidence? I’m just glad it’s here. I attended a class at my church years ago on cults and how they believed and we studied each cult and how do deal with each one. Never thinking that I’d ever know anyone or be confronted with any of them. I was quite interested in the one on CoS. Had no ide that I would be face to face with it later on in my life. I have to say I’ve seen first hand what they have done to people. I’ve seen how they jacked with the mind of a young child. I’ve seen how they control a family and damn near destroy the family and the family that were declared when they left the organization. This family is stronger than most when they left. They could deal with anything the organization handed them, including the attacks on the mother which was grandmother in the family. If that wasn’t enough they had a family member that didn’t leave the horror and was brainwashed and even married into a family that was avid believers. Yes, a lost child into the world of the organization. This person was trapped until the day he took a stand, called the mom and started making preps to leave. Yes, it was a reunion of where miracles are prayed prayed for and comes true. The rest of the story cut short: this grown child, out of grasp of evil is well on their way to becoming a multimillionaire but more importantly they are a family united in spite of all brainwashing and incrimation brought on this family. I’m so happy for them and I praise the Lord. Bible says, He conquers all evil!
David miscavige is a tiny little shrimp of a man… He’s so insecure that he bullies and physically abuses people to feel like a “big man”… He’s the dreg of society that needs to be removed. I also believe he murdered Shelly miscavige.
Love this show. It has been very interesting. I have wondered how many that have left Scientology have become Christians. Scientology is nothing but a money making cult.
I was one of the squirrel busters that they showed in the beginning of the show.
It really hurts me when I see my image and they don’t tell the story of how I came forward and blew the whistle and also testified in Monique Rathbun lawsuit .
I wish they would go into small detail about the hundreds of people that are non-Scientologist that have got drug into this . I have dedicated my life to exposing there
The reach into the average person’s world .