“It is a privilege to become a Scientologist. It is something to be earned.” The sentences extolling the benefits of the Church of Scientology, Tom Cruise has released more than one, especially during interviews. For nearly 40 years, the Hollywood star, who made a recent comeback phenomenal on the big screen with Top Gun : Maverick, is one of the most powerful ambassadors of this religion that many consider a sect. Broadcast this Tuesday evening on RTL-TVI, the magazine Exclusive looks back at how Scientology has changed his life and that of many other people around the world.
Born on July 3, 1962 in Syracuse, New York, Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, known as Tom Cruise) had a difficult childhood. He grew up in a very strict family environment and suffered from dyslexia. While promoting his first big hit, Risky Business, he is not the most comfortable in front of the media. This lack of self-confidence and his marriage to actress Mimi Rogers, at the time director of the training center of the Church of Scientology in Hollywood, brought him closer to the religion of which the most vulnerable people are often the prey. Thanks to the latter, he would have overcome his problem of dyslexia.” I felt compelled to hide it. It was very embarrassing, traumatic“, he confides before adding that he was helped by the “technology” by L.Ron Hubbard, founder of the movement.”I apply it to study, to read and to work. I realized that I was not dyslexic. It changed my life. I am now able to study and learn very quickly. I have exceptional understanding.“
His faith in Scientology – which has no god but a kind of spiritual force – led him to sell his properties in New York and Los Angeles to settle in Clearwater, a town in Florida where the Flag is located. Building, the temple of Scientology of 35,000 m2, comparable to St. Peter’s Basilica for Christians. It is in this imposing place, which serves as a place of pilgrimage for the followers, that all the main hearings of the religion take place.
Considered a dangerous sectarian movement by many countries, especially in Belgium where it was prosecuted as a criminal organization before the Brussels Criminal Court, the Church of Scientology also got the better of the sentimental life of the star of Mission : impossible. His grip on the latter would have caused his separations with Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz. And, later, the one with Katie Holmes, who asked for sole custody of their daughter Suri to keep her away from the movement she finds dangerous. Between Scientology and his child, Tom Cruise has made his choice. He has not seen his daughter for 7 years.