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Episode 68: Chris Shelton on Cult Apologists

December 6, 2021 By Mike Rinder 28 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Aleister Crowley, Anson Shup, Chris Shelton, Donald Westbrook, Eileen Barker, Fair Game Podcast, Gordon Melton, James Lewis, Leah Remini, Marvin Bordelon, Massimo Introvigne, Mike Rinder, Remnant Fellowship, STAND League, Stefani Hutchinson, Stephen Kent, Susan Palmer, Tony Ortega

Scientology Hates “Experts” — Unless They Are Paying Them

August 24, 2020 By Mike Rinder 18 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: STAND League Tagged With: Brian Wilson, experts, Gordon Melton, Margaret Singer, Martin Landon, Massimo Introvigne, STAND League, Stephen Kent, Tony Ortega

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Important Reading

Troublemaker - Leah Remini
Ruthless - Ron Miscavige
Going Clear - Lawrence Wright
Bare Faced Messiah - Russell Miller
Counterfeit Dreams - Jeff Hawkins
Blown For Good - Marc Headley
Abuse at the Top - Amy Scobee
Unbreakable Miss Lovely - Tony Ortega
The Church of Fear - John Sweeney
Fair Game - Steve Cannane
Inside Scientology - Janet Reitman
A Piece of Blue Sky - Jon Atack
Beyond Belief - Jenna Miscavige
My Billion Year Contract
Escaping Scientology - Karen Schless
Commodore's Messenger - Janis Grady
Commodore's Messenger - Book II
Scythe Tleppo - Nathan Rich
Expert Witness - Jesse Prince
Perfectly Clear - Michelle LeCaire
Ron the War Hero - Chris Owen
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Mike Rinder
MikeRinderMike Rinder@MikeRinder·
20 May

For those missing the #FairGame podcast -- I snuck in a 20 min chat with @Marci_Hamilton about our shared passion for the work of @CHILD_USA

CHILD USA@CHILD_USA

Our newest podcast episode is here!

Emmy Award winning CHILD USA Board member Mike Rinder joins Prof. Marci Hamilton to discuss his advocacy on our issues.

Don't miss this episode from one of the brightest stars in the CHILD USA universe.

Listen today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-rinder-on-his-work-as-a-child-usa-board-member/id1524535228?i=1000562604652

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MikeRinderMike Rinder@MikeRinder·
19 May

New revelations from @TroMcManus. Of course #scientology has records that document their abuses but claim they can keep them secret. The USSC disagrees, but they continue to assert it and when law enforcement doesn't press they get away with murder. When will it end?

Tracey McManus@TroMcManus

Valeska Paris sued Scientology last month in Tampa federal court, alleging she was trafficked as a child.

Three years ago, she tried to pursue criminal charges.

Clearwater Police couldn’t get evidence from the church.
@TB_Times

https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2022/05/19/former-scientologist-called-police-when-that-went-nowhere-she-sued/

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yasharYashar Ali 🐘@yashar·
18 May

Of course he didn’t.

When you’re second in command of a borderless totalitarian state and cult of personality you can’t risk being asked about prison camps, forced abortions, conversion therapy, forced family separations, and the first in command physically abusing his workforce https://twitter.com/raminsetoodeh/status/1526945227382018051

Ramin Setoodeh@RaminSetoodeh

Tom Cruise took a selfie with a fan after his #Cannes2022 talk. But he didn’t take any questions from the audience:

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azhlynneStefani A Hutchison@azhlynne·
18 May

Dear Bill Burr http://azhlynnes.blog/2022/05/18/dear-bill-burr/

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LeClair4justiceMichelle LeClair@LeClair4justice·
18 May

@LeahRemini @MikeRinder Thank you for brining further awareness to the authorities of this cult! Scientology uses conversion therapy which is not illegal in Ca. I have been through plenty of it with this CULT and its abuse. Im grateful now to have my free and beautiful GAY life!

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