Disaffiliation Among Scientologists
A Sociological Study of Post Apostasy Behaviour and Attitudes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/ijsnr.v2i2.201Keywords:
affiliation, disafilliation, apostasy, New Religious Movement, Church of ScientologyAbstract
Far too little literature focuses on the phenomenon of disaffiliation/apostasy, in particular when it comes to research on the exit process, the post-exit adjustment period, and what becomes of the apostates and their faith or lack thereof. In the contemporary sociology of religion it is a general perception that loss of faith is one of the primary reasons why individuals leave religious movements. However this assumption lacks an empirical foundation. This article highlights some of the conclusions derived from a study of a large group of Danish ex-Scientologists, with emphasis on their religious behaviour and attitudes immediately following their exit and, for some, more than 20 years later. Surprisingly, this study found that disaffiliated Scientologists were in fact still practising Scientology.
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