This week we talk to our old friend Chris Shelton about cult apologists. These are the people who make a career (often lucrative) out of offering expert academic opinions in support of "New Religious Movements" -- cults. It's a racket that scientology has used to gain credibility. We cover a lot of ground here. Chris has recently published a series of articles on this topic on Tony Ortega's blog -- they are well-worth reading. Chris also has a podcast that is worth subscribing to on YouTube: Sensibly Speaking Podcast We mention the scientology STAND League -- the OSA … [Read more...]
Scientology Hates “Experts” — Unless They Are Paying Them
STAND League is a constant source of ideas of what should be discussed about scientology. They accuse others (usually Leah Remini and me) of exactly what they are doing. They rail again anti-Semitism, it spurs me to write about scientology and the NOI. They complain about "anti-religionists" it prompts something about what Hubbard had to say about religion. Scientology is "fun" - brings on a post about disconnection and crush regging. And now I noticed this one. Rest assured, every one of the "experts" scientology touts is paid. Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR., Gordon Melton, Brian Wilson … [Read more...]