"The top scholars around the world, 50 of them of different persuasions, have found unquestionably that it is a religion...that it recognizes the human spirit and a supreme being," Jentzsch said.

To help drug addicts, Scientology uses a technology which combines exercise, mega-vitamins and use of a sauna. The technology has taken over 1 50,000 people off drugs, according to Jentzsch.

But Kisser has persistently denied that Scientology is a religion.

"Scientology is quite likely the most ruthless, the most classically terroristic, the most litigious and the most lucrative cult the country has ever seen," said Kisser in Time magazine on May 6, 1991.

Kisser pursued her case to prove that "she did not engage in criminality," according to Beal. He further cited her extensive experience with cult members as a testament to her ability to speak as an expert on the issue of cults.

"The decision was to let me speak. I feel I'm qualified," Kisser said. "I wish there would be more studies on mass movements. The question is what types of information do you bring to this study.