Astra Woodcraft Speaks Of The Dangers Of Scientology

Author: Dawn Olsen
Published: March 09, 2008 at 11:07 am
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Over at Pseudoscientology, they link to a great article in the Gwinnet Daily Post which features some experiences former Scientologist Astra Woodcraft had during her time in the Church of Scientology. Astra, is one of three ex-Scientologists who started a website aimed at helping the children who've been affected by Scientology. Astra and her colleagues at Exscientologykids.com, were all born into the organization and each has an interesting and quite disturbing story to tell.

Here's an excerpt from the article, which is a two part series. Part 1 here, Part 2 here:

Considering the veritable contstellation of big-screen stars alligned behind the Church of Scientology, it's fitting that what Astra Woodcraft says she experienced as a follower sounds like something straight out of a horror movie.

While the public sees smiling celebrities attributing their health and happiness to the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, Woodcraft speaks of cramped quarters and meager rations. Of hard labor and harassment. Of pledging service that extends beyond this life and into the next.

Unlike those famous faces, she was literally born into the church, in London. Her mother was already a member, and even at a tender age, Woodcraft learned things that struck her as odd. When she had an accident - say, hit her head on a door, for instance - she was taught to perform a "contact assist," gently repeating the motion that led to her injury while standing exactly where it happened.

"My mom, if I would hurt myself, she would make me do this, Woodcraft said, "and she'd make me do it in public."

For awhile, the occasional bout of embarrassment was the only red flag in an otherwise normal childhood.

Then, when Woodcraft's grandfather died, her grieving mom flew to the states to seek counciling at Scientology's "spiritual headquarters," the Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, Fla.

Continued on the next page
 
 

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Article Author: Dawn Olsen

A veteran blogger since 2002, Dawn has written for many different blog incarnations ranging from parenting, politics, popular culture, music and everything in between. Her writing can be found Blogcritics.org and her celebrity blog, Glosslip.com. }

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