I dont know what the run-of-the-mill NOI member thinks about this weird mashup of scientology and the NOI, but I do know what L. Ron Hubbard would say. Mixing practices = squirrel. And there is no doubt this fits squarely within the Hubbard definition of "mixing practices." Since when does rising up the Tone Scale equate to the "thinking of God"? And what does Doubting Thomas have to do with the Reactive Mind -- Thomas refusing to believe Jesus had risen from the dead without seeing proof is the reactive mind at work? Hey RTC -- why aren't you doing your job? They are even using your … [Read more...]
Why I (We) Write
Saturday -- Terra Cognita day! Yay! Writing is Communication One of the things LRH got right was emphasizing the importance of communication. The more we read and write, the more we understand what’s going on. Writing is connecting with others. Writing is learning. Writing is being. Writing is all sorts of shit. Writing is fun. Discussions on this blog have helped me understand the “stable data” I accepted while inside the bubble as something other than unquestionable truth. Scientology Cut My Comm, Fuck You Very Much For over thirty years Scientology cut my comm. Not only my commu … [Read more...]
An Org in Trouble
One of our South African Special Correspondents sent us the latest news from Durban Org. It's not looking good for scientology in Durban. Her comments follow, and then the item to which she refers. This is Durban org’s OTC Newsletter for August. To all intents and purposes it looks like they’re sliding into total oblivion. First pic shows something that happened in July - and at Joburg Org. 6 people – 2 of whom are Sea Org (on the left – they’re a married couple posted at Durban Org). The two chaps kneeling I THINK might also be staff. The other two are Nick & Marina Howarth – pretty … [Read more...]
Guidelines For Posting
Thanks to everyone who took the time to express their support for The Aftermath. There are way to many people to thank individually. Know that the support is what gives us and the brave people who come on the show strength. I am implementing the guidelines laid out below for this blog now. Just kidding... This gives a fascinating insight into the scientology thought control -- so many rules and regulations about what you can and cannot do leaves little room to "think for yourself." I have highlighted a few of the more incredible rules. Group Posting … [Read more...]
Wins and Arbitraries
It's Saturday. Time for us to get our weekly dose of Terra Cognita. Fingers crossed for tonite. In case you are confused, there are TWO Emmy Award shows. The one today (and continuing tomorrow) is called the Creative Arts Emmy Awards and it includes many categories not considered "Prime Time" -- including documentaries as well as advances in sound editing and that sort of stuff. The "Big" or "Prime Time" Emmy show is next weekend and is broadcast live on CBS. This one is broadcast on FXX at 8pm tonite. Now, on with Terra. Wins and Arbitraries Lots of people have had wins in … [Read more...]
The OT Levels
Another provocative essay from long time commenter Brian Lambert THE OT LEVELS Meter Reads of Rope "Clear your mind of dogmatic theological debris; let in the fresh, healing waters of direct perception” Lahiri Mahasaya Once there was a man who was walking nonchalantly through a beautiful forest. Not a care in the world did he have. Absorbed in the beauty of nature he descended serenely down a winding pathway to an open glen of multicolored blossoms. Many birds of varying throated syntax graced the air with inspired innocent melody. He came to a big rock and decided to sit and l … [Read more...]
High Crime and the Cost of Scientology
It's Saturday and Terra Cognita is in the house. High Crime and the Cost of Scientology If LRH had really wanted to save the planet as quickly as possible, why did he make his “tech” so expensive? And therefore, so inaccessible to so many? If the world was going to hell in a handbasket, why charge Scientologists—tasked with saving the planet—hundreds of thousands of dollars? Why not just give them the “tech” and allow them to get to work bailing out our little rock? How ethical would it be to charge individuals a hundred grand for a vaccine to inoculate themselves against a plague decima … [Read more...]
Words that Hurt: Scientology Nomenclature
It's Saturday. That means it's Terra Cognita time. Words that Hurt: Scientology Nomenclature I never realized how dehumanizing Scientology nomenclature was until my spouse and I began tossing out words LRH and his followers assigned for humans. Turns out, scientology is great at degrading people. If you weren’t one hundred percent onboard with Ron and his tech, he had a name for you—and it wasn’t complimentary. Note: It would take too long and too many words to try to define all these pejoratives. Google “Scientology Tech Dictionary” for links to sites to help you clear these definitions i … [Read more...]
Scientology’s Response to Episode 2
As has become their practice, within minutes of the show airing, scientology puts up a new smear site, with videos from family members -- in this case Marie Bilheimer and Aaron Poulin's mothers, and Tayler Tweed's mother and brother. They are sadly predictable -- failing to address the issues raised in the stories and instead attempting to discredit Marie and Lauren (and Leah, Tony Ortega and me). Marie, according to Aaron's mother should "look in the mirror" and Lauren, according to Cathy Tweed, wasn't really even a friend of Tayler's. Lame stuff. But can you get inside the head of the … [Read more...]
Scientology The Aftermath S2 Ep 2: the Aftermath
As always, thanks to everyone for your amazing support. Most heartfelt thanks to Marie Bilheimer and Lauren Haggis -- two beautiful, courageous and caring women. Without contributors like them who are willing to stand up and bravely tell their stories, there would be no show at all. The purpose of this program is to provide a venue for the real, painful stories of life in scientology to be told. It cannot happen without those who will sit down before the camera. Every contributor knows that any remaining scientology friends they may have had will instantly disconnect (even though "that … [Read more...]