Just some random thoughts.
Super Bowl ads:
What a colossal waste of money. IF scientology really had an interest in “humanitarian works” they would not spend a dime buying airtime to pat themselves on the back — because the money would be needed for their humanitarian works.
In fact, these ads serve absolutely no purpose than trying to convince the INTERNAL public that scientology is still alive. The reaction from the general public is revulsion and ridicule.
The tone of the ads was pretty strange, and could be summed up as “See, we are not as bad as you think we are.” There was not even an effort to convince viewers to buy a book or take a service. An almighty fail except as a fundraising tool – as you can see below.
Fundamentalism:
Recent comments on this blog and much political discussion in this year of Presidential elections in the US brought to mind once again the issue of fundamentalism.
It is not pretty no matter what version it may be. But whether christian, muslim, scientologist, socialist or conservative, they all seem to share similar traits.
Here is the definition from the dictionary:
2. the beliefs held by those in this movement.
3. strict adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles: the fundamentalism of the extreme conservatives.
This is what I have observed such people share in common:
1. A conviction, bordering on fervor (and sometimes crossing over that border) that their world view is right despite any arguments or evidence to the contrary, in fact, evidence to the contrary only confirms their rightness in their mind. A false pride in being stubbornly dogmatic – it is regarded by their peer group as a sign of courage and honor to remain steadfastly (and foolishly) committed to an untenable position.
2. An unwavering knowledge that a force of evil is overtaking the planet and will only be vanquished by their knowledge and actions — Satan/infidels/psychs/banksters/socialists they all have a different evil that is devouring us all, though we are too blind/duped/unaware to see it.
3. A certainty that anyone that does not agree with their world-view is fundamentally flawed and cannot be saved from Armageddon short of converting to the “right” way of thinking and acting. In fact, those who do not agree and express such an opinion are part of the forces of evil.
4. Robotically citing the words of another(s) to make every argument or respond to every criticism — whether it be Jesus, God, Muhammad, L. Ron Hubbard, Ronald Reagan or the Founding Fathers. Critical thinking and logic take a back seat to memorizing line and verse of the sacred texts. And those texts are all-knowing and all-powerful and explain everything that is happening in the world and with people in general.
5. A false pity for those who are not part of their movement that degenerates quickly into hatred for anyone who opposes them.
There may be other characteristics, I certainly don’t claim this to be a scholarly study of the subject. It is simply what I have observed and would welcome thoughts from others on this. Fundamentalism in scientology appears to be little different from fundamentalism in other parts of the social spectrum.
And in all these areas of religious and political belief — the fundamentalists are those that create the problems and mete out the abuses.
And finally, one other observation that may or may not be true. It seems to me that while there are hundreds of millions of Christians and a tiny percentage are fundamentalists, and there are tens of millions of conservatives but only a handful of true fundamentalist wackos, perhaps one of the ways of defining a cult is when the greater portion of the followers can be classified as fundamentalists. The polygamist LDS groups like Warren Jeffs. The People’s Temple. And yes, scientology.
Would enjoy hearing people’s thoughts on this.
Taiwanese earthquake:
There is an ideal org in this country, and a bunch of missions including one right in Tainan. It may literally be the ONLY place on earth outside LA and Clearwater where if enough pressure was brought to bear they could muster 50 VM’s.
How long before the first fundraising call goes out for “donations to the IAS” for “earthquake relief” in Taiwan?
FLDS? That’s rather amusing. A couple of years ago I wrote an article comparing David Miscavige and Warren Jeffs…
Today I stumbled upon this article. After reading it I realized that Willie Jessop is the Mark Rathbun of the FLDS.
One of the common trait of fondamentalism (or totalitarism) is the rejection and fair gaming of apostate. It’s true since 1983 (since HCOB PTS ness and disconnection) in Scientology, and a practice with the Amish, Jehovah Witness, and Islam and certainly many others.
I don’t know for America which is a cult country, but in Europe, France and Germany for exemple, there should be a law to fight the practice of discrimination against apostate.
Islam don’t tolerate apostate, punished by death in some places. But in Europe Islam try to rule. There should be such a law, therefore when a family member is rejected for religious reason he could press charges. Scientology is now a tiny little nothing in Europe, the shadow of itself that none even care attacking them! They are next to nothing. But such a law would serve as Islam is a big issu.
This was a fantastic post, Mike. Thanks for your well-articulated insight. Loved this?
Thanks Nada
A great post, have bookmarked it.
To me, this is a violation of the principle of “when nothing is done nothing is left undone”. ALL fundamentalists have this in common. They like LRH, feel that “The wrong thing to do is nothing” and thus we suffer the “unintended” consequences of those actions.
Sort of like ‘ the road to hell is paved with good intentions.’
Citing chapter and verse was never a strong point for me growing up as a catholic or later in scientology. But didn’t Hubbard state to take from a subject what was real to you and ignore the rest? And then later make a rather contradictory statement by saying a person could not be ‘ half in or half out’ of Scientology. There’s your fundamentalism for you. It trickles down from the top at Int and Flag down to Orgs. O.T. public to regular public. From no time for meals at the top to pot luck dinners at the bottom.
I misspoke one day in a conversation with a friend. I said,”Funnel-Mentalism. I laughed because it fit.
In other words, all thinking gets funneled into rigid narrow channels and comes out one way all the time.
Fundamentalism is bye bye to intellectual sovereignty. Being a fundamentalist, in my view, is actually real ignorance in the subject they claim authority. Fundamentalism is second hand knowing.
Fundamentalist’s always say, “Ron said, the bible says, so and so says”. That is because they themselves have no knowledge.
I hardly ever quote my teacher Paramahansa Yogananda. That is because the greatest praise I can give him is my own freedom of thought. My own personal understanding of the principles I learned from him that I can express in my own way, though my own experience, with my own words.
A person with this stage of mental development, fundamentalism, assigns the responsibility of truth to an outside source. Most exoteric religions are this type.
Esoteric versions of spirituality, where the mystics are, only give credibility to knowledge acquired through direct experience. And because they see through the crap, they can get in trouble with fundamentalists who demand rigid adherence to faith based assumptions. Assumptions that are guarded by threats of excommunication and violence. Because the “truth” they have is based on faith not knowledge.
Only faith can be threatened by reason and criticism because it is not established in the certainty of truth. Truth welcomes criticism and doubt because truth is confident in itself, because it is true. Truth enjoys doubt because truth knows it can discuss itself with great confidence and persuasion
This evolutionary stage is a place we have all been. But when we start developing prajna, a Sanskrit yogic term that means discriminating intelligence, then we become passionate about only one type of knowledge:
directly experienced knowledge minus any modifications of bias, authority, supposed toos etc.
Yoga Meditation is such a process. When we go within to view the inner world, we come face to face with spiritual knowledge based on experience not faith.
Fundamentalists are like children. Believing in stories more than understanding their underlying principles and truths.
Perfectly said.
Hi Brian, Thank you for a beautifully worded post.Keeping this one too.XO Ann.
If a person is happy why would they worry about salvation or eternity? Only unhappy people make an issue of such things. The classic belief-system sales pitch involves instilling the fear of an eternal hell and promising a blissful eternity replete with virgins or your very own planet. A happy person has no use for such things as they are strictly imaginary. They are mere thought forms that appear in the mind then disappear with the next thought. Wars are fought over such nothingness as that!
I absolutely agree, Roger.??????
Somebody probably posted upon what I am about to say. If so I missed it, I apologize but I want to say this, too.
Excellent topic, Mike. It’s been bothering me for some time now. You’d noted the human propensity towards fundamentalism and its pervasiveness…I submit that this is a facet of human beings to be remarkably social creatures and their ability to form highly stabilized social groups. Also, Mike, you listed the prominent features and characteristics of fundamentalist behaviors. I think you touched upon all the necessary points.
Ideally, all of us being aware of this behavior and the ways it can destroy a person and/or a people, we ought to be able to step away and avoid it; ameliorate the harm it causes, in any case. Unfortunately, I find this far, far more difficult to do. I am all too frequently assuming an antiscientologist stance and I can enumerated all the ways the cherch and the sheeple are ‘evil’, ‘misguided’, ‘pathetic’, ‘harmful to society’, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. I can cite all the evidence almost verbatim from many sources, page and paragraph. What I mean to say is that I espouse an “anti-evil” posture, us against Co$. I work from an agreed upon canon, support the anti cherch critics and ‘leadership’, and feel towards the parishioners emotions ranging from pity to outright hatred of a sort.
In other words, I am a member of a fundamentalist group, a cult even, arrayed against LRH and all his minions and all his sheeple. And I can’t help it, especially if I’m tired or distressed and my emotions override my critical thinking.
I find that I must always be on guard against this and to actively become open minded, sympathetic to the difficulties of the cherch members, to listen to their stories, and to try to find common ground from which to try to reduce the abuses of the cherch. I have to keep reminding myself that what I’m really trying to do is to REDUCE THE HARM caused by the cherch, not to try to dissuade people from the that group. Otherwise, they can think and do as they please whilst harming no one.
It is an almost full time effort whenever I read the blogs, watch the news, hear about disconnection, and so on, to be careful and to not be shrill in my commentary and observations. And most of all, to not be overly critical of anyone without an attempt to courteously reason with another point of view. Even then, I ought to be polite and civil. But it is ever so easy to revert (regress?) to cultish behaviors and to be judgmental against all the ‘others’…
I don’t agree that being anti-fundamentalism is in itself fundamentalist. It fails on the common set of beliefs standard. Anti-scientologists believe in many different things.
I do agree that a person can swing so far in his beliefs against a group that it appears fundamentalist and that should be guarded against.
An extremely well thought out post, Mr. Morris. Thank you for it.
I have also been giving a lot of thought to it over the past couple of years. I can no longer think of Miscavige, for instance, with anything else but pity. And pity is not a virtue. As for those still in, they’ll be in as long as they will it. I personally believe that more and more are leaving, most very quietly, just disappearing. Soon there won’t be enough staff left to go look for them. But those still in have deliberately chosen that path, just as many of us got in and later left. It’s a personal choice (other than young children of believers). But even some of them have found their way out.
But I’m amazed at the anger and hatred which come from many “opponents” of scn, especially those who were never in and have never had any auditing or training. To lump ALL of it as bad and insane has never made sense to me. A con it may have been, but no con works without there being at least SOME truth in it.
I still have some dear friends who continue to follow that path. I love ’em and never argue with them about anything. If they’re to “wake up”, they’ll have to do it without my urging. It’s their choice and I’ve no business telling them they’re “wrong”.
Hi thegman77, You know I,love you & your post , more and more.XO Ann.
I think it’s a little bit more complicated than this.
The church maintains an abusive relationship with its members, like a larger version of an abusive relationship within a couple.
If you speak to a battered woman (or man), in most cases they will be the most defensive person you will meet about their abusive partner, even though they are the person who has seen the very worst of them. They do not want to leave. They get panicked at the idea of the abusive partner leaving them. Even when you patiently explain to them that this has a very high probability of getting them killed. They can’t even imagine life without the abusive partner – I have seen someone have severe panick attacks because she believed her abuser would leave her forever.
You can argue that she is an adult, and stays with that person of her own free will. That her abuser gives her something good, somehow. But then there are these bruises she hides with makeup and sunglasses, and that time she had to have her upper lip stitched. You wonder what else will have to happen before she wakes up, or if she will wake up before she gets killed. Why “wake up” ? Because it’s obvious she is not in her right mind. She cannot take rational decisions.
I have seen (and helped) such a person wake up. You know what it took ? First, time away from her abuser. Second, someone to criticise him – that’s how I helped. She could not see him for what he is, but I could. She thought his behavior was normal and healthy, when it was not. He kept her in his own prison of belief the same way cults do it: by always keeping her busy, isolated and worried, so she did not have any time to think for herself, and no outside perspective to compare the distorted image of himself the abuser had implanted within her mind. It was a shock to her to hear one of his coworkers call him a psycho when she finally broke her silence.
I see cult members a bit the same way. They cannot take rational decisions, so they are not quite there of their own free will. We can talk all day about the way their “reality” is different, but it does not in any way erase the very objective consequences of the abuse they are a victim of. No matter how something is true for you, you will still bankrupt your company if you give all its assets to your local Ideal Org campaign, you’ll still die from your cancer if you insist on treating it with auditing, and your kids / parents will still be shattered if you disconnect from them.
Thank you, Kemist. This gave me perspective this morning, thinking about my friends still in – and upset about it.
Yes, I have followed a similar root. I am saddened to see some friends buying into all miscaviges new BS.
Mikes points are very accurate. If the tiny tyrant really wanted to do something effective the money would go to charity work that was really effective.
Excellent post, thegman77. I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you for a sane and eloquent post.
Also enjoyed Kemist’s post.
James, I totally get where you’re coming from, but I think you are being unfair to yourself in your conclusion. I see this same question come up with people who are recovering from narcissistic abuse in relationships: after having been driven to near madness, the ‘victim’ will ask, “am I the narcissist?” The fact that one is engaging in such self-reflection tells you no. Similarly, the fact that you are using critical thinking tells you that you’re not ‘just as bad’.
At some point you (we) have to accept that facts are facts, and giving someone the benefit of the doubt won’t make the facts any less true. Whether or not scientology is harmful is not an ‘opinion’ that’s open to debate. It’s a fact that LRH was a loony-tune con-artist who manufactured a self-perpetuating trap, the end result of which made him (and others) very, very rich, while many, many others were harmed.
In my opinion, that’s something to feel passionate about. That’s something that warrants protection against.
That said, I agree with you that there’s a danger in falling into a group-think mentality, or in treating people badly (or less-than)…those are things we need to guard against. But don’t be afraid to lock your doors just because you don’t want to look like a jerk to would-be burglars.
Hi James,
It’s nice to meet ya. I got what you’re saying 100%, but I just don’t want you to worry about reputations or what we’re being perceived as. There’s no call for it.
I don’t think this blog or any other anti-scientology blogs (that I’ve visited) are fundamentalist cults. What I truly think they are—we are—are a new-age kind of “rational and intelligent” rebels, who are fighting against: 1. The unbelievable pain inflicted upon mankind by scientology, 2. Their mental, mind-blowing implants, 3. Their destruction of families, 4. The billions in money they’ve stolen from around the world, and 5. Their intricate web of lies, which is hell-bent on the deliberate destruction of each individual’s sanity.
They’re trying to take away OUR fundamental right to enjoy life, freedom, justice, family, income and, most importantly, our right to think for ourselves. Part of the worst of scientology crimes is … to put each individual’s life in danger of death … if one does not abide by their scriptures. Scriptures, which, in reality, are the “whole of lrh’s insane mind” on display for all the world to see. (How embarrassing is that? And we all fell for it, too! That’s the kicker! … And you can also throw Nibbys’ mind in the mix as well. lrh used his own son for auditing experiments, while he was over-dosing Nibby with LSD. What kind of father would do that? To his own son? Not a sane one, that’s for sure!)
Remember, we’re not trying to shove any thought processes or religious beliefs down people’s throats. We’re simply *warning* them of what they could be in for, and it’s up to them to take our “heads-up” or not. They’re free to choose which way they go. We’re not trying to hurt them or take from them or mankind, like the scienfucks are. – We’re just trying to spare our neighbors of the many levels of grief we all went through – and are still going through.
Don’t be hard on yourself, Jim. You have the RIGHT to your feelings! As for me, if I hear the word “scientology?” – In an instant I become a “shape shifter” and grow vampire teeth. (Talk about miracles!) LOL You have the right to get angry—out and out pissed off—so don’t worry about classifying us. We’re just here to help one and other, warn potential victims, and give each other a laugh or two. We’re “paying it forward!” 😉
Hi Pat Wog Winner, A beautiful post for James. I have saved it. You are pure strength and Light. Thank you.XO Ann.
Another two things I thought about while reading the post and comments. Fundamentalist groups tend to have their own “in-group speak”. Also, people can be kept in by fear of life outside, thinking here of how North Korean school children are shown post apocalyptic images of famine, plague, etc as depictions of life for those unfortunates not blessed by being born North Korean. (Or people being threatened with “you will be flipping burgers” though that usually requires a high school diploma which many people raised in scientology don’t have.) Also, uniforms. Official and/or dress codes play a big part.
There is a hope, even lots of hope.
If one studies the history of our civilization one will see a constant Evolution on any subject and that mankind is becoming more and more human;
– China (1 Billion People) is slowly giving more and more freedoms to their People, while 30 years ago they were slaves to the communist Party
– India, also around 1 Billion People is also evolving at great strides.
– South Africa is free of Apartheid and became a Democracy
– The whole of Europe became one big community and is continously expanding and is a social Democracy. One can travel or live as an European whereever one wants in this community. This was an impossibility about 15 years ago (I talk about 500 millions of free People)
– Knowledege is accessible through the Internet nearly for free for anybody living on this planet. This wasn’t the case about 10 years ago.
I could go on and go on about all the progress made, but the naysayers will not understand and will not be interested in Hearing those good news as they ‘ll have no more arguments to sell their solutions. They have to shed a bad light onto the world i.o they can sell their solutions. As LRH stated by ruining a Person and giving her fear of worsening you’ll be able to sell her Scientology. This principle is also used by Trump for his election.
The principles of fundamentalism have been the same since thousands of years. Some leaders propagating bad news and presenting themselves as the saviour. more fear they can create more successful they’ll be in enslaving others. A great percentage of their Solutions are just utterly crazy, no decent Person can make any sense out of it, and because of this they have to mentally enforce those solutions by instilling big fear and envisioning big catastrophes for mankind or individuals if they don’t buy their nonsense (fear of worsening).
Intelligence, kindness, differentition, being human ,respect of others,the univeral declaration of human rights are the strongest weapons against those people and it will win at the end. History proves it. There is no Need to become a fanatic world saviour and make everybody else who doesn’t jump unto the bandwagon wrong.
A great book about fundamentalism is this book “The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements” by Eric Hoffer.
When I first read it, I felt I was reading about the person I was when I got myself so involved in Scientology. An extremely insightful book.
http://www.amazon.com/The-True-Believer-Movements-Perennial/dp/0060505915/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51oZlMkZlaL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_&refRID=0METV3HMGA9N83FMFCXA
Alanzo
Published around 1950, it’s had an amazing run. He truly grasped how it comes about and it fits just about every form of fundamentalism one might find. I read it – for the first time – shortly after it was published. And I’ve reread it multiple times since. Hoffer was a very lucid thinker and was part of the mass, a union dock worker. A most unusual man.
prior to the “true believer” book is Le Bon’s work and study of the Crowd. Could be why the French are trying to ban scientology in France and are trying to do so in a current court case, They have a different history than the USA, and maybe the French parliament know of Le Bon’s works while the USA does not, and other Countries. Le Bon’s studies are influential across the pond, but not here.
You ought to read it as well since Hubbard did.
https://socserv2.socsci.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/lebon/Crowds.pdf
Just another random thought. Last nite at about 8pm I happen to drive by the old KCET building now, of course ,owned by Cof S. It was perfectly appointed, well lit inside and outside but not a “soul” around. Almost eerily empty and vacant. Doesn’t ANY Scientologist that passes by see this “outpoint”! WTF It’s so blaring .Nothing is happening.
Anything produced in that place is destined to become instant embarrassment, given how mockable Scientology has become. There is nothing DM can do. Do nothing with this shiny new TV studio, and explain it to the whales. Or, do something with his shiny new TV studio, and embrace the derision of a bemused world. Oh, what a dilemma.
Fundamentalism:-
Lovely subject Mike and so well accessed by you. Well done.
This brings me back to an idea which I have held for a while,…….and that is…….. that we… (the so called rebels, Sp’s , counter intentionists etc)…….. are in fact the ones closest to the true definition of OT.
We are the true (trying) GOOD GUYS……
Further to this in my personal opinion I see Fundamentalism as an automatic auto suggestion in that individual’s mind (not necessarily known by the individual) which tries to protect that individual rightly or wrongly.
Mike Moretti
Hi Mike Moretti, I can see your point, Re: “Further to this in my personal opinion I see Fundamentalism as an automatic auto suggestion in that individual’s mind (not necessarily known by the individual) which tries to protect that individual rightly or wrongly.”
I like to think and always have believed that whatever started this universe, it/he/she/God/whatever, saw to it that all beings were created with a “protective mechanism of the mind” that gives us a fast, fleeting glance, or some kind of quick reference of pending doom, danger or a warning. I feel this is what fires up our gut instincts right before we get into trouble or have a precarious circumstance presenting itself, which we’re about to face, and we have only nanoseconds to choose to either to go along with it, or get away from the situation ASAP. I believe that’s our run or flee instinct—or our animal instinct.
I think our own personal—but deeply buried—bad situational memories are key to this stored information in our minds. Sometimes our consciousness can’t handle the truth of a horrible incident, so our mind warns us, this way, without informing us of the whole true incident. Because even as a very small child I knew suddenly enough not to do this or that ‘wrong thing’ that I was about to do; or I knew how to lie about it to get out of any spankings. LOL But in all sincerity, it also served me very well when raising and protecting my children from any kind of trouble. 😉
Hi Pat Wog Winner, Thank you for a post that echoed for me. You said all so perfectly and how that spark of awareness pulled me up and out of a very bad situation in SO, that spark has always warned me before the fact all my life. Thank God I listened to it so I could see how I was being used and abused even as I kept on as a slave to the SO.
You seem a fantastic Dad too! Love, Ann.
Hi Sweet Lady,
I’ve never physically met you but I just love you, anyway! You’re sincerity comes through loud and clear all the time. I love how YOU make folks feel validated here! You’re such a saaaweeet heart!
I’ve always depended on my gut feelings and noticed when I didn’t listen to that ‘voice of reason’—trying to protect me—I’ve always regretted it. As for the “reactive mind” mindfuck, I’ve always hated and disapproved of that deliberate misinterpretation of a person’s best asset and ability. In my opinion, lrblubbard twisted the truth to fit his sick nightmares and explain his own insanity and bad temper, which he was probably deeply ashamed of. The dude was a schizophrenic, abuser and a hound dog; so to appease his wretched soul, he needed something to blame it on – so why not “invent” the “evil reactive mind.” (That covers his many different personalities.)
I may come off that as a dude, but as for being a Dad, I’m a Brooklyn Mommy with a truck driver’s mouth (LOL). Although, when raising my children, at times, I did have to be the Dad, too. I’d have kicked anyone’s butt who messed with my kids, including my husband’s. No one was allowed to hurt my kids, do drugs or drink alcohol in front of them, either. It wasn’t allowed in my house. If my family or friends didn’t like it then they weren’t invited to my house. And that’s the truth. xoxo 😉 Pat
Hi Pat Wog Winner, Thank you so much for setting me straight and I can get mixed up when posting because as you so well said, it is hard when the person I am posting is not physically with me.
I love you too and you are one sweet beautiful lady.Female power – together we will keep changing and pushing light life laughter and love.Look forward to more posts from you,Always.XO Ann.?
Thank you, Saaweet Lady.
Beside Mike being my hero, you are, too! xoxo Pat
Hi Mike Moretti, I loved your post and I am so thankful to see you here.You bring sunshine through your thoughts. Love, Ann.
Another characteristic of fundamentalism is that any action, even if violent or dishonest, is justified if it helps to oppress those who disagree with their views. Think fair game, disconnection, abuse of the legal system.
Yes, good observation
And the justification for extreme violence…
Mike,
I believe the greatest failure in fundamentalism may be in allowing fundamentalism’s detractors to define what it means to be a “fundamentalist.” As a result, many people today see fundamentalists as radical, snake-handling extremists who want to establish a state religion and force their beliefs on everyone else. This is far from the truth. Fundamentalists seek to guard the truth of Scripture and defend their faith. I believe that is an admirable trait. The Christian church today is struggling in the postmodern, secular culture and needs people who are not ashamed to proclaim the gospel. Adherence to the fundamental principles of unqualified love of one’s fellow man is needful.
Extreme Fundamentalism, on the other hand, which endangers the life, liberty and well being of others is harmful to society and that is what most of us think about when we hear the word fundamentalist.
Unfortunately, the modern day Scientologist, must become an extreme Fundamentalist to be in good standing with the “church.”
True. Fundamentalism and fanatical fundamentalism should not be confused. A number of years ago I spent some time with an Amish group (Mennonite). Religiously, they are very strict. Socially, they are some of the nicest people you want to meet. Nor did they seek to impose or enforce their religious beliefs.
Hi Bob, Very well written. You explain the innocent and the extreme. That’s how semantics have changed the word down throuh history.
Interesting subject.
Now, scientology in itself is not a religion. We all know it was named such with the vested interest to avoid taxes. Nevertheless the strict adherence to its basic tenets has led to fundamentalism.
I’ve been told that the Q’oran does not invite groups such as ISIS that are in fact fundamentalists.
I think that an individual, somehow, manages to use a valid religion or principles and, due to purposes of money and power, or whatever his/her concept is, alters them to create a cult and enforce beliefs which end in fundamentalist followers.
What is fascinating is the common denominator in the need to have an ‘enemy’ to combat, to prove that he and the movement ‘s doctrines are the ONLY valid ones; they do live in a constant battle that may not even exist. Hitler managed to gather masses on these basis alone.
In layman psychology terminology this is called psychosis and, sure enough, the description of a sociopath also fits on several of these so called leaders.
However, they would not come to fruit if others were able to recognize these and other traits so he/she could be shut down before another Hitler, Miscavige, and others manage to cause damage to others.
Mike, nice summary of fundamentalism. It’s a rich topic, and you are right that there are other identifiable characteristics. About the faith in and citations of the sacred text: Part of this fundamentalist characteristic is a) apparent ignorance of the actual content of the text, b) selective reading and convenient focus particular sections of the text and c) fanciful notions of the origins of the text.
For example, fundamentalist Christians who oppose other people’s sexual orientation cite one or two passages within their bible, giving their bigotry the weight of divine authority all the while ignoring the plethora of other rules in the text. They insist that their book is the exact word of their god when solid historical evidence tells us a lot about actual authorship. Meanwhile they either are ignorant of all the justification of slavery in the bible, or have adopted bullshit apologetics to try to retcon it with their actual morality.
I noticed that you have alluded to politically conservative fundamentalists and the founding fathers. The US Constitution is to many a sacred text that is divinely inspired. They focus on and misinterpret particular passages and ignore others. For instance, the wackos who have occupied that wildlife refuge in Oregon think that the highest authority in the land is the County Sheriff. They have a line in the Constitution that they willfully misunderstand to peg this on. Much more commonly, the “states’ rights” advocates not only care about states’ rights only when it’s politically convenient, but they also like to ignore the 14th Amendment in order to justify their views. And finally they also make absolutely false claims about the religiosity of the framers of the constitution in order to call the Constitution a Christian document.
Thanks for your analysis. Fundamentalism is a greater danger than ever, considering the stakes — which is how to keep 7 billion people alive on an Earth with shrinking resources, rising seas and ruined environments. Rational thought and humanist morality is needed more than ever.
It was wacky fundamentalism that kept Nazi Germany fighting & dying until the actual Russians raided Hitler’s bunker. The country was already well and truly screwed, being invaded from all sides, their resources were already severely depleted yet there was no mechanism sufficiently powerful enough to halt the insanity except destruction. Intelligent decisions have no place in groups so it seems except during the heightened formative stages when there’s heaps of agreement, so who cares if it’s sane or not. Afterwards, it’s all just numb and then a new generation gets all motivated with another group think which rises above the other attempts of the many factions fighting to secure the limelight.
I believe history tells a very different story than what is preached or hoped for. Man is a very messy creature with the way he terminates his group affairs. It takes a special kind of person to come to terms with justice. We all want it and have our own view of how it should be attained but generally one has to wait for a messy termination of those who control the power before change comes about. It took a long, long time and much suffering to end apartheid in Sth. Africa for example. It is only now that some real headway is being made about child abuse within the Catholic Church and other institutions. For a long, long time institutional arrogance turned a blind eye to the corruption within its ranks.
It is incredible scientology has survived as long as it has but something very hard to terminate keeps it afloat.
When is it time to move on and create something new or better, or how long do you fight to end something corrupt? Good questions…
I remember the PL Vital Data on Promotion that said, “Never seek public or group repute or collective bank. You do not do “good will” advertising or just try to get the name about.”.
But then again, COB is Source now.
That is probably the most succinct observation there is – miscavige is source. He successful took over and that is that! HIS orders override everything! He’s the one who GAT’d, Basic’d and created his own version of corporate scioland and its products. He was the one who created the IAS, Moneywinds, talks to the lawyers, orders the surveillance, micromanages OSA and every aspect of the entire organisation. He was the one who threw out anyone who was Hubbard friendly. All this bickering and make wrong about Hubbard doesn’t really mean a thing. It doesn’t and cannot alter anything – he’s been dead for 3 decades! Continuing to blame him is folly if you expect or want to change things. Is it Hubbard who is now introverting people, or is it that people are introverted about Hubbard?
Miscavige is THE guy you have to get/force to change or jailed if scientology is going to be altered from its present course or be dissolved. Who exactly gets to say how the money of scientology is spent? There’s your target.
Nice comment Nomnom.
Hi Mike, I really liked your take on fundamentalism,very astute.I came from a family on both sides as far away from anything fundamentalist as one can get! More like Eccentric Chaos with 4 kids me the eldest and assorted doggies kitties horses rabbits raccoons Canada geese as pets wild!
I now realize that when I picked up DMSMH & read it all in one sitting, I had become a fundamentalist Scientologist at that second.Joining the Sea Org only made this clearer,pun intended! I tried in the end so hard to keep that intention that only Ron’s words were true the rest all false.Yet some part of my spirit drew me to the light so I could escape the implosion that was coming.
I do feel now, that alot of systems or secular will always exist. As long as the end result is not great hurt and harm,then all who want to believe their truths fine. But when one is held in the iron grip of fundamentalism there is no exit possible.For the doorway out is not perceived at all.Thank you for a thought provoking post.Love,Ann.
Hi Mike, Sorry I meant a lot of systems spiritual or secular…Ann.
Fundamentalism distorts how one views others – e.g. they are a ‘wog’, they are an infidel, they are a ____ (fill in the blank). Once people are seen as something other than a person, it opens the door to all kinds of justified, criminal abuse. Like the Jews in WWII. Perhaps ‘fair game’ is a less drastic instance of justified criminal treatment, but the mechanism is the same. Wogs, raw meat, bodies in the shop, SPs, Downstats, Degraded Beings, etc. They are not seen as, nor accorded, basic human rights, because they are a ____.
Hubbard, for all his posturing as mankind’s salvation with the greatest tech in the universe, was an incredibly narrow-minded, bigoted man. And all of his hatred and prejudices are well embedded as fundamentals of Scientology,
Fundamentalism distorts how one views others – e.g. they are a ‘wog’, they are an infidel, they are a ____ (fill in the blank). Great point. Thanks.
Hi Zola,
Great post! I’d like to put “meatball” in one of those blanks. When growing up I thought Archie Bunker was bad, but this lrh being a bigot could be magnified to infinity plus 1.
I am a Catholic and believe heavily in my faith. Only I don’t evangelize. I don’t judge others for their own faiths or not having one. I also would never call someone out on sinning or dare tell someone they are going to hell because it’s not our place to judge. That’s between them and whatever they believe. As a Christian it’s my job to love others and help others. I always am annoyed with extreme Christian faiths that due judge because I feel we all get lopped together and it’s not what Jesus preached. God bless all of you
I will also add many Christian fundamentalists have told me the Catholic church isn’t Christian and I am going to hell if I stay a Catholic
The worst examples of fundamentalist ideas in society is politics. I used to identify with a political party but no longer because I hated the us verses them that is dividing America and I realized whatever side politicians in Washington are all the same. I am socially liberal but fiscally conservative in which I like small government not intruding in my life. So I just pray for the best and vote for whoever seems least dangerous but can never get excited about any candidate or ideology on either side
Interesting post, Mike.
I’ve observed that within the Scientology community, a disproportionate number in that group tend to be conservative politically and a noticeable number of those could be called radically conservative.
I think the mindset developed in scientologist makes extreme right wing ideologies attractive to them.
I know I’m making a pretty big generalization here, but it is my observation that scientologists with a politically progressive point of view are a beleaguered few.
A random Razzline ad:
I thought GAT II was now mandatory, not preferred, even down to the mission level? Missions and orgs are always needing staff, but keeping them and paying them is the problem. Good luck with that Clear Calgary Game.
RE Fundamentalism:
I have found, in the years since I have been out of Scientology, that the key to understanding this form of human behavior in all the places you mention, Mike – and not just Scientology – is an understanding of ideologies.
An ideology is a mechanical way of thinking about life which has simple, connected principles for you to follow which allow you to feel like you have a simple answer for every possible problem.
That feeling of certainty is very important to the fundamentalist. It is the intolerance or fear of uncertainty that holds the ideology in place. And holding the ideology in place is what holds off the fear.
Any ideology has some true points in it. And those true points were what attracted the person to the ideology in the first place. The three-part mistake, which is a very common human mistake, was:
1. Diving headlong into the ideology and accepting it ALL
2. Maintaining that ALL of the ideology is true in all cases
3. Letting the ideology do ALL of your thinking for you.
This is true of Scientologists, Socialists, Communists, Nazis and Republicans. It is true of anyone who is sick of having to think about things too hard, of not being bothered enough to re-think things uniquely, and of clinging to the deeply emotional need to avoid the feeling which goes along with saying “I don’t know”.
The mechanical step-by-step logic which an ideologue follows to his conclusions can be very dangerous, as with a suicide bomber, or a radical communist, or a Scientologist like Rex Fowler.
Scientology is one of the few ideologies I know of where the author intentionally created fundamentalist fanatics. He did this through totalist and absolutist “principles” such as “100% standard tech”, “The ONLY reason a person gives up a study or becomes confused”, blah, blah. As well as through a Skinner Box of rewards and penalties for not adopting the ideology thoroughly enough, and through calling for quarantine and fair game of those who openly questioned or criticized Scientology as the foundation of its ethics system.
I believe that the reason fanaticism and fundamentalism are so rampant in Scientology is because L Ron Hubbard intended it to be that way. His was the greedy and childish wish of every unethical hypnotist: L Ron Hubbard wanted to create an army of somnambulant slaves who would do his bidding for him.
In that sense, Scientology WORKS!!!
Alanzo
Thanks Alanzo. Well stated.
Your statement about Hubbard made me wonder how often the leaders of fundamentalist groups actually believe in what the followers are so vehemently defending or preaching. Do the leaders believe what they preach
I’ve had a lot of talks with people who have been involved in Scientology. The question of whether Hubbard actually believed in Scientology seems like it is the main fork in the road when you start really looking at Scientology and taking it apart.
If he believed in the Planet Farsec, BTs, that “100% Standard Tech will take you to states of beingness where nothing can strike you down”, etc,. then he would have to be crazy.
If he did not believe in those things, and only wrote and spoke about them to get Scientologists to believe in them, then he was evil.
The whole thing often comes down to:
L Ron Hubbard – Evil or Crazy?
Take your pick.
Alanzo
I tend to enjoy horror movies so how about possessed by a demon, that last thetan he couldn’t get rid of and wanted to electrocute himself over, due to his occult practices with Parsons
I think Ron was a combination of believing in it and knowing it was a con.
At the end of his life, desiring electrocution as a means of running out those pesky BTs is certainly in the camp of believing in his own imaginary madness.
What con man would kill himself to justify his con? Only a true believer would end his life that way.
Ron was manic with paranoid tendencies. Self auditing drove him further and further into the rabbit hole of the his own unconscious mind madness.
Believing in his needle reactions as an accurate representation of what his true, L Ron Hubbard mistook imagination for truth and buried himself with a world of make believe.
But because of his writing Altitude Instruction, he revealed his interest and expertise in psycho manipulation.
So I’d say Ron had both. He believed, yet he knew in some areas he was a manipulator.
L Ron Hubbard ended up evil and crazy. He may have had times where he was not – but overall – his legacy is a corrupted and evil cult that destroys in the name of “help’ disguised as a religion.
That is all that matters. L Ron failed miserably – and not only failed for himself but continues to hurt people to PT.
How the “tech” worked is displayed in the life, hiding, lies and horrible death of L Ron Hubbard.
That is Scientology – a very cruel and inhumane “religion” to follow.
Good comparison, Alanzo. Puts it neatly into perspective.
Spot on, Al. This IS by design. Hubbard’s “ideal” Scientologist is a fanatical religious warrior. So much so, that it is off-policy NOT to be one.
The way that Nibs put it is that “Scientology doesn’t work as stated, but it works as intended”.
Hi Gene Trujillo,Nice to meet you. Your post resonates strongly to me. As I finally cognited right before I blew Sea Org in 78, Sci does not work as stated but as intended, of course the signs were there for me all along , I deep down knew that but was to proud to admit it.I absolutely loved The Sea Org more than anything before in 74, I gave up more than I have told to join. Yet this blog has given me the freedom to remember, to vent and to relive which helps me figure out where I am now heading towards the light! Angel laughter, Ann.
It’s also true of Democrats, Alanzo. They, too, believe they have all the answers. And their leaders are just as corrupt as any other pols. :-/
Case in point: The need to create an enemy.
Terrific outline on fundamentalism, Mike. I’ve got some Christian Fundamentalist relatives and all your points correlate to their world view as well as the the koolaid drinkers. My CF relatives take every opportunity to convert me into the Bosom of Jesus or something so that I won’t be doomed. Then I have the Scn cult koolaid drinkers who for their own reasons believe I’ve forfeited my eternity. Its funny how there ar these people – some former friends, others family, convinced that I’m doomed. In fact, I’m pretty happy. My health is good, my finances are fine, my business is doing well, and I’m in good spirits, mostly. But if it pleases these people to believe I’m doomed, well, let me not confuse them with the facts, LOL.
Good one Aquamarine! Far be it from you to confuse these confused people of the facts. Continue flourishing and prospering! Nanoo Nanoo!
Thanks, Cindy. Back at you with that 🙂
A charismatic personality who can convince you he knows more than you know, sees more than you see and is always ahead of you in awareness and prediction. Someone who is so far above the norm in terms of enlightenment that his errors and sins must always be forgiven and may never be mentioned. When those errors and sins are mentioned by outsiders they must always somehow be justified or denied.
Regarding the IAS promo piece shown saying “massive distribution of our anti-drug materials in the San Francisco and South Bay area”, I know someone who was working for CBS the entire week leading up to Superbowl in San Francisco’s Superbowl City. I asked him if during his full 7 days working all around that location, did he ever see any scientologists, or anyone at all, passing out their truth about drugs brochures or any other scientology promotions. He said he saw none of that at all. Although he did say there were a lot of Jesus freaks there.
Sure, the cult has never ever done any charity, but toward the upper strata, that is, toward the guru. He explained what POWER was in his sadly famous pages long “the responsability of leaders”, where any power must be sent to the upper leader, burning the “enemy” camp as a birthday surprise etcv. That’s the evidence of Hubbard as a dangerous psychopath wanting to destroy everyone not agreeing with him.
Colossal waste of money for Super Bowl Ad.
That sums it up ,but ,looking at all other colossal waste
of money projects of David Miscavige where do you start ?
The cartoon of Scrooge Mc Duck skiing down a mountain of money
in a vault could be used more often here when describing practically
anything mentioned on this blog.
Good work Mike !
Every word of your post was observable to me while in LA last summer. One of my observations of this fundamentalist group is that when I didn’t agree with something, the retaliation wasn’t in my face but very sneaky and I didn’t even know that I was receiving consequences. I was once word cleared until I was hanging off the chair and still didn’t feel that I could just leave because I knew there would be people alerted everywhere in seconds that I had blown the course room and I was made to be too weak mentally to challenge it. I now know that this was their intention. I was also told that my concern for my child was selfish and was an excuse on my part to not turn her over to strangers so that I could be in the course room for 14-1/2 hours per day. My “mama bear instincts” were what eventually what gave me the courage to quit. I also remember thinking that the people talking to the wall were in some sort of trouble!!! LOL They were made to memorize whole pages!!! I’m so glad I’m out.
They were likely doing the ten points of Keeping $cientology Whacko. And telling it all to a wall where it does the most good!
Too funny! Hahaha!
Here is a fundamental truism…..”never get between a mama and her baby”.
Truer words were never spoken (or typed)! 🙂
It’s a damned if you do damned if you don’t proposition. One may call out a fundamentalist on their beliefs only to have that fundamentalist call you a fundamentalist. It is turning into a word used to invalidate and evaluate. A true fundamentalist always shows their colors in one form of destruction or another….cutting off heads, tearing apart and destroying families, forcing abortions, wanting to wipe out an entire race for god knows what reason, stifling governmental regulations (world wide not just the US) that harm more than they help,…on and on. All in the name of help. I don’t know how cutting off one’s head helps but my gist is the true fundamental movements always end up in some sort of destruction and mayhem, loss of life, liberty and the joys/freedoms of life and livingness. All in the name of help? I don’t think so. Helping your fellow man has turned into a very muddled and misaligned point of view. There are many who do truly help their fellow man. Thank goodness they are more in numbers than those who use help to destroy. It appears the true fundamentalist groups bent on destruction are taking over but they have a long way to go. My guess is they will destroy each other before they can ruin the world as in their eyes everyone else needs to think their way or the highway. Scn is a small player on the world fundamentalist scene but just as mean and nasty as the big fundamentalist groups. All in the name of help.
Giving money to support David Miscavige’s exorbitant lifestyle is just that: fund a mental.
Good answer! Good answer!
Clapping and laughing.
This video from this weekend is what scares me about fundementalism…. https://www.facebook.com/KnowPolitical/?fref=nf
It doesn’t matter what your political or religious views are, fundementalism leads to hate.
Hi Gadfly, THAT’S A GOOD ONE! Made my morning! 😉
To weaponize a fundamentalist (who believes only his cause can save the earth/universe) you suppress his own innate conscience with things like “Never fear to hurt another in a just cause… ” or “this is the greatest good, bla, bla” “Price of freedom is constant alertness and the willingness to fight back.” and “never defend, always attack”
I think making a fundamentalist requires suppressing a person’s innate sense of what is right and wrong: his own conscience.
When you give up our own sense of what’s right and wrong, you have lost yourself on the road to total freedom.
Definitions 1 and 2 of fundamentalism are “A=A” type of philosophies. Def 3 at least allows for people to choose stable data as may be appropriate (and if one ‘knows’ their study tech, they are also free to unchoose stable data.) It is ironic that LRH came from “a penny a word” business culture. I wonder how much thinner the OEC’s and Tech Vols would be. And as perhaps one of the biggest failures is that even after the fact of making KSW 1 mandatory at the beginning of EVERY course, what we are witnessing is a complete dramatization of its violation, each and every day.
On Twitter, there was an overwhelming backlash to the Scientology ads, just as last year. Many people asked the obvious questions: how is it that a church can afford a Super Bowl ad? and why does a religion advertise? People probably don’t know the ads are regional and “less expensive”, so the perception is that Scientology is spending $5million on each ad spot. Complete misfire. Obviously this stunt is aimed at Scientologists, because no one else was impressed in any positive way.
John Wood believes the ads make it look as if Scientology is doing really well in terms of new members and financially. He really buys into the whole expansion myth. His comments give some insight into their blindness and silly justification for this luxury expense. Bass Ackwards!
He also spent a lot of time calling people “bigots” & “haters” for mocking the ads. How pious!
With a presidential primary coming up, all our local ads were political. Don’t know what’s worst.
The Co$ is just the FLDS without the sex and braids.
Those are great observations on fundamentalism, and beautifully written. Your point # 1 has a lot of reality to me :
A conviction, bordering on fervor (and sometimes crossing over that border) that their world view is right despite any arguments or evidence to the contrary, in fact, evidence to the contrary only confirms their rightness in their mind.
That brings up a terrible aspect of being human – Disconfirming evidence can strengthen belief. (Best example is the doomsday cults where belief can be observed to deepen when doomsday passes with no calamity).
I imagine a good look at undue influence and cognitive dissonance would be helpful for many. I can say it was helpful for me anyway. Steve Hassan’s Combatting Cult Mind Control, written by someone who came out of the Unification Church is a fantastic read and might be easier to look at for ex Scientologists since it was not written by a former scientologist and therefore may make it easier to reflect on the Scientology perspective by comparing it to another’s experience in a different group.
Another thought – Given how contentious, examining and discussing one’s beliefs can be, this blog does a remarkable job of providing a safe place for a little self reflection.
Hi Don,
This little cartoon says a lot. Look at the worker’s eyes. It’s sad but I had to laugh. 😉
http://cdn-0.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.jpg
Actually, considering the church’s self-proclaimed profile in Taiwan, I’m actually shocked you haven’t seen anything yet about the earthquake relief.
Your comments on fundamentalism EXTREMELY well put Mike! And as much case gain as I feel I got in Scientology, this aspect – fundamentalism – is the deal breaker. Well, it’s almost 10 pm here in Chiang Mai, high in the mountains of northwest Thailand and I’m about to put the computer away and go to bed. Catch y’all’s comments in the morning.
KSW (keeping scientology working) is an extremely fundamentalist doctrine. If you would tell a staff member that you don’t agree with ANY portion of it, you will be word clearing it to death until you stopped voicing any disagreements.
I usually took offense to over-the-top pronouncements like:
“The whole agonized future of this planet, every man, woman and child on it, and
your own destiny for the next endless trillions of years depend on what you do here
and now with and in Scientology.”
So many unprovable, outrageous statements you have to agree with even though LRon makes it clear that “what’s true for you – blah, blah” is one of the major tenants.
In KSW he talks about having a “dedicated glare.” I remember being called out for not having one. Sorry, I’m not a dedicated glare kind of guy. Guess that’s one main reason I’m out and that person is still in.
I never liked KSW. It was hard to read and assimilate. Made no sense. Like you Shel a fixed dedicated glare was never something I could muster up. Besides being trained as an auditor, that flies into the face of TRO…being there comfortably, having/applying the tech etc. Kind of a dichotomy….walk around with a stupid stare as opposed to being there comfortably. I always thought the TR’s were for use in life as well as for use as an auditor. Fixed dedicated glare equals robot in my book. As a basic fundamental piece of Scn, KSW was/is a disaster. I mean really how does one audit a person with a fixed dedicate stare?? Flies into the face of a pc being sessionable. I would guess most real auditors didn’t pay much attention that BS….I know I didn’t.
Hi Potpie, A great post, thank you. Your posts make me laugh,think,shed some tears and I am so so happy we both got out! Love, Ann.ps still laughing about that ” dedicated glare ” priceless!
What I found funny about KSW is that so many public and staff would treat it as if it were some sort of esoteric document. Weird, huh?
Not sure what you mean by “esoteric treatment”. I never really saw that. I saw lots of M9’s on KSW (did it myself), and heard so many references to it, I can’t even count! KSW is ingrained in any Scn who spends time in the orgs, training, doing staff work, etc. If you’re a Scientologist, then you are well familiarized with KSW, if not much else.
Yes, KSW is a keystone of scientology fundamentalism for sure. It virtually guarantees that anyone who buys into it becomes a zealot. And proudly so.
Explains Tom Cruise and why he “just went ‘poof'” when he read it..
So true, Shelgold. And people are Comm Evd and SP Declared for violation of the ten points of KSW too. KSW as perceived by the committee members, which is pretty literal interpretation as I came to find out.
Quick note on the IAS – The Winning Team. Yes, winning in propaganda, lies, fraud, deception, and not lifting a finger to assist their group, Scientologists, in any significant manner to help others. Winning!
For a never in I remember thinking how crazy Tom Cruise sounded when he was talking about KSM. This was when I didn’t know much about Scientology and thought Cruise had lost his mind
Earthquake: Real relief agencies build up a reserve of funds and materials so that they’re ready to go when a disaster happens. (Their fund-raising is usually for the next disaster.)
With an Ideal Org close by, and “booming stats”, there’s been nothing about the earthquake on Scientology newsfeeds. (They had time to crow about the Super Bowl ad.) However, I’m sure that there will be some photos in a couple weeks of people in yellow shirts doing vague stuff.
Yup, and those yellow shirted VM’s will have paid their own way there. The church already has enough money to do so much good for disaster victims. The IAS scam of needing more, always more, keeps on with the same ole pitch. I wonder if the IAS uses the same ole heavy handed tactics (ambushing one just out of session, writing bogus reports to get one to HAVE to come in to see MAA to only then being routed to IAS office where you are overwhelmed with “terminals” in a cordoned off area, showing up at your house at all hours, or accepting a donation to IAS as an amends for some “major” infraction one committed between Refreshers.)
I would safely bet that the same ole heavy handed tactics are still used where $$$ has been sniffed out, or reported in an auditing session.
Interesting thoughts and observations on fundamentalism, Mike.
I would concur with your thoughts about the percentage factor, and would say Scientology scores higher than most religions. Maybe its because one of its defining doctrine, Keeping Scientology Working #1, is intent on turning everyone into a staunch fundamentalist.
I’ve never seen an ethics or justice publication that DOESN’T cite “failure to apply/enforce KSW” has one of its findings. In others, the person wasn’t fanatical enough in enforcing Scn policy and principles to the world around them.
One observation to add to your list…
The fundamentalist is often very well-versed in their own doctrine, while only having a superficial understanding (if at all) of other schools of thought.
and one more…
Their alarmist views are often unwarranted. Which makes you wonder who are the real Merchants of Chaos?
statpush, I agree with your observation about fundamentalists, but would add that based on my experience, fundamentalists are well-versed to the degree that their doctrine holds up to scrutiny. they memorize all the ‘right’ things to say, and have a snappy come-back if challenged, but try to dig a little deeper and you’ll see they are incapable of staying on-point or having a real dialog that explores ideas at a depth just below the surface of their spiel. conversely, they are adept at distracting, deflecting, and denying when presented with facts and/or opposition. (again, that’s my own observation.)
Well said Chris.
” they are adept at distracting, deflecting, and denying when presented with facts and/or opposition.”
We had a nice example of that yesterday. Maybe Alcoboy will return to give us some more target practice. Meanwhile, the cult continues to whither away thanks to Mike and those willing to expose the insanity known as $cientology.
Yo Dave,
Nice try in aligning yourself with a popular activity such as the Super Bowl. I used the opportunity to expose more of your greed.
You see Dave, a local Rotary Club has been putting on a Super Bowl breakfast in our small town for over 30 years. On Sunday morning we prepared about 1500 omelets and raised over 20k for student scholarships and to support the clubs activities. Many of those helping to put it on are not even members of that club but they love the activity and the benefit to the community. They donate their time and for those who purchase a ticket, they receive an omelet rather than status. Hint: it’s a better value!
Years ago I talked with Jane McNarin (who is in charge of the CST compound in Tuolumne) about ways they (you) could help the local community. I actually thought she really did want to help but it became obvious that her disdain for wog activities was pretty strong and all she really wanted was the PR value. So I told her she could help out the local Rotary with a donation. That went over like finding your dildo in a bowl of Kool Aide!
Fast forward to Sunday’s breakfast. I would estimate that about 2000 people were involved in the activity and it was a really fun event. We didn’t even have to do call ins for the turn out. I know there will be several more people viewing the Going Clear documentary as I was asked many times about “how are the kids?”. I of course told them the truth, that they were in a cult and had disconnected from me and I had not seen them in years.
Dave, the average wog out here on the fringes does not like your group very much. Fortunately all I have to do is refer people to the documentary and tell them from experience ……..”IT IS ACTUALLY WORSE THAN THAT!”
You could get a lot more mileage by supporting something that directly benefits people for a change. Wrap you wits around that one good buddy. I understand, it’s difficult!
Perfect. Keep telling the truth about the kids whereabouts. Don’t let Dave enjoy secrecy.
Good for you, Coop! You are an example of what real volunteers do and what real good actual volunteer events can do and all the participants win and have fun. I have never seen someone after an IAS reg cycle looking VGI’s. They look like unexpressed resentment or lower but yet can’t voice this as they’ll then be sent to the MAA’s for more lower conditions that they have to buy their way out of. And good for you for telng what happened to your kids and how the cult made them do that and promoting the movie, “Going Clear.” If DM doesn’t like the bad PR, he should stop doing the overts.
The Church of Scientology is completely oblivious to anything resembling a selfless activity. Social personalities enjoy participating in selfless activities, knowing their time and efforts are helping the less fortunate.
Hubbard was the consummate narcissist. The church preaches the gospel of narcissism. Parishioners are converted to be self-centered and self-obsessed; priorities are 1) Scientology 2) Your Bridge…3) Yeah, whatever.