Sweet. I know what I'm doing now
Leah Remini - Scientology and the Aftermath
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Last: 6 yr ago by Redstone
I hope those mother****ers get brought down. They need to lose their 501c status. If I remember correctly, they harassed the crap out of the IRS and inundated them with lawsuits.
Yep. Found it. https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Cowen/essays/irs.html
Yep. Found it. https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Cowen/essays/irs.html
They teach you how to open up credit cards and lines of credit to pay for more courses and books. They are relentless. If you don't want to buy more books they badger you and badger you and send you to interrogations or deny you access to upper levels...they have all kinds of ways to manipulate members.
I just don't see what it is one DOES to "clear the planet". Religions perform charity or missionary work - they do nothing. Remini said they won't let you donate to charities that aren't Scientology charities. They had a bogus 9/11 charity that "cured" people of their lung issues by taking niacin and sitting in steam rooms. She found out the Katrina charity didn't help anyone it just handed out "way to happiness" books to people.
I just don't see what it is one DOES to "clear the planet". Religions perform charity or missionary work - they do nothing. Remini said they won't let you donate to charities that aren't Scientology charities. They had a bogus 9/11 charity that "cured" people of their lung issues by taking niacin and sitting in steam rooms. She found out the Katrina charity didn't help anyone it just handed out "way to happiness" books to people.
The episode last night was crazy. I wish they'd go more in depth on how Miscavage positioned himself to take over.
It's interesting to me how he treats people. You'd think it would behoove him to have his leadership on his side, rather than abusing them....but it sounds like he knows no other way than fear.
It's interesting to me how he treats people. You'd think it would behoove him to have his leadership on his side, rather than abusing them....but it sounds like he knows no other way than fear.
He must have well-paid bodyguards to keep from getting his butt handed to him. I kind of understand the mindset that De Vocht described about not retaliating when Miscavige attacked him, but someone along the way must have bowed up to him and tried to fight back.
I still can't believe they had what amounts to essentially a detention center. WTF are people even thinking?
They have labor camps that people are stuck at for years.
Another thing that's hard for me to wrap my brain around....
I get the brainwashing of those that work for the organization. They are completely insulated from the real world, and are convinced that outside their walls, Scientology is changing the world for the better. But they dont contribute to it financially, as everything is paid for them.
All the funds are generated from others in the organization, outside their complexes. Everyday, hard working people like you and me that have joined the organization. The same people who have access to the internet, TV, etc.
All it took was Miscavage's dad doing one Google search and seeing the truth, to realize this was a hoax. How on earth are they still getting people to fall for this, and continue in this? How the heck are they still making enough money to support their financial empire? It completely blows my mind that there are enough people that still fall for this in the real world, to support this organization, in such a lavish manner.
I get the brainwashing of those that work for the organization. They are completely insulated from the real world, and are convinced that outside their walls, Scientology is changing the world for the better. But they dont contribute to it financially, as everything is paid for them.
All the funds are generated from others in the organization, outside their complexes. Everyday, hard working people like you and me that have joined the organization. The same people who have access to the internet, TV, etc.
All it took was Miscavage's dad doing one Google search and seeing the truth, to realize this was a hoax. How on earth are they still getting people to fall for this, and continue in this? How the heck are they still making enough money to support their financial empire? It completely blows my mind that there are enough people that still fall for this in the real world, to support this organization, in such a lavish manner.
I don't know. I realize they are an extreme example, but the internet has negative things about every religion. Heck, if you are Christian, you can find plenty of negative discussion online about every major denomination within the church, and why one sect is wrong vs. another or why the whole religion is bogus. Once you are part of a church, it's easy to insulate one's self and take on an us vs. them approach, especially if your group is under attack. I can see how this might happen to someone, but hearing it is still shocking, especially from people who at least come across as intelligent, well-intentioned people.
I don't really get it either. Unless they're so conditioned to not look it up or not believe what the internet says. I think it would take a pretty strong person to try to get out and deal with all the things they would do to them so maybe willful ignorance?
This is a great example. I'm a Christian and I believe what I believe and am not going to change. But looking at it from a non-believer's perspective it sounds strange...a baby is born in a barn, leads a rebellion of sorts, and is executed for it, and becomes someone who people still worship 2000 years later. I'm plenty intelligent, but there are folks that say the same thing about people like me as what you said in your last sentence.CJS4715 said:
I don't know. I realize they are an extreme example, but the internet has negative things about every religion. Heck, if you are Christian, you can find plenty of negative discussion online about every major denomination within the church, and why one sect is wrong vs. another or why the whole religion is bogus. Once you are part of a church, it's easy to insulate one's self and take on an us vs. them approach, especially if your group is under attack. I can see how this might happen to someone, but hearing it is still shocking, especially from people who at least come across as intelligent, well-intentioned people.
And as for the "under attack" part, well, look at this last election.
I'm not sure that is a great example.
I've tried to compare the way it's viewed to other religions, and specifically Christianity, but there really is no comparison.
Yes, you can find some bad things about Christianity online, but Scientology is on a whole nother level. And like many of them have said...once they started doing research, they realized that Scientology doesn't do anything positive. What they were taught is a lie, compared to the reality of what's really going on. It's not so much the oddities of the religion (like miracles in the Bible might be viewed), it's that reality is 180 degrees from what they are teaching. .
I mean, his dad, in it for 30+ years,and all it took was seeing the truth once. And his story's not unique. Blows my mind that they can still get enough suckers involved to continue the way they do.
I've tried to compare the way it's viewed to other religions, and specifically Christianity, but there really is no comparison.
Yes, you can find some bad things about Christianity online, but Scientology is on a whole nother level. And like many of them have said...once they started doing research, they realized that Scientology doesn't do anything positive. What they were taught is a lie, compared to the reality of what's really going on. It's not so much the oddities of the religion (like miracles in the Bible might be viewed), it's that reality is 180 degrees from what they are teaching. .
I mean, his dad, in it for 30+ years,and all it took was seeing the truth once. And his story's not unique. Blows my mind that they can still get enough suckers involved to continue the way they do.
I agree with what you guys are saying. I'm a Christian, and I've never been part of something like this, and that is what is so surprising. I've freely left a church before, and it was a painful process, but not life-altering for my family.
Remini live tweets these episodes and it's really interesting.
If you get on the internet or ask questions, then someone can turn you in. In auditing they'll ask you if you've questioned Scientology or the teachings or if you've gone to unapproved internet sites to research. You're then subjected to hours, days, weeks of auditing and classes or made to retake a level. That acts as a deterrent to go do your own research. They're told there are lies and the only "true" sources are Scientology sources.
Haggis and others who've left talked about feeling like a complete idiot once they got out and literally did 5 minutes of google searching.
If you get on the internet or ask questions, then someone can turn you in. In auditing they'll ask you if you've questioned Scientology or the teachings or if you've gone to unapproved internet sites to research. You're then subjected to hours, days, weeks of auditing and classes or made to retake a level. That acts as a deterrent to go do your own research. They're told there are lies and the only "true" sources are Scientology sources.
Haggis and others who've left talked about feeling like a complete idiot once they got out and literally did 5 minutes of google searching.
I do think it's pretty unique in that regard.
If I dont like the Christian church I'm attending for any reason (disagree with their interpretation, theology, or simply dont like the music)....I can try out the one down the street. I'm not excommunicated from the religion. It's based on the fact that we all have sinned...that's why we need Christ...because we're flawed.
Scientology is not that way. It's all one big organization, and your flaws get you punished.
My wife and I were discussing something along these lines the other night after watching the show. The former members continually talk about the enlightenment that they will receive if they work their way up the bridge. They've also mentioned Miscavage who dictates what information/levels parishioners receive, etc.
If it's so wonderful at OT XIII, etc, and you're entire goal is to make each person, and the world a better place...why are you hiding the good stuff. Share it all...make us all better, right?
Christ says, 'Here...have it all. Please get closer to me in every way..prayer, His word, service, etc' Completely different than cults like this that hide information to retain control over others, and form some hierarchy.
All in all, Im fascinated by this show, and cant quit watching it.
If I dont like the Christian church I'm attending for any reason (disagree with their interpretation, theology, or simply dont like the music)....I can try out the one down the street. I'm not excommunicated from the religion. It's based on the fact that we all have sinned...that's why we need Christ...because we're flawed.
Scientology is not that way. It's all one big organization, and your flaws get you punished.
My wife and I were discussing something along these lines the other night after watching the show. The former members continually talk about the enlightenment that they will receive if they work their way up the bridge. They've also mentioned Miscavage who dictates what information/levels parishioners receive, etc.
If it's so wonderful at OT XIII, etc, and you're entire goal is to make each person, and the world a better place...why are you hiding the good stuff. Share it all...make us all better, right?
Christ says, 'Here...have it all. Please get closer to me in every way..prayer, His word, service, etc' Completely different than cults like this that hide information to retain control over others, and form some hierarchy.
All in all, Im fascinated by this show, and cant quit watching it.
That's true. The lady from episode 3 illustrated that when her husband was about to leave her for reading up on the church.
That said, still seems so unbelievable that such large numbers of people are that deep and get that duped...especially early on.
That said, still seems so unbelievable that such large numbers of people are that deep and get that duped...especially early on.
They tell you that the people aren't "prepared" for the Xenu stuff and it could literally kill people if they learn about it before they've made it through all the levels. It's a brilliant marketing scheme to keep people in and paying up. Leah has said she thought it was bulls**t.
It seems to me there aren't many adults joining these days - adults joined in the 70s and 80s pre Miscaviage takeover as semi-hippies looking for a new way. Then you have a whole generation of kids born into it. It's sustaining now because of that generation.
It seems to me there aren't many adults joining these days - adults joined in the 70s and 80s pre Miscaviage takeover as semi-hippies looking for a new way. Then you have a whole generation of kids born into it. It's sustaining now because of that generation.
I feel like once they learned about xenu, it was a "be sure to drink your ovaltine" moment.
They are conditioned not to look it up and that any information from outside the church likely comes from an enemy and they can't see all the good the church does.ellebee said:
I don't really get it either. Unless they're so conditioned to not look it up or not believe what the internet says. I think it would take a pretty strong person to try to get out and deal with all the things they would do to them so maybe willful ignorance?
Remember that the church ties all the good that happens in their life to the church. Just got a promotion? It's because you just hit a new level of clear in the church.
Got fired? You need to come have a session because there are still evil living inside you that cause you to lose the job.
The Mormon church does something similar in labeling people that speak negatively or critically about the LDS as "anti-mormon" and that members should ignore them and stay away from them. While the LDS church doesn't have an official policy, their leadership has said that anti-mormons are led by Lucifer and are referred to in the same breath as the anti-Christ and Judas. They are called "faith-killers and testimony-thieves".
Which is also such a huge difference than Christianity. Christ calls for us to show love, otherwise who would want to listen to the message.
They dont want people knowing the truth, so separation from any detractors is a weapon.
They dont want people knowing the truth, so separation from any detractors is a weapon.
The "Going Clear" documentary revealed a near uniiversal positive experience for most new members. The feeling of relief from confession has worked for the catholic church for 2 thousand years, and the use of the E meters to verify a sort of cleansing during the scientology version of this must be compelling to many.
It is also human nature to become closer to people and things you invest in. You rationalize your own actions instinctively, and have a stronger bond with someone you give to than from someone who gives you something.
It is also human nature to become closer to people and things you invest in. You rationalize your own actions instinctively, and have a stronger bond with someone you give to than from someone who gives you something.
Anyone else blown away that Miscavige requested direct updates from tom cruise's confessions to separate him and nicole kidman?
Pretty crazy. I would love to know the story with Katie Holmes.
I wonder if it's an extreme version of how partisanship works in this country. For instance, we probably all know someone who won't believe any political news story that comes from [insert news source here*] and only trusts [insert different news source here*]. And those people usually have a network of friends with the same beliefs on social media so their ideas get reinforced and never challenged. I could definitely see that same principle working on someone who has already bought into Scientology, so they wouldn't believe anything they read or heard from "untrustworthy" sources.AgGrad99 said:
Another thing that's hard for me to wrap my brain around....
All the funds are generated from others in the organization, outside their complexes. Everyday, hard working people like you and me that have joined the organization. The same people who have access to the internet, TV, etc.
All it took was Miscavage's dad doing one Google search and seeing the truth, to realize this was a hoax. How on earth are they still getting people to fall for this, and continue in this? How the heck are they still making enough money to support their financial empire? It completely blows my mind that there are enough people that still fall for this in the real world, to support this organization, in such a lavish manner.
* Not using names in order to keep politics off of this board!
Most recent interview with Ron Miscavige (still a "public" Scientologist")
https://m.youtube.com/user/SurvivingScientology
https://m.youtube.com/user/SurvivingScientology
It's bananas the way they use the transcripts of these confessional audits to control members and try to destroy people after they leave.
Catholics confess to ask forgiveness and grace, and if you leave the church the local bishop doesn't issue a statement detailing all your sins.
Leah, in her book, talks about all the high level Sea org people "minding" Katie Holmes and how their wedding was a Scientology PR event not really a wedding.
Catholics confess to ask forgiveness and grace, and if you leave the church the local bishop doesn't issue a statement detailing all your sins.
Leah, in her book, talks about all the high level Sea org people "minding" Katie Holmes and how their wedding was a Scientology PR event not really a wedding.
https://i.reddituploads.com/0a50d40063bf4329a872e5918d484930?fit=max&h=1536&w=1536&s=692c8df3f0432c02d487d04147ef72cc
I saw this on reddit yesterday. The church contacted this guys roommate about a book he purchased in 1986. They kept records of it and everything.
I saw this on reddit yesterday. The church contacted this guys roommate about a book he purchased in 1986. They kept records of it and everything.
Some Junkie Cosmonaut
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AG
creepy as hell.
Count Counterpoint said:I wonder if it's an extreme version of how partisanship works in this country. For instance, we probably all know someone who won't believe any political news story that comes from [insert news source here*] and only trusts [insert different news source here*]. And those people usually have a network of friends with the same beliefs on social media so their ideas get reinforced and never challenged. I could definitely see that same principle working on someone who has already bought into Scientology, so they wouldn't believe anything they read or heard from "untrustworthy" sources.AgGrad99 said:
Another thing that's hard for me to wrap my brain around....
All the funds are generated from others in the organization, outside their complexes. Everyday, hard working people like you and me that have joined the organization. The same people who have access to the internet, TV, etc.
All it took was Miscavage's dad doing one Google search and seeing the truth, to realize this was a hoax. How on earth are they still getting people to fall for this, and continue in this? How the heck are they still making enough money to support their financial empire? It completely blows my mind that there are enough people that still fall for this in the real world, to support this organization, in such a lavish manner.
* Not using names in order to keep politics off of this board!
You only have to look at the TexAgs politics board. The dregs.
Buck O Five said:
Anyone else blown away that Miscavige requested direct updates from tom cruise's confessions to separate him and nicole kidman?
I'm blown away that that jockscratcher keeps getting parts.
I'm going to start buying Dianetics in the name of people I don't like.MrPlow2010 said:
https://i.reddituploads.com/0a50d40063bf4329a872e5918d484930?fit=max&h=1536&w=1536&s=692c8df3f0432c02d487d04147ef72cc
I saw this on reddit yesterday. The church contracted this guys roommate about a book he purchased in 1986. They kept records of it and everything.
Some Junkie Cosmonaut
Joined:
Apr 13, 2004
Posts:
45,113
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
dianetics. the new cat facts.
It's like cat facts, but if you unsubscribe, they kill you and make the IRS audit your widow.ruddyduck said:
dianetics. the new cat facts.
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