You can tell how much fear is permeating the scientology PR bubble by what they send out as paid press releases.
Here is their latest.
This is an attempt to shore up the walls against the increasing cries for them to lose the cloak of religious protection.
In the US this was highlighted by Going Clear and the subsequent publicity, including Alex Gibney’s repeated demands that something done about this. With the media in the US increasingly unafraid of the threats and retaliation the church has become known for, there is a growing fear in the bubble that the constant battering at this issue will ultimately breach the wall.
But outside the US the breach is well and truly catastrophic.
News stories from Russia indicate the forecast for scientology is bleak.
In central Europe, the two greatest powers of the European Union — France and Germany — have influence over all the other countries in the European Union. And they not only do not recognize scientology as a religion, they regard it as a threat to society.
In Australia the media is relentless. Government Agencies have investigated the church, but so far none has proceeded beyond the investigation stage. Prospects for the future are not healthy.
China is a no fly zone. The rest of Asia (with the lone exception of Taiwan) is a desert. So too all of Africa.
The global view is that there is no global view. The sun has set on scientology despite what Hubbard proclaimed to the contrary.
Self-serving releases and websites like this pretend to be for the “good of all” but in fact they are only designed for one purpose. The protection of scientology.
Addition:
Based on a comment below concerning megachurches and huge buildings, I am adding something I posted on my FB wall a couple of days ago. Scientology is quite right to be concerned about the growing sentiment against churches that spend massive amounts of money on buildings….
Devil’s Advocate: Remember all those years we fought for scientology’s religious freedom? Well now it has it, and we want to remove it, why? Because of its predatory religious con-game? I do not see how that disqualifies it for First Amendment protection. Scientology is nothing to me if not religion.
As I said, the problem is anyone making a determination about what is or what isn’t a religion. The CORRECT test should be whether it confers a public benefit.
The problem is not whether or not it is a religion. It is whether taxpayers should subsidize clearly non-public benefit activities.
Exactly, M.R.! You should be free to practice your religion. But should taxpayers bear that cost? Believe whatever you choose, but don’t make the rest of us pay for it.
The public benefit test was at issue during the 2010 senate hearings on Scientology in Australia, Mike.
You traveled to Australia as an independent Scientologist and met with Senator Xenophon at that time.
What did you talk to him about?
Alanzo
Funny you should ask Alanzo.
I told him I thought it was a mistake to attack scientology’s religiosity. That it was a losing position that would open him to allegations of bigotry. I suggested he focus on the abuses and target those things that generate harm – like disconnection and fraudulent fundraising.
We didn’t discuss a public benefit test at that time.
I found him to be an intelligent and compassionate guy who embarked on his scientology activities because he was approached by constituents who asked for his help.
Great answer, Mike.
Thanks for your honesty.
We’ve all been there.
Alanzo
Religion exists in the realm of belief and is a political tool and public benefits are anecdotal. A “charity” on the other hand can be evaluated as you day. Any attempt to suppress religion becomes bigotry in the eyes of the devotees. It is in my opinion painted into a legal corner.
Chris, PUBLIC benefits would be measured by ACTUAL benefits to the public. Soup kitchens, community works, et al. NOT stuff like chasing away imaginary “BTs” so as to make the community “less enturbulated”.
If something CANNOT be proven to benefit the community, it obviously doesn’t count.
Almost everything in churches has always been used to make more adepts, more believers, so as to get mostly more money to have more POLITICAL power. I do consider almost every “religion” or cult something that should be texated for each activity but directly charitable ones. Scn has almost not the least charitable activity: even when it sends some few people in big catastrophes, it tries to sell books, and “methods” rather than really help. Few exceptions with water to be distributed like some years ago…
My view is that the tax-exempt status and religious activities need to be completely separate. There is nothing in the US Constitution that says a church should get an automatic tax exemption. Tax-exempt status should be based solely on where the money comes from and how the money is used and any 501(c)(3) organization should be required to make their books available to the public. .
Completely agree Fred. But it ain’t gonna happen for the reasons I laid out below.
The use of PR Newswire is itself a sign of desperation. It typically results in low quality and random coverage and there is no real SEO value in these type of new wires anymore as Google sees them as quite spammy.
With PR Newswire, your marketing firm who is a paid member, pays at minimum $450.00 to put up their press release. There is no guarantee that anyone will pick up your story. Like Oliver said, to share a PR Newswire press release as press to the whales is complete and utter crap.
Oh yeah that’s is their typical MO. Forgot myself for a sec there.
It’s there because it’s no doubt cheap and gives the remaining sheepbots the fantasy that $camology is a world reknowned “religion”. There is no way that Dirge Missedthecabbage would dare put this sort of crap out into the uncontrolled wilds of non-bubble reality.
Speaking of Scientology PR tailspin, what on earth is the rationale for putting a National Public Affairs Office in Dublin? You would think there are, even in the Church’s small and shrinking universe, numerous countries where a National PR office would make more sense (Australia? England? etc, where they have actual orgs) The Church basically has one small and failing Mission in the entirety of Ireland, housed in small crappy offices. Is Tom Cruise filming in Dublin or something? Are they going to follow up with a monstrous white elephant Ideal org there next?
My thoughts on this are coming in tomorrow’s post.
Scientology is so insignificant it barely rates as a blip on the radar of the religious fanaticism that frequents the social networks of western culture. However, I’m sure its ratio of victims to lies told sits on top of the list of religious criminal pursuits. A stat of epic proportions.
Maybe a Goodfella or two have taken a personal interest in Miscavige by now, the courts obviously don’t care what he does. Miscavige has more to worry about than he realizes, no wonder he hides.
Jeff Augustine’s reminding us of the point that a “religion” need not deserve tax exemption, is relevant.
I’d love to see the “new religion” field of academia authoritatively and with a big book with all the historical demographics and historical statistics (in pie charts, decade by decade and century by century) lay out the history of “religious tax exemption.”
Even if ALL a Scientology org or mission were to do, is for 30 minutes read and invite group discussion of two Hubbard writings, a) Time Track Bulletin Number 1 and b) the Factors, every Sunday at their fake Sunday service, to me, would sufficient to paste a “religion” label on a Scientology fake church.
But tax exemption, I wish some “religious academic” would write on that “angle” of Scientology’s history.
I’m loving Steven Cannane’s very long and detailed book, “Fair Game.” It’s just brilliant writing and interesting details. He’s such a fine writer.
Scientology the “religion” where tax exemption is still debatable.
Hope some “new religion” academics explore all the angles and history, someday.
Didn’t I read or listen to a Hubbard tape where he said not use ‘religion’ as an explanation of Scientology? It’s all sort of blending into a mass now. There are so many contradictions and revisions on revisions on revisions in that subject it’s all a head spin.
Tax exempt status can only really be defined as a people endorsed activity for the benefit of all tax contributors. Scientology certainly doesn’t deserve it, that’s for sure. Why should an Iowa corn farmer subsidize Miscavige’s scuba diving in the Caribbean?
Yes, I wonder what academics will explore later about Scientology as a social phenomena. Especially when Scn is all done and their shinny buildings are reduced to only images on computer files.
First edition of Hubbard’s book, “Creation of Human Ability,” had a sentence saying it was NOT a religion.
Yes, but I think the “tech” will linger. I always was struck that past-lives therapists have had mixed, some positive, reactions to the “Standard Dianetics” commands 1-9, A-D which move a person right into “earlier-similar” incidents if the “TA is rising” meaning the current incident the guinea pig is discussing from his life or past life, needs to search further back for “basic” on the chain, LOL.
Naw, the Hubbard past-lives Dianetics of New Era Dianetics is just so ripe to be soaked up by past-lives adventuring mind explorers who wish to elevate their mental impressions into actual “reality.”
The delusional transcendent hopes of somehow tying the whole universe together seems achievable with past-lives auditing; and attaining connection to the vastest reaches of all time and space.
At least that’s the delusional draw “Standard” and then “New Era” Dianetics held in my mind.
Right, COHA. Knew it was in there somewhere.
Thanks Chuck.
Good to see you,Chuck.I am so with you re:Fair Game and Jeff’s field of expertise.Steven makes me envious,he writes so well.?
Chuck, I too am loving Steven’s Fair Game. Just new stories, fascinating stories and well written history and the people who gave incredibly and generously for a man who neither pushed them power, nor protected them.
The IRS needs to tax Scientology. It is not a religion. It lied to the IRS in stating that it was a religion.
This hoax needs to see the bright light of truth. Scientology needs to pay back taxes and start paying monthly taxes starting right away.
The above is an open letter to the IRS. Please do your job and help the USA build a better civilization.
While I agree with you, I have to point out that DM’s right-hand man on the IRS case was Marty Rathbun. Marty has been a fierce critic of the church. My point is, should there be evidence of fraud, I’m sure Marty would assist the IRS in rectifying its mistake. But, this hasn’t happened as far as I know, and if it was to happen, it would have occurred by now.
After reading all of the online material on this I’ve concluded that the IRS’s overts were bigger than the church’s. Plus, think about what would actually happen if the IRS were to pull tax exemption. Imagine the retaliation from the church, the lawsuits, the investigations, the media blitz. For what? There is no big win here for the IRS, only headaches.
Inurment. Go get him IRS.
And the former fierce critic wanted the tax exemption left in place for the Independents to use. Wasn’t that what Australia in 2008 was all about?
I’ve had dealings with the tax office, as I’m sure many of us have. They aren’t human those people and their minds are composed of impenetrable levels of thick, expensive and extremely sticky ooze. A conversation with one of their agents bangs around in your head for ages. They have a lot in common with Scientology.
COS PR people must be the world’s worst poker players. Everything they say and do is a “tell” as to what cards they’re holding–nothing.
It doesn’t matter how BAD their cards are. They already own the POT.
As much as it seems emotionally appealing, or even persuasive, I couldn’t disagree more with the “…it’s time to tax churches and pastors” slogan. Just to be clear, I have no love for the church portrayed or its pastor. I find them both unappealing and far from a good representation of a desirable (or even typical) Christian church. And as an unchurched person, I have no dog in this fight.
However, the “tax the church” argument is, IMHO, faulty even dangerous for several reasons.
First off, it is indiscriminate. It’s suggestion is about as helpful as saying, “The CEO of a major bank made $100 million last year. Let’s tax all the bank workers at a higher rate.” It should be quite obvious who gets affected most by such a policy: The rank and file. From my observation, just like with any “wealth pyramid,” most churches live on a shoe string budget and contribute prodigiously to the welfare of others. So why punish them for the success and excess of a very few?
Do we REALLY want to trust the gov’t with this kind of power? Heineous crimes are committed and criminals get away routinely because the legal system has to show restraint in the affairs of citizens. Still, on balance we’re better off like this than living in a police state where crimes are prevented at the expense of the freedom of all.
With the power of taxation comes ultimate influence to encourage, hinder or even kill organizations. I shudder at the thought of having gov’t influence and regulate our beliefs, or the diversity of beliefs that may be offered in the marketplace. Way too Big Brother…
Having said that, I don’t believe that scientology deserves tax exemption. Nor do I believe that scientology is a “church” in the sense that this tax exemption is intended for. The “C”oS is a commercial enterprise abusing the tax statutes. They offer services for pay and what they are collecting are clearly NOT “donations” (except for, perversely, what the IAS takes in). They offer nothing of a public benefit and engage in a pervasive pattern of anti-social and criminal behavior. It seems to me that there’s enough there to take action. But there’s also enough there to distinguish “C”oS from your “average” church. There’s no need to lump all religions together and bring them under gov’t control!
Finally, I think that the “starvation” slogan, while emotionally engaging is ultimately dishonest and manipulative. If 1 in 3 children is starving and if there is such a thing as an obligation of the well-fed to intervene (something which is uncritically assumed), what is the sloganeer doing pointing their finger at OTHERS to address that? In our society, a “YOU fix it” or “Let’s change the world–you go first” mentality has become prevalent.
What this slogan boils down to is “I think that something ought to be done, and the churches (not I) should bear responsibility.” There is no doubt that “C”oS is exploiting tragedies and abusing the tax code. Equally, there is a multitude of churches, large and small, which are doing fabulous work to make the world a better place. And I for one am convinced that the last institution we want to allow into our personal beliefs, whether held individually or expressed collectively, is our gov’t! Even if that would bring the “C”oS to heel!
Well stated.
I just responded to Wynski.
I would prefer no limitation on churches’ speech, but no exemption from taxation on the basis of being a church either.
If churches (like any other exempt organization) can satisfy a public benefit test, they should be exempt from taxation. And this should be clearly defined. With a specific percentage of revenue being required to be spent on direct public benefit activities, and a cap on salaries and benefits for church leaders.
Exactly. It’s the public benefit test that counts. Here in the UK charitable status for the Co$ would hinge on status as a religion AND proof of public benefit. It is up to the well-informed, e.g. a number of those who show up on this blog – and thank you Mike Rinder – to keep their eye on the ball, and ensure that bureaucracy understands not only that there is no proof of public benefit in the Cherch’s activities, there is also a great deal of proof of actual public harm.
Thank you Antonia.
The Charity Commission has refused to grant scientology tax exempt status in the UK for this exact reason. Inadequate demonstration of public benefit to meet the standards of the Charity Commission.
“…public benefit in the Cherch’s…” Don’t you mean the Lerch of Scientology as it stumbles down the ever increasing steepness of the stairs of irrationality and decay and finally turns into Percy Bysshe Shelley’s sonnet Ozymandias?
Perfect!
Miscavige would spend millions to avoid having his perks removed. More tax monies spent for little return.
Well commented. Filtering out well entrenched criminals is a complex and often futile pursuit of conscience for the legal system. It flounders with money orientation. But I agree that using a big stick that beats up everyone is not the answer, no matter how tempting at times it may seem. Compromise is an enforced democratic luxury that works for both sides of the legal fence. Often we don’t know what we’re got till it’s gone. Freedom and justice in all its forms sits in a precarious situation and Govt’s have a long track record of screwing it up.
Scientology abuses its religious cloak more than any other “religion” out there in the World.
Scamming people out of all of their money, shattering families and messing up people’s minds is the Very Bad Product of Scientology.
I hope they lose their tax exemption very soon!
And – Slappy Miscavige goes to prison where he can get “cleared” for eternity!
Dear Dave,
Does it still feel good to be a gangsta?
Oh….and WHERE’S SHELLY? You remember Shelly right?
ML,
Harvey
$cientology is the punch line in jokes in the US and Canada. No one believes any $cieno press release and no one republishes said press releases unless they too are paid. Double of nothing is still nothing.
$cienoes try to worm their way into local and national ‘interfaith’ groups, but are relegated to the back of the ecumenical bus. No one wants to be associated with them.
Yeah, you’ll find a few goofballs who will do a photo op for a plaque to hang on the wall, but few really look to see who is behind the Way to Crappiness or any of the other clam ‘social betterment’ corporations. Once the clam connection is pointed out, most recipients cringe and slink away.
On the acceptance scale, there is only one or two organizations that are lower. NAMBLA ( North American Man Boy Love Association, not to be confused with the North American Marlon Brando Look A-likes) and ISIS.
Thanks to the internet and brave souls like Parker and Stone and everyone who has written books or done documentaries on $cientology, the general public would rather get Herpies than walk into an Ideal Org.
Those who have testified about their experiences in $cientology are the most power voices in that mix. They have forewarned the world, and often, the world is listening.
“Scientology is the punch line in jokes in the U.S. & Canada.”
Yep! They are, officially, the biggest joke around. Laughing at them is now a sport…
Maybe in the future it will be an Olympic event? Going for Gold as a religious round the pole marathon. Maybe synchronized emeter reads or the amount of red tags handled per hour. I’m sure something can be worked out, better be quick though while there’s still orgs in multiple countries. Wana bet Hapi wins the hammer throw? Oh, dwarf throwing, I know just the one to use.
Dear Captain Miscavige,
We’ve recently become aware that your organization will very shortly be in need of millions of sheets of Ideal Goldenrod Paper.
We here at Ideal Goldenrod Paper Company would be very appreciative to have the opportunity to bid on your business needs.
We understand and are sympathetic to your situation for having to declare millions of Earth’s population as Suppresives (SP’s). We would like nothing better than to join forces with the most ethical business in the world and bring these degraded beings to their knees.
Please telex us at your earliest convenience to schedule a meeting.
ML,
Harvey
I love this. Digging out a Telex machine as we speak lol,if you knew me & that piece of equipment,you would run screaming as some Sea Org members did back in the day.?
Sure fall taking into account that Scientology is NOT a religion as it claims. All along has been the mascaraded facade it has been portrayed, when in fact it has engaged in money ‘donations’ amassed by their leaders, with no real intention, far less action to help parishioners and community.
Thus, the investigations into its finances are way overdue including the IRS.
In Mexico it is not even called Scientology; its name has been Dianetics as it’s also not recognized as a religion. They do not pay taxes and the government has been taking action on this point, plus some Orgs owe months of rent.
Sooner or later Miscavige, as did Alcapone, will be caught for fraud and scams.
Whenever I see this slick glossy Apple-esque product presentation, I cringe.
As the world’s first modern corporatized “religion”, they are like some unholy alliance of:
The greed and ruthlessness of Wall Street
The credibility and integrity of the Nixon Administration
The discipline and covertness of the Stasi
The responsibility level of Enron
The compassion of Scrooge
The sincerity of Jim and Tammy Bakker
All nicely packaged, photoshopped, sanitized into the iReligion ©
A bit off-topic… well worth checking out Adam Curtis’ new documentary on the BBC entitled HyperNormalisation. If you’re unfamiliar with Curtis, he has produced some of the most compelling documentaries I’ve ever seen. Mind-blowing stuff.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p04b183c/adam-curtis-hypernormalisation
Dear Dave,
We’re on to you.
ML,
The World
Less love on my part, but, we’re still on to you!
There’s a separation of church and state issue here. The IRS and US government should not be conferring religious status on anyone. They can determine if the money collected is used for public benefit.
This is how Scientology and Megachurches get away with lavish lifestyles and sprawling facilities. It’s how my old cult leader has mansions while the orphans the cult were supposed to be helping in Haiti were living in squalor and desolation.
The Salvation Army actually feeds people. They provide clothing, thrift shopping, and emergency relief. Their centers are functional but modest. They do not impose pseudoscience on anyone.
Con men go where the money is, and the path of least resistance. Playing on people’s desire to be better and to have eternal life is a great con! Big money.
The IRS needs to reform loop holes against criminals like Scientology and Joel Olsteen.
Great comment. I had posted something on my Facebook page about this. Because WordPress does not allow images in comments, I have added it to the end of the post as I think it expresses a growing sentiment that is another factor scientology worries about.
“There’s a separation of church and state issue here. The IRS and US government should not be conferring religious status on anyone.”
There is a little known problem with this. The tax exemption went a long with a deal (in violation of the 1st Amendment) brokered by the Democrat Party big wigs. If given tax exemption the pastors couldn’t go all political at the pulpit. The Democrat party will NOT see that reversed. For all too obvious reasons for those who understand politics in D.C.
Not so sure how “little known” this “problem” is?
Are you saying that churches and other exempt organizations, using tax exempt dollars (ie subsidized by taxpayers) should be allowed to engage in political lobbying? Why should I (or anyone) subsidize an activity that may promote a political view I am not in favor of? Isn’t that abrogating MY rights? And isn’t that the sensible reason why exempt organizations are forbidden from lobbying/promoting political aims?
Congress enacted the law in the 50’s. It was strengthened in 1987 during the Reagan Presidency to prevent churches from opposing certain candidates. Not sure this can be claimed as a Democratic conspiracy.
According to the 1st Amendment ALL can engage in political speech That is not subject to statute). However, that wasn’t what I was referring to.
I was referring to ALL religions who take tax exemption agree to, in exchange for that, to NOT take politics to the pulpit. THAT is what the Democrats will not allow to be endangered by messing around with even a crappy “religion” in that manner (revoking tax exemption”
As far as supporting a group with tax $ with whom you don’t agree with, the US gov does that all the time. (see abortion clinics who actively lobby a politic view and Christians as just one example.) It is NOT unique. 😉
Are you saying it’s a Democratic agenda because the religious right generally supports Republicans because they are anti-abortion, anti-gay rights?
I guess if you are Republican you oppose the idea of political lobbying from churches because there is something to be gained by allowing this to happen.
Not sure what you mean by “Christians” in your last parenthetical. There is no exempt entity called “Christians” – there are separate corporate entities that are christian denominations that have religious exempt status. There are people who proclaim themselves to be christians (Ralph Reed etc) but they are not running exempt churches or preaching from a pulpit.
I generally agree with the concept that anyone should be able to speak freely on any subject and agree that this would be a better scenario – but in my mind that would have to entail removing exempt status for any such organization (which I also favor). Having a test for religious exemption is in my view contradictory to the language of the First Amendment and should not be allowed. Of course that is never going to be changed. At least it should be modified to a public benefit test for ANY exempt organization, religious or otherwise.
I said there are CHRISTIANS (just as an example) who don’t like that their taxes supporting groups like Planned Parenthood who push different political views than theirs. In response to you correctly stating that some people don’t want their tax $ supporting churches who would lobby against their political views.
Yes, the Dem party pushed the IRS regs so that churches could not espouse political views from the pulpit. Obviously because more people there are of a conservative bent.
I 100% back a public benefit test for ALL exempt orgs. Why else have that status?
My ENTIRE and only point is that this WON’T change because the Dems do NOT wish to release that Genie. And it would be threatened by and religious testing as people keep pushing for the CoS.
Gotcha. Appreciate the discussion.
Just goes to show that a civilized interchange can result in agreement once understanding is achieved (or disagreement, but at least it is understood).
Yes, sensible comment eclectus.
The more I look and learn about religions and the various churches and their leaders, the more I realize how HUGE they are. There are many religious leaders in the US that have millions of followers on social media.
There are many religious bands and performers who also have hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers on social media. Scientology world wide is lucky to have as many active members as most home town churches of other religions. To put it in perspective, if other churches and religions were hills and mountains, Scientology would be a small ant hill at best. On top of that ant hill would be one tiny ant so delusional he thought he was at the top of the world. All his attention would be on controlling the ants inside his dirt pile, attacking any ant trying to escape and gathering as many crumbs as possible. Little pesty buggers society is losing its patience with.
Great analogy Matt.
Too little, too late.
I agree! But, the burgers looked great!
If you donate $4,000 I can upgrade your status to Ideal Burger Planetary Contributor with a personalized plaque (not the medical definition!). And for an extra $1,000 I’ll throw in an Ideal Fries upgrade which will make you an Ideal Burger and Fries Humanitarian. You can display a card I’ll provide you (free of charge!) at the Pacifica Cafe and get a 10 cent discount on all soft drinks. If you mention my name, you’re eligible for a door prize. What do you say?
Yea but where do we get the Ideal Cheese?
From Ideal Cows of course!
For a measly $500, I’ll throw in cheddar, swiss, gouda, whatever you like!!!
YES!!! YES!!! I’ll take it! This is a dream come true…
Have Mike give you my email address so you can send me your credit card info. Oh, and by the way, who else do you know that would like to upgrade their BS (burger status)?
Hilarious. The press releases never get picked up by publications (the SOLE reason to issue a Press Release) but the clams inside don’t understand.
The wicked cult is all but dead. A few inside the church and a few outside the church trying to scam people but nothing significant. I think that Millstone Two is the sole active scamology website outside the formal “church” and it has only a handful of participants.
Super funny, if it weren’t for all the broken families and ongoing human rights abuses that are just nanometers beneath the surface of this killer cult’s slick PR! You know that when a website’s opening lines contain the BIG Lie (i.e., $cn has “millions” of adherents), then it’s going to be all down here from there!
Luckily, slick websites, glossy promo and silly grandiloquent ShermanSpeak rhetoric can’t counteract the thousands of personal accounts of ex-members who’ve suffered every kind of abuse and mistreatment imaginable at the hands of the cult for decade after decade. “Danger pointing” this criminal organization so that no one else falls victim to it in the future should be Job One for us all, from individuals interacting with their friends and family, to the highest courts in the land…KSW (Keep $cn Withering) y’all.
Harpoona, you missed my point. The point being that the Church does NOT have slick PR. The exact opposite. If you knew why a screen shot from PR News Wire was being shown (and NOT a news publication) you’d understand more deeply.
The scam is imploding from all sides.
1.No new ones in.Have you heard of one lately?society has declared scientology a suppresive group like Isis.
2.2nd generation only good enough to write boastful promo or reports on each other before they blow and get a telemarketing job.
2.Most old ones have already already left or are UTR.
3.75% of the still- ins are too old and too broke.
4.Even in Eastern Europe is is now starting to get safer to say you are a pedophile than a scientologist.