Part of why I hate Scientology.

'In case you checking here tomorrow, yes there are poorer people in Scientology. Like another poster said, you then work for them.

What happens is they first give you a personality test, they hang out on street corners to flag people down in areas with a lot of foot traffic.

They take you to an office they have nearby and have videos and information.

They give the test, which is about 200 questions and includes things like "Would you take the necessary actions to kill an animal in order to put it out of pain?" and "Do children irritate you?" and "Do you enjoy telling people scandal about your associates?" and "Do you have any particular hate or fear?"

After this they recommend what courses of theirs you should take.

In these areas chances are the person testing has already seen their commercials all over local TV promising to cure depression and such.

These courses are part of their church philosophy, these course bring you to a higher level in their church and if you do not move up the levels in a time frame that suits the higher ups, you can be kicked out of the church. Of course, these courses also cost big bucks.

A self help tape goes for about $300. So for those who cannot afford courses, they can go work for the church.

Odds are they end up living in one of the many apartment complexes the church has bought and converted to a private compound with as many as 8 to a room.

Those people will then travel to and from work by riding on a church bus wearing the uniforms provided by the church- individuality is not exactly welcomed.

The church may have them sign a contract stating that they will work for the church for 1 billion years- if they are part of a particular organization, SeaOrg (this is the branch of the church that deals with the ships where they tell the higher levels their beliefs, this branch is a one considered high up).

So basically if you have no money and want to become a church member you have to give your life over to the church completely (obviously any money you get from say selling your car goes to the church).

If you want out at some point they ask you to do a series of interviews. During this time they ask if you have committed any crimes.

They then decide if they are ok with the leaving. If not, you are cut out completely by the church. No friends in the church, no family, your kids, parents, spouses who remain in the church are not allowed to speak to you.

If you have business dealings with anyone involved in the church, you are cut out. So if you are poor and in the church, you will leave the church with less than what you came in with.'