I have always been a firm believer that to criticize and abhor someone or something, you must first have good reason based on knowledge and experience. For example, I dislike Green Bay Packers fans because they let Brett Favre control their lives.
So when I found myself consistently voicing my distaste for Scientology, I decided to overcome my hypocrisy and do a little research on the controversial religion.
My first call was to Milwaukee’s Church of Scientology and Dianetics Center. I called on a weekday around 1:40 p.m. to find the church is only open from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as for services on Sundays.
A little weird, but I let it slide. I got in touch with a representative from a Scientology church in Chicago who directed me to their main Web site.
In a nutshell I learned this: Scientology was founded by science fiction novelist L. Ron Hubbard. Central to Scientology is the Creed of Scientology. The main idea is that all men, no matter what race, color or creed were created equal and that all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices.
In order to fully comprehend the religion, Scientologists must go through a series of levels and cash payments until they reach the highest “Operating Thetans.” It is here I learned that human beings are actually trapped on earth in a physical body and that we are in fact immortal alien spiritual beings, or thetans (This was supposed to be kept from the public — until it was leaked a few years ago).
While I was reading and listening, a quote from Billy Madison came to mind.
“Mr. Madison, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”
But before making a final judgment, I surfed the net for any recent news about the religion that might give me a little perspective.
The first four headlines I saw were: “Church of Scientology chased down and brought back members who tried to leave,” “ ‘Crash’ director Paul Haggis renounces Scientology over gay rights,” “French branch of Scientology convicted of fraud” and “Kirstie Alley to stay in reality series.” No Joke.
So recap on what I learned: All heterosexual men have equal rights. We are aliens. The French have added Scientologists to the list of people they don’t like. Scientologists are really hands-on in retaining members.
But I vowed to be an objective journalist so I kept digging to make sure I was getting both sides of the story. After further research I stumbled upon a promising list of influential members.
Right off the bat I saw Tom Cruise, Isaac Hayes and Brandy. Ten years ago this would have been a big endorsement but in this time frame, Tom Cruise has gone completely insane, Brandy killed someone and Isaac Hayes left the best show on television, “South Park.”
Kirstie Alley was on there as well and she has a new reality TV show, so score one for the Scientologists.
Finally, I made one last attempt and went to the source, the man that created the religion. I thought of all the inspirational quotes that Jesus had like, “An eye for an eye.”
Perhaps I could find one that may even things out for me, a quote that makes me realize that I am simply not meant to understand Scientology, that it is simply not my destiny.
Very quickly I found this quote from L. Ron Hubbard himself.
“If you want to make a little money, write a book. If you want to make a lot of money, create a religion.” No Joke.
Bob • Nov 21, 2009 at 8:17 pm
I love some of the responses from Scientologists (or their active and manic PR staff) that follow the “always attack, never defend” creed written by… L. Ron Hubbard. Way to Keep Scientology Working, guys!
If Scientology were a harmless cult, that would be one thing. However, you’d have to have a stone for a heart to not feel empathy for a Scientology staff member who used a coat-hanger on themselves to end a pregnancy (see Australian Senator Xenophon’s speech).
These are the sorts of crimes that Scientology can no longer hide…
Tim • Nov 17, 2009 at 11:52 pm
The shame of this Article is that you glaringly misquoted Jesus…and you accurately quoted L Ron Hubbard and Billy Madison..If that alone does not say were we are at as a culture and why…Like so many americans…we take Jesus and his words for granted..misquote/misrepresent Him left and right and waste our time listening to every quack out there who would malign Chistianity. For the sake of your journalistic integrity give equal due diligence in accurately quoting and listening to Jesus..for the sake of fairness if not respect. I did love the Billy Madison quote though.
Emma • Nov 13, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I don’t believe Scientology has anywhere near the membership numbers they claim. Why, well, I never run into them on an everyday basis and I live in a large city in Northern California. I run into Mormons all the time. Those religions are somewhat similar in membership numbers, give or take a million, no?
I run into people who have lived in LA all the time. I don’t hang out at psych wards either.
Just saying!
Aqua • Nov 11, 2009 at 8:14 pm
In regards to the “look at the current leadership, not the organization” comments, the problem with Scientology isn’t that its current leadership is abusing the “tech” (what Scientologists call their belief system), but is applying it with a zeal exceeding that of Hubbard. The “tech” itself is abusive at its very core; breaking up families (Disconnection), abusing the legal system to harass those who voice criticisms (or even just doubt) about Scientology (they don’t use the term “Fair Game” in public any more, but the actual practice is very much still occurring), and brainwashing its followers into giving all of their money was SOP for Scientology LONG before Hubbard’s death. David Miscavige and his remaining cronies are just the more visible current aspects of it.
John Scott Ridgway • Nov 6, 2009 at 12:54 pm
The scamatomologists say they are doing the exact opposite of freeing a mind. The ‘light-headed’ scientologists who wrote in here and has been nicely rebutted by some commentators… man, what a good spiel. If I did not know more than I do, I would want to dream along with that dude. Yes, someone has all the answers you have ever wanted — a product that they dangle in front of you, and if you don’t know any better, you’d be a fool not to reach for what they offer. Unfortunately, like all scams, what they offer in the end is to TAKE YOUR MONEY. There are so many cults out there that it boggles the mind. I studied them in school. The best thing about this trend to combat them relentlessly, as Anyonymous and others are doing, is that a generation is being raised focused on what these cults can do. The thing people forget is that they are everywhere. We are conditioned a certain way, respond to stimuli basically the same. It is no surprise to me that L RON HUBBARD wrote a book about MKULTRA, he was fascinated with how to brainwashed people, and made the use of these dangerous, manipulative, and unethical techniques developed for use in times of war, integral to his sales pitch.
thetagal • Nov 6, 2009 at 8:39 am
If the writer can’t get a well known fact (eye for an eye) straight as to its source, how reliable is his information on Scientology? I’ll lay you odds that the writer cannot say where LRH said what he quotes at the end of the article. The story goes that around 1950 he said it verbally to a friend as a bit of humor.
That he later founded Scientology as a religion simply came out of the fact that as he researched he discovered that the basic personality of a human being did not die with a body’s death but went on to reincarnate. Not a totally new idea, but certainly one associated with religion.
People confuse the religion of Scientology with the Church of Scientology. Hubbard said in the bylaws of the leading Scientology Corporation that the two should be considered the same only as long as they “espouse, propagate, and practice the religion of Scientology”.
There is much evidence that the Churches of Scientology are doing something else than practicing the religion, or there wouldn’t be such protest by former members and groups such as anonymous.
Fortunately, the religion is practiced all over the world outside without any connection to the Church. Google the word “freezone” if you doubt that.
Helix Barkaway • Nov 6, 2009 at 8:00 am
One more tidbit about celebrities and how they prop this house of cards up. Nancy Cartwright, who is the “voice of Bart Simpson,” not to many years ago, gave a 10 million dollar donation to Scientology!
She wants to save the planet, by destroying the evil psychiatrists, whom Scientology holds responsible for 9/11, WWII and apartheid, to name only a few things.
Nancy’s ex-fiance, Steve Brackett, was a Scilon who wanted to save the planet to and got in Scientology’s magazines for being a hefty donor to the Sciloon “Super Power” building fund. (The Sciloons are building a block-sized building in Clearwater called “Super Power” were Sciloons will get “Super Powers” by riding the astronaut training equipment, and other special special things.”
Back to Steve Brackett, when his construction business got into some financial problems, I bet he wished he kept the million or more he blew on his “religion.” He jumped off a bridge in May of this year. Look it up if you don’t believe me.
Scientology has a much higher suicide rate, than it has a record for curing blindness, arthritis, and the insane. In fact it’s record for driving people insane is higher than helping the insane.
In the beginning of the cult, in the 1950’s, Hubbard claimed he could make the insane, sane. That was modified, to “make the able more able” as now their main claim is that if you have lots of money, they can make you happier, and get you addicted to Scientology at the same time, which makes you smarter, and can give you super powers! Super powers like: out-of-body travel, telekinesis, and the ability to perform shifts in time, to name a few.
I know this sounds like I’m making this up. I am not. Hubbard instructed his followers to clear the planet (make everyone a Scilon) and then build a Space Org, and begin clearing the Universe.
All this, and Xenu too!
Helix Barkaway • Nov 6, 2009 at 7:43 am
Hey kid,
I bet this is the most hits your column has ever had. Amiright? Sciloontology is very hot right now as Hubbard’s volcano of lies is starting to collapse. It’s funny, it’s fascinating, it’s horrific, it’s a drama, “it’s a blast” like Tom Cruise says.
Too many top Scilon executives and other ex-members speaking out about the abuses, since the internet allows that. Now a major crack appearing in their celebrity propaganda machine front, with Paul Haggis speaking out.
Hubbard started a special program in 1955, PROJECT CELEBRITY, to target celebrities specifically, for their influence on society, so more would be drawn into this scam. It was a terrible flop at first as people like Orson Welles wanted nothing to do with this pile of sci fi mind bending crock. But then they got a few really naive young ones, like Travolta and Cruise, and pretty soon it became a force in Hollywood. They even snagged a top acting teacher, Katselas, who was responsible for funneling dozens of top acting students into the cult. He kept telling people Scientology would help their acting, and the Scilons gave Katselas a kickback for each head he got into the cult. Sciloontology calls their new recruits “raw meat.” And they know how to cook it.
A celebrity, because their services at “Scientology Celebrity Centers” cost two to three times more, can pay over a million dollars just in fees (they call them “donations” but they are required for services) in ten or more years they are in the cult. Jason Beghe did this and was the first to speak out, that it is a mind-bending pile of cockamamie.
So, there are so many dimensions to this cult. Pick one, research it, and write about it. Really, it’ll fascinate the cheese crowd there, as Scientology is very cheesy, but not in a good way like the kind you eat.
THE RONBOT HUNTER • Nov 6, 2009 at 6:56 am
The best way to get to know if Scientology is a cult or a real religion is to ask ex-scientologists and Ronbots your questions.
You will then learn the truth. 98% of the ex-scientologists will tell you it is a scam, a fraud and a Godless Cult.
The ronbots will quote the policy letters they are forced to give/tell you.
Then visit the anti-cult websites and then the “church of Scientology’s websites and read. By this time you will have the truth of both sides.
NOW decide for yourself who you want to be part of.
THE RONBOT HUNTER
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
frank • Nov 6, 2009 at 2:38 am
@ James Lightfield. I doubt you’re a businessman, you’re too bad with numbers. I have no doubt that you’re a Scientologist however… “300,000,000 million” people are being victimized by psychiatry? That’s a number in the trillions (12 zeroes after the 300!) – and there are only approximately 6 billion people on the planet. If everyone who ever lived was counted, there’d only be about 100 billion. As with everything to do with the CO$, your comment is a fail. I suggest you ask for the cash back that you spent on having your IQ lifted through useless auditing and tech seeing as how it apparently hasn’t worked.
Anonymous • Nov 6, 2009 at 1:16 am
@Bill:
“If your intent was to write something that reads comically and mocks someone else’s faith via misinformation and ridicule, you succeeded. ”
Prove it. Prove his information is wrong. He openly states where and how he did his research, you’re just making wild claims with no backing.
“you unfortunately fell short as the piece has numerous erroneous “facts” therein. ”
Again, PROVE IT. You can’t, ergo, you’ve lost the argument. James hasn’t been able to refute a single one of my statements and has had almost an entire day. You’re just a Scientology stooge, blindly following orders. Everything you’re told is filled with lies and doublethink. You have no true freedom since every aspect of your life is controlled for you. It’s time to start looking at the world around you and thinking “Is this what I was promised?” It’s alright to question, it’s alright to doubt.
Bill, James, its time to wake up, and only you can make yourself do that. You have the freedom to access the Internet, its time you started listening and critically analyzing what all the former members have been saying because it’ll surprise you.
Aaron • Nov 5, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Wanna get people to read your column who otherwise wouldn’t care what you have to say in between your bong hits? Write about Scientology!
Jim Diamond • Nov 5, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Your research is woefully inadequate. Stick with being a gossip columnist, or anything else unscientific, hypocritical and unethical. That is what you are cut out for.
Gia • Nov 5, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Great piece. I agree 100%
Tommy Davis Insane • Nov 5, 2009 at 1:37 pm
“It’s remarkable what has been accomplished if only in terms of the programs under ABLE (Association for Better Living and Education), which has provided many millions of people relief from basic societal problems including illiteracy, drug dependency and criminality. Very few of them have any interest in learning Scientology’s religious philosophy.”
Actually, the Scientology front groups are frauds just like the entire COS. Just two weeks ago the entire church was convicted of fraud in France, as mentioned in this column, not just the higher ups, who where also convicted. So, given the propensity for fraud and dishonesty, where do your alleged figures come from Mr. Lightfield? From the COS itself? I have bookmarked this page, and I eagerly await your response Mr. Lightfield.
Patricia • Nov 5, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Well said, Mr. Murphy! Well said!
r • Nov 5, 2009 at 11:44 am
Isaac Hayes is dead.
Bill • Nov 5, 2009 at 11:27 am
Dear Sir,
If your intent was to write something that reads comically and mocks someone else’s faith via misinformation and ridicule, you succeeded.
However, if your intent was to write something that represents a sincere and earnest attempt to explore the belief system of another, you unfortunately fell short as the piece has numerous erroneous “facts” therein.
I suppose, that that’s the easy thing to do and makes for more entertaining writing on a blog, but it’s a shame that you missed the opportunity to understand why someone might choose TRUE Scientology, not the silliness you portray, for their religion and instead chose to contribute to the lack of constitutional and religious beliefs respect that polls show, is ever increasing in this country.
I wish you well,
Bill
Jack • Nov 5, 2009 at 10:19 am
well technically that last quote has not been recorded. There are a lot better quotes that are actually written, like the lie lie lie quote. Anyway, other than that you will now find yourself a target of the cult. They will think your newspaper has ads by eli lilli now. Check out tampa times for great videos and xenu.net whyweprotest and a list of others with links.
Scootermom • Nov 5, 2009 at 10:13 am
“An eye for an eye”, is from the Old Testament dear. “Turn the other cheek, go another mile, judge ye not, least you be judge.” those are Jesus’s. Sadly sometimes forgotten, sometimes by me too.
Thanks
Scootermom
John K. Sweet • Nov 5, 2009 at 9:44 am
Think again because L. Ron Hubbard was forged by many people. Those oldtimers who knew him personally say he was not money-oriented and always willing to help.
I recommend you rather write about those who changed Scientology to what it is today…
Tommy Davis Insane • Nov 5, 2009 at 9:38 am
“It’s only been 55 years …..which has provided many millions of people relief from basic societal problems including illiteracy, drug dependency and criminality.”
Care to back up these assertions with real world data? I recently started paying attention to this group in light of the fraud conviction is France– not only where the higher ups convicted, the entire “church” was convicted of defrauding its members. The entire structure is designed for fraud. Fraud, of course, is lying to someone with the purpose of stealing someone’s property.
In this short period of time since the fraud conviction, I’ve seen this “James Lightfield,” allegedly a mere member of Scientology, repeatedly show up in the comments of various Scientology stories making these sweeping assertions concerning alleged Scientology front groups. He NEVER cites to any information that supports his assertions. Surely, Mr. “Lightfield”, assuming what you say is true, you must have a newsreport from a legitimate source that supports your position? At least one?
The real news reports actually reveal that members of the COS show up at disaster cites to attempt to recruit new members, since disaster victims make easy marks. When they do so, they arrive at the disaster scene with no supplies for themselves, and suck the disaster relief supplies from the real victims to support themselves while they attempt to shill for their cult. They have pissed off countless disaster relief workers. They got in trouble for this sort of conduct during 911 in NYC and during the Indonesian sumani. Dirty to its core.
Tommy Davis Insane • Nov 5, 2009 at 9:25 am
Isaac Hayes died shortly after leaving Southpark under suspicious circumstances… like a lot of Scientologists. Thus, he is no longer a member of the COS. Unless you talk to David Miscavige, that is, who will tell you that since Isaac gave him a lot of money, he will now live for enternity as an Operating Thetan on the whole track, wandering space and time for eternity.
The eternity part seems kinda boring to me. Who wants to live countless billions of years with nothing to do in the space time Continuum? Do they even get Jon and Kate Plus 8 there?
Flin Flanagan • Nov 5, 2009 at 8:45 am
It’s even worse than you think it is.
imominous • Nov 5, 2009 at 8:20 am
The Creed sounds good, doesn’t it? Except for the last wackaloon bit, “…believe that the spirit can be saved and that the spirit alone may save or heal the body.”
Obviously the spirit alone can’t heal the body, or didn’t in the case of Jeremy Perkins in Buffalo, NY or Linda Waliki in Australia.
Turns out, you can’t treat schizophrenics with Scientology’s all-purpose cure for everything, vitamins and exercise. It makes them get all stabby.
Reading the creed and then reading the recent news about Scientology, you must wonder why they don’t follow their own creed.
It’s almost like Hubbard wrote it as a smoke screen or something.
julie • Nov 5, 2009 at 8:00 am
Oh, maybe Jesus didn’t say ‘eye for an eye’ – but Scientology does say it’s “not a turn-the-other-cheek kind of religion.” Look it up. It used to be one of their PR lines.
julie • Nov 5, 2009 at 7:58 am
I had also seen and heard conflicting information about this organization. I accepted an invitation to tour Scientology, Inc’s spiritual HQ in Clearwater, Florida. During this tour I asked my host some difficult questions about several Scientology policies, including why adherents don’t even know the religion’s origin story/cosmology until they’ve paid over $100,000. And the Rehabilitation Project Force, which looks suspiciously like human trafficking and slave labor.
For my trouble I was threatened. I was obviously a criminal, since I wasn’t agreeing with Scientology. So they would find my ‘crimes’ and expose me to the world. They started with a private investigator digging through my trash, all because I asked some tough questions. They also tried to get me fired from my job.
There’s much, much more to Scientology than is covered in your story. It’s waaaay worse than you think. But thanks for taking the time and effort to do it. Google “Operation Snow White” for a taste. Or read what happened to Paulette Cooper, a journalist like you. Her story would make a great movie.
Scientology would be just another nut cult, except its written policies, including destroying those who get in its way, hurt people, families and communities.
Helix Barkaway • Nov 5, 2009 at 7:40 am
I think the eye-for-an-eye thing…Old Testament, not Jesus. Jesus was turn the other cheek, love your enemy. But, you’ve got Hubbard down fairly well. All about mind control and money. It is much crazier than you can imagine though. For example, the current leader of Scientology, David Miscavige, is a high school dropout, yet this fake “religion,” wants to push Hubbard’s STUDY TECH(R), into every school on the planet.
Also, Cruise and Travolta, high school dropouts.
Exorcising clusters of body thetans (dead space alien souls) at the $300,000 level of Scientology isn’t the best part, it’s Xenu! Their top secret, Xenu, the galactic overlord, 75 million years ago. For his followers, Hubbard detailed the history of the Universe for the last 4 quadrillion years, and it all adds up to one thing. YOU NEED SCIENTOLOGY and you MUST CLEAR THE PLANET, and build a Space Org, and begin clearing the Universe! I’m not kidding. Hubbard actually wrote this stuff.
The full story is online, for free, at the CLAMBAKE website, in a book from a distinguished journalist, Russell Miller, called BARE-FACED MESSIAH. Hubbard was one of the most remarkable scam artists of the last century. The short version of Scientology was captured in an article in TIME magazine, SCIENTOLOGY: CULT OF GREED AND POWER by Richard Behar. Also at the CLAMBAKE website, and several other places on the web is you search.
Cheappasion • Nov 5, 2009 at 7:28 am
Great article! Yea, with the advent of the internet Scientology can easily dissmissed as daft, Hollywood alien wackiness. However, with half-hearted dilligence, it is quickly revealed that it is something more sinister.
The cult has existed for years do to coercion, dupping it’s practioners, and intimidating it’s critics. Then along the way, the internet came to be.
The information is out there.
Google:Fair Game
Paulette Cooper (Operation Freak-out)
Lisa McPherson
Operation Snow white
Check out the St. Pete Times Rundown series of article at Tampabay.com
Folks, if you meet a smiling pretty young face who claims to only want to help you reach your potentional, give you a FREE STRESS Test…Please do some research.
The truth is out there.
As a Post Script, what happened to Lisa McPherson and Paulette Cooper were not a mere mistakes, big or small, no matter what Mr. Lightfield would like you to believe. There is a pattern here.
Cheappasion • Nov 5, 2009 at 7:20 am
Great article! Yea, with the advent Scientology can easily dissmissed as daft, Hollywood alien wackiness. However, with minor dilligence, it is quickly revealed that it is something sinister.
The cult has existed for years do to coercion, dupping it’s practioners, and intimidating it’s critics. Then along the way, the internet came to be.
Folks the information is out there.
Google:Fair Game
Paulette Cooper
Lisa McPherson
Operation Snow white
Check out the St. Pete Times Rundown series of article at Tampabay.com
Folks, if you meet a smiling pretty young face who claims to only want to help you reach you potentional, give you a FREE STRESS Test…Please do some research.
The truth is out there.
frank • Nov 5, 2009 at 5:39 am
nice article, except Jesus never said ‘an eye for an eye’. Hi sreligion was more ‘turn the other cheek’
Anonymous • Nov 5, 2009 at 5:39 am
James Lightfield is a stooge of Scientology. Either he is one of their OSA pawns attempting to spread positive PR or attack critics, or he is the perfect example of what Scientology brainwashing and mental conditioning does to a person. Like all Scientology discussions, he presents an authoritative viewpoint that is completely at odds with reality. Let’s observe:
“It’s remarkable what has been accomplished”
-Yet every claim of accomplishment lacks even the most basic of facts to back it up. Millions have been helped? Through what organization? By what means? To what standard? To Scientologists, the greatest thing they can do is convert people to Scientology. Their “accomplishments” often amount to nothing more than distributing pamphlets to people who really need counseling, food, water, or other forms of aid. THAT is documented.
“Every new religious group, including Scientology — fighting for its life –will do things and take actions to protect itself. Mistakes — large and small — are made.”
-Using religion to justify falsifying crimes, revealing supposedly confidential confessional folders, engaging in extortion and blackmail, using the legal system to harass and destroy critics. These are not mere mistakes of the past, these are things that the Church of Scientology STILL DOES TODAY. For more info, Google “Fair Game” “Operation Freakout” “Operation Snow White” “Suppressive Person”.
“The attacks started in 1950 when the psychiatric and psychological associations correctly recognized Dianetics as a threat to their monopoly.”
-Dianetics made and continues to make scientific claims that failed to pass scientific review. Hubbard stole ideas from Freud, changed some of the words, and threw in a bunch of crude regressive therapy. That’s all. Scientology makes hundreds of various scientific and medical claims and not a single one has ever held true when put to the test. For more info, research “CCHR” and its many ludicrous and unsupported claims, such as that psychiatrists caused the Holocaust. They are a front group for the Church of Scientology, and the APA recently acknowledged them as a “hate group”. Even those seeking reform for the mental health industry recognize that CCHR is insane.
“Your report omits the MOST important legacy of Hubbard, which is how to understand the underlying reason for problems in life and how to effectively and quickly resolve them.”
-Also that Hubbard was a constant liar, was kicked out of the Navy, purchased a fraudulent college degree, and died with psychiatric drugs in his system while living alone in seclusion with 9 inch long fingernails.
“Every library in the US (and I believe the world) was sent a set of 12 books by Hubbard ”
-Based on Anonymous’s research conducted in CONTACTING a vast cross-section of America’s libraries, most of those books were discarded or thrown right into the trash. Even as free books, no one wants them.
From there, just a bunch of rambling about how you’re a meat sack that’s really an immortal all powerful being, your brain is nothing but a shock absorber (which is contrary to every shred of science EVER on the brain), and remember there’s a giant worldwide conspiracy against Scientology even though we claim there’s 10 million of us worldwide and we’re all wildly successful people.
Nevermind that several high ranking executives recently defected, a Norwegian OT VIII (the highest level of ‘spiritual healing’ that can be achieved in the organization) quit after writing out a document spelling out the many glaring failings of the organization, and that EVERY CLAIM ever made by the Church of Scientology is unproven, unsubstantiated, or has been shown to be erroneous or an outright lie. Over 700 former members have publicly spoken out, and the list grows longer every day.
Homo Novus • Nov 5, 2009 at 5:22 am
Every member is required to buy 2 e-meters every time a new model comes out, and every org is meant to buy spares. How many of the newest e-meters were sold? 30,000
It’s a bit obvious which reviews at http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/scientology.org#reviews are written by their own members.
Here’s what Jason Beghe had to say about being a celebrity Scientologist – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFDl6GA1DI0#t=6m00s
Anonymous • Nov 5, 2009 at 5:02 am
While hardly the in-depth investigatorial journalism of the St. Petersburg Times, this is an excellent article that approaches the subject in a rationale manner. Any ordinary person looking to learn more should follow the author’s example and check out both sides of the story. By all means, visit the cult’s website and try to learn anything about them. Then see what the critics, former members, and other victims say about this dangerous, criminal organization.
They’re entitled to believe whatever crazy gobblydegook they want, but their actions have broken the law and the management must be held accountable.
James Lightfield • Nov 5, 2009 at 4:22 am
I’m writing from the viewpoint of a Scientologist and a businessman, not employed in any way with any Scientology organization.
It’s only been 55 years that the Church of Scientology has existed. It’s remarkable what has been accomplished if only in terms of the programs under ABLE (Association for Better Living and Education), which has provided many millions of people relief from basic societal problems including illiteracy, drug dependency and criminality. Very few of them have any interest in learning Scientology’s religious philosophy.
Every new religious group, including Scientology — fighting for its life –will do things and take actions to protect itself. Mistakes — large and small — are made.
The attacks started in 1950 when the psychiatric and psychological associations correctly recognized Dianetics as a threat to their monopoly.
Then, in 1952, Hubbard detailed in his book Science of Survival the CIA’s brainwashing techniques under its MKULTRA program. All hell broke loose and the attacks accelerated.
NOTE: Dianetics is the only method that can help a person recall and remove the pain/drug/hypnosis conditioning of that type of brainwashing program (still exists, but more advanced, in various countries.)
Your report omits the MOST important legacy of Hubbard, which is how to understand the underlying reason for problems in life and how to effectively and quickly resolve them.
Every library in the US (and I believe the world) was sent a set of 12 books by Hubbard (covering subjects from Problems of Work, through Self Analysis and methods to reduce the influence past emotional and/or physical traumas).
There are at least 12 FREE problem-solving chapters at the ScientologyHandbook.org each of which has its own FREE on-line study course at VolunteerMinisters.org.
From my experience, most people are only interested in Hubbard’s problem solving methods. Few in the West (conditioned to believe they are sacks of chemicals governed by a brain, promoted by the HUGELY profitable psychiatric/drug industries that pocket worldwide $2 Trillion each year, and now have more than 300,000,000 million on psych drugs) are interested in past lives. (There is no evidence a person only lives one life. There is ample, proven evidence (outside of Scientology) that individuals exist independent of the physical body = past lives.)
ben • Nov 5, 2009 at 2:37 am
Jesus didn’t say ” an eye for an eye…”
But who cares. L Ron Hubbard says that all religions (other than his own) are the results of mental implants installed in our minds by the galactic space lord Xenu. It costs Scientologists about $300,000.000 to get that info the hard way. Or you can go to Xenu.net and learn the inside scoop on the money grubbing cult for free.