system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why does Scientology still have such a devout following, when it has been exposed to be such a farce?
gpt
One of the key reasons as to why they have such a devout following is because of blackmail.

During the initiation process, applicants are advised to speak their deepest, darkest secrets in order to "free" themselves of the burden of carrying them. These secrets are logged, and if a person ever wants to leave the church, they are threatened to be exposed.