“These are common religious tenets,” he said. “The very survival of a religion is contingent on its protecting itself.”
Very interesting comparison Mr. Davies makes here. I've never heard of Catholics doing this though.
"On the pay issue, it says that Sea Org members expect to sacrifice their material well-being to devote their lives to the church."
Again, another parallel to JW's and Mormons that bears a striking similarity to teachings of their churches. Mormons are "encouraged" to give of their "talents" and "means" to the church.
I had the same reaction.
He lumped the Amish in with Scientologists as well. It is not true that the Amish treat their people (who almost all blood relatives) who wish to leave their community the same way as these brutes in Scientology. If they want to leave, they can leave that life and community. I met some airline pilots who had come from Amish communities in Lancaster PA. They were loved by their relatives, and had their blessing. What the Scientologists are doing to any member who wants sheer terror and typical behavior for cults.
Moreover, I wish the Catholic church still excommunicated people. I would love to see some courage by Catholic leaders who would throw out the likes of the Kennedy's, Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, and Joe Biden. The truth is (except for a few examples of great courage), the Catholics let any member get away with almost anything that goes against what the church officially teaches without repercussions.