By: Mae Skold

Editor’s Note: The Plaid Line publishes editorials that contain opinions that are those of the student authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the the Plaid Line, HPSH, or its staff.

Scientology has a bigger presence in St. Paul, Minnesota than you may notice in other cities. They own a big beautiful building in downtown St. Paul that you’d never expect would have a cult behind closed doors. Through the friendly behavior and appeal of the grand building, Scientologists you may find in downtown St. Paul and in general may easily deceive you.

When entering the large building a greeter or receptionist will be there ready to welcome you and educate you on themselves and the building. The building has a nice cafe, library, work spaces, and more that add to the deceiving appeal. Though it may not seem like it, while you are talking they will gather any information about you to further try and lure you into the cult. Things like first and last names, addresses, occupations and more can just add to your trace where they will try to find you to put in further efforts to convert you.

Now why is their cult something to stay away from with all of these nice people and things? The cult uses brainwashing and criticism on its members to try and make them live their way of life. By degrading people they can convince them of needing repentance and salvation just further bringing them into the cult. The members are forbidden from using the internet, reading magazines, outside books, and more to keep them further secluded from the real world.

The Scientologists in St. Paul certainly use their big building as a luring strategy as it brings in curious people. They make sure to make people feel as though they are a part of something and have this initial sense of pure bliss before the vicious cycle of brainwashing begins. When in St. Paul make sure you admire this beautiful building from afar and spare yourself the Scientology rabbit hole.