If David Miscavige could time travel–and, no, he can’t–the Scientology leader would probably make as amenable as possible Leah Remini’s exit from the controversial pseudo-religion. The outspoken actor has done the one thing the paranoid cult least wanted: She’s normalized loud criticism of the group. There were angry apostates before, and journalists who poked and prodded the scheme that L. Ron Hubbard built, but there was always a bullying fear of retribution that strongly encouraged quiet. Remini, as much as anyone else, shattered the silence.

She just did a Reddit Ask Me Anything about her former faith. A few exchanges follow.

Question:

How are they able to recruit intelligent people into what appears to be an obvious scam and cult?

Leah Remini:

Most Scientologists are 2nd or 3rd generation, they were born and raised into an ideology and have been surrounded and isolated. It is all they know. They are victims. Most of the original Scientologists are all out and have spoken out. Unfortunately, their children were indoctrinated by them…. are still loyal, faithful and have cut off communication due to the policy of disconnection.

Question:

How do the powers that be in Scientology keep their followers from reading anti-Scientology news, or your book? Why don’t more Scientologists leave?

Leah Remini:

Great question. Because very early on in the brainwashing process, L. Ron Hubbard’s “technology” teaches you that outside sources (i.e. The news, the Internet, books, magazines) are ALL LIES and hellbent on destroying something decent like Scientology. The AMA, and APA, and all “governments” do not give Scientology its due because they have a vested interest in not healing people and not helping people. And Scientology is in the business of making people better. So Scientologists are taught that their safest bet is to get their info from the only true decent people…and those are Scientologists. And if they look on the internet, if they read time mag, they will be met with punishment at their expense. And, as a Scientologist…you have to confess that you’ve read outside materials, and that will be met with punishment at your expense.

Question:

Is it true they record your meetings and blackmail you with the recordings?

Leah Remini:

Yes, every “therapy room” is equipped with cameras and listening devices, as admitted by the “Church.” Do they use it for blackmail? No, they use it to discredit you when you speak out.

Question:

How much did you pay to the church throughout your time there?

Leah Remini:

Millions.

Question:

Do you personally feel like you’re being watched/tracked/etc by the church for doing everything your doing?

Leah Remini:

I am. I’m okay with it because I knew what I was getting into and I knew the policies of the “church” and what would happen by my speaking out against it.

Question:

Do the higher ups know it’s a scam or do they really believe this crap?

Leah Remini:

The higher up is singular. And he definitely knows. However I believe most parishioners and Sea Org members (people who work for the “church”) are in the dark and believe that they are doing amazing things for the world. And David Miscavige is directly responsible for that fraud.

Question:

Why do you think there are so many people in the entertainment industry in the religion?

Leah Remini:

If you really look at the numbers at the entertainment industry, in comparison to the small number of Scientologists that are celebrities, the number wouldn’t even register. I think Scientology has done an amazing job convincing people that there is a great number of celebrities in the “Church.”

Question:

Considering that Scientology is consistently painted in such a negative light how did you maintain the commitment to Scientology for so long?

Leah Remini:

Because i was taught to believe that the controversy was due to people being unaware of what Scientology was truly doing in the world which was good things. I also felt the press was focused on making fun of Scientology and not what was important, so it was easy to turn away from the information. And also a major part of Scientology is learning how to fight your critics. If i wasn’t fighting I wasn’t being a good Scientologist.

Question:

What odds do you give of the whole thing collapsing once Miscavige dies?

Leah Remini:

The policies of the “Church” are the policies of the “Church.” They will not change, and there will be someone right behind him ready to pick up where he left off.