Thread:Comments:Author Amy Scobee recounts abuse as Scientology executive/Treatment of Amy Scobee after publication of her book, Scientology - Abuse at the Top ?/reply (6)

That is where the differences between Scientology, a 'normal' religion, and even many cults become important.

Passive methods of dealing with anyone who has left a religion (or indeed a corporation, cult, or political organization) are common. Active methods of dealing with defectors are not. Even among the most vicious companies it is uncommon to file a lawsuit against a former employee that has left (so much so that when HP recently did just that to their former CEO it made international news), as long as the employees don't divulge (legal) classified information (if it's secret information about illegal actives that's obviously different). Even most political organizations (in developed nations at least) don't engage in active suppression of former members. It's not unheard of, but it's rare.

But although active harassment of former members exists in other institutions in the developed world, I've never heard of another organization that is as brutal to former members as is Scientology. They're cruel in a most unusual way. I don't think it would be stretching the truth to suggest that Scientology has more in common with certain third world dictatorships than it does with any modern religion, political movement, or corporation.