TV star Jason Beghe has slammed the controversial Church of Scientology, branding his former religion "destructive" and "dangerous". The actor, who has appeared in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal Minds, began taking courses in Scientology in 1994 and even appeared in promotional footage for the religion in 2005.

Beghe was considered a 'top Scientologist' or 'OT5', a rank similar to Tom Cruise and John Travolta's standing in the church, but has now released footage on video-sharing website YouTube denouncing the controversial faith.

According to FoxNews.com reporter Roger Friedman, the video is a three minute trailer for a forthcoming in-depth interview.

In the footage, Beghe says, "Scientology is destructive and a rip-off. It's very, very dangerous for your spiritual, psychological, mental, emotional health and evolution. I think it stunts your evolution. If Scientology is real, then something's f-----d up. It ain't (sic) deliverin' what it's promised. It sure has not."

Beghe insists he has recorded the footage to help those who are influenced by the religion.

He adds, "I don't have an agenda. I'm just trying to help. I have the luxury of having gotten into Scientology and after having been in it, been out. And that's a perspective that people who are still in and not out do not have."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)