It’s the stuff of memes. Everyone wants to talk and laugh about the strange presence of Scientology in the world. However, despite its supposed prevalence, which I find sufficient to make an instance for it (might/would explain some of the commotion and rumors going on) which is an inevitability, few people ever discuss knowing any Scientologists (often in the process of forgetting that, in the end, they’re just another group like any group, minus peculiarities). Do you have anyone in your life, be it a friend, family member, or someone in your community, who is one or thought to be one?

  • grasshopper_mouse@lemmy.world
    2·
    2 days ago

    One of my aunts became one out of high school. She married some guy who was also into it, they had 2 kids. The whole family was basically shunned by the rest of us because of it, and she died in her 40s of a very rare form of cancer. I haven’t seen the kids in probably 30 years now.

  • GladiusB@lemmy.world
    2·
    2 days ago

    There is a church in SF near Columbus St. I have seen it many times (best Italian food in the city). But I don’t think I have ever met an openly proud scientologist. But I’m kind of no holds barred against people spewing nonsense in my presence. I could have scared them.

  • BonesOfTheMoon@lemmy.world
    2·
    2 days ago

    It’s not a thing here at all, but I did walk by their church in Buffalo one night, it was closed and it’s such a creepy place. Buffalo is a great cool amazing city (truly!) and it stood out like a sore thumb.

  • Vanth@reddthat.comEnglish
    3·
    4 days ago

    My college campus was crawling with them back in the day. I have a few friends who got hooked. Only one is still a Scientologist and unfortunately cut off all friends and family. I am still friends with his brother and he doesn’t even know where his brother is.

  • TachyonTele@lemm.ee
    1·
    4 days ago

    I’ve met plenty. I went to a dentist once, and while waiting in the chair I noticed all the framed qoutes were by Hubbard. The dentist himself was an absolute dick. I ducked out when he went into the other room for something, and that’s when I realized the place was filled with scientology posters too.

    Met one that really really wanted us to take the dvd she had. It was a very awkward few moments.

    Seen and stayed away from the pairs of them that post up on every street corner they can find. If you try to talk to them they take it their phone and act like they’re talking to someone.

    They are really strange people.