Anyone who regularly reads this blog will know that I have been scathing in my criticism of recent court rulings concerning the supposed scientology "religious arbitration" agreements that courts have enforced to prevent plaintiffs from pursuing legal recourse against scientology entities. See earlier articles: Scientology "Religious Arbitration" -- Giving Kangaroo Courts a Bad Name and this one: Concerning Scientology "Religious Arbitration." Now comes an article from the Reason.com website which is rather more scholarly than my layman's analysis. A leading expert on religious arbitration … [Read more...]
Scientology “Religious Arbitration” – Giving Kangaroo Courts a Bad Name
Recently, one of the OSA bots on Twitter announced that the Judge in the Masterson civil case had "found me to be a liar" in the case "I lost." This is their twisted interpretation of the following statement by Judge Steven Kliefield in his ruling that the Masterson plaintiffs must submit to religious "arbitration," (see Tony Ortega's site for the full order): Defendants argue the Court should disregard the March 6, 2020 declaration because Rinder is biased, dedicated to falsely attacking the Church and has no foundation for much of his testimony. CSI and CCI also make specific objections … [Read more...]
The “Glory” of Scientology’s Dead “Enemies”
A couple of days ago, Tony Ortega posted a lengthy "success story" from a woman who had recently completed "Super Power." Of course, it was over-the-top bizarre, but one paragraph stood out: While on the rundown two major SPs (2.5 percent) connected to my dynamics received their bitter end. One died in an unexpected way, and the other got put in a psychiatric hospital by his best friend. This filled me with the glory of justice. I doubt there is a more clear-cut example of the callous disregard for human life into which scientologists are inculcated than this. Many former scientologists, … [Read more...]
A Primer on Brainwashing
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...]
Concerning Scientology “Religious Arbitration”
Many readers here also follow Tony Ortega's blog and will therefore know that at a court hearing in Los Angeles this morning, LA Superior Court Judge Richard Burdge Jr. agreed with scientology that Valerie Haney has no right to a trial before a jury of her peers, but instead must submit to scientology "religious arbitration." I have no other information or insight into this hearing than what is available on Ortega's site. But I do have information of relevance and opinions to offer on the subject. Judge Burdge is not the first to fall for the scientology ruse, and I am sure that once … [Read more...]
How Many Churches of Scientology Are There?
Just how many churches of scientology are there? If you ask scientology, they will never tell you. You can look up on scientology.org and count the number of listed churches of scientology -- but it's tedious and they don't make it easy. But it is around 150, the same as it has been for decades. You can also try to count the number of missions, that is even more difficult. But again, it is around 300 (and many of these are VERY part time affairs, open a day or two a week). The best they will do is offer that there are "10,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups" without … [Read more...]
Child Sexual Abuse in Scientology
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE RESPONDED TO THIS ARTICLE HERE, ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND IN PRIVATE MESSAGES AND EMAIL. BUT TELLING ME IS NOT WHAT IS IMPORTANT. REPORTING IT TO THE AUTHORITIES IS. LEAH AND I CANNOT REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT YOU TOLD US SOMETHING. IT DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY. IF YOU EXPERIENCED OR WITNESSED SOMETHING YOU BELIEVE TO BE A CRIME, YOU MUST REPORT IT. EVEN IF THAT AGENCY DOES NOTHING, THERE WILL BE AN OFFICIAL REPORT ON FILE. IF YOU THINK THE CRIME IS "TOO OLD" REPORT IT ANYWAY. LET THE LAW ENFORCEMENT/PROSECUTORS MAKE THAT DETERMINATION. UNLESS YOU ARE A LAWYER, YOU … [Read more...]