Here we go again. On Memorial Day I wrote a post about this subject -- Stolen Valor: Ron the War Hero And now they are at it once more. If you are planning to attend this event, or know someone who is, please be aware that this is ONLY a "PR opportunity" for "safepointing" scientology and that those who attend will be held up as examples of people who endorse scientology. Know too that that the founder of scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, told many tall tales (lies) about his military career, very well documented in Chris Owens' carefully researched book Ron The War Hero (available on … [Read more...]
Scientology and Status
An article by long term commenter Mike Westen Scientologists love hierarchy. Participation in the Church of Scientology involves climbing several ladders of scientological status: The most important ladder is The Bridge to Total Freedom – Hubbard’s spiritual hierarchy denoting auditor class, therapeutic achievement and godhood. [1] The loyal scientologist will be expected to donate to various projects such as the “Ideal Org strategy” (the relocation of existing churches into new premises) and the IAS (PR frippery and legal defence). Constantly hounded to “move up … [Read more...]
David Miscavige: End Game
Tony Ortega recently posted an article Has Scientology's leader David Miscavige gone underground in the face of a legal onslaught? It prompted a few thoughts. I have long said that I thought Miscavige's inevitable trajectory would be to follow in the footsteps of Hubbard. Despite all the ONE thing he must continue to do is use Hubbard as his front. He MUST continue to present himself as the anointed successor to Hubbard. Much as he might have "replaced" Hubbard and set himself up as "Source Jnr" with his various iterations of "Golden Age of Tech", there is no doubt that if he overtly … [Read more...]
Scientology Knowingness
Brian Lambert sent in another of his thought-provoking pieces about the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. Enjoy. SCIENTOLOGY “KNOWINGNESS”: LONG LIVE THE TOOTH FAIRY AND HER FRIEND THE TEDDY BEAR!! I want to preface this essay with the thought that not everything in Scientology is delusional. Nothing can always be absolutely one way or another in a relative universe. Seeking to communicate when there is an upset, seeking the root cause of a problem in one’s mind, listening to people when they are having issues, looking up words in a dictionary, being a good student and occasionally … [Read more...]
Thursday Funnies
There are some real gems in this one "Dr." Hubbard, the nuclear physicist expounds on his understanding of radiation. Basically, as long as you gulp some vitamins and get some auditing it can't hurt you.... State of the Nation... What to look for? When to act? What ARE they blabbering about? Meaningless words Wonder what dimension they are operating in? The world? Nobody in Perth even knows you exist. How about starting there? The planet gets a little saner? A butterfly in the Amazon flapping its wings … [Read more...]
Scientology’s Lying Denials
Everyone who has watched The Aftermath knows that scientology invariably sends in rather bizarre denials to what is being exposed in every episode. The finale was no exception. In fact, scientology outdid themselves. We have made the point repeatedly, that while scientology squeals they are being vilified and lied about, they NEVER provide ANYONE to present their side of the story. Instead they just repeat, in long-winded letters, that every single person who appears on the show is a liar. Scientology has never done ANYTHING wrong according to these letters. The pain and suffering that is … [Read more...]
Cognitive Dissonance
Our old friend Terra is back with some food for thought... Cognitive Dissonance Everyone who’s ever lived on Earth has experienced cognitive dissonance. Anybody who’s ever been affiliated with a religion has experienced cognitive dissonance in spades. Cult members face this phenomenon on a daily basis. High Water Cognitive dissonance was a concept first proposed by Leon Festinger in the 1950’s. He theorized that people needed their beliefs to be consistent and correct with those they encountered throughout their lives. When faced with data that contradicted what they’d … [Read more...]
Is Scientology an Apocalyptic Cult?
I don't recall having mentioned the writings of L. Ron Hubbard concerning the coming apocalypse/destruction of society/end of civilization, and I don't think many others have either. But the good folks who churn out the promotion for Kansas City reminded me that this is part of the "scare" tactics Hubbard employed to motivate people to support his cause. Of course, this is not a new idea. The program we did on the Jehovah's Witnesses earlier this year gave me some insight into the grandaddy of doomsday cults. The JW's are taught that Armageddon is imminent. A literal firestorm that … [Read more...]
More on OT IX and X
Follow up to post a few days ago OT IX & X: Promises, Promises, Promises where I covered the announcement from Captain Miscavige in 1995 of the requirements for the "release" of the non-existent OT IX and X. That prompted a reader to send me this letter from 1993 where he had earlier laid out the prerequisites for OT IX. Class VI or Class V Grad FPRD Auditor Training Course Hubbard Senior Security Checker Course PTS/SP Auditor Course Happiness Rundown Auditor Course PDH Detection and Handling Course That sounded good at the time. No public person had done all … [Read more...]
OT IX and X: Promises, Promises, Promises…
I came across this the other day. It is a High Winds magazine from 1995. High Winds is the "magazine of the Sea Org" and only a few were ever published, usually to commemorate "Sea Org Day". This is the edition where Captain Miscavige (he now considers referring to him this way to be improper/derisive and had his lawyers complain about it in court -- because it indicates he is the capo of the SO and he fears this being used in litigation to hold him responsible for the things he is actually responsible for...) announces the "requirements for the release of new OT IX and X", Of course, … [Read more...]