Tom Cruise's Dark, Twisted Journey to Scientology's Top Gun

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16. Not a Ponzi scheme, more of a bait-and-switch

It would only be a Ponzi scheme if it were returning monies to its "investors" with interest, and covering that interest with the dues of new members. That's not at all what it's doing, since all the members get for their investment is a sense of spiritual something or other.

On the other hand it is sold as a "science of the mind" which can help you through stress and psychological difficulties. (In fact the original version was a little too scientific-sounding, and L. Ron had to mix in a bit more metaphysical bullshit to get it to pass muster as a religion.) Then after a few years and a few tens of thousands of dollars you learn that there is an absolutely ridiculous creation myth which you can hardly even talk about among those who haven't got the memo without feeling like an idiot.

More details: https://www.xenu.net/archive/leaflet/ Also lots of other good info about how the cult works at Operation Clambake.