This was sent to me recently.
It saddens me to be reminded of just how deeply in the mind-prison my brother and sister-in-law are.
Of course, like me, my brother was raised in scientology, and despite not being in the Sea Org, scientology is all he has ever known. They are totally dedicated to the lie that scientology is saving mankind. And even worse, that “ideal orgs” are what is achieving this. They have given a ton of money to the “ideal org” campaign, and even worse, persuade others to do so.
All the while they are in the Melbourne ideal org all the time, and their son is the C/S of the org.
So they KNOW that this org is NOT expanding, and is NOT “clearing Melbourne” or even the block the org is on. They can see it with their own eyes. But as the old saying goes, there are none so blind as those who will not see. This would be an excellent motto for the scientology bubble. But how terrible to be constantly reminded that good people are wasting their lives and handing over their life’s savings, based on the lies they buy…
My heart breaks for you and those in similiar states of forced disconnection. Hope is all
Makes me even more wish to heck I had your book to read Mike.
Waiting until September 27 is becoming unbearable.
I will wait though, no worries. (I bought all three, audible, kindle and hardback).
Mike: This one really stings, and it resonates. My god does this ideal org strategy tug deeply at the heartstrings and beliefs of a true-blue Scientologist. As a single person on a middle-class income, I got intoxicated with all the hype and promises, ultimately taking on six loans. Like what your sister-in-law and brother are doing here, I was “love-bombed” and ego-stroked into appearing on a promo (to inspire others).
It took me 12-plus years to pay off all these loans and credit cards. While on the Objectives co-audit, I sat down at home and tallied all my payments. Astonishingly, twice as much was necessary in interest as the actual amount I donated. One might think, “How can that be?” Well, if you are paying $3000 per month in interest alone for a set of loans and credit cards, after one year, that is $36,000. For this to go on year after year, with that $36,000 amount moving down only incrementally as you progress, over 12-14 years, the interest is going to be a huge amount to support your $100,000 or $150,000 ideal org donation.
Later, I began to wonder: “Are Scientology orgs colluding with credit card companies?” In the instances where a Scientologist ‘drinks the Kool-Aid’ and takes on all this debt then pays it off, it sure seems a sweet deal for the credit card company.
I consider the IAS and ideal org fundraising practices are evidence that Scientology, in practice, does not care if you “make it” up “The Bridge.” With the amounts Scientologists are compelled to donate to IAS and ideal orgs, plus other (global Way to Happiness campaigns), they could pay for and do their OT levels 1, 2, or 3 times. While the words say, “We want you to rocket to OT,” the deeds demonstrate: “It does not factually matter. (Just give us lots of money.)”
“WHY?” I ask myself… did I get so fully absorbed? I came across an important “layer to the onion” recently reading a book about change: five simple and observable phases that lead a person to make a profound and lasting change, such as quitting smoking. This book is by a researcher-psychologist.
At some point, the author describes a key moment in his team’s intensive research with hundreds of “self-changers”—a breakthrough. I noticed, as a reader, I found the discovery described real (to me), and I mentally celebrated alongside the author and his team that their hard work paid off.
Ding-ding-ding: It occurred to me that, in the early-on essential “required reading” books in Dianetics and Scientology, Hubbard keeps telling you how well-researched his work is. Each of his discoveries involved more case studies and more time in research than any other science.
That is a key part of the cleverness at work in Scientology. As a newbie, if you “miss” how un-true this—how definitely NOT verified or validated by anyone else Hubbard’s work is (as is the work of other researchers and scientists) —then you are pretty much sunk. I can see how I believed, without any further questioning, that everything in Dianetics and Scientology is painfully well-researched and above question. That is a serious heavy-duty hook to place in a fish’s mouth. I have to own, looking back, that I was a willing fish.
When I see all these smart people, like Pat & Andrew Rinder, still in and personally publicizing the relevance and urgency of these remedies, I imagine the placement of the hook, “It is ALL well-researched and proven beyond a shadow of a doubt” is a part.
This seems critical “software” installed early on concerning one’s thinking on Scientology: you cannot (and do not) question (“thought-stopping”). When Hubbard pairs this with one of his other repeat statements, “Inspect for yourself; it is only true if it is true for you,” one erects a twisted pretzel in which to dwell. “Regraded Being” portrays this recently, how a Scientologist is “installed” with how to think but in a way that convinces: “These are my own thoughts.” That makes me shudder. That one is hard to shake.
Encountering the science and work of true researchers, I can now see where Hubbard’s claims of vigorous research fall down. If everything in Dianetics and Scientology is so well-researched, then it should be able to stand up to some questioning, exactly as Leah states in the “Aftermath” television series. If this truly was a science and a science to be so confident about (as Scientologists always are), then it should be no problem to share this work out broadly and give lots and lots of other mind and mental health scientists ample opportunity to validate (and apply) the findings.
As many have seen, sure, there are historically some quirky attempts with bits of “study technology”, or “admin technology” through the few secular “Hubbard Colleges of Administration.” Yet, still, in the end, Scientology as a group will not ever embrace you until or unless you sign on 100 percent to be a member of the cult and keep all the secrets and be a participant in the many confidential rituals. I would say attending an ideal org fundraiser where you are compelled to take on mountains of debt you cannot afford is one such ritual.
I keep Pat & Andrew and all the Still-In’s in my thoughts for a soon exit.
As other Former-Ins will see—or figured out long ago—in a truly strange way, Scientology installs a worst sort of “service facsimile” in you where you have to constantly defend and constantly “be right” about everything in Scientology; use it to “dominate” other schools of thought on the mind (or spirit); and then DESPITE ALL APPEARANCES TO THE CONTRARY, remain convinced that YOU ARE SURVIVING, and every non-Scientologist is NOT.
Just so super sad.
The last sentence from Pat and Andrew reads, “For us it is great fun, a wonderful sense of achievement and joyful to be a part of the group working towards this goal.” Assuming they’re being truthful and that is their emotional frame of mind that’s a good example of living in a bubble.
When I was a scientologist in the 1970s I rarely promoted scn but in the back of my mind I believed everyone should eventually become a scientologist so I guess I can relate. I never realized I had that belief until I started reading the scn blogs in 2015 after watching the HBO Going Clear movie and re-examined my scn experience. It was just a normal part of my thinking. One time I even gave it a shot at trying to “talk some sense” into a Hare Krishna guy – different story.
My guess is that there are only about 10,000 people or less actively doing scn as defined by engaging in training or getting auditing with maybe that many more on the sidelines not doing anything but remaining true believers. That’s not a good retention rate for maybe hundreds of thousands of people who gave scn a try over the years.
Richard, I am right there with you. While in, I privately considered that one day everyone on Planet Earth would become a Scientologist. Over time, I re-examined and, ultimately, saw through the veneer to conclude I must leave. Man, it is so tough because the truths that I did uncover, I absolutely find so lasting and useful. I enjoyed every service I ever did.
But the cost to attain these insights, including in the verbal beatings (even as a public, it’s remarkable how much bullying you endure), made me wonder if it was all worth it.
Besides the money, what is asked of a Scientologist is an astronomically high price to pay —obviously, especially if you are in the Sea Org. You are asked to give yourself so completely, it is impossible to achieve any true balance as a middle-class person who needs to cut their own grass and fulfill normal life obligations.
Such a waste. Lives squandered on pure lies.
Oh boy…
It’s impossible to reconcile the sensation of close family members that remain addicted to Scientology, despite the overwhelming evidence it’s a scam and don’t or refuse to see that management won’t even follow their own doctrines they foist off on their members.
I’ve got 2 numskulls in my family. It’s a terrible thing what they do to the people that love them despite being ignored and disconnected. Especially Christmas, birthdays and Thanksgiving always has a tinge of sadness attached.
It’s tough…
I think there is a video of Pat denouncing Mike which is what cults do, this is in fact parallels a socialist or communistic agenda which seeks party loyalty above all else. A lot of people thrown in to the Gulags from post revolution to the fall of the Soviet Union were just the wrong type of socialist according to Lennin and Stalin. There can be only one type and no other so everyone had to go, too risky to have them around was the rational and since humans are just animals they can be culled. I remember reading the Communist Manifesto and I it reminded me of Dianetis. Identity politics is at the core of this cult and communism and the parallels are pretty staggering. If Scientology speaks to you, I have news for you, your a damn Commie at heart.
If you want to find out what real Communism is like without leaving the West you should join the Sea Org and give away all your money to the church and get yourself on the RPF or go to Canada, that Org is shit X 10. I saw one guy from Taiwan do this in Sydney at the AO maybe 2011. I thought it was the dumbest thing anyone could do with their money but good people tend to get hoodwinked under a lot of pressure, maybe the Australian Visa was attractive. Who knows.
I recently met some guy at a get together while camping. I think his friends called him “Spoons” but this guy was not a Scientologist but I would say he is a prime candidate, he already thought he was 10% alien, lived with his grandmother and apparently was so sick from being a vegan that he crapped blood after eating hot dogs and had more religions rolling around in his head than he knew what to do with-listening to him it did make me never want to eat pork again. So despite Scientology being a nasty cult it seems to fill a demand that exists in the world. It is strange but at least where I’m from the more one is willing to color their hair pink and slime green the more they are likely to believe in the same gibberish Scientology and other cults preach.
I have not seen any new Fair Game Podcasts?
A counter to your recent good PR press.
My observation is that there are some genuinely good natured people involved in Scientology who are manipulated by others who are fully aware that the CofS is a money making scam. There are layers of deception. I am very sorry, Mike, that your family are still entrapped.
It’s not the typical scientology kind of org that you hear about the Melbourne org. I was there doing a job and took a couple of pamphlets, their was not at any stage any questions, any trying to get me in, their was no “can we have your number and once you have read this well call you to see if you have any questions ” or “to save you reading why don’t you have a seat and watch these videos ” or “thank you for helping us today how about we sit down and make you a coffee and as a way of saying thanks for your help we can even give you a free personality test” – their was absolutely nothing!! NOT EVEN A CULT WANTS ME! Quiet different to your typical Scientology stories that you hear, the only typical thing was that a couple of the staff were friendly and a couple were weird (standing next to you for a noticeable time period without saying a word).
The org itself seems to be going somewhat o.k. – not great but surviving, around a year ago when ild go past the car park seemed predominantly full, the last few times I’ve gone past it appears only half full though. Ultimately when last year’s census figures are released we’ll have a true picture of the state of Australian Scientology which has taken considerable declines the past couple of decades.
I’ve taken a couple of symbolic photos of the org which demonstrates the situation that they are in at present but unfortunately this blog doesn’t allow picture upload.
I’ve always said that Scientology in Australia is incompetent. My org was like this (not Melbourne).
I visited the Melbourne org a few years ago (before the pandemic) and echo your comments. I spoke to a really friendly woman who gave me a tour and told me her story but at no point did she try to sign me up or invite me to do a personality test. She was very nice and I enjoyed speaking with her, even though it made me feel sad too, seeing how entrapped within the cos she was. I was surprised at how little she or anyone else tried to get me to sign up – nobody even asked for my name or address!!
Out of curiosity what took you there ? And don’t say the Essendon tram lol. I didn’t have a choice, I did some work there but you willingly went there which is ok but I’m curious were you once thinking of joining/ looking for some spirituality? I’m curious because I wonder in this day and age of bad publicity what gets people through the doors.
I’ve often wondered if the lack of pushiness was cultural but I don’t think it’s that, we have plenty of pushy, persistent salespeople and telemarketers, they can be seen everywhere. Must say in true Scientological fashion it was faultless inside and was A+ in terms of presentation.
I’ve also been interested in Scientology, not because I’ve ever wanted to join but because I think it’s fascinating how it began and Hubbard’s story, and the way people are still involved today and join up etc I just thought I would go and see what it was like to be honest! I knew I wasn’t going to leave with some any of desire to join but just wanted to see the place with my own eyes!
Sorry about your relatives here Mike. Mind prison seems like an apt description. Not having sufficient mental strength to look at the current state of affairs and stand on your own two feet and decide for yourself – Yet be totally convinced that you have more wisdom, mental and observational power than others. The person is not just caught in a lie but has an opposing belief which prevents any questioning, reflection or consideration of an opposing view.
Plus the belief and concept that that what your doing is altruistic – your giving your money and time after all to help others, (clear the planet and all)– how could any criticism of that be justified?
It’s a miracle and true wonder when anyone pulls themselves out of this trap.
Re: “It’s a miracle and true wonder when anyone pulls themselves out of this trap.”
Dear Don_M,
As an ex-Scientologist (1977 to 2014), I salute you!
Hey Mike,
I know a couple much like your bro and sis in law. The one I know reg for the idle org program too. They do it only because they get commissions. The two have been in sales most of their lives. So have their scn parents. It is like a true vampire family. The ONLY thing that matters is the almighty buck flowing to their pockets.
Despicable.
If they’re not in the Sea Org then they’re able to read about abuses and corruption in the church. Do they just not read about it or do they just automatically disbelieve it?
They may “see” those things, but good scns, especially those IN for so long, wouldn’t *think* to report them; it’s just the way things are, scn is dedicated to the “greater good”, and wog officials are part of the cabal destroying humanity, so not to be trusted.
Random thought that came to me. IF, and that is a big IF, scientology is all they want to say it is why are sea org members required to sign a billion year contract and then held to said contract if they want to leave? If it is all it is reported to be, why would the best and brightest ever want to leave such a grand and glorious organization? Why are they held against their will, pretty much in a prison when they decide they want to leave?
And if someone is known to be at a certain place and them not being in public is causing such a problem for the church why does she not come out in public, at least once, to show she is alright?
I am very afraid I know the answer to the last one.
If scientology were ANY of what it pretends to be, I, and others, would NOT be here pointing out the inconsistencies of scn “thought” — actually auxiliary ‘bank’-reaction, the extra ‘bank’ having been installed by Hubbard’s techniques to protect Hubbard.
And reading what they write you would think the ones here are the ones that have no clue but I think you folks have finally got the picture and got out, No matter what it cost you. To me, that is the smart thing to do.
My hat is off to those who got out.
I can’t express how sorry I am.