They put up the monumental, epic news about the opening of the "ideal" St Hill on the scientology.org website. And what a doozie it is. The headline is typical shermanspeak overhype, and the text that follows is every bit as laughable. The church claims that "more than 2000" were in attendance. If you can find close to 1000 people in the photo above it would be a miracle. More like 500. And you know this was the BEST shot they could come up with. Here is a small sampling of prolix word salad from the mullet man: A pivotal moment in what has proved a season of … [Read more...]
Scientology Homophobia
Is scientology homophobic? There has been considerable discussion about this. In today's world, where it is no longer socially acceptable to be anti-gay, scientology has taken steps to attempt to portray itself as tolerant and welcoming of the LGBT community. But similar to scientology's claims that disconnection "doesn't exist" or is simply a "personal choice," the PR smokescreen hides an ugly and unpleasant reality. At its heart, scientology IS very homophobic. Here is the truth as I experienced it, growing up in scientology and then being a senior official in the church for many y … [Read more...]
New OT IX & X Are Closer Than You Think
Remember when the prerequisite for OT IX and X was that you had to be a Class VI auditor and all specialist auditor training courses? And thus the OT VIII's were all being hammered to get on auditor training.... Could not do that these days, as there is no Briefing Course. Of course, like most of what happens in the church of scientology today -- this is a moving goalpost. The prereqs are whatever thing Miscavige is pushing as his latest fad. After Class VI the "prerequisites" became that they had to do the Basics to be allowed onto OT IX and X. And then the Congresses and ACCs were a … [Read more...]
Traits of a Pathological Cult Leader
A Special Correspondent sent me this article from Psychology Today: Now, you might think, after reading the list that follows, that this was compiled based on a study of David Miscavige. In fact, these are the people the author claims to have studied in order to compile his list: Now, be prepared to be amazed at just how close to the bone this cuts. Based on studying Jim Jones, David Koresh, Charlie Manson, Bhagwan Rajneesh etc here is the list of typical traits of the pathological cult leader he came up with, and warns "you should watch for and which shout … [Read more...]
Miscavige Damage Control
Well, I supposed this is the best he's got, even though it's more than 20 years old. A desperate attempt to try to burnish Dear Leader's sagging image... It's the annus horribilis. Going Clear, Going Clear Emmys. Let Him Die following his own father media blitz. Tony Ortega's book and Paulette Cooper. The Saldarriaga hacking scandal. Jim Jackson. Leah Remini's new book. Narconon's implosion. Louis Theroux. And things are not looking any better beyond next month. His recent go to image boost has been the "ideal orgs." But that is a failure -- cannot even get any new ones open when he … [Read more...]
Going Clear Emmy Sweep
It was a rough night for Dear Leader. First, Going Clear was presented an Emmy Award for best documentary, best director and best writer. Bam. Tons of media coverage about it. But I loved the quote at the end of this article: Regarding a possible followup, Gibney noted, “There’s a lot more material already that I’ve received, more to come out — and so far the IRS has not revoked its [tax-exemption] protection so there’s a lot more to be done.” Alex Gibney is a REAL champion of human rights -- not because someone handed him a certificate that says so after he handed … [Read more...]
Is David Miscavige a Religious Leader? Updated
THIS POST CREATED MORE INTEREST THAN USUAL, AND AS IT IS A HOLIDAY WEEKEND I AM TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT AND SIMPLY UPDATING IT FOR TODAY WITH A NEWS ITEM THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE POINT SO STARKLY IT COULD NOT BE MORE APPROPRIATE. See one of the hundreds of articles reporting on this below and note a few things about it. First, the photo of the Pope out shaking hands with the "ordinary people." Second, that he is taking two refugee families into the Vatican. Third that he is calling for all Catholic parishes, monasteries and religious communities to also host refugee families (and of … [Read more...]
Scientology Buying Media Stories Again
A new advertorial has appeared from the bubble of self-delusion. The only reason it doesn't create a flap like the scientology advertorial in The Atlantic is that nobody reads World Religion News. (See here if you are unfamiliar with The Atlantic fiasco) But this does provide some interesting insight into the bubble mindset. This is how Miscavige tells his troops to get media coverage (he is afraid to talk to any media or have anyone speak to them in any way). And it reflects the canned, controlled messages he feeds the sheeple at his events. I have broken this advertorial into 4 … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
Miscavige Media Madness
A few days ago I posted something about David Miscavige's response to the Tampa Bay Times -- Miscavige Media Handling. And now this. An article published in Business Insider yesterday continuing the discussion about John Oliver's brilliant piece on televangelists and tax exemption. (And, in case you missed it, Oliver took another jab at scientology in his show last Sunday). What is remarkable here is not the article itself. It contains virtually no new news other than an inaccurate statement from Anthony Ole, the president of Trinity Foundation where he seems to think sci … [Read more...]