If you have watched either The Vow on HBO, or Seduced on Starz about NXIVM, or The Aftermath or Going Clear about scientology, this article will ring a lot of bells. Many of the specific control mechanisms Dr. Burkley cites about NXIVM have direct parallels in scientology. As she says, "the psychological tricks Raniere used are not particularly special. In face, his ability to ensnare so many victims is rooted in his reliance on several core psychological principles -- principles to which each of us is vulnerable." One of the great accomplishments of The Vow was how … [Read more...]
Predatory Alienation, Religion and the Law
This is an excellent article in the Albany Times Union, prompted by the recent sentencing of Keith Raniere. I saw this and Tweeted it out, but it deserves more attention. Mary Ann hones in on the exact problem that looms like a massive roadblock in the path of justice for victims of coercive and high demand groups. And this definitely includes scientology. The hardest thing to demonstrate is mental/emotional abuse. There is no cauterized brand left on the victim’s body. No canceled checks or credit card debt trail. It would make it far less onerous for victims to be heard in … [Read more...]
Scientology Deaths and Suicides
People are asking for our thoughts regarding recent tragic events. We can only offer facts about scientology teachings and our opinions on them -- we don’t have firsthand information concerning the details of Kelly Preston or Benjamin Keough’s deaths, though, when it comes to scientology and scientologists, there are other factors that come into play - factors that are contained in the “scripture” of scientology that give a particularly dark tint to these terribly sad events. The heartbreakingly unfortunate truth is people commit suicide every single day, and people die of breast cancer … [Read more...]
Why Do Scientologists Lie?
I originally posted a version of this in early 2017. I have updated it with additional information and quotes. It's important, especially in light of the ongoing prosecution of Danny Masterson, other investigations, and civil cases. Anyone who confronts scientology witnesses needs to understand the nature of the beast. While repeatedly asserting that they are "the most ethical group on earth" and that they are constantly having to "get rid of" people who "cannot live up to their ethical standards," in truth, every dedicated scientologist is a liar. Why? The short answer: … [Read more...]
More of the L. Ron Hubbard Playbook
This is a direct quote from a policy by L. Ron Hubbard of 15 Aug 1960 DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS The bold-face is mine to highlight some of the most disturbing passages. The object of the Department is to broaden the impact of Scientology upon governments and other organizations and is to conduct itself so as to make the name and repute of Scientology better and more forceful. Therefore defensive tactics are frowned upon in the department. We are not trying to make the Central Orgs and HCOs "be good". We are trying to make their reach more secure and effective. Only attacks resolve … [Read more...]
Framing Whistleblowers — The Scientology Playbook
The media reports that Paul Haggis is now being accused of sexual assault. He responds that scientology may be behind these claims. There is good reason to believe this is no crazy conspiracy theory. Here is why. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of scientology, took a very dim view of anyone critical of scientology. Whether politician, reporter, disillusioned former follower or his own family members, Hubbard designated them as "enemies" -- not just of scientology, but of mankind. And he laid out in detail how those enemies were to be destroyed. Hubbard decreed that anyone speaking negatively … [Read more...]
Disconnection: the PR and the Truth
The above is what scientology has to say about the practice of disconnection on their official website. It mirrors the statements they make to the media about this controversial and abusive practice. Of course, it contains numerous half-truths, omitted information and outright lies. If you take this statement at face value (and many people won't know what is NOT being disclosed) it all sounds reasonable enough. Who could disagree with this... My earlier post about Fair Game which laid out the ACTUAL policy of the church on the treatment of critics/enemies/suppressives generated a lot of … [Read more...]
Dealing with Critics of Scientology – The L. Ron Hubbard Playbook
If you read this blog, you are likely aware of Leah Remini's upcoming A&E show. I have had the pleasure of working with Leah on this show as a consultant and participant, a cause of great distress for the church. So I thought I might weigh in with some information I feel is pertinent to events now and into the future. As a reader here you are likely also aware of the "church" reaction to the announcement of the show and the first trailer being released - the usual name-calling, smearing and foot stomping that does not RESPOND in any fashion to the abuses being exposed. There is much … [Read more...]
Mike Rinder: “Lady Killer”
While the "church" of scientology has kindly nicknamed me "Lady Killer," the strange reason for this deserves some context. This post also serves to demonstrate the twisted and false nature of the statements, videos, tweets, ads and emails that scientology is sending out to try and "dead agent" everyone involved in the Going Clear film. I am no special case -- all participants are getting the same treatment. I happen to have details and specifics concerning the things they say about me. You can be certain the statements about the others are no less false. It is of course interesting that … [Read more...]
Is Scientology A “Terrorist Group”?
Scientology has for many years made outrageous claims about "Anonymous" -- calling it a "group of terrorists." They inflate everything that is ever said or done by anyone with even the remotest connection to Anonymous and by association, attempt to paint anyone they think is criticizing them with the "terrorist" brush. There are NUMEROUS examples of this -- perhaps the earliest was Keith Henson who joked about shooting a "Tom Cru9ise Missile" in Miscavige's window. This was then used to have him prosecuted under the Hate Crimes statute. Miscavige complained bitterly about "death threats" … [Read more...]