OT VIII

Something that is often discussed with regard to Scientology is the money that one is required to pay if one wants to become a higher-level Scientologist. The specific amounts, however, are far more jarring. According to the 2006 FLAG processing price list, the base cost to progress from OT VII to OT VIII is $24,000. To progress from being a newly registered Scientologist to OT VIII costs a minimum of $365,000.

One inevitably becomes curious as to what kind of material one receives in exchange for such a large amount of money. This is an excerpt I have chosen from the OT VIII documents themselves. The OT VIII documents contain the promise of being able to leave your own body and visit others, as well as the ability to heal yourself of illnesses using only your mind. In this excerpt, L. Ron Hubbard expresses his concern for a problem of universal gravity. Keep in mind that many people have payed tens of thousands of dollars just to read these words.

Physical Abuse

It has long been rumored that RTC President and Scientology demigod David Miscavige physically beats higher-level members of the Church. Stories posted anonymously throughout the internet have supported this claim. It was not until just a few months ago, however, that a definitive and personal account of Miscavige's actions was given. Marc Headley, a 15-year veteran of Scientology who left in 2005, describes to us his personal experience with the leader's abuse. This is a transcript I authored from an interview by Dawn Olsen. For the entire 90-minute interview, click here.