Ex-Scientology Kids: A New Cyberspace Phenomenon

Leaving the Church of Scientology

By Kim Hagen, published Mar 05, 2008
Published Content: 35  Total Views: 18,100  Favorited By: 21 CPs
Rating: 4.8 of 5
Astra, Jenna, and Kendra are three young women who built the website Ex-Scientology Kids, after leaving the Church of Scientology. At first glance, these attractive young women look more likely to promote some innovative New Age Spiritualism or Herbal Gardening co-operative. Digging deeper, I found that each girl was born into a family within the Scientology Church, and felt compelled to leave. In fact, Astra was pressured by the Church to have an abortion. Jenna and Kendra's family ties were severed as a result of leaving, while Astra, her father and her sister all walked away from the group. Finding strength and therapy through discussing their common experiences, they developed this forum. Although pro-Scientology letters are welcome, they're very up front about the fact that, "Most of the people that write for this site have had extremely negative experiences in Scientology."

The site itself is attractive, well-planned, and easy-to use. The lay-out is colorful, straight to the point, and simple to navigate. There's a series of hyperlinks to the right side of the screen, where background information, discussion formats and links to other sites are listed. The most important one, containing first-hand accounts of Scientology Kids who've left the Church is where it belongs, right on top! The three women work to be non-judgemental; in fact, there's direct links to websites managed by the Church of Scientology. Pro-Scientology informational material is faithfully reproduced on the website, and it's easy to find. They're not trying to say that they support the Church; rather, they believe that full disclosure will benefit folks both within and outside the Church of Scientology.

Ex-Scientology Kids: A New Cyberspace Phenomenon

The Berlin branch of the Church of Scientology is pictured here.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons (GNU free distro)

Copyright: Wikimedia Commons (GNU free distro)

Takeaways
  • Ex-Scientology Kids helps former Church members share experiences
  • The Church of Scientology is accused of using lawsuits to limit criticism
  • Operation Clambake and Anonymous organizes formal protests against the Church
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 11 of 11
 
 
This is a very interesting subject since Scientology is so secretive. I'll have to look at this when I have more time!

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 10:04:31 PM

 
Interesting, eye-opening read!

Posted on 03/25/2008 at 7:03:24 AM

 
Well done. Nothing can convince me that scientology isnt ridiculous. My husband and I have read and re-read, simply not believing that people actually take it seriously. On another note: South Park really does have all of life's answers.

Posted on 03/12/2008 at 6:03:54 AM

 
Personally I can't imagine anyone taking a sci-fi book and making a religion out of it... I'm glad there are resources out there for those that need that support.

Posted on 03/11/2008 at 10:03:57 AM

 
Don't worry about that Gary. Soon Scientology won't be gaining popularity anywhere. ;-) Great reporting Kim!

Posted on 03/09/2008 at 1:03:25 PM

 
Great article! Scientology is gaining popularity in Italy -- more up north than down south, though.

Posted on 03/06/2008 at 5:03:11 AM

 
I couldn't imagine having to be separated from my family like that. I don't know much about the Scientology religion but after reading your article, I am glad that I am not a member. Thanks for writing this.

Posted on 03/05/2008 at 11:03:25 PM

 
Very interesting article!! Great job!!

Posted on 03/05/2008 at 10:03:57 PM

 
This in depth look at cult behavior should serve as a warning to lonely folks that cult recruiters are not cultivating friendship.

Posted on 03/05/2008 at 8:03:47 PM

 
Very interesting read!

Posted on 03/05/2008 at 8:03:24 PM

 
Astra, Jenna, and Kendra sound very mature and fair minded. Very well written, Kim!

Posted on 03/05/2008 at 7:03:51 PM

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