The same, tired old band of cult apologist "academics" are holding their annual conference next week in Quebec, Canada. They are familiar names, led by Massimo Introvigne, one of the main beneficiaries of much scientology funding over the years. We did a Fair Game podcast about these cult apologists with Chris Shelton The reason for putting "academics" in quotation marks is that they do no real research or study. They accept information provided to them by scientology, reject anything that comes from "former" members (apostates) on the basis that one of the founding apologists, Bryan … [Read more...]
Episode 68: Chris Shelton on Cult Apologists
This week we talk to our old friend Chris Shelton about cult apologists. These are the people who make a career (often lucrative) out of offering expert academic opinions in support of "New Religious Movements" -- cults. It's a racket that scientology has used to gain credibility. We cover a lot of ground here. Chris has recently published a series of articles on this topic on Tony Ortega's blog -- they are well-worth reading. You can listen to the episode here. Chris also has a podcast that is worth subscribing to on YouTube: Sensibly Speaking Podcast We mention … [Read more...]
Scientology Hates “Experts” — Unless They Are Paying Them
STAND League is a constant source of ideas of what should be discussed about scientology. They accuse others (usually Leah Remini and me) of exactly what they are doing. They rail again anti-Semitism, it spurs me to write about scientology and the NOI. They complain about "anti-religionists" it prompts something about what Hubbard had to say about religion. Scientology is "fun" - brings on a post about disconnection and crush regging. And now I noticed this one. Rest assured, every one of the "experts" scientology touts is paid. Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR., Gordon Melton, Brian Wilson … [Read more...]