In an Irish courtroom the seemingly nightmare existence of a former Scientologist is now spilling out through daily press reports. Every day of testimony seems to reveal another layer of abuse endured by Mary Johnston, a Dublin resident.
Ms. Johnston has filed a lawsuit against the Dublin mission of Scientology claiming she was “brainwashed” during her two years of membership. She says this produced “psychiatric injuries as well as post traumatic stress disorder,” reports the Irish Voice.
During her often-emotional testimony Johnston told the court that Scientologists essentially interrogated her, through what they call “auditing” and exhumed the most painful and private memories of her life, which included two abortions.
The Irish woman also testified how Scientologists pressured her for money, even urging her to sell her business to obtain cash for courses.
Johnston described how her life became increasingly isolated. At one point a Scientologist allegedly even influenced her not to attend a family funeral. Her involvement also seemed to fuel conflict with her boyfriend, who refused to loan her money for Scientology courses.
This court case offers a disturbing look inside the controversial church that has been called a “cult.” And the recounting of Johnston’s journey may help many to better understand the grip Scientology seems to have on its members.
If deeply private and confidential information is shared through the group’s “auditing” process and apparently noted within the file of each participant, Scientology would then potentially have considerable leverage concerning anyone who considers leaving.
What information lies within the files of John Travolta or Tom Cruise? Does this afford Scientology a special hold over its celebrities? Both stars have taken numerous courses and gone through “auditing” for years.
Johnston also told how she was taught that reading a critical article about Scientology would somehow require “repair,” to undue the supposed damage done by exposure to such negative information.
What information have well-known celebrities ignored per such advice?
It is said that celebrity members like Travolta and Lisa Marie Presley often have Scientologists accompany them as “assistants.” Are such assistants there for “damage control”?
If a regular Scientologist was subjected to this much handling and manipulation, what is the organization willing to do to keep its really important members?
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