The first blog post on mikerindersblog.org was on 5 November 2009. It's been 10 years but it sure doesn't seem that long! It's been a lot of fun along the way. I have met many wonderful people here (and quite a number subsequently IRL which has been especially gratifying). Hopefully I have opened a window to discovering the truth about scientology for many. This blog would not have been possible without the support of many who have helped. While it is a labor of love (or perhaps passion) it IS labor and first my thanks to the many contributors who have provided content and … [Read more...]
The Inhumanity of Scientology
Sadly, too many people pass away without the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones. Those who die in tragic accidents or without warning. Others in other cities or countries that make it logistically impossible for a final face-to-face meeting. Some are estranged for whatever reason and don’t reach out to them, even when they often regret it as they take their final breaths and it has become too late. Then there are those who have had their familial relationships sundered by their beliefs -- that it will be spiritually harmful to associate with “non-believers” or those who have … [Read more...]
Scientology “Father’s Day”
Scientology likes to portray itself as family friendly. This is never really true in scientology -- the organization ALWAYS takes precedence over the individual or family. Always. Scientology tries to tell the world that it is the great protector and builder of family relationships. Just look at these excerpts from scientology.org: But let's just focus on how this works out for scientology staff, SO Members or declared SP's. Scientology is decidedly NOT family friendly and Father’s Day is simply another “reason” to try to get suckers to visit the org so the regges can try to get their … [Read more...]
Scientology Still on My Mind
Our old friend Terra Cognita is back with more insight. Sadly, I imagine many readers here can relate to these observations. I stopped writing regularly about Scientology after I’d said everything I thought I needed to say. I’d climbed out of the rabbit hole. Exorcised my demons. Laughed at the hypocrisy. And finally capped my pen when I felt it was time to move on. And yet, I still think about Scientology. Not as frequently as during the first couple of years after I’d left, but I still have occasional conversations in my mind with those I left behind—with those still trapped inside the … [Read more...]
The Doctrine of the SP
Another thought-provoking essay from our old friend Brian Lambert THE DOCTRINE OF THE SP: A MAJOR MILESTONE ON THE WAY TO MENTAL DERANGEMENT AND DESTROYED RELATIONSHIPS It seems every time I write an essay I think “wow, this one is a big deal.” My sentiment speaks to the many mind distorting doctrines that have had devastating effects on all of us. Each deranged doctrine is singularly significant in the deprogramming process. I am not affected by scientology any more I know an ex-Scientologist who feels there are no left over subconscious effects in their minds. … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas
I want to wish everyone a wonderful day of peace, happiness and goodwill. Whether you are Christian or not, everyone can share in the holiday spirit. I hope each of you has the opportunity to spend a day with family and friends (especially children - for whom this is a magical day of excitement) as we will be. The only sour note note to be heard among the caroling is the fact that many readers here are cut off from some family members and friends because of the cruel scientology practice of disconnection. My wish is that you can enjoy and be thankful for what you DO have today and try … [Read more...]
Dave Richards
Dave Richards was one of a kind, and a giant among friends. Tony Ortega did a post about him on Thursday thanks to Dave's great friend Ron Miscavige Snr. I could not process the grief and bring myself to write anything coherent, so I am a couple of days late. But the delay only represents the shattering of my world when I heard the news of his passing. The only small saving grace was that he died peacefully in his sleep. But that made it even more shocking as there was no warning. I met Dave on the Apollo in 1973. He was one of the really good ones. He was the Dissem Aide … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
Disconnection — Scientology’s Spin
Scientology has long attempted to defend the sordid abuses of disconnection by proclaiming it is a "personal choice" and an "individual right." Tad Reeves, a devout scientologist and OSA frontman is active on social media attempting to promote and also defend scientology from "attacks." He has a blog, and frankly, he seems like a decent guy caught in the distorted world of scientology-think. What is most interesting is that he goes into such detail about the subject of disconnection. His utterances on this subject are certainly coordinated/cleared with OSA before he posts them. This is the … [Read more...]
Quailynn & Paul McDaniel — Check Mate
Check Mate Recovering from Scientology has been no easy task. However my husband and I did it, together. What broke me from the church initially was this: I was on the ship to do OTVIII, I had cleared every hurdle placed infront of me. As most of you know they are many and extremely difficult -- tailored to break you in every possible way. I was on the ship in Cartagena, Columbia. They had taken my passport and the staff had locked me in a room in a room for three days and had me read my husbands confidential confessionals detailing why he was a horrible human worthy of betrayal. This was an … [Read more...]