This is a very emotional topic and I, for obvious reasons, will tread carefully in my own summing up.

As far as the Creed of Scientology goes I think I am in total accord. I may, in my later years PC aware mind like to see the emphasis from MAN dropped and the use the word HUMAN, picky I know but just sounds more inclusive. (Maybe PEOPLE would be even better).

However a CREED is a simple set of guidelines which should inspire BEHAVIOUR, and quite frankly there is a genuine lack of respectful behaviour of those on ‘both’ sides of this issue. Surely the idea of ‘FAIR GAME’ in terms of combating detractors and critics is in complete opposition to the creed of inalienable rights.

Now here is where I offer a little bit of personal information…

I few years ago, when I was living in London, I found myself at a loose end and simply roamed the streets looking for suitable distractions. It had been raining and I was less than impressed with my own indolence, lack of motivation and generally damp disposition.

Walking past one brightly lit store front I was stopped by an extremely pleasant, smartly dressed and confident young man who simply asked “Are you happy with your life?”

Now I’ve never been one for superficial conversations and his direct question appealed to my interest in meaningful conversation and debate. I was about to question what he meant by ‘happy’ when he asked if I’d be interested in completing a short questionnaire. It seemed like a great opportunity to get out of the rain and fill a few moments or two so I agreed.

I went into the store and sat a desk. I noticed several other people sat at desks either on their own filling in forms, or with another smartly dressed young person engaged in conversation. The whole thing felt like one of those ‘time share’ sales meetings, so I was on alert as it were.

I duly completed my questionnaire, recognising many of the kinds of questions that would appear and the run of the mill psychometric assessments, and awaited my results.

After a short while I was joined by another be-suited individual who, whilst gently waving papers around, gave the results of my ‘test’. It was interesting, and in fact started off by making generally positive statements about my personality and disposition. I was being flattered.

There was then a long pause. The voice of my confident dropped into a whisper and he leaned forward. I mirrored his body language ready to hear whatever he needed to share…

“There are some clear blocks and darknesses however….”

He then spent the next few moments on what felt like a character assassination. Whatever good feelings about myself he had inspired a few moments ago were dismissed by his sharp, incisive, ego destruction.

When he had finished he sat back on his chair and said…

“We have a programme to help people like you. People who are unfulfilled, under-achieving on their potential…. Have you heard of Dianetics?”

This was my introduction to Scientology.

Although I did attend the ‘suggested’ follow-up session and gladly accepted my free copy of L Ron Hubbards book, I knew at the moment I had first taken the questionnaire that ‘what was being sold’ was not for me.

If I had been at a low ebb, or if I had been ‘searching’ for something and if I was not somewhat versed in pyschometric testing and ‘cold reading’ (for that’s what so much of the consultation felt like), then perhaps I would have joined this august group and maybe would be doing far better in life than I currently am.

For me Scientology, like so many evangelical religions and spiritual groups, is in danger of preaching one thing and behaving in a totally different way. More importantly, and this is perhaps a key question, how can any group – Christian, Jane, Islamic, Scientologist – have a stated belief in personal choice, free will and human potential whilst engaging in restrictive practices?

In trying to get a picture of Scientology and assessing its status as a Religion, it so difficult get past the vitriolic, negative and abusive stereotypes, language and attitudes.

If I as a grass roots Scientologist believe that my faith is being twisted, my doctrine misquoted and my colleagues attacked then I would be defensive and perhaps aggressive to the mocking questions of others.

If I as a parent of a child who has become a scientologist and hence has been “cut off” from them and their family, it would be difficult for me to see the religion as anything other than evil and ‘cult like’

If I as an investigator in search of some balanced opinion become harassed, spied upon and taunted, it would be difficult for me to see anything positive in the behaviours of those I am questioning.

As I researched this topic there were times when I felt I was hearing the generic complaints, misinformation and prejudiced thinking that has plagued so many religions at one time or another. Chirstians need only look at their own history to see how the institution of the Church as failed to follow its own preachings.

The best I can do at the moment is to ask the question that Scientologists hate, as would any religion if the same question was directed at them…..is it a cult?

To answer that question, the topic on The Real Twilight Zone on the 18th January will be Cults and Cult Behaviour.