I posted about this on Facebook, but think it is important enough to reiterate here.
I just finished watching the last episode of season one of The Path on Hulu.
This is a very well scripted, acted, shot, edited and scored series. But more importantly, it is the best portrayal I have ever seen of the prison of the mind that entraps those in cults. It is extremely difficult to understand why people remain in a cult for anyone who has not experienced it themselves. This show portrays it accurately – the torment and anguish that those with doubts go through, the threat of losing loved ones, the deceit and false hope that everything will turn out to be true. It is difficult to explain, but when you experience it through the characters in this show it becomes much easier to grasp.
For those who have been in a fundamentalist organization, it may be difficult to watch as it cuts very close to the bone. But it may also give you some insight – I know it did for me.
Jessica Goldberg, the creator and writer of this show claims it has nothing to do with scientology. That is very difficult for me to believe, given the show has
- “Volunteer Ministers” who appear at disaster sites to “help” and recruit new converts,
- a “Bridge” (called the ladder) with “rungs” up to 7R and the founder of the movement is supposed to be writing the “last 3 rungs” but he is dying of pancreatic cancer.
- They have a sort of an e-meter.
- A compound with a gate and a guard booth where the headquarters of the movement is.
- They conduct enforced “unburdenings” to disclose your transgressions.
- The movement has a new leader who is a charismatic sociopath claiming to be anointed by the leader but actually inventing altered “tech”.
- A sort of RPF and a “Hole.”
- They call non-believers (wogs) “IS” (ignorant systemites).
- They practice ruthless disconnection. As soon as you become a “Denier” everyone in the movement disconnects including spouses, parents and children and they demand you sign legal papers to protect the organization.
- They have a drug rehab program that they use to gain credibility in the world.
There are more parallels and it seems impossible that Ms. Golberg has not either studied scientology or had a close relationship with a scientologist. But then again, a former Jehovah’s Witness commented that it was creepily similar to the JW’s. So perhaps it is just that all fundamentalist movements/cults have similar trappings.
Whether you have been a member of such an organization in the past or are interested in how people become entrapped in them and apparently lose the ability to think for themselves, this series will likely leave you with a better understanding of the cult phenomena than before you started it.
I have watched The Path and recently binge watched Mike and Leah’s show. First of all. Good job you guys! I have obsessively watched multiple cult documentaries and find it interesting. Your desire to educate the public without discounting victims is impressive. Although, my desire to comment… I don’t usually do that, is due to my comparison of your show’s account of scientology to The Path… I literally googled, is The Path based on scientology? … and this article was 2nd in my Google search. So… again, good job Mike and Leah. I’m not religious and never have been, although I did attend a Catholic college for Nursing school.
I also feel it’s strange that scientology has a military based organization… I was in the military for 8 years and I’m not sure how religion relates to this structure. Why?
If you actually had the truth you would find no need for censorship.
What is described in this writing sounds about as much like Jehovah’s witnesses as pitchforks sound like kittens . . . Perhaps next time Jehovah’s witnesses come knocking on your door, listen to what they are saying. They will be delighted. All they want to do is talk to you about the bible . . . that’s it.
YEs, it’s sort of like scientology introductory services. Learn to communicate better. Learn about improving relationships. Ask them about the bible basis for disfellowshipping, no blood transfusions, women being submissive etc. The bible pitch is a good one — living in fear of Armageddon and bringing reproach on God’s name as you refuse to celebrate holidays or vote in Satan’ world is another thing.
What is described in this writing (and the comments) sounds about as much like Jehovah’s witnesses as pitchforks sound like kittens . . . Perhaps next time Jehovah’s witnesses come knocking on your door, listen to what they are saying. They will be delighted – they are eager to tell you about God’s word according to the the bible! There is only God and the bible and the same truth Jesus taught to his disciples. . . That’s it, that’s all it’s about.
Hey, someone else said this? What, you guys have bots too?
I missed this post. It is a good show. I’ve been watching it. I figured they had a Scientologist as a consultant or whatever they call it when they bring in someone to help the writers with data. But it’s not as predictable as you might assume from your post. I’m not sure where it’s going and I even wonder if there will be some confirmation of something supernatural, but I guess I may be biased. The last episode had hints of this though, particularly in the last scene. And what about Eddie’s dreams and all that stuff?
A lot of it is attributable to the ayahuasca they use. If you’re not familiar, Google it. It’s hallucinogenic used in S. America by shamans not unlike use of peyote in N. America.
Always hard in a TV show or movie that does not tell you what is hallucination (as in the last scene) to know what is or isn’t real (given all the rest of the surroundings in the retreat I would surmise the last scene is hallucination).
What I immediately thought was that they had been drugging him and he wasn’t really sick. A drug induced coma.
Wow — that is a leap I could not have made. But who knows?
Well, I don’t know where they are going with it. That’s part of what makes it good. Some shows I’m rolling my eyes and picturing the writers desperately trying to tie things together only to come up with something that is both implausible and predictable.
Yes Joe, but anyone who experienced it knows that scientology in 1970 had nothing to do with the cult of 2016. If you would have imagine the take over of Miscavige they would have thought it was science fiction and was not possible. People wouldn’t be so stupid to obey to such an obvious suppressive. Keeping scientology working was going AGAINST the group agreement. As Hubbard says the group agreement would destroy scientology and it did. KSW was erroneously understood as a fascist power of Hubbard.
Man, all the rules on the beginning were technical rule for the well being of the preclear which was the only purpose of scientology to exist. You know, not going over FN cog VGI’s on audting that was incedible if you consider that most of the therapist would goover a win and key in again the patient. Remember what it is like to audit or receive a well audited session. This in not a cultist activity, and you are right, people remember it and that’s why they stay in the church.
That scientology fully vanished would be so unfair regarding all the efforts we did at studying. It’s good subject which can also be further developped. But the comm cycle in auditing or the auditor code could help so many therapist of all kind.
I truly believe that if one day Miscavige is removed it will be a new scientology.
I truly believe that if one day Miscavige is removed it will be a new scientology.
I am afraid this is wishful thinking. I wish you the best, but you are hoping for something that will never be realized.
Mike, you don’t think one day Miscavige will be removed? With all this revelation about him and trial you dont think one day he will sink? Upon his removal, all of his programmes are going to be cancelled. And we can hope that people with good sense will be able to reform scientology. When a fascist goes out, life comes back. Germany went back to life after Hitler death.
Or, he stays until he dies? That can be 30 more years, unless a good cancer catches him.
Mike, how do you see the future of scientology and the future of Miscavige?
If he departs in some fashion, whoever assumes control after him will continue with his programs. If there is anything left to continue with. Nobody left has an original thought of their own.
FG, your example is faulty. In this case (scamology) Hitler (El Con) died leaving it to Himler (DM). There is nothing to salvage. There is no reforming a complete scam. (scamology)
The other producer/creator of The Path is Jason Katims (sp?). He was the creator/producer of Parenthood…starring none other than scientologist Erika Christianson. When the news about the series broke a lot of us were wondering how much, if at all, he had spoken with her about things. She could very well be UTR…or still very much in.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/path-creator-how-i-lost-877128
I’m watching the series now, gonna binge watch it straight through today and tomorrow.
Episode 1 very well done, pretty much has about 5-10 major details that Scientology demonstrates. Not a bad TV series start, for taking on some of the main features of a modern spiritual cult like group. I like it so far.
Mr.Mike Rinder. Thank you for standing up to what you believe and now helping others to do the same. Getting out of cult is one of hardest thing anyone can do, the journey is lonely, scary, confusing and has everything to lose. I was borned into cult religious organization, i never know better, brain washed for 35 years of my life, now I am disconnected from my family ( it is not as extreme as scientology, but not far off,, it is their mission to make me feel bad and guilty every chance they have). I have 2 daughters and it is my mission to give them the freedom to choose their own religion and guide them in liberal way as possible till such time they are old enough to chose their own religious path. I know how much of gut it took you to post these youtube videos and interviews while suffering the abuse and daily harassment, i know i can’t do it. I don’t believe for a second when you claimed to be still scientology and follow their beliefs. I guess you say that for good reasons. You maybe apart from your family and feel alone but you are not. Every video you post, someone out there watching get the courage and comfort they much need. I am one of those lonely person. A victim of cult manipulation, only to glorify one/few people who controls on top. How do they sleep at night? I would never know…but i move forward…knowing where I am going…dont look back past 35 years but try to enjoy every minutes of next 35 years instead. I sincerely wish you all the best.
As a never in I saw many of the Scientology parallels, but by the same token much that is dissimilar (e. g. No paramilitary trappings). I feel that Meyer’s is drawn fromm many different cults. Agree it is great quality and am looking forward to season 2.
opps, our should be own in my last sentence.
Hi Mike:
All cults or “high control groups” – which is actually a better term – follow the same principles and are nicely summarized by the BITE model (https://www.freedomofmind.com/Info/BITE/bitemodel.php): they practice
1. Behaviour control
2. Information control
3. Thought control, and
4. Emotional control.
So while this show you speak of could be about any high control group in general, i think you have picked out specifics that make it a parody of scientology. While every prosetylizing religion makes a point of picking on the sick and injured and dying (i.e. people who are least able to defend themselves), not many of them have an extensive pathway to spiritual progression; and almost none have specific tools or devices to facilitate spiritual progress which is a scientology thing.
However, one thing that i think that makes this NOT about scientology or for that matter virtually any other cult is the leader’s successor changing things while the leader is still alive. Didn’t both David Miscavige (scientology) and J.F. Rutherford (jehovah’s witnesses) wait until the founder was dead before messing with things? Maybe the moonies are being referenced here? I’m not sure, i’m not a scholar of religion.
jmsr
Well it is somewhat unclear if the leader is dead or alive. For those who have not seen the show I don’t want to spoil it.
Thank you!
I play “The Witcher III”Witchers have a “path” too
“The path”
Seems religian to me
If “the Path’ is or is not based on Scientology (and there seem to be a whole lot of similarities) we (me, hubby & 2 kids) have found it to be an interesting show, worth watching. It moves along quickly and the characters are empathetic and believable for the most part. It’s pretty much all drama & plot, no humor. Hubby says one of the main actors comes from a different show, one of his favorites he used to watch but I can’t recall the name of it right now, sorry. It’s ok for older kids (meaning pre-teens and above, probably not younger though (grade school age) – although I’ll defer to other parent’s judgement, as I tend to be a little conservative.. ok a lot. lol)
On a side note, I posted a comment yesterday in response to Aquamarine’s (and angry gay pope’s) post, but didn’t realize it was in an older topic that has now fallen off the “current list” or whatever you call it… “recent list” maybe(?) So I wanted to call attention to it for anyone who might be interested in the subject, without re-posting it here, so if you are interested (it’s about faulting or not faulting those who get caught up in the cult) here is a direct link to the post: https://www.mikerindersblog.org/philly-ideal-org/#comment-137382 if you want to read it. I don’t usually mention things I’ve posted, but this particular one spoke to me, and I hope you may get some value out of it as well. The header/title was ‘Philly Ideal Org’.
Happy Independence Day! 🙂 (did I spell that right? that’s one of my usually-mis-spelled words, sadly). (I’ll bet espiando would never mis-spell it). lol. ok, done for now. :-p – T.J.
” Hubby says one of the main actors comes from a different show, one of his favorites he used to watch but I can’t recall the name of it right now, sorry.”
Aaron Paul (in the middle in the image above) was on Breaking Bad. Hugh Dancy (on the right in the image above) was on the TV series Hannibal.
Hi Jon Hendry, thanks for thinking of those shows, you’re right, that’s it – Breaking Bad. That was the show the actor used to be in. Hubby had to watch that show alone late at night, as I refused to watch it because it had ‘bad’ in the title. I won’t watch anything with ‘bad’ or ‘murder’ (like Murder she Wrote or Making a Murderer, etc.), in the title or ‘crime’ so I don’t watch CSI either. I just like to keep negativity away, and only let good into my life whenever possible. I know, I know, I am a very weird girl, true. I get a lot of comments about this, like, “what’s next, reiki and crystal healing?” lol. it’s ok, I live as I like and let others live as they like, thank goodness my loved ones can put up with my silliness. AND thank goodness you read my post – I was starting to seriously doubt anyone does read them – I’ve been feeling like just a voice in the wind, feeling like people see my name on a post and say there’s that stupid T.J. blabbering on about something or other… I’ll skip that post. I had pretty much decided to give everyone here a break from my comments, now see what you did by replying? Went ahead and encouraged me again, lol. anyway, yes, the actor in “the Path” was from Breaking Bad show, and thank you for recalling that. 🙂
Hi TJ, Came across your post on TV and how you sometimes feel your posts are perhaps not as you wanted? Me too,I have days where I think ” How can anyone on Mike or Tony’s Blogs want to read anymore from an Old Timey SO Member “and I am sure there are those who do not read all posts either.I would miss yours because you write about feelings and you have a very sharp eye for what others may feel.Empathy,something very few in SO I knew had a drop of.XO Ann B
Thank you Ann B for being so sweet and encouraging, I appreciate it. Your posts are always welcome and I look forward to reading them. I’m sure everyone feels the same way. 🙂 – T.J.
You are always well read and thought of Ann. Your joy and love shine in your posts. Hope you had a lovely Independence Day.
Hi gtsix, You are a Sweetheart! Right back to you also.We had a quiet 4th,it was fire works hot heat index 110.So of course I make hummus with hot hot sauce and we dip King’s Hawaiian Bread in it.I ate that at their original bakery in Hilo in the early fifties when I was one.Then we had some andouille sausage with mustard,I had my zin and I silently gave thanks for Freedom,especially from Ron and company! ??????? XO my shining soul-mate.
Hi T.J., I have archived your post with the link suggestion.Thank you so.Espiando is the Champion of all things Intellectual etc.I just try and follow him! He leaves me in the dust! XXOO All Love to you & yours!
Hi Ann B 🙂 Thank you so much, I hope you find some use in it when you have an opportunity to read it. It’s wonderful weather here today, it seems the trees are full of chirping birds with nests full of little chirpers just hatched, very noisy but joyous. We here in CA are still in water rationing due to drought conditions (while other states like Texas had so much rain they flooded recently) but we still managed to have many beautiful flowers blooming, and I imagined today how nice it would be if you and I could walk around the neighborhood looking at all the pretty flowers in people’s yards. Sending you my very best wishes as always, hope you have a wonderful holiday. Love, T.J.
I watched “The Path” with interest. The show “not about scientology”.
It is so well done , I couldn’t decide if the writer and director had done incredible research into the minset or if life inside the cult is a no brainer for outsiders to grasp. Not so special after all?
I thought so too. The parallels between “the Ladder” in the Path and “the Bridge” in Scientology… “the levels” and “the rungs” OTVII and Rung7 and so forth… they have an electrical feedback machine they hook up to similar to an e-meter, they are not supposed to discuss their levels and case, they don’t trust outsiders (called IS’s similar to ‘wogs’) they are not supposed to associate much with outsiders, just a very lot of similarities. I can see how it might hit too close to home for some ex’s though, it could trigger memories that are unsettling maybe, so perhaps exercise caution at first to see if it’s a show you can handle easily.
Haven’t seen it yet. I guess all cults have common “behaviorisms” about them. Seems to makes good cinema though, must be on people’s minds for that sort of investment as entertainment. Wonder what the modern day “gladiator spectator” is going to demand next? I really hope Miscavige does something with his new media outlet, we need new material for late night entertainers, let alone what South Park would do with it.
The Scientology Cult particularity sucks as far as cults go, it’s level of personal betrayal knows no bounds. If JWs follows a similar format – OMG!
There is a wonderful list originally by Michael D Langone at this site which covers many such ‘behaviourisms’. Perhaps it was used as a reference guideline in the writing of the ‘Path’.
http://www.csj.org/infoserv_cult101/checklis.htm Characteristics Associated with Cultic Groups – Revised
Information about Scientology is pretty wide spread and easily obtained, and sites like your’s is a large part of that. I am intrigued by fundamentalist organizational structure of all kinds, and it didn’t take me long to have at least a basic understanding of SciCon’s, The setup of the RTC as the conduit of copyright and service marks is brilliance in itself to cashflow, yet maintaining, at least superficially, to the IRS agreement. Having the IAS being the main fundraising arm to the public SciCons is again brilliance, as is the whole Sea Org structure, especially considering neither the IAS or the Sea Org have a corporate entity. (I know that in the US, the IAS Trust is used to comply with IRS donation requirements).
Convoluted corporate structure for sure, but intriguing as to the complexity and thought that went into it.
This ‘set up’ was very specifically designed to be complex in order to make it near impossible to track the true power control lines and money flow of scientology. In Larry Brennan’s 21 page online declaration and affidavit both in voice and print Larry explains the ‘Corporate sort-out’ which was a sub–project to accomplish hubbard’s ability to come out of his ‘run from the law’ and hiding and walk free from the law even though he was inuring millions of dollars from the scientology entities. That overall project, was called “All Clear” and it in my opinion a template for what scientology does even today to evade justice.
http://www.lermanet.com/reference/brennan-dec.pdf
and on youtube you may find further details here https://www.google.com.ph/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjc9qyTztjNAhWBkZQKHaswA8gQtwIIIjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpwQIRHjJxV4&usg=AFQjCNG33l94_NF3NaxZJcH4HwI3FsFy_A
Probably useful for people who are sitting on the fence or people who have recently left to decompress faster.
Definitely useful. To people just escaping from the thought police, it’s verification of what you have been thinking but couldn’t say.
Mike’s site started an avalanche of thought for me.
Hi Mike, You always make each new day a treat with the informative and enlightening posts you continue to bring us.Thank you always from my heart.You have done something about it and you have carved a path for those out to walk on and re-gain their bearings,which takes time for each person I think.With strong admiration & love,Ann B.XO
Dave,
How are the footsteps of Hubbard working out for you?
Hi threefeetback, I love your post,thank you.XO
I too would highly recommend this show. It is really hard to believe that the author does not have at at least close second hand experience with Scientology. Aside from what is pointed out in this post, there are some crazy similarities:
The UR (Upper Rung) Meetings=OT Committee Meetings
The character of Sara being so highly regarded as an R7=OT7
The very real dilemma the character of Eddie has of his integrity or losing his family=disconnection
Lying to get out of more “unburdening” torture=giving something up to avoid more Sec Checking
The founder’s being referred to casually as Steve=Ron
I immediately Googled the question and read her claims that it was not based on it. My theory is that she probably did a lot of good research on Scientology. It is certainly easy to do these days. Obviously “borrowed” some things, but does not want to be labeled as a show based on Scientology in the wake of Going Clear, Ruthless, Troublemaker etc.
Oh well, a very entertaining show.
Oh yeah, that’s right! You made some really good points, especially his concerns about disconnection.
Dear Needlemen,
I’m binge watching it, and I’m on Ep 4, it’s well written, so much do parts of the storyline and incidents shown parallel Scientology movement’s behaviors and heartbreaking predicaments the members and younger ones are put through. Even has Police/FBI infiltrator into Meyers group.
Ep 2
Marriage counseling scenario transgression sharing …..
Hedge Fund follower regging (Feshbach’s anyone?) for drug rehab for a needy family member…..
Sarcastic simmering disaffection scene at the multi generational dinner table excellent content/writing by this show’s writers….the writers do grasp the predicaments and layers of membership vs newbies’ disaffection and lack of commitment newbies grapple through..
Govt officials (police detective I guess) scene mild snark comments about the volunteer minister showing up when FEMA hasn’t yet to “help” tornado disaster scene:
one character asks: “What group was it? Scientologists?”
other character answers: “Naw….”
Funny scene of current Meyerism cult leader (the Miscavige character) complaining about hypocritical rich “members”
Ep 3
Funny scene, the main cult boss top lady character talking to an innocent person who the cult has Shanghai’d to force a confession out of tells the imprisoned person about some nutrition juice in the confined room: “….That’s fresh juice. You want to drink it before it goes bad. It’s the only way it works…”
LOL, there are some great lines in this TV series, LOL. Translation, “You want to drink this Koolaid before it goes rancid and loses its power over you!”
Oh this series is rich with so much good material.
Does anyone know if Scientologists are being censored not to watch it?
If Scientology censors their members watching it, then it gives this series a stamp of approval meaning Scienotlogy believes it’s hitting too much of the truth that Scientology cannot tolerate.
It’s good that the producer/writers do not claim they are basing this on Scientology, since then Scientologists might just watch it and wise up, which would be a good thing.
This series ought to be in every Christmas stocking for all Scientologists!
The Path also has levels that can’t be discussed with lower-level cultists, the second-in-command guy is shifty and appears to be taking over the cult, and expressing doubts about the teachings will cause someone to be punished or ostracized.
two thoughts on this:
1. if it’s not too personal, i’d love to hear more about the insights you came away with, mike..
2. i think denying the scientology connection puts them in a (delightful) bind wherein if Diminutive Leader tries to challenge that assertion, he will be forced to admit that scientology has all those things you listed.
Good point. I love the strategy whether deliberate or not. It has the added benefit of slipping under the radar so that Still Ins could see it without being warned off first.
I think they made it just different enough for plausible deniability. It does help show folks that think it could never happen to them, just how easily it can happen.
Dear justmeteehee,
I agree, and the test of whether this series is censored or not, by Scientology, would show if Scientology feels it is too close for comfort.
Excellent TV series, I hope Scientologists who have TV privileges watch it thus, and the thoughts ought to sink in a little.
I will look for the PATH
Sounds like a Scientoogy made for TV knockoff.
Little children as MAA’s screaming at old people
would be an episode I will watch on my big screen.
Hi Jose, Classic Sir! ” Little children as MAAs screaming at old people” that does get my blood boiling but par for the course of the cult unfortunately.Thank you for your wit and insight.XO
Ann B.
Thankyou. The stories I could tell.
PATH is an example of ART imitating LIFE
An episode of the founder traveling in a Bluebird RV
sleeping amid piles of money I would crack open
a cold beer and order pizza.
Hi Jose, There is an image for the ages.Bluebird RV,Pizza,Beer, Ron and a bitter Defrocked Apostate SP -DB Jose Chung directing it all.Priceless! I could sit and listen to all your adventures.XO Always
Ann B.
I worked in Hollywood making movies, about 800 maybe 1,000
I almost was a Zombie in “Night of the Living Dead Part 2”
eventually on Discovery Channel Int. BBC and History Channel.
Maybe I will get a crack at a Scientology Movie, if so LRH will be a perfect double as well as D.M.
The Musical Chairs incident will be exactly as it happened.
I will dig up a ship to refit as the Apollo
Currently I’m on a show overseas then back home for a stand up
about a documentary.
Hi Jose, Fantastic,thank you.Musical Chairs! What an Apollo scene that will be!XO Ann B.
Thanks, Mike. I have a co- worker whose mother had left the Johovah Witnesses’ so she will probably find this interesting too. Her mother was shunned when she decided to leave the church too. Now that Game of Thrones is over for the season, it’s nice to have other recommendations.
We have also been watching “the Path” and are on episode 8 out of 10. Someone mentioned it here several weeks ago which sparked my interest. It really seems to be based on Scientology. It’s well-done and I’d also recommend it. – T.J.
I was public in Scientology from around 1975 and I left in 1993 after some training and auditing. Some friends of mine are still in it since that time. Some became physically sick and developed different illnesses. And one close to me has now diabetes and high blood pressure and it gets worse. I don’t understand how the heck they don’t make the link between those illnesses and Scientology while it seems so obvious. While Scientology is supposed to make you a healthy spirit in a healthy body, they experience the opposite and don’t even question about why this can be.
Hi Fox, Very pleased to meet you.That amazes me too,all theses illnesses that come down the road for cosers.I certainly have had my full share,however I think the statistics on various medical stuff that comes up with No family history on both sides at all,is interesting.Always,Ann B.
Of course they don’t question it. If they question it aloud they KNOW they have overts and everyone around them will suspect they have overts.
If they merely have the dim thought that this ain’t working, then they can vaguely think they might have overts but are able to thought stop themselves into quiet suffering.
Scientologists don’t have thoughts – they have absolutes! Total identification of everything they see, read or hear. They know it all because they have been told they do, plus they paid handsomely for the on/off switch, suppressed fear takes care of anything random or unseen.
If a corporate Scientology adherent ever thought about what they are really doing in and with Scientology they’d no longer be a Scientologist. It’s the unthinkingness of a Scientologist that holds them solidly in place and does them in.
Perhaps the only way others can possibly understand the scientology/sea org/born-in experience is through the lens of “fiction” —
Few really understand child abuse — but watching “Spotlight” gives someone an inkling.
Few really understand veteran post traumatic stress — “Heavy Metal Jacket” for one movies/shows have helped.
And so it goes.
Fiction, when it’s great fiction, leaves us with a broader view, a deeper understanding – some questions answered and new ones forming.
I just might watch this — although having lived the experience, possibly not.
Not long ago I asked my brother if he had seen “Going Clear” — and his response was — why would I, I lived it. He saw me “disappear” for 8 years, saw me leave then remarry someone in — and watched through the years as I’ve laboriously removed what I call “the GLASS SHARDS” from my mind.
Shrapnel is seen with an MRI — glass shards are invisible to one and all – including the person whose mind possesses them.
It is for this reason – these glass shards – that I applaud all who attempt to “show” their version of being in a cult.
But, to me, it’s important to always realize it IS their version.
Mine is different. As is the version of each of us. In out or never in.
Windhorse
Hi Windhorse, It is very good to see you.Your post is very sharp and I liked it.Each of us does have our own take on COS.We are so bound together with our stories because in my case I really needed a space to get my story out where I felt I could learn from others out as well.But yes each person walks their path.At least we can hold each other’s hands along the way if needed.XO Ann B.
W.H., Great point about fiction. And GREAT metaphor!
“Full Metal Jacket” is Stanley Kubrick’s Vietnam War movie masterpiece. Heavy Metal jacket is a bad fashion choice, mostly seen at Metallic concerts.
The Church of Scientology is more better known and understood by the world than it’s members would think it seems! 🙂
That is very true Lawrence. The Scientologist’s inability to even look at themselves reflects very much in their inability to observe the people of this world. Especially the internet literate enthusiast – event the older aged generation now have vast access to all sorts of information unheard of in their youth, let alone those brought up using the web. Probably most Scientologists have been “ordered” not to look at whatever Miscavige and his ethic’s officers deem entheta. Their bubble is… well… a bubble!
Quite interesting. I think the author denies the Scientology connection to avoid legal harassment. The JWs don’t have E-meters. Thanks for posting Mike, it sounds it’s a good way to show how people can fall in the trap of cults and end up as boiled frogs.
Thanks for sharing this Mike! We and the family are going to watch this asap.
IMHO – It is imperative that Scientologist’s that have left the Organization and want to get well from the mind fuck – obtain as much information as possible in order to fully deprogram.
This show will definitely help.
My wife and I enjoyed The Path. The cult in the path differs from Scientology somewhat. It uses psychedelic drugs ritually, which Scientology does not do.
I have seen it. Tech wise it has nothing to do with scientology but as a matter of PR it’s totally similar. The new leader is a son of a bitch but a little bit more human than Miscavige. Mike wrote the list of similarity. It looks like scientology as it became from 1982 on.
Before 1982 scientology did not have all the indicators of a cult. It’s like there is a “cult checklist” very nicely demonstrated in The Path.
Scientology today has a full pass to be a cult. Someone is owning it or what? I cannot not recall (sorry Mike I know you think he is nuts) “Model and scenario” written by Bill Robertson in Sector 9 which shows the ultimate step of attacks against non conform groups, it is the take over from inside, and at the end full destruction. There is a nice dialectic relation between anti-scientologist and Miscavige’s followers, they all fully degrade the subject to full oblivion.
The Path really describe scientology as it is today under Miscavige, but has strictly nothing to do with scientology as Hubbard wanted it.
Actually in The Path they make the difference between the old timer (who relly look like scientologist carracter) and new ones connected with this kind of new management, more robotic.
Really a very good and thrilling show.
But really I would say Miscavige is belonging to another show. He is fully similar to Ramsay Bolton.
But is dog will never eat him!
Bullshit. Scientology had the markings of a cult since 1965 and the release of KSW. “The leader is right and must never be questioned” is the surest sign of a cult available.
And let me remind you about one thing: Anonymous vowed to use any method available to destroy Scientology, including Scientology’s own methods. If there’s some kind of “dialectic relation” between us Anons and Scientology, that means we’re doing our job right. Tough shit if you don’t like it because you’re still drinking Hubbard’s Kool-Aid.
Very interesting answer. So you should by all mean be favorable to David Miscavige as he is destroying scientology.
Do you hate scientology because of the subject or because of the abuse?
If you hate scientology because of the subject then you can ally with Miscavige.
And I am not a kool aid… You are just a scientology hater, a kind of fascist like Miscavige.
With your stupid idea that scientology is homophobic.
Miscavige is homophobic, a real one. He hate gays !
Hubbard couldn’t care less. When he said in 1951 on Science of survival that homo were abarrated and should be audited, it was very mild and tolerant compared with the opinion of the society. The “wog” law at this time was that homo were criminal and should be given chemical castration or electric shock or being jailed !
I don’t know why you hate so much Hubbard, he is the wrong target. Miscavige should hang he is an imposter and is not a scientologist. And an ally to those who always wanted to destroy scientology.
Scientology before to be a church and a cult is a subject worth studying.
This is a “debate” that has been repeated over and over and is a waste of your breath (fingers)and it would be a waste for Espiando to respond to you. Nothing you say will change his view. Nothing he says will change yours. Calling him a fascist is just ignorant. Scientology HAS tried to “cure” gay away with auditing. That is a fact. The theory is that homosexuality is low on the Tone Scale and auditing raises you on the tone scale so you will no longer be gay.
Yes Mike, from 1982 when RTC arrive in power, gay were discriminated in scientology, refused on OT levels etc…
In the 1970 I knew plenty homosexual in scientology and they had no trouble. They were audited on the sublect only if they asked for it (many did, and mostly it doesn’t work as it is an arbitrary). But they never enforced it at this time. it was contrary to this bulletin in dianetics were Hubbard says that you never evaluate the aberration of the PC. The aberration of the PC is what the PC think in an aberration and want handle.
Those eval and break of the auditor’code occured when there was RTC and Miscavige.
WRONG FG, El Ron discriminated against gays from 1950. I knew a gay who was refused his OT levels in the 70’s. BY ORDER OF EL CON.
Now, go seek REAL professional mental health treatment.
The last sentence in the book dianetics, the modern science of mental health, 1950, is something like “better build a bridge”
if I recall correctly. Do your our due diligence to verify and report back.
Yes, the absolute non questioning of anything LRH ever said, that everything in Scientology was the absolute truth, and that one DID what the “group” demanded … yes, that is the subtext of Keeping Scientology Working, and the basis of giving up all individual thought and viewpoint and control over your own life. And ALSO yes, in the 70s, life on staff was even then kind of wacko; nutso games being played (you would all be amused at the specifics on these comments, believe me) and the dictatorial atmosphere and the fear that went along side that, ALWAYS lurking in the background and sometimes the foreground.
Having said that, I will mention ONE thing LRH said in the early 50s that I read on the BC for the first time which really indicated to me as truth and has a lot to do with why people stay in Scientology (or I should say, stayed back in the day, I have had no close contact with the CoS for almost ten years.)
And that is the point of the “aesthetic band” of the engram which LRH says holds it in place. Interesting concept, that what sticks someone to ANYTHING is the part they find beautiful. People who stay with a shit relationship because they still remember the falling in love part, etc. Watch Jason Beghe’s two hour rant against Scientology, and note his absolutely life changing win on his first day on course, finding something he’d been looking for his whole life. And you can see why h stayed all those years.
I joined staff at 19 in 1970. We had no disconnection then,openly gay guys on staff and course, no regging for anything other than training and processing, no international events, etc. I never saw any discouragement of being with non Scientologists. We had big parties every other Saturday night (lots of alcohol, sex and our very own rock ‘n roll band). LOTS of laughs and fun times.
BUT also a tremendous pressure to CONFORM of course and there was definitely heavy force (not physical force, but intimidation nonetheless) and invalidation used on those who weren’t “with game.” PERSONAL OPINIONS ABOUT SCIENTOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT WERE NOT TO BE VOICED AND FRANKLY, ONE QUICKLY GOT IN THE HABIT OF NOT EVEN THINKING THOSE THINGS! And you were expected to “compy” with your seniors. I got into “big trouble” twice for being rebellious.
So, while I haven’t seen The Path yet, Scientology in “the olden days” was not a continual “downer” as it tended to be later on. Heck, even on course in 2005, I was enjoying myself. BUT … say ONE thing not “allowed” or ONE disagreement (which I instinctively knew never to ever think about saying) and THERE WAS TROUBLE ON YOUR DOOR STEP.
My point really, was that the Scientology experience was a very diverse one for any person, certainly 45 years ago. From scanning a couple of facebook old timers (who would never speak to me of course, as I’m an “SP”), it seems that this is still the case, they claiming great wins still.
But tthose who really dig the Scientology experience today of course are fewer and fewer as the world wide active membership sinks below 20,000. And I suspect the membership will continue to shrink as any potential member learns about the mind and behavioral control that one is subjected to in “he church.”
Excellent analysis, thanks for this post. It really made sense to me and helped me to understand.