Treatment of Amy Scobee after publication of her book, ''Scientology - Abuse at the Top'' ?

"Shunning", a comparable practice to other organizations, perhaps. But probably less so, maintenance of such policy through use of private investigators and a sub-division of the organization serving as its intelligence agency, the Office of Special Affairs.

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.

Gopher65 makes some very wise statements, above.

It's all very interesting. Since the greatest danger arguably of the entire organisation is their legitimacy in the eyes of the law or their attempts to make this so. Many positions of employment require a confidentiality agreement to be signed so that you dont try and sell sensitive material on the internet, say the results of research before it is published or copyright protected. Does the 'church' have a similar system and do you know historically what their success rate is in hushing former members in court?

Mcchino64, the organization does have "confidentiality agreements", but they do not really hold up in court, as they are generally usually coerced at the time of signing, with threats of sign or never talk to your family again, etc.