1. Scientology, Dianectics & L. Ron Hubbard
2. What Christians Need to Know about Scientology
3. Scientology Front Groups
4. Church Wields Celebrity Clout
Scientology, Dianetics And L. Ron Hubbard
The Total Freedom Trap:
Scientology, Dianetics And L. Ron Hubbard
by Jon Atack
Introduction
"Scientology is a religious philosophy in its highest meaning as it brings man to Total Freedom."
- L. Ron Hubbard, Religious Philosophy and Religious Practice, 21 June 1960, revised 18 April 1967.
"An endless freedom from is a perfect trap, a fear of all things ... Fixed on too many barriers, man yearns to be free. But launched into total freedom he is purposeless and miserable."
- L. Ron Hubbard, The Reason Why; 15 May 1956.
`The work of L. Ron Hubbard has been surrounded by controversy since he first announced his "modern science of mental health" in 1950. His followers assert that he is not only the reincarnation of Buddha but also Maitreya, who according to Buddhist legend will lead the world to enlightenment.
To Scientologists, L. Ron Hubbard is quite simply the wisest, the most compassionate and the most perceptive human being ever to draw breath.
Yet, Hubbard was dubbed "schizophrenic and paranoid" by a California Superior Court judge, and Scientology dismissed as "immoral and socially obnoxious" by a High Court judge in London. Scientologists have been convicted of criminal offences in Canada, the USA, Denmark and Italy.
An enormous amount of documented evidence demonstrates that Hubbard was not what he claimed to be, and that his subject does not confer the benefits claimed for it.
The Church of Scientology is an enormously wealthy, global organization, with over 270 churches and missions. Using profoundly invasive hypnotic techniques, Scientology has managed to inspire the at times fanatical devotion of tens of thousands of previously normal and intelligent people.
2 INVOLVEMENT
Most people come to Scientology when their lives are in crisis. Scientology uses manipulative recruiting techniques to heighten vulnerability, and falsely promises a solution for almost any problem. From the beginning, the new recruit is subjected to techniques which induce euphoria. The desire for this euphoric state can be likened to a drug addiction, often rendering members all but incapable of critical thinking with regard to Scientology.
The Church of Scientology very rapidly comes to dominate the member, prohibiting contact with anyone hostile to the movement, and insisting that a huge conspiracy exists which is intent upon destroying Scientology. The mark of a fanatic is the inability to even consider evidence. Unfortunately most Scientologists simply close their eyes and ears to criticism.
3 L. RON HUBBARD
"The evidence portrays a man who has been virtually a pathological liar when it comes to his history, background and achievements. The writings and documents in evidence additionally reflect his egoism, greed, avarice, lust for power, and vindictiveness and aggressiveness against persons perceived by him to be disloyal or hostile." -California Superior Court Judge Breckenridge, speaking of L. Ron Hubbard, in a 1984 decision.
Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, creator of Dianetics and Scientology, was born in the United States, in 191l. Hubbard claimed he could ride before he could walk, and that he was riding broncos at the age of three-and-a-half, by which time he could also allegedly read and write.
He also claimed to have been a bloodbrother of the Blackfoot Indians by the age of four. However, the Blackfoot Indians dismiss " bloodbrothers" as a Hollywood fantasy, and there is no more truth in Hubbard's other boasts. His early life was undistinguished, and one childhood friend recalls that Hubbard was actually afraid of horses. Hubbard asserted that his grandfather was a wealthy cattle-baron. Factually, Lafayette Waterbury was a small town veterinarian, who ran a series of failing businesses.
Hubbard said that his interest in the human mind was sparked by a meeting with Commander Thompson, a U.S. Navy doctor, when he was twelve. However, Hubbard's extensive teenage diaries-used as evidence in a California court case-show no interest in psychological or philosophical ideas.
Hubbard told his followers that he spent five years between the ages of fourteen and nineteen--travelling alone in China, Mongolia, India and Tibet, and studying with holy men. He did not actually visit Mongolia, India nor Tibet. His two visits to China were short excursions in the company of his mother. Hubbard confessed the brevity of his Chinese stay in an interview with Adventure magazine in 1935.
Hubbard was nineteen when he entered George Washington University, where he intended to major in Civil Engineering. He failed to qualify for the third year of the course, because his grades were too low. It would later be claimed that Hubbard had degrees in both civil engineering and mathematics. He graduated in neither, and his grades in mathematics were very poor. While at University, Hubbard also failed a short course in "molecular and atomic physics", which prompted his ludicrous assertion that he was "one of America's first Nuclear Physicists".
4 EXPEDITIONS
During his last semester at University, Hubbard arranged the "Caribbean Motion Picture Expedition". It was later asserted that this expedition provided "invaluable data" to the University of Michigan and the Hydrographic Office, neither of which have any record of it. In fact, the trip was announced in the University newspaper under the heading "L. Ron Hubbard Heads Movie Cruise Among Old American Piratical Haunts".
In the event, the expedition reached only three of its sixteen proposed ports of call, failing to take any Film. In a 1950 interview, Hubbard dismissed it as "a two-bit expedition and a financial bust".
Hubbard's second supposed expedition was described by him as the "first complete mineralogical survey" of Puerto Rico. Again, there are no records of such a survey, because Hubbard seems to have spent most of his time in Puerto Rico prospecting unsuccessfully for gold. He worked briefly as a civil engineer's assistant before returning to the U.S.
In February l940, Hubbard talked his way into membership of the Explorers' Club of New York and was awarded an expedition flag for his proposed "Alaskan Radio Experimental Expedition". Hubbard was trying out a new system of radio navigation, and used the "expedition" to beg equipment to refit his 32-foot ketch, the Magician. Claims made by the Scientologists that the expedition was commissioned by the U.S. government are unfounded.
Writing to the Seattle Star in November 1940, Hubbard complained that the "expedition" had been hindered by repeated failures of the Magician's engine. Hubbard and his first wife spent most of their time stranded in Ketchikan, Alaska, while he tried to write enough stories to pay for costly engine repairs. Eventually, he used borrowed money to leave Alaska - money he failed to repay.
5 PULP FICTION
The Scientologists have claimed that upon leaving college Hubbard "went straight into the world of fiction writing and before two months were over had established himself in that field at a pay level which, for those times, was astronomical".
Factually, it took Hubbard several years to make even a precarious living from his writing. He wrote under such stirring pen names as Rene Lafayette, Tom Esterbrook, Kurt von Rachen, Captain B.A. Northrup, and Winchester Remington Colt. Under the name Legionnaire I48, Hubbard concocted "true" stories about his supposed exploits in the French Foreign Legion, but mainly he churned out adventure stories for the cheap "pulp" magazines.
He contributed to many such magazines, including Thrilling Adventures, The Phantom Detective and Smashing Novels Magazine, eventually turning to science-fiction and writing chiefly for Astounding Science Fiction. His pulp stories include `The Carnival of Death", "King of the Gunmen" and "Man-Killers of the Air". By the time he created Dianetics, in 1950, he was writing imaginative, if rather unstylish, science-fiction, and exploring ideas which he would later incorporate into Scientology.
6 THE WAR YEARS
Hubbard's eyesight had prevented his admission to the U.S. Naval Academy, prior to his enrolment at University. In 1941, he was accepted into the Navy Reserve after receiving a waiver for his inadequate vision.
Many outlandish claims were made by Hubbard about his achievements while in the U.S. Navy. For instance, he bragged that he had been the first returned casualty from the Far east. In fact, he was shipped to Australia in December 1941, and he sufficiently antagonised his superiors to be returned to the U.S. after only a few months. After his return, in March 1942, Hubbard was posted as a mail censor in New York.
The Scientologists have boasted that Hubbard "rose to command a squadron". Factually, he oversaw the refitting of two small vessels in U.S. harbours. His second such command was withdrawn after a cruise down the west coast. During the course of this journey, Hubbard managed to involve a number of craft in a 55-hour battle against what he believed to be two Japanese submarines. The incident was reviewed by Admiral Fletcher who pronounced "an analysis of all reports convinces me that there was no submarine in the area ...The Commanding Officers of all ships except the PC-815 (commanded by Hubbard) state they had no evidence of a submarine and do not think a submarine was in the area."
Hubbard completed this "shakedown cruise" by firing on a fortunately uninhabited Mexican island. He was removed from command, and Rear Admiral Braisted wrote in a fitness report, "Consider this officer lacking in the essential qualities of judgment, leadership and cooperation. He acts without forethought as to probable results ... Not considered qualified for command or promotion at this time. Recommend duty on a large vessel where he can be properly supervised."
The advice was followed, and Hubbard served briefly as a navigation officer aboard the USS Algol, before its departure from U.S. waters. Hubbard was one of hundreds of officers transferred to the School of Military Government on the Campus of Princeton University. This was to lead to Hubbard's later and completely false boast to have graduated from Princeton. In a more candid moment, Hubbard said that he "flunked" his overseas examination.
7 WAR WOUNDS
At different times, anywhere from 21 to 27 medals have been claimed for Hubbard, including a Purple Heart, awarded only to those wounded in combat. Not only was Hubbard not wounded, but apart from his imaginary submarine battle, he never saw combat. He received four routine service medals for his duty in Australia and the U.S.
In an article called "My Philosophy", Hubbard claimed to have been "blinded with injured optic nerves, and lame with physical injuries to hip and back, at the end of World War II ... My Service record stated ... `permanently disabled physically'." Elsewhere, Hubbard said that a few days before the end of the war, he managed to get the better of three petty officers in a fight in Hollywood.
In contradictory accounts, Hubbard claimed to have spent either one or two years at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, developing Dianetics and curing his injuries through its use. The origin of Dianetics is obscured by conflicting Scientology accounts, which variously assert that his recovery came in 1944, 1947 or 1949.
Factually, Hubbard spent the last months of the war largely as an outpatient at Oakland Naval Hospital. His chief complaint was an ulcer, though between his admission to hospital and his separation from the Navy his eyesight deteriorated markedly. This visual deterioration became part of his pension claim to the Veterans Administration.
8 SEX MAGICK
With his separation from the Navy, Hubbard abandoned his first wife and their two young children to take up the practice of "Magick". Hubbard had experienced a peculiar hallucination in 1938, while under nitrous oxide during a dental operation. He believed that he had died during the operation and while dead been shown a great wealth of knowledge. Upon his recovery, he wrote a book called Excalibur, but was unable to find a publisher.
Hubbard's interest in the occult also led to a brief membership in a Rosicrucian group. He told a friend that he believed himself protected by a guardian spirit whom he called "the Empress"; and he was to repeat this claim to one of his followers many years later. In 1945, Hubbard took up with Jack Parsons, head of the Pasadena lodge of Aleister Crowley's Ordo Templi Orientis.
Crowley styled himself "the Beast 666", servant of the Antichrist, and advocated the use of addictive drugs and bizarre sexual practices. Jack Parsons was a chemist and an early member of Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, but his passion was Magick (as Crowley respelled the word). Hubbard and Parsons performed sexual ceremonies to summon a woman willing to become the mother of "Babalon", the incarnation of evil.
The affair ended with Hubbard running off not only with Parsons' girl Sara, but also with his money. Hubbard married Sara Northrup bigamously, and started to write pathetic letters applying for a war pension. In October 1947, when according to later accounts he had "cured" himself through Dianetics, Hubbard admitted to suicidal tendencies and begged for psychiatric help in a letter to the Veterans Administration.
Hubbard continued to perform black magic rituals and started to use self hypnosis, confiding to his notebook such hypnotic affirmations as "all men are my slaves". His personal papers also make it clear that he was deliberately pretending war-related ailments so that he could claim a pension increase.
By this time, Hubbard was already addicted to the barbiturate drugs originally prescribed for his ulcer. His drug use continued during his Scientology career, even though he was to sponsor the Scientology anti-drug group Narconon. Although Dianetics claims to overcome compulsions with ease, Hubbard was unable to kick the tobacco habit, and chain-smoked over 80 cigarettes a day.
9 DIANETICS
"Hypnotism was used for research, then abandoned." - L. Ron Hubbard, Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health.
Hubbard gave stage demonstrations of hypnosis in 1948, and wrote to his literary agent about a new project with many selling "angles". Marrying hypnotic technique to research long abandoned by Freud, Hubbard came up with Dianetics. In 1950, he modified the hypnotic technique without further "research" to write the book Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health.
In a 1909 lecture, Freud explained a method for uncovering traumatic memories. Patients were asked to recall earlier and earlier life incidents on a "chain" until the emotional "charge" was released. Hubbard not only took the technique, he even retrained several of the expressions used by the translator of these lectures. Freud had abandoned the technique, because it was laborious and completely failed to uncover key repressions. In fact, after sometimes providing initial relief, Dianetics all too often deteriorates into the dangerous conviction that entirely imaginary incidents are literal truth.
Hubbard took Freud's technique, added a little of the then- popular General Semantics, and asserted that the "basic" or original traumatic incidents had occurred in the womb. In this he was following the work of Otto Rank, Nandor Fodor and J. Sadger. Hubbard also asserted that it was actually possible to recall prenatal incidents, right back to conception (the "sperm dream''). Fodor too had written of prenatal memory.
Hubbard redefined the existing term "engram" as a label for traumatic incidents where the individual has lost consciousness. Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health proclaims that by "erasing" the engrams, the individual is freed from compulsions, obsessions, neuroses, and such conditions as heart trouble, poor eyesight, asthma, colour blindness, allergies, stuttering, poor hearing, sinusitis, high blood pressure, dermatitis, migraine, ulcers, arthritis, morning sickness, the common cold, conjunctivitis, alcoholism and tuberculosis. Hubbard soon claimed cures for cancer and leukaemia.
No scientific evidence for these claims has ever been produced.
Once the first engram (or "basic-basic") has been erased, the individual is supposedly "Clear", free from all deficiencies, and possessed of a high IQ. After repeated challenges, Hubbard eventually put a Clear on show in August 1950, at the Shrine Auditorium, in Los Angeles. Despite Hubbard's claims that a Clear would have "a near perfect memory", the woman, a Physics major, was unable to remember a basic physics formula. She could not even recall the colour of Hubbard's tie when his back was turned.
Dianetics sold 150,000 copies before being withdrawn from sale by its publisher. The American Psychological Association cautioned would-be Dianeticists that no scientific evidence for the many claims made in Dianetics had been forthcoming. There can be no doubt that Hubbard had invented both cases and statistics to write the book.
Hubbard's following diminished as people realised that his claims were grossly exaggerated, and with the collapse of the first Dianetic Foundations and Hubbard's second marriage. Sara Hubbard charged that her husband had tortured her with sleep deprivation, drugs and physical attacks. She claimed that he had once strangled her until the eustachian tube to her left ear ruptured, leaving her hearing inpaired. Hubbard fled to Cuba, after seizing their baby daughter, in what proved to be a successful attempt to silence Sara.
With the backing of millionaire Don Purcell, Hubbard was able to return to the United States, where Sara accepted a divorce settlement. She withdrew her earlier claims, in return for their infant daughter, whom she had not seen for several months.
The new Wichita Foundation soon ran into trouble, and Hubbard abandoned it to its creditors, accusing Don Purcell - who had earlier saved him - of accepting $500,000 from the American Medical Association to ruin him. This was far from the last display of paranoia of Hubbard's part.
10 SCIENTOLOGY
"We've got some new ways to make slaves here."
-L. Ron Hubbard, Philadelphia Doctorate Course lecture 20, 1952.
February 1952 found Hubbard penniless, and stripped of both the rights to Dianetics and most of his following. One of his associates stole the mailing lists of the Wichita Foundation, and Hubbard started to send out ridiculous attacks upon the Foundation and increasingly pathetic requests for money.
He also gave the Hubbard College lectures to a tiny audience, and within six weeks had created a new subject apparently out of thin air. He was later to admit his admiration for Aleister Crowley ("my very good friend") and in fact the fundamentals of Scientology have much in common with Cowley's "magickal" ideas-mixed in with a large helping of science fiction.
With Scientology, Hubbard asserted that we are all spiritual beings ("thetabeings", and later "thetans"), who have lived for trillions of years, incamating again and again. He claimed that through the use of his new techniques, anyone could achieve supernatural powers. In 40 years, no scientific evidence has been provided for these claims.
During the Hubbard College lectures, Hubbard also introduced the Electrometer, or E-meter, designed by Dianeticist Volney Mathison. The E-meter is actually a lie detector, closely related to the machine used in police polygraphs in the US.
In Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health, Hubbard claimed "Dianetics cures, and cures without, failure". Two years later, he dismissed these earlier techniques as "slow and mediocre". He now claimed that with Scientology, "the blind again see, the lame walk, the ill recover, the insane become sane and the sane become saner".
11 MENTAL SCIENCE BECOMES RELIGION
"l'd like to start a religion. That's where the money is." -L. Ron Hubbard to Lloyd Eshbach, in 1949; quoted by Eshbach in Over My Shoulder.
In several conversations in the late 1940s, Hubbard had assured listeners that the best way to get rich was to start a religion. By the time of his death, in 1986, it is alleged that Hubbard had amassed a personal fortune of over $640 million through Scientology (despite claims that he didn't even take a royalty from his books).
In April 1953, Hubbard wrote to one of his deputies asking what she thought of "the religion angle". Later that year, he incorporated the Church of Scientology, which was licensed by his Church of American Science. The incorporation was kept secret, so that Hubbard could distance himself from it.
It was only in the late 1960s, with increasing criticism of its methods by western governments, that Scientology retreated behind the trappings of religion. Scientology "ministers" take a course in comparative religion based upon a single book, and read the few ceremonies written by Hubbard. Their training takes a few days. They dress in imitation of Christian ministers, including a dog collar and a Christian-seeming cross. In fact, the cross is a Scientology cross, which clearly imitates that of Hubbard's role model, magician Aleister Crowley. It is actually a satanic "crossed out" cross.
12 THE PERSONALITY TEST
Scientology recruits most of its followers from the street by offering a free personality test. The Oxford Capacity Analysis (OCA) was written by a Scientologist who was a former merchant seaman, with no psychological training. It has no connection with Oxford University, and derives ultimately from the Johnson Temperament Analysis Profile.
The current 200 question test provides Scientology with detailed personal information. In the past, the Church of Scientology has proved more than willing to use supposedly confidential information against former members.
In I991, a letter to Scientology recruiters offered a course teaching "how to tell people the results of their OCA so that they will reach for Scientology". Another internal document says that the Test Evaluator "is to point out to the person by means of a personality test evaluation what is ruining his life, and to show him how Scientology can save him from that ruin ... when you point out a low score ... say `Scientology can handle that'." The test is designed to ensure that very few people have an acceptable personality profile.
Scientology sales staff ("registrars") are extensively trained and drilled in hard-selling techniques. The first stage of recruitment is to focus the person's attention on the most distressing areas of his or her life (the "ruin"). Hypnotherapists might call this an "emotional induction". Any intense emotion tends to overwhelm critical thinking. The coolness of rational thinking is distinct from the heat of the emotions. The recruiter then plays upon the person's fear that the condition will worsen. Then the "solution" of Scientology is offered.
Whatever the problem is, the immediate solution will almost always be a Communication Course, and indoctrination into Hubbard's ideas about Suppressive Persons".
13 TECHNIQUES
"Scientology is evil; its techniques evil; its practice a serious threat to the community; medically, morally and socially." -Report of the Board of Inquiry into Scientology for the state of Victoria, Australia, 1965.
While the basic ideas of Scientology had nearly all been expressed W by the end of 1952, Hubbard continued to pour out new techniques that were "guaranteed" to cure all human ills. He borrowed from many forms of therapy and meditation to create an elaborate "Bridge" which he claimed led to "total freedom".
Scientology indoctrination usually begins with the Communication Course Training Routines or `"TRs". These are supposed to enhance the ability to communicate, but have been called by one expert "the most overt form of hypnosis used by any destructive cult".
In the first TR, two people sit silently facing each other, with their eyes closed. In the second, they stare at each other, sometimes for hours on end, inducing hallucinations and an uncritical euphoria.
In the next stage, TR-0 Bullbait, the student has to sit motionless, while the "coach" does everything possible to disturb him or her. The student progresses to reading aloud disconnected phrases from Alice in Wonderland, and then to acknowledging statements read out at random from the same text. Then comes TR-3, where the student repeatedly asks the coach either "Do fish swim?" or "Do birds fly?". In the last "Communication Course" Training Routine, the student again asks one of these questions repeatedly, learning not to be distracted by anything the coach says or does.
Repetition is another way of inducing an altered or trance state. Following these procedures definitely makes the individual more susceptible to direction from Scientology.
From the Communication Course, the new recruit will usually go onto the "Purification Rundown", after a meeting with a Scientology salesperson, who convinces the recruit that the Rundown is well worth the high price demanded for it. Those on the "Purification Rundown" take extremely high doses of vitamins and minerals, and combine running and sauna treatment for five hours each day. Such high doses of vitamins can create various physiological reactions, including drug-like experiences. Hubbard attributed these reactions to stored drugs and pollutants being removed from the body. He even made the ridiculous claim that LSD lodges in fatty tissue. As LSD is both highly unstable and water soluble, this is impossible, but it shows Hubbard's usual scientific ignorance. The heat exhaustion brought on by the sauna can lead to euphoric experiences, yet again weakening critical thinking.
The sequence of steps on the Scientology Bridge has changed from one year to the next. After the "Purification Rundown' - and another interview with a salesperson-the recruit might well go on to the "Hubbard Key to Life Course" (at a cost of[[sterling]]4,000 or $8,000). This supposedly undercuts all previous education by returning the individual to the basics of literacy. Factually, because it treats all clients as pre-school children, it tends to cause age regression, making people yet more susceptible to Scientology.
From the "Hubbard Key to Life Course," the individual moves on to the "Hubbard Life Orientation Course" and thence to the "Objective Processes."
There are several hundred Scientology counselling procedures or "auditing processes". The "Objectives" were first introduced in the 1950s. Hubbard asserted that it is necessary to show the individual that reactive impulses can be controlled by being put under the control of another person (the Scientology "auditor"). This might be more simply termed "mind control". On the Objective Processes, the individual is given strict orders to repeat an overwhelmingly tedious cycle of behaviour.
In "Opening Procedure by Duplication", for example, the auditor and the client or "pre-clear" are alone in a room with a table at either end. On one table is a book, on the other a bottle. The preclear will be instructed, with unvarying wording, to look at the object at the other side of the room, to walk over to it, to pick it up and to identify its colour, weight and temperature. Sessions often run to two hours, and cases of 18 such sessions for this single "process" are not unheard of. Eventually, this arduous ritual leads to a sensation of floating, believed to be "exteriorisation from the body" in Scientology-but a common side effect of hypnotic trance. The Scientology Bridge is laid out in a series of steps, or grades, each with a purported result. On Grade Zero, for example, clients are meant to achieve the ability to "communicate freely with anyone on any subject". A Grade One "release" is supposedly without problems.
In 1959, Hubbard introduced "security checking", where Scientologists are interrogated, having to answer long, prepared lists of questions about their moral transgressions. The E-meter is used as a lie detector throughout these "sessions". A careful record is kept of all confessions, and this has proved to be a highly effective means of silencing dissidents.
This procedure, renamed "integrity processing", using exactly the same lists of questions as the earlier "security checks", finds a place on Grade ' Two, and is frequently repeated beyond it (at a cost ranging from [[sterling]]130 to [[sterling]]260, or $250 to $500, per hour). Scientology presumes that any of its members might become a security risk at any time. There is justification for this suspicion, as thousands have left the movement, including many leading lights.
There are two further release grades, before the "preclear' starts on the current form of Dianetic auditing. In New Era Dianetics, the preclear is asked to re-experience incidents from "past lives", which can lead to strange delusions on the part of Scientologists, compensating for the shortcomings of their real lives. Through Dianetics, preclears are supposed at last to be-
Clear, with the realization that they no longer need their "Reactive minds", where engrams are supposedly stored.
Once "Clear", they are ready for the Advanced Courses of Scientology, the "Operating Thetan" or "OT" levels.
14 THE SECRET LEVELS
In 1952, Hubbard claimed that after Scientology auditing and indoctrination anyone would become "capable of dismissing illness and aberration from others at will". Scientologists have undertaken hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of hours chasing this illusion and Hubbard's often-repeated promises of supernatural abilities. In the late 1960s, Hubbard released his Operating Thetan levels. An Operating Thetan is an individual supposedly capable of "operating" without need of a body, and Hubbard made many sugared claims for his extremely expensive OT levels.
The OT levels are kept secret by the Church of Scientology; however, the contents of most have long since been public knowledge. The first OT level consists of a series of drills, such as walking along the street counting people until one feels euphoric and has some sort of "realization". In 1992 "OT section 1 " was listed at [[sterling]] 1,000 or $2,200.
On the second level (costing [[sterling]]2,000 or $4,200) the "pre-OT" battles with seemingly endless lists of phrases and their contradictions ("l must exist" and "l mustn't exist", for example), often having to imagine seeing a light and feeling a shock at each phrase. At least one victim endured 600 hours of this mindnumbing ritual.
The pre-OT parts with a "minimum donation" of [[sterling]]3,400 or $7,200 to traverse the OT 3 "wall of fire". On OT 3, the recipient is assured that 75 million years ago the Earth was part of a Galactic Confederation ruled by an evil prince called Xenu. The Confederation suffered from massive overpopulation, so Xenu devised a scheme whereby the peoples of some 76 planets were shipped to earth and annihilated. The spirits or thetans of these victims were exploded, by putting H-bombs in volcanoes, and gathered on "electronic ribbons". Then they were "implanted" for 36 days with images of the future societies of Earth. According to Hubbard, all cultures and religions since derive from these hypnotic implants. He said, for example, that Christ is an illusion implanted at this time.
After implanting, the thetans were packaged together in clusters, and, according to OT 3 everyone alive is a mass of such clusters. The levels from OT 4 to 7 also deal entirely with these clusters and the body thetans which make them up. Anyone hearing of this material will supposedly become ill and die within days. However, towards the end of his life, Hubbard wanted to release the story (certainly one of his best) as a movie, to be called "Revolt in the Stars".
The contents of OT 8, released after Hubbard's death, and the highest level so far available, have been shrouded in secrecy. OT 8 is only available aboard Scientology's cruise ship, the Freewinds, after extensive Security Checking has ensured unquestioning dedication to Hubbard and his teachings. One former member asserts that the level deals with the individual's relationship to the divine. Rather than addressing the deity through prayer, however, the Scientologist is asked to remember times in former incarnations when he or she encountered God. The individual is then to remember what problems were solved by believing in God (the "prior confusion" which made them vulnerable to belief). In this way, belief in God is undermined.
On OT 8, Scientologists are allegedly taught that they exist in parallel universes, and are told to disconnect from their parallel selves. Finally, the Scientologist is to re-experience moments of his or her own creation, and discover any abandoned aspects of the self. This supposedly leads to a major realization about God. Former members who have suffered through this nonsense assert that the desired realisation is that Hubbard created all the living beings in the universe.. A leaked OT 8 Bulletin, which may or may not be genuine, claims that Hubbard is in fact the antichrist.
15 ETHICS
Hubbard stepped up his control over his followers in the mid1960s with the introduction of various so called "ethics" procedures. Anyone who criticises Hubbard or Scientology is labelled a "Suppressive Person", "SP" or "anti-social personality".
Scientologists who associate with anyone deemed an SP are termed "Potential Trouble Sources", and forbidden further auditing or training. Indeed, Scientologists can be ordered to cease communication with, or "disconnect" from, anyone considered unfriendly by the Church of Scientology.
"Disconnection" is virtually identical to the "shunning" practised by certain extreme fundamentalist groups.
Hubbard also introduced "ethics conditions" at this time, and gave "formulas" which are supposed to elevate one's ethical state. In the 1960s, Scientology staff put into "lower conditions" were deprived of sleep (often for several days), prevented from washing or shaving, forced to wear a black mark on one cheek, a chain or a dirty rag around the arm, and confined day and night to organization premises.
Hubbard put to sea with his closest followers in 1967. Aboard ship, anyone who displeased him was confined to the chain locker. Here the victim would crouch in bilge water and excrement in total darkness, surrounded by rats, sometimes for as much as two weeks without respite. Even children were put into the chain locker on Hubbard's order. In 1968, the chain locker punishment was -supplemented by "overboarding", where people, even nonswimmers, were hurled from the decks into the sea.
In 1973, Hubbard replaced these cruel and unusual practices with a new and profoundly effective form of humiliation-the Rehabilitation Project Force, or RPF. The RPF is still in use in Scientology organizations throughout the world. Those who fail to comply with orders, make mistakes or simply fall short of their production quotas are put onto the RPF. RPFers can only speak when spoken to, they are meant to eat table scraps, sleep even shorter hours than other staff, and comply immediately and unquestioningly with any order. They work a full day, doing physical labour, and are then expected to spend five hours confessing and hearing the confession of their RPF partner.
Only when they completely accept the authority of their superiors are they allowed to leave the RPF. Taming an individual in this way can take up to two years.
16 HARASSMENT-THE GUARDIAN'S OFFICE
"Our organizations are friendly. They are only here to help you". L. Ron Hubbard, `Dianetic Contract', 23 May 1969.
Through the 1950s, Hubbard advocated ever-stricter measures to deal with critics and defectors. Hubbard's Church has always campaigned actively against anyone who uses Scientology techniques without following orders and paying tithes. Speaking of a hypothetical splinter group in 1955, Hubbard wrote, "if you discovered that some group calling itself `precept processing' had set up ... in your area, you would do all you could to make things interesting for them ... The law can be used very easily to harass, and enough harassment ... will generally be sufficient to cause his [sic] professional decease. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly."
In 1958, Hubbard institutionalised intelligence gathering in his secret Manual of Justice, which says, "intelligence is mostly the collection of data on people...It is done all the time about everything and everybody." This was the prelude to the creation of Scientology's secret police force and intelligence agency, the Guardian's Office. An "ethics file" is kept on every Scientologist. It contains every embarrassing admission made during counselling, write ups of transgressions and "knowledge reports".
All Scientologists are expected to report even the slightest criticism made by their fellow Scientologists about Hubbard, his organization or his teachings. A Scientologist who fails to make such a report is subject to the same penalties as the original critic. This policy is based upon that used by the Nazis, turning everyone into an informer, loyal only to Scientology.
After the introduction of "Ethics" policies in 1965, many people left Scientology to join a splinter group called Amprinistics. An enraged Hubbard wrote, "Harass these persons in any Possible way", and urged that their meetings be broken up.
The large amounts of money demanded by Hubbard, and the severe treatment meted out to his followers, inevitably led to public concern. Enforced "disconnection" has torn many families apart. Scientology was castigated by a government inquiry in Victoria, Australia, in December 1965. In February the following year, Lord Balniel requested that the British parliament launch an Inquiry- Hubbard responded by setting up the Guardian s Office, and reinforcing his policy of "noisy investigation" into anyone who criticised Scientology. As Hubbard said, `The DEFENSE of anything is UNTENABLE. The only way to defend anything is to ATTACK."
The Guardian's Office attacked without pause.
The Guardian's Office (GO) existed to promote Scientology, to attack critics, and to keep members in line. The GO acted as an intelligence agency, infiltrating newspapers, psychiatric hospitals and even government agencies; and as an internal police force, silencing defectors. Very few former Scientologists have spoken out against the organization, knowing that every detail of their lives is kept in their Scientology "ethics files". There is much irrefutable evidence that these files have been used against former members. The Guardian's Office grew into a daunting force with 1,100 staff by 1982.
In a secret directive, Hubbard wrote, "we will successfully bring the following facts into public consciousness ... People who attack Scientology are criminals ... if one attacks Scientology he gets investigated for crimes ... If one does not attack Scientology ... one is safe."
The Intelligence or Information Bureau of the Guardian's Office, or G0, was modelled on Nazi spy master Gehlen's system. GO agents stole medical files, sent out anonymous smear letters, framed critics for criminal acts, blackmailed, bugged and burgled opponents, and infiltrated government offices stealing thousands of files (including Interpol files on terrorism, and files on the interchange of intelligence material between the U.S. and Canada). Critics were to be driven to breakdown or harassed into silence.
Eventually, in the early 1980s, eleven GO officials were imprisoned in the US, including Hubbard's wife, Mary Sue, and her deputy, the Guardian, Jane Kember. In July 1992, the Church of Scientology and three Scientologists were found guilty of criminal acts in Canada ten years before this conviction, the Office of Special Affairs had replaced the Guardian's Office.
The secret mission of both the Guardian's Office and its successor has been the discovery and elimination of the conspiracy which Hubbard believed was operating against him. At various times, Hubbard blamed Russian communism, neofascism, bankers, psychiatrists, the Internal Revenue Service and Christian priests for negative reports concerning Scientology.
His paranoid imagination saw enemies everywhere. As with all psychopaths, Hubbard was incapable of admitting error. He was oblivious to the anti-social nature of the practices which quite rightly provoke criticism of Scientology.
17 THE SEA ORGANIZATION
Having been asked to leave Rhodesia in 1966, and fearing British government action (he was later banned from entry), Hubbard fled to Las Palmas and created the Sea Organization. For eight years, from 1967 to 1975, Hubbard and his retinue (numbering several hundred) plied the Mediterranean and the Atlantic in a flotilla of unseaworthy vessels. The incompetence of the crews led to many accidents.
Sea Organization members were put into pseudo-naval uniform, adopted naval ranks and signed a billion year contract to serve "command intention". The management of Scientology became a paramilitary organization, under the direction of "Commodore" L. Ron Hubbard. All "Sea Org" members are expected to receive martial arts and weapons training. One executive was later to boast publicly that management was "tough" and "ruthless". Compassion is virtually unheard of in Hubbard's voluminous teachings. Sea Org members work long hours (usually devoting over 90 hours per week to Scientology), for derisory pay. They often spend weeks or months restricted to a diet consisting entirely of rice, beans and porridge. Discipline is harsh, the withdrawal of pay and proper food preceding banishment from sleeping quarters (when staff are assigned to "pig's berthing').
Sea Org members have restricted access to their children, usually only being allowed to see them for an hour or two each week. Children are kept in the "Cadet Org," with the specified intention of making them into Sea Org members. Indeed, Sea Org children can start working for the organization by the age of twelve, sometimes securing high positions before their fifteenth birthdays. Children as young as eight have acted as auditors, taking the confessions of adults.
18 FRONT GROUPS
In 1966, Hubbard wrote, Remember, CHURCHES ARE LOOKED UPON AS REFORM GROUPS. Therefore we must act like a reform group." Since that time, tens of front groups have come into being, some to enhance the public repute of Scientology, others to recruit new members.
The World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WlSE) licenses Scientologists to use Hubbard material in their business training programmes. WISE members offer such programs with no indication that the material they use is Scientology. In the U.S., Sterling Management has been criticised for selling expensive courses to health professionals, who are then recruited unto Scientology. The Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE) sponsors "reform" groups such as Criminon (which indoctrinates prison inmates into Scientology), the Concerned Businessmen's Association, Cry Out! (which cashes in on concern for the environment), Applied Scholastics (which trains people in Hubbard's "Study Technology") and Narconon.
19 NARCONON
Narconon was started by convict and drug addict William Benitez, in the mid-1960s. It claims to be a rehabilitation programme for alcoholics and other drug addicts, and at different times and in different places has briefly won state support (withdrawn when the close association of Narconon to Scientology is revealed, or when the inadequacy of Narconon's methods is demonstrated). Narconon works alongside Scientology's "Say No to Drugs Campaign", and is advocated by Scientologist and former cocaine addict, Kirstie Alley.
For several years, Narconon has tried to establish a large centre on the Chilocco Indian reservation in Oklahoma In December 1991, the Oklahoma Mental Health Board denied certification to this centre, ruling that "there is no credible scientific evidence that the Narconon program is effective". The program was also judged "unsafe". The Board complained that not only was medical supervision inadequate, but that graduates of the program were immediately taken on as staff. In Narconon, alcoholics and other addicts are not educated about substance abuse, but are simply put through the program. The Board also complained that `"the Narconon treatment plan is general in nature, applies categorically to all students and is not individualised." The Board reported that Narconon did no follow up studies (which, of course, dismisses any claim to the program's efficacy), and had inadequate discharge Planing. There was also particular concern that Narconon clients, including alcoholics, are told that if they are not able to drink after the program, then the program is simply not complete. Hubbard's "Purification Rundown" is at the heart of the Narconon Program. The Purification Rundown supposedly rids the body of drug residues through massive doses of vitamins, and five hours a day of ruining and sweating in a sauna. The Oklahoma Mental Heath Board complained of inadequate control of sauna temperature, and warned of the potential dangers, particularly to heroin addicts, of sauna use.
The Board had no doubt that "Narconon employs staff inadequately educated and trained in the care and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse clients"; and was shocked to find that "Narconon permits clients under treatment for drug and alcohol abuse to handle and provide medications to fellow Narconon clients, to supervise the sauna treatment of fellow Narconon clients, and to supervise clients with psychiatric disorders." No mental health professionals are employed by Narconon.
The doses of vitamins are so high on the Purification Rundown that they become potentially dangerous (several vitamins are poisonous in high doses; and vitamin B1 can have a disorienting effect similar to that of certain drugs). The Oklahoma Mental Health Board was especially concerned about the use of vitamin B3 in the form of niacin, which in large doses has been connected with liver failure. "Large doses of niacin are administered to patients during the Narconon program to rid the body of radiation. There is no credible scientific evidence that niacin in any way gets radiation out of the patient's body. Rather, the more credible medical evidence supports the existence of potential medical risks to persons receiving high doses of niacin".
In a surprise move, in August 1992, the Oklahoma Board of Mental Health granted Narconon exemption from state certification, without withdrawing its earlier criticisms.
20 SCIENTOLOGY AND RELIGION
"Reference was made to some unusual features of membership and to the strong commercial emphasis ... Regardless of whether the members ... are gullible or misled or whether the practices of Scientology are harmful or objectionable, the evidence ... establishes that Scientology must, for relevant purposes, be accepted as `a religion' in Victoria." -Australian court ruling.
Hubbard claimed that Scientology is non-denominational and does not clash with any religion. The claim is preposterous. In his secret writings, Hubbard asserted that Christ is a fabrication, an implanted hypnotic suggestion. Yoga, and therefore Hinduism, he dismissed as "booby-trapped".. In one interview, he said that his favourite book was Twelve Against the Gods, where author William Bolitho called Mahomet a psychopath. Of course, the doctrine of reincarnation which is essential to Scientology, is unacceptable to Judaism, Islam or Christianity.
Hubbard claimed that Scientology is "twentieth century Buddhism". However, the essential doctrine of "anatta" or` no soul" is completely denied in Scientology, which believes in an immortal and unperishable ego or "thetan". Further, Hubbard dismissed Buddhism through his statement that "No culture in the history of the world, save the thoroughly depraved and expiring ones, has failed to affirm the existence of a Supreme Being."
Scientology contradicts the teachings of all of the major religions by propounding that great wealth is a virtue, a measure of spiritual success. Hubbard divided the "urges to survive" into eight "dynamics". These are survival as or through self, family and procreation, groups, mankind, life forms, the material, the spiritual and infinity or the Supreme Being. Hubbard claimed that to make a sensible decision, it was only necessary to determine the effect upon these "dynamics", and choose the route which benefited the greatest number. No special place is given to the eighth dynamic, or God,, in this scheme, so it is possible for a decision to be taken because it advantages the majority of the other seven dynamics. This practice is unconscionable to all who believe in God.
Hubbard also dismissed the notion of compassion. Scientologists believe that everything that happens to an individual is self generated, so the unfortunate are called ``victims'', who have ``pulled in'' their misfortune. Sympathy is frowned upon, and considered to be a "lower" emotional reaction than fear or anger. All transactions must receive a proper "exchange", so Scientologists do not tend to work for, or donate to, charities (other than their own front groups). As Hubbard put it, "When you let a person give nothing for something you are factually encouraging crime". Scientology induces contempt for all non-Scientologists, who are called "wogs" or "raw meat".
21 MANIPULATION
"When somebody enrols, consider he or she has joined up for the duration of the universe - never permit an `open-minded' approach ... If they enrolled, they're aboard, and if they're aboard they're here on the same terms as the rest of us - win or die in the attempt. Never let them be half minded about being Scientologists ... When Mrs. Pattycake comes to us to be taught, turn that wandering doubt in her eye into a fixed, dedicated glare .. The proper instruction attitude is `. . We'd rather have you dead than incapable. "' - L. Ron Hubbard, Keeping Scientology Working, 7 February 1965, reissued 27 August 1980.
Hubbard claimed to have studied hypnosis from his teens onwards. At the outset, he admitted that his Dianetic "research" was done using deep trance hypnosis. In the early days, he also admitted that the Dianetic procedure could be trance inducing. The term "hypnosis" has aroused much controversy. Probably the most exacting conceptual framework was made by hypnotherapist Milton Erickson, who asserted that hypnosis is an interaction between people which accesses altered states of consciousness.
Contemporary psychology accepts that most mental processes occur below consciousness. A hypnotherapist accesses the unconscious in an attempt to place beneficial suggestions therein which will have the same motivating force upon the individual as his or her own decisions. In hypnotherapy, the client gives permission for this process to occur. In Scientology, the process occurs without consent.
Hubbard asserted that everything that exists is a product of consciousness: Reality is agreement", "the universe is an agreed upon apparency". From this perspective, Scientology seeks to change the individual's perception of reality, and replace it with Hubbard's notions, at the same time pretending that the individual is becoming more aware, and more "self-determined". Scientology claims to be scientific, but factually, it is impossible to undertake "auditing" without submitting to beliefs which have not been scientifically validated, such as reincarnation, possession by spirits (or body thetans) and the existence and influence of "engrams".
Restrictions are put upon Scientologists to prevent them reaching a critical understanding of Scientology. Explanation of Hubbard's work is forbidden; the materials must be quoted exactly. Dissent from the materials is also forbidden then Scientologist's "realisations" in counselling must align with Hubbard's pronouncements about the nature of reality. Any disagreement with Hubbard or his teachings will lead the individual to the "Ethics Office", a department of Scientology's internal police force.
The Scientologist may not talk about his "case" or problems other than to his or her auditor, thus inhibiting close relationships. The "technology" of Scientology is and always has been right (even when Hubbard changed it every few months), and failure to achieve spectacular success (i.e., euphoric states) is always considered to be the fault of either the auditor or the preclear, never of the techniques. Scientologists are led to believe that criticism (unless made by Hubbard) always stems from guilt about one's own transgressions. The individual's attention is focused inwards and so deflected from consideration of Hubbard's or Scientology's faults.
Scientology procedures are comparable with those of hypnotherapy. In Training Routine 0, two people are supposed to sit looking at each other "for some hours". Visual fixation has long been accepted as a means of inducing altered or trance states. Repetition is another method of induction, and Hubbard admitted that a number of his procedures are mindnumbingly monotonous. It is possible in Scientology to sit for several hours answering the same single line question, the wording never varied, such as "From where could you communicate to a victim?"
Eventually, the individual's entire perception and belief system is over-ridden by Scientology. The Scientologist may not talk about the Operating Thetan levels, so is separated from most of humanity, believing malevolent spirits to be the real cause of all disability and conflict. Scientologists do not accept any other perception of reality than Hubbard's. Hubbard derided hypnotherapy, psychology, analysis, meditation and religious counselling, claiming that Scientology is the only effective system.
Staff members, especially those in the Sea Organization, become even more suggestible through long working hours, sleep deprivation, poor diet and regular doses of the Rehabilitation Project Force.
22 HARD SELLING
"Advanced Courses [in Scientology) are the most valuable service on the planet. Life insurance, houses, cars, stocks, bonds, college savings, all are transitory and impermanent ... There is nothing to compare with Advanced Courses. They are infinitely valuable and transcend time itself." -L. Ron Hubbard speaking of his "Operating Thetan Courses" Flag Mission Order 375.
Hard selling techniques are another aspect of the use of undue influence or destructive persuasion upon members. Clients of Scientology are harassed with demands for ever increasing "donations" for auditing and indoctrination Completion of the Scientology "Bridge" costs in the region of [[sterling]]200,000 or $350,000 (there are Scientologists who have paid even more). Many Scientologists have found themselves homeless and deeply in debt as a result of high pressure selling. Sales interviews can last for as much as 13 hours; and depend upon the sophisticated manipulation techniques described in Les Dane's Big League Sales Closing Techniques.
Another alarming aspect of Scientology's greed is the sale of Hubbard artefacts, called "Special Properties" limited editions of Hubbard books and anything signed by Hubbard. These artefacts are pushed onto Scientologists with the insistence that they are highly marketable commodities with great investment potential. ln reality, they are virtually worthless outside the confines of the Scientology world.
Outrageous amounts are charged for these items. One former member was induced to spend some [[sterling]]26,000 (of which [[sterling]]10,000 was borrowed), with promises that the value of these "Special Properties" would rocket. Despite making extensive enquires over a seven year period, the "Special Properties" have proved unsaleable at anything like the price originally charged. The former member purchased a single, signed photograph of Hubbard for over [[sterling]]8,000. This is not an isolated case. one Scientologist spent an incredible [[sterling]]90,000 on "Special Properties".
The Scientology organization pours out advertising material, ranging from simple leaflets to full-blown television campaigns. Although Hubbard was highly critical of psychology, he was perfectly willing to use the techniques of motivational research. Careful surveys detainment key words, symbols and colours to which potential customers will react, without critical thought. Hubbard bragged about the manipulative effect of these techniques.
Scientologists are expected to pay out thousands towards courses, and then have to purchsae ridiculously expensive books, course packs, E-meters, and tapes of Hubbard lectures as a prerequisite to taking each course. The tapes generally sell for about [[sterling]]30 each, and Hubbard gave thousands of lectures. Every Scientologist is expected to buy at least two E-meters, ranging from [[sterling]]700 to [[sterling]]2,750 each. The components from which an E-meter is constructed make up only a fraction of this cost.
23 SCIENTOLOGY LIES
"Handling truth is a touchy business ... Tell an acceptable truth." L. Ron Hubbard, The Missing Ingredient, 13 August 1970.
Scientology claims over 7 million members internationally, yet an internal membership report for 1987 showed only 40,000: There are also often repeated claims that Hubbard books have sold millions of copies. In fact, Hubbard books have been "hyped" onto best seller lists through carefully orchestrated campaigns. Scientology has probably managed to sell more copies of Hubbard's books than have been printed, by buying back and reselling. One book store even received a consignment which already had its own price labels on.
24 LITIGATION & FAIR GAME
In the 1960s and 70s, Scientology became notorious for its willingness to litigate. Such litigation was rarely successful, but made the media hesitant to report on Scientology, and caused many critics to withdraw. The pace of litigation slowed considerably with the decline of the Guardian's Office. Only major opponents are now sued. However, litigation against Scientology has increased. It has been reported that at the beginning of 1992, Scientology faced over 700 suits.
In his 1984 ruling in the California Superior Court, Judge Breckenridge stated, "In addition to violating and abusing its own members civil rights, the organization over the years with its `Fair Game' doctrine has harassed and abused those persons not in the Church whom it perceives as enemies."
In the Fair Game law; Hubbard asserted that those ajudged Suppressive by Scientology "May be deprived of property or injured by any means ... may be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed". The continuing use of Fair Game was also established in a London child custody case in 1984, and in a California Appeal Court judgment in 1989.
In this last decision, in the case of Larry Wollersheim versus the Church of Scientology of California, the court upheld Wollersheim's allegation that he had been subjected to Fair Game. Further, the judge ruled:
"...the Church's conduct was manifestly outrageous. Using its position as his religious leader, the Church and its agents coerced Wollersheim into continuing `auditing' although his sanity was repeatedly threatened by the practice ... Wollersheim was compelled to abandon his wife and family through the policy of disconnect. When his mental illness reached such a level he actively planned his suicide, he was forbidden to seek professional help."
In July 1992, the Church of Scientology was found guilty of infiltrating the Toronto, Ontario and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, along with the offices of Revenue Canada, the Ontario Attorney General and the state government.
Thousands of files had been stolen by Hubbard's espionage network.
25 THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF SCIENTOLOGY
As the Wollersheim case demonstrated, Scientology "auditing" can have a profoundly destructive effect After a survey of 48 groups, Conway and Siegelman reported that former Scientologists had the highest rate of violent outbursts, hallucinations, sexual dysfunction and suicidal tendencies. They estimated that full recovery from Scientology averaged at 12.5 years.
Members are entirely saturated with Hubbard's delusional and unscientific view of the universe. They come to see themselves as part of a small elite, harassed on all sides by a gigantic conspiracy. Scientologists speak and think in an elaborate language created by Hubbard (Scientology dictionaries run to over 1,000 pages of definitions). They are drilled to present a calm, cheerful appearance, whatever their real feelings. Most become "auditing junkies", unable to face life without regular "sessions". All aspects of the individual's life are invaded, as Hubbard held forth on almost every subject from business management to child rearing.
Scientology induces a phobic reaction towards mental health practitioners, so ex-members are usually unwilling to seek professional help in untangling themselves. This situation is compounded by the inability of most mental health practitioners to understand the cult experience. So most former Scientologists drift into other cult groups, or derivatives of Scientology such as est (the Forum or Landmark), Avatar, Dianasis, Re-Evaluation Co-Counselling, or Idenics.
Mental Health practitioners who have had contact with former Scientologists have diagnosed their condition as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. One psychiatrist has asserted that Hubbard reversed therapies used to reduce obsession, so creating obsessive disorders. Former members report a high incidence of Chronic Fatigue Disorder a lack of motivation and energy. However, as yet no research has been undertaken to confirm these reports.
26 GOVERNMENT ACTION
In June 1992, the Church of Scientology was found guilty of criminal activity by a Canadian jury. Membership in Germany's leading political party is now denied to Scientologist because of the policy of infiltration. Scientology is under investigation in France and Spain. In February 1992, the European Council endorsed a recommendation that the member nations of the EEC should fund information groups to educate the public about New Religious Movements. As yet no action has been taken.
27 HELP FOR MEMBERS
If a friend or relation becomes involved with Scientology, it is important not to attack their decision. A friendly, sympathetic attitude and a willingness to listen are very important. Showing the person material hostile to Scientology will generally only reinforce their infatuation, and make them more defensive and less willing to communicate.
Be honest but not aggressive with your concerns about Scientology.
Allow the person to talk without interruption about the benefits they feel they have received. In fact, allowing the person to talk is crucial, because the need to articulate ideas often clarifies thinking. Don't try to do their thinking for them. Don't interrupt or make sniping comments.
In a friendly environment, they will discover for themselves some of the contradictions inherent in Scientology. If prompted to look for such contradictions they may simply stop listening. When you are sure that the person does not feel threatened, ask if they are willing to look at material critical of Scientology, rather than just presenting them with the material.
Kidnap deprogramming is both morally offensive and illegal. It is also largely unsuccessful in Scientology cases. There are, however, a few consultants who will not resort to kidnapping and have a sufficient awareness of Scientology to be able to help members reconsider their involvement in a non-coercive environment.
28 FURTHER INFORMATION
Jon Atack, the author of this booklet, was a client of Scientology from 1974 to 1983. Since his resignation from the Church of Scientology, he has consulted to many leading newspapers and magazines, including the Sunday Times, Forbes magazine, Time, the Los Angeles Times and the Reader's Digest. In 1987, he was the main consultant to BBC TV's Panorama documentary. He has also consulted to TVS, Central TV, Granada TV, CBC, NBC, CBS and ABC.
Jon Atack's book, A Piece of Blue Sky (lSBN 0-8184-0499-X), is published by Lyle Stuart Books in the USA, and by Musson Book Company in Canada. A Piece of Blue Sky is a 400page history of Hubbard, his organisations and his techniques. It is available in the UK by calling 01342 316129 (0044 1342 316129 in the rest of Europe).
For a better understanding of Scientology beliefs and techniques, see Hubbard's Volunteer Minister's Handbook (lSBN 0-88404039-9).
For a better understanding of the manipulative nature of Scientology, see Steven Hassan's Combatting Cult Mind Control (lSBN 0-89281-243-5) and Thomas and Jacqueline Keisers' The Anatomy of lllusion (lSBN 0-39805295-6).
What Christians Need to Know about Scientology
by Margery Wakefield (1991)
Abstract: When new people are inducted into Scientology, they are often told that there is no inherent conflict between Scientology and any religion, including Christianity. But it is common for Scientologists to be less than truthful at the outset. By calming the new person's misgivings, they know that by the time the person has become fully indoctrinated, these misgivings will no longer matter.
In fact, there is no compatibility between Scientology and Christianity. As a belief system based on satanic principles, Scientology is diametrically opposed to Christianity. The truth is that you cannot be both a Christian and a Scientologist.
Contents
Introduction
L. Ron Hubbard as Liar
The Satanic Roots of Scientology
Scientology and Christianity
The Propaganda of Scientology
Appendix
Creation According to Scientology
The Creed of Scientology
Scientology Evaluated in the Light of Biblical Christianity
A Summary of the Main Differences Between Scientology and Christianity
Bibliography
For those of you whose Christian toes I may have stepped on, let me take the opportunity to disabuse you of some lovely myths. For instance, the historic Jesus was not nearly the sainted figure (he) has been made out to be. In addition to being a lover of young boys and men, he was given to uncontrollable bursts of temper and hatred.... You have only to look at the history his teachings inspired to see where it all inevitably leads. It is historic fact and yet man still clings to the ideal, so deep and insidious is the biologic implanting....
No doubt you are familiar with the Revelations section of the Bible where various events are predicted. Also mentioned is a brief period of time in which the arch-enemy of Christ, referred to as the anti-Christ, will reign and his opinions will have sway ... this anti-Christ represents the forces of Lucifer (literally, the "light-bearer" or "light-bringer"), Lucifer being a mythical representation of the forces of enlightenment.... My mission could be said to fulfill the Biblical promise represented by this brief anti-Christ period.
-- L. Ron Hubbard, Student Briefing, OT VIII Series I
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1. Introduction
The controversial Church of Scientology had its beginnings in 1950 with the publication of the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard.
According to Dianetic theory, the mind is composed of mental image pictures of every event in a person's life. Memories, or pictures, of painful events from the past containing pain or unconsciousness are known in Dianetics as "engrams." By recalling and "erasing" these memories a person can be restored to perfect physical and mental health and analytical functioning. A person whose engrams have all been erased is called a "Clear."
It is the purpose of Scientology to "clear the planet." In other words, that every person in the world will eventually be cleared of his engrams through Dianetic "processing."
By 1954, Hubbard had "discovered" that in order to be truly "clear," a person also had to erase all the engrams from his hundreds of past lives. The new science of Scientology was founded and organized as a religion to incorporate this belief. Sooner or later, most people in Scientology will begin to "remember" (imagine) their past lives.
Scientologists do believe in reincarnation, which is an occult belief.
According to the theology of Scientology, a person is actually an invisible entity, similar to the soul in Christianity. This entity in Scientology is known as the "thetan."
As the thetan becomes relieved of his engrams, he will regain the many godlike powers that are inherently his -- powers such as telepathy, "exteriorization" (the ability to be separate from his body with full perception), telekinesis (the ability to move objects with thought), etc. The belief in Scientology is that we were once godlike, and that we have deteriorated over time. The promise of Scientology is that through Scientology counseling, called "auditing," the person can regain these godlike abilities.
A thetan who has been restored to a godlike state is known in Scientology as an "operating thetan," or "OT" (pronounced "oh-tee"). People in Scientology spend exorbitant fees, sometimes as much as $1000 per hour, to attain the exalted state of OT.
Death in Scientology is known as "dropping the body." According to Scientology theory, when a person dies, he (the thetan, or spirit) has been pre-programmed to "return" to an "implant station" out in space. In the implant station, the thetan will have all memories from the most recent lifetime electronically erased, and then the thetan will be sent back to earth to "pick up a new body," or start another life.
But Scientology promises that with auditing, the person can erase this "return command" so that he will never again have to return to an implant station after death. He will then be a "free being," able to drop his body and pick up a new body with full consciousness and self-determinism.
Scientologists therefore believe that they are very ancient beings, with memories that reach millions of years into the past, and that they are inherently immortal, once the impediments to immortality -- the engrams -- have been erased.
Scientologists believe that they can become gods.
2. L. Ron Hubbard as Liar
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44
To his followers, L. Ron Hubbard was larger than life. The biographies of Hubbard given within the cult portray the metamorphosis of this legendary man in stages from youthful prodigy, to teenage adventurer, to brave war hero, to the long-suffering messiah who gave his life for all.
Unfortunately, almost every fact in the cult biographies of L. Ron Hubbard is a lie. While the legendary accomplishments of this cult guru could have come unedited from one of his swashbuckling novels, the true facts of his life reveal quite another picture.
As with the Wizard of Oz, once the curtain was drawn, the fearsome wizard was just an ordinary man. So it was with Hubbard.
"L. Ron Hubbard," the official biography begins, "was born in Tilden, Nebraska, on the 13th of March, 1911. His father was Commander Harry Ross Hubbard of the United States Navy. His mother was Dora May Hubbard...." [Corydon, p. 219]
So far, everything is true.
The biography continues:
Ron spent his early childhood years on his grandfather's large cattle ranch in Montana, said to cover a quarter of the state. It was on this ranch that he learned to read and write by the time he was three and a half years old. [Corydon, p. 219]
The truth is that Hubbard's grandfather was a small town veterinarian who did not own a cattle ranch in Montana. After Hubbard and his parents relocated to Helena, Montana, where his father was hired to manage a local theater, the grandparents soon followed, bought a house on Fifth Avenue, and the grandfather opened the Capital City Coal Company.
The story continues:
L. Ron Hubbard found the life of a young rancher very enjoyable. Long days were spent riding, breaking broncos, hunting coyote and taking his first steps as an explorer. For it was in Montana that he had his first encounter with the Blackfoot Indians. He became a blood brother of the Blackfoot.... [Corydon, p. 219]
Although these events may have existed in the imagination of a young boy in Montana, that is the only place where they did, in fact, exist.
Young Ron Hubbard lived with his parents in a small apartment on Rodney Street in Helena, and he attended the local kindergarten.
When he was six years old, his father enlisted in the Navy after the start of World War I. For the next few years, Ron and his mother followed Harry to a series of port cities where Harry was stationed.
By the time he was twelve years old, young Ron Hubbard had read a large number of the world's greatest classics -- and his interest in philosophy and religion was born. Ron Hubbard had the distinction of being the only boy in the country to secure an Eagle Scout badge at the age of twelve years.... [Corydon, p. 220]
Although Hubbard did receive an Eagle Scout badge, the Boy Scouts of America keeps only an alphabetical listing of Eagle Scouts, with no record of their ages.
The following years, from 1925 to 1929, saw the young Hubbard, between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, as a budding and enthusiastic world traveler and adventurer.... Having the financial support of his wealthy grandfather, L. Ron Hubbard spent these years journeying through Asia. [Corydon, p. 220]
He was up and down the China coast several times in his teens from Ching Wong Tow to Hong Kong and inland to Peking and Manchuria.
In China he met an old magician whose ancestors had served in the court of Kublai Khan. In the hills of Tibet he lived with bandits who accepted him because of his honest interest in them and their way of life.
In the remote reaches of western Manchuria he made friends with the ruling warlords by demonstrating his horsemanship. Deep in the jungles of Polynesia he discovered an ancient burial ground steeped in the tradition of heroic warriors and kings.... [Miller, p. 26]
Heady adventures for a teenager!
The truth, however, is a bit more believable. At the age of thirteen, the Hubbards had moved to Bremerton, Washington, where young Ron was an eighth grader at Union High School. Hubbard enjoyed such activities as hiking and camping at the nearby Boy Scout campground.
Two years later, when Ron was a sophomore at Queen Anne High School, his father was unexpectedly posted to Guam, where Ron spent part of the summer, sailing with his mother on the steamship President Madison, with stops in Honolulu, Yokohama, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila.
In the spring of his junior year, Ron dropped out of school. Two years later, Ron was enrolled in the Woodward School for boys in Washington, D.C. as a substitute for taking the College Entrance Examination. In 1930, Ron was admitted to George Washington University School of Engineering with a major in civil engineering.
His grades for the first semester ranged from an A in Physical Education, a C in Mechanical Engineering, a D in chemistry, and F's in German and Calculus, earning him a D average. After a second and similar semester, he dropped out of school. Later he would say he had been a student in the first course in atomic physics in the country and that he had a Ph.D. -- which he renounced much later when it became known that the degree had been purchased from a California diploma mill.
Soon Hubbard married and began his career as a struggling science fiction writer. His stories began to appear regularly in Astounding Science Fiction magazine.
In 1941, as the United States was drawn into the Second World War, Hubbard was determined to get into the Navy. He composed his own letter of recommendation for the military:
I have known him for many years and have found him discreet, loyal, honest and without peer in the art of getting things done swiftly. "For courage and ability I cannot too strongly recommend him." [Miller, p. 93]
Hubbard's stories of his naval career serve as an example of his most outrageous fiction writing:
Commissioned by the U.S. Navy, Hubbard was ordered to the Philippines at the outbreak of the war and was flown home in the Secretary of the Navy's private plane as the first U.S. returned casualty of the Far East.
He served in the South Pacific, and in 1942 was relieved and rushed home to take part in the battle against German submarines as Commanding Officer of a corvette serving in the north Atlantic.
After serving in all five theaters of World War II and receiving twenty-one medals and palms, in 1944 he was severely wounded and was taken crippled and blinded to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. [Miller, p. 95]
The truth about Hubbard's war career is quite different.
Hubbard's first job in the Navy was a desk job in public relations. He soon requested a transfer to Navy Intelligence. On his way to this posting, he so antagonized his superior officers that he was sent home, with an entry in his record stating that:
This officer is not satisfactory for independent duty assignment. He is garrulous and tries to give impressions of his importance. He also seems to think he has unusual ability in most lines. These characteristics indicate that he will require close supervision for satisfactory performance of any intelligence duty. [Miller, p. 98]
The report also added that Hubbard had become "the source of much trouble."
Hubbard was then given another desk job. Eventually, however, he worked his way out of this job, and into the Submarine Chaser Training Center in Miami, Florida. After a few misadventures on training ships under his command, the following notation was placed in his record:
Consider this officer lacking in the essential qualities of judgment, leadership and cooperation. He acts without forethought as to probable results. Not considered qualified for command or promotion at this time. Recommend duty on a large vessel where he can be properly supervised. [Miller, p. 107]
Subsequently, Hubbard was posted onto the U.S.S. Algol. As the Algol prepared to go into battle, in a strange incident which occurred just before the Algol sailed to the Pacific, Hubbard discovered a homemade gasoline bomb in a coke bottle amidst the cargo being loaded onto the ship. There was an investigation into this curious incident, but the results of the investigation were not recorded. However, that evening, Hubbard was relieved of duty.
Crippled and blinded at the end of the war, he resumed his studies of philosophy and by his discoveries recovered so fully that he was reclassified in 1949 for full combat duty. It is a matter of medical record that he has twice been pronounced dead and in 1950 he was given a perfect score on mental and physical fitness reports. [LRH, Facts About L. Ron Hubbard]
Hubbard reported in sick with a suspected ulcer, and was hospitalized at Oak Knoll Military Hospital in Oakland, California, where he remained until December 5th, 1945, when he was discharged from the Navy.
Contrary to his own report of receiving twenty-one war medals, he received four routine medals which were awarded to all servicemen serving in this war.
He was eventually awarded a small partial disability rating.
Two years later, in a pathetic letter to the Veteran's Administration, Hubbard wrote:
This is a request for treatment.
After trying and failing for two years to regain my equilibrium in civil life, I am utterly unable to approach anything like my own competence. My last physician informed me that it might be very helpful if I were to be examined and perhaps treated psychiatrically....
I cannot account for nor rise above long periods of moroseness and suicidal inclinations.... I cannot, myself, afford such treatment.
Would you please help me?
Sincerely, L. Ron Hubbard [LRH, 1947 Letter to the VA]
The Veteran's Administration apparently ignored this letter, to the great detriment of the thousands of souls caught up in Hubbard's later voyage into the world of the demonic in the dangerous cult of Scientology.
Had the Veteran's Administration heeded Hubbard's plea for help, the outcome for many might have been different.
The outcome of history is often ordained by the trivial and the mundane. So it was with Hubbard.
3. The Satanic Roots of Scientology
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Ephesians 5:11
It is a well documented fact that the religion of Hubbard was Satanism. Hubbard's mentor was, in fact, the infamous English black magician Aleister Crowley. Hubbard reportedly discovered Crowley's works as a teenager on a trip to the Library of Congress with his mother.
Thereafter, he was fascinated by Crowley's "Magick," and Crowley became Hubbard's mentor, a relationship that would last until Crowley's death in 1947. In one of his later lectures, Hubbard would refer to Crowley as "my good friend." [Miller, p. 135]
Crowley's most famous work was called The Book of the Law in which he expressed his philosophy of life: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." It is a philosophy Hubbard was to live by throughout his life.
Crowley wrote, in The Book of the Law:
We have nothing with the outcast and the unfit; let them die in their misery. Compassion is the vice of Kings; stamp down the wretched and the weak; this is the law of the strong; this is our law and the joy of the world.
I am of the snake that giveth Knowledge and Delight, and stir the hearts of men with drunkenness. To worship me take wine and strange drugs.... They shall not harm ye at all. It is a lie, this folly against self.... Be strong, Oh man! Lust, enjoy all things of sense and rapture ... the kings of the earth shall be kings forever; the slaves shall serve.
Them that seek to entrap thee, to overthrow thee, them attack without pity or quarter, and destroy them utterly.
I am unique and conqueror. I am not of the slaves that perish. Be they damned and dead! Amen. [Corydon, p. 49]
Many of Crowley's beliefs have been incorporated into Scientology, especially in the secret upper levels of Scientology, called the "OT levels."
Following in Crowley's footsteps, Hubbard adopted some of the practices of the black magician, including the use of drugs and the use of affirmations.
According to Hubbard's son, his father regularly used illegal drugs including amphetamines, barbiturates and hallucinogens including cocaine, peyote and mescaline. [Corydon, p. 53]
Among the many affirmations that Hubbard was known to have used was the following:
All men shall be my slaves! All women shall succumb to my charms! All mankind shall grovel at my feet and not know why! [Corydon, p. 53]
After being discharged from the Navy in December of 1945, Hubbard did not head for home, where his wife and two small children were living in Bremerton, Washington. He instead headed directly for a house in Pasadena, California, where an eclectic assortment of people lived including one Jack Parsons, the leader of a satanic organization called the Ordo Templis Orientis. That was the U.S. name for the organization headed in England by Crowley.
Parsons wrote to Crowley about Hubbard:
About three months ago I met Ron ... a writer and explorer of whom I had known for some time. He is a gentleman; he has red hair, green eyes, is honest and intelligent, and we have become great friends.
Although Ron has no formal training in magick, he has an extraordinary amount of experience and understanding in the field. From some of his experiences I deduce that he is in direct touch with some higher intelligence, possibly his guardian angel.
Ron appears to have some sort of highly developed astral vision. He described his angel as a beautiful winged woman with red hair, whom he calls the Empress, and who has guided him through his life, and saved him many times.
We are pooling our resources in a partnership which will act as a limited company to control our business ventures.
I need a magical partner. I have many experiments in mind.... [Corydon, p. 255]
Hubbard and Parsons struck up an occult partnership, the result of which was a series of rituals they carried out with the objective of producing a "moonchild," an incarnation of "Babylon" in an unborn child. A woman in the house was chosen to be the mother of this satanic child.
In order to obtain a woman prepared to bear this magical child, Parsons and Hubbard engaged in eleven days of rituals.
All this seemed to achieve its desired result and, on January 18th, Parsons found the girl who was prepared to become the mother of Babalon, and to go through the required incantation rituals. During these rituals, which took place on the first three days of March 1946, Parsons was High Priest and had sexual intercourse with the girl, while Hubbard who was present acted as skryer, seer, or clairvoyant and described what was supposed to be happening on the astral plane. [Corydon, p. 256]
Parsons wrote to Crowley:
I am under command of extreme secrecy. I have had the most devastating experience of my life between February second and March fourth. I believe it was the result of the ninth degree working with the girl.... I have been in direct touch with the One who is most Holy and Beautiful as mentioned in the Book of the Law. First instructions were received direct through Ron, the Seer. I have followed them to the letter. There was a desire for incarnation. I am to act as instructor guardian guide for nine months, then it will be loosed upon the world. That's all I can say for now.... [Corydon, p. 257]
Crowley remained unimpressed. He wrote to one of his associates:
Apparently Parsons and Hubbard or somebody is producing a moonchild. I get fairly frantic when I contemplate the idiocy of these louts. [Corydon, p. 257]
Later, Hubbard was to reveal some of his occult beliefs to his son in a conversation documented by L. Ron Hubbard, Jr.:
We were in Philadelphia. It was November 1952.
Every night in the hotel, in preparation for the next day's lecture, he'd pace the floor, exhilarated by this or that passage from Aleister Crowley's writings.
Just a month before, he had been in London, where he had finally been able to quench his thirst; to fill his cup with the true, raw, naked power of the magick. The lust of centuries at his very fingertips.
To stroke and taste the environs of the Great Beast, to fondle Crowley's books, papers, and memorabilia had filled him with pure ecstasy!
In London he had acquired, at last, the final keys; enabling him to take his place upon the "Throne of the Beast," to which he firmly believed himself to be the rightful heir.
"The books and contents to be kept forever secret," he says. "To reveal them will cause you instant insanity; rip your mind apart; destroy you," he says.
"Secrets, techniques and powers I alone have conquered and harnessed. I alone have refined, improved on, applied my engineering principles to. Science and logic. The keys! My keys to the doorway of the Magick, my magick! The power!"
"I've made the Magick really work," he says. "No more foolish rituals. I've stripped the Magick to basics -- access without liability."
"Sex by will," he says. "Love by will -- no caring and no sharing -- no feelings. None," he says. "Love reversed," he says. "Love isn't sex. Love is no good; puts you at effect. Sex is the route to power," he says. "Scarlet women! They are the secret to the doorway. Use and consume. Feast. Drink the power through them. Waste and discard them."
"Scarlet?" I ask.
"Yes Scarlet: the blood of their bodies, the blood of their souls," he says.
"Release your will from bondage. Bend their bodies; bend their minds; bend their wills; beat back the past. The present is all there is. No consequences and no guilt. Nothing is wrong in the present. The will is free -- totally free; no feelings; no effort; pure thought -- separated. The Will postulating the Will," he says.
"Will, Sex, Love, Blood, Door, Power, Will. Logical," he says.
"The doorway of Plenty. The Great Door of the Great Beast." [Corydon, p. 307]
It is possible that Hubbard not only believed in Satan -- he believed he was Satan!
According to Ron (Hubbard) Jr., his father considered himself to be the one "who came after"; that he was Crowley's successor; that he had taken on the mantle of the "Great Beast." He told him that Scientology actually began on December the 1st, 1947. This was the day Aleister Crowley died. [Corydon, p. 50]
This is the foundation of Scientology, the "Road to Total Freedom"!
4. Scientology and Christianity
Jesus answered, Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many.
Matthew 24:4-5
Hubbard's teachings about Christ are somewhat contradictory. In an earlier writing he states that Christ never existed but was only an idea electronically implanted in our minds during the "between lives" period (he called this implant "R6").
Somebody on this planet, about 600 B.C. found some pieces of "R6."
I don't know how they found it; either by watching madmen or something. But since that time they have used it. And it became what is known as Christianity.
The man on the cross. There was no Christ!
The Roman Catholic Church, through watching the dramatizations of people picked up some little fragments of R6. [LRH, Routine R6EW]
Then in a later writing he portrays Christ differently:
For those of you whose Christian toes I may have stepped on, let me take the opportunity to disabuse you of some lovely myths. For instance, the historic Jesus was not nearly the sainted figure [he] has been made out to be. In addition to being a lover of young boys and men, he was given to uncontrollable bursts of temper and hatred.... You have only to look at the history his teachings inspired to see where it all inevitably leads. It is historic fact and yet man still clings to the ideal, so deep and insidious is the biologic implanting. [LRH, Student Briefing, OT VIII, Series 1]
Similarly, Hubbard's overall tone when writing about Christianity in general is usually derogatory:
The whole Christian movement is based on the victim.... They won by appealing to victims. We can win by converting victims. Christianity succeeded by making people into victims. We can succeed by making victims into people. [LRH, Technically Speaking]
And:
Very often you will find aberrative personalities addicted to religion, but the addiction will not be accompanied by any belief in the human spirit. Just how this paradox is accomplished -- a professed avowal of Christianity and a complete unwillingness to accept any effort to heal or help the human spirit -- is another one of the paradoxes which mark the aberrative personality. [LRH, from PABS, Book 1]
Hubbard, in fact, believed himself to be the reincarnation of Buddha, as expressed in his poem, The Hymn of Asia:
Everywhere you are
I can be addressed
But in your temples best
Address me and you address
Lord Buddha
And you then address
Meitreya.
Hubbard writes that Christianity is simply an extension of Buddhism:
And the parables of Gautama Buddha were re-expressed with some differences and additions to spread westward again as Christianity. [LRH, from PABS, Book 3]
And then Hubbard teaches that the goals set by Christ find their fulfillment in Scientology:
This science [Scientology] is formed in the tradition of ten thousand years of religious philosophy and considers itself a culmination of the searches which began with the Veda, the T'ao, Buddhism, Christianity and other religions.... Scientology can demonstrate that it can attain the goals set for man by Christ, which are: Wisdom, Good Health, and Immortality. [LRH, from PABS, Book 1]
In a curious piece of writing, Hubbard states that he has been to "heaven" three times in his past lives. Heaven, according to Hubbard, is an implant; and in one course he draws the pattern of the implant in something called a Line Plot:
Well, I have been to heaven.
Yes, I've been to heaven. And so have you. And you have the pattern of its implants in the ... Line Plots. It was complete with gates, angels and plaster saints and electronic implantation equipment. So there was a Heaven after all -- which is why you are on this planet and were condemned never to be free again until Scientology.
For a long while, some people have been cross with me for my lack of cooperation in believing in a Christian Heaven, God and Christ. I have never said I didn't believe in a Big Thetan but there was certainly something very corny about Heaven et al. Now I have to apologize. There was a Heaven. Not too unlike, in cruel betrayal, the heaven of the Assassins in the 12th Century who, like everyone else, dramatized the whole track implants....
The symbol of the crucified Christ is very apt indeed. It's the symbol of the thetan betrayed. [LRH, Routine 3 Heaven]
According to Hubbard's son, Hubbard considered himself to be Crowley's successor. When Crowley died in 1947, Hubbard believed that he had taken on the "mantle of the Great Beast," and that he was in fact the anti-Christ.
He makes this claim in a late writing:
No doubt you are familiar with the Revelations (sic) section of the Bible where various events are predicted. Also mentioned is a brief period of time in which an arch-enemy of Christ, referred to as the anti-Christ, will reign and his opinions will have sway ... this anti-Christ represents the forces of Lucifer (literally, the "light-bearer" or "light-bringer"), Lucifer being a mythical representation of the forces of enlightenment.... My mission could be said to fulfill the Biblical promise represented by this brief anti-Christ period. [LRH, Student Briefing, OT VIII, Series 1]
In this same essay, he also predicts that after his death, he will return as the anti-Christ of the Bible. He also states that the so-called "Second Coming" of Christianity will actually be an invasion of earth by a race called the Marcabians from outside the universe. But Hubbard, as the anti-Christ, will return to save us:
I will return not as a religious leader but a political one.... I will not be known to most of you, my activities misunderstood by many, yet along with your constant effort ... I will effectively postpone and then halt a series of events designed to make happy slaves of us all. [LRH, Student Briefing, OT VIII, Series 1]
When new people are inducted into Scientology they are often told that Scientology is non-denominational, and that there is no inherent conflict between Scientology and any religion, including Christianity. But it is common for Scientologists to be less than truthful to the public at the outset. By calming the new person's misgivings, they know that by the time the person has become fully indoctrinated into Scientology, these misgivings will no longer matter.
I hope that it is now clear that there is no compatibility between Scientology and Christianity; in fact, as a belief system based on satanic principles, Scientology is diametrically opposed to Christianity. The truth is that you cannot be both a Christian and a Scientologist.
The choice is up to you.
5. The Propaganda of Scientology
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them -- bringing swift destruction on themselves.
2 Peter 2:1-2
From one's first day in Scientology, one is constantly bombarded by propaganda. In the hundreds of tape recorded messages of Hubbard and the thousands of printed pages studied daily, one's world view is constantly being shaped according to the paranoid world view of the cult leader. This world view has nothing to do with Christianity.
In all of the propaganda of Scientology, three lessons predominate:
That there is a problem.
That there is a solution to the problem.
That the solution can only be found in Scientology.
The first problem posed by Hubbard is the imminent danger of nuclear war. And only Scientology has the potential to thwart this danger:
We are the only people and the only organizations on Earth which have the technology and the ambition to attempt a clarification of situations which in other hands are considered entirely out of control, to wit, the atomic bomb and the decay and confusion of central governments. [LRH, Purpose]
And:
In the same period in history, two of the most sweeping forces Man has known have come to fruition: a knowledge of himself and others with Scientology, and a means of destroying himself and all others by atomic fission. Which force wins depends in a large measure on your use of Scientology. [LRH, Fundamentals of Thought]
And:
The mission of Scientology is not conquest -- it is civilization. It is a war upon stupidity, the stupidity of which leads us to the Last War of All. [LRH, Fundamentals of Thought]
And:
The primary race of Earth is not between one nation and another today. The only race that matters at this moment is the one being run between Scientology and the atomic bomb. The history of man, as has been said by well-known authorities, may well depend upon which one wins. [LRH, Fundamentals of Thought]
The second problem posed by Hubbard is that mankind is caught in a trap, and that he has been in this trap for millions of years during which he has been recycling back to earth through an endless series of lifetimes. It is only through Scientology auditing that he can escape this trap:
In fifty thousand years of history on this planet alone, Man never evolved a workable system. It is doubtful if, in foreseeable history, he will ever evolve another.
Man is caught in a huge and complex labyrinth. To get out of it requires that he follow the closely taped path of Scientology. [LRH, Safeguarding Technology]
And:
We're free men and women -- probably the last free men and women on Earth.... If we don't do a good job now we may never get another chance. [LRH, Your Post]
And:
Is there a way out?
Yes there is.
We have it in Scientology now. I have found it and charted it. I know exactly how to open the gate. [LRH, Escape]
And:
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 depends on what you do here and now with and in Scientology. [LRH, Keeping Scientology Working]
The Scientologist is trained to believe that the only hope for the salvation of mankind is the "science" of Scientology. That there is no other hope.
In all the broad universe there is no other hope for man than ourselves. [LRH, Ron's Journal 1967]
And:
Let us face the reality of this thing. The world confronts several crises. Man's inhumanity to Man is gaining monuments daily. The time to bring a chaos under control is before it is well begun. We're slightly late as it is. Brutally, there is no other organization on Earth that can slow these down. Factually there is no other know-how on Earth that can plumb the problems of Man. So if we don't want all of us to be sitting amongst the charred embers, we had better get busy. [LRH, The Eighteenth A.C.C.]
And:
We are the first group on earth that knew what they were talking about. All right, sail in. The world's ours. Own it. [LRH, The World is Ours]
And:
Auditors have since the first session of Scientology been the only individuals on this planet in this universe capable of freeing Man. [LRH, Auditors]
Scientology is presented to believers in global terms as "The Road to Total Freedom" and as "The Only Hope for Mankind." The goal of every Scientologist is nothing less than to "Clear the planet," to ensure the salvation of every person on earth through the attainment of the Scientology state of "Clear."
We're playing for blood, the stake is Earth. [LRH, Policy Letter 7 Nov 1962]
And:
The purpose of the Field Staff Member [a Scientologist] is: To help LRH [Hubbard] contact, handle, salvage and bring understanding to individuals and thus the peoples of Earth. [LRH, Field Auditors]
And:
Now, without further discourse, let's get hot. This is Scientology -- the freedom for Man. Let it be known. [LRH, The Public Divisions]
And:
Scientology -- The Road Sign Out.
We are the Free People. We LIVE! We're FREE! [LRH, We Are the Free People]
And:
There is no greater game in the Universe than Scientology, for it is the only game in which everybody wins. [LRH, Contests and Prizes]
And:
The Valuable Final Products of a Scientologist are:
DISSEMINATED KNOWLEDGE
PURCHASED BOOKS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
A CLEARED PLANET [LRH, Org Board Division Six]
And:
The eons march on.... Perhaps, this time, due to our efforts, a humanitarian world can exist. We, the Prophets of the Morrow, know the way. [LRH, Scientology: The Philosophy of a New Age]
Scientology wants you -- your mind, your spirit, your soul.
"No one can serve two masters." Matthew 6:24
Jesus Christ or L. Ron Hubbard -- who will your master be?
Appendix A:
Creation According to Scientology
THE FACTORS, by L. Ron Hubbard
Before the beginning was a Cause and the entire purpose of the Cause was the creation of effect.
In the beginning and forever is the decision and the decision is TO BE.
The first action of beingness is to assume a viewpoint.
The second action of beingness is to extend from the viewpoint, points to view, which are dimension points.
Thus there is space created, for the definition of space is: viewpoint of dimension. And the purpose of a dimension point is space and a point of view.
The action of a dimension point is reaching and withdrawing.
And from the viewpoint to the dimension points there are connection and interchange. Thus new dimension points are made. Thus there is communication.
And thus there is light.
And thus there is energy.
And thus there is life....
[There are thirty Factors in all.]
Humbly tendered as a gift to man by
L. Ron Hubbard
April 23, 1953
Appendix B:
The Creed of Scientology
We of the Church believe:
That all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights.
That all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance.
That all men have inalienable rights to their own lives.
That all men have inalienable rights to their own sanity.
That all men have inalienable rights to their own defense.
That all men have inalienable rights to conceive, choose, assist and support their own organizations, churches and governments.
That all men have inalienable rights to think freely, to talk freely, to write freely their own opinions and to counter or utter or write upon the opinions of others.
That all men have inalienable rights to the creation of their own kind.
That the souls of men have the rights of men.
That the study of the mind and the healing of mentally caused ills should not be alienated from religion or condoned in nonreligious fields.
And that no agency less than God has the power to suspend or set aside these rights, overtly or covertly.
And we of the Church believe:
That man is basically good.
That he is seeking to survive.
That his survival depends upon himself and upon his fellows, and his attainment of brotherhood with the Universe.
[Etc.]
Appendix C:
Scientology Evaluated in the Light of Biblical Christianity
(from Those Curious New Cults, by William J. Petersen)
How, then, can Scientology be evaluated by biblical Christianity?
First, its primary assumption that man is basically good is not biblical. Familiar scriptures such as "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," and "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," indicate quite clearly that the Bible and Hubbard are not in the same corner.
Second, Scientology's highest authority is not Jesus Christ or the Christian Bible but a science fiction writer named L. Ron Hubbard. In some ways, the Scientology organization is disturbingly similar to Orwell's 1984 with Ron Hubbard as "Big Brother."
Third, to Scientology God is irrelevant. Scientology alone is relevant. Whether God exists or not is not a matter of concern.
Fourth, Scientology has no salvation to offer the poor. Books are sold, counseling sessions are expensive. Nothing is said about the plight of the poor, the sick, the homeless and oppressed. According to Time magazine, one woman said, "It's the only church I've seen with a cashier's booth." Contrast that to biblical Christianity which offers salvation without money and without price.
Fifth, Scientology has a warped code of ethics. In the Scientology code are such statements as "Never fear to hurt another in a just cause," and "To punish to the fullest extent of my power anyone misusing or degrading Scientology to harmful ends." Such statements bear no resemblance to the words of Jesus: "Turn the other cheek," and "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that spitefully use you and persecute you."
And sixth, Scientology deifies man. In fact, in their writings, man is often capitalized. Man's reason will produce perfect behavior and therefore solve all the problems of the human predicament.
Appendix D:
A Summary of the Main Differences Between Scientology and Christianity
(from The Challenge of the Cults, by Maurice Burrell)
Authority
Scientology: Although the Bible is used to bolster up the sect's ideas, the source of Scientology's philosophy and technology is Hubbard himself.
Christianity: As the Word of God, the Bible is the yardstick against which all claims (including those of Hubbard) have to be measured.
God
Scientology: Although Hubbard and many of his followers are theists, belief in God is not essential to Scientology.
Christianity: God is Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three Persons within the unity of the Godhead.
Christ
Scientology: Christ has no essential or central place in the sect's teachings.
Christianity: "God sent his Son to be the Savior of the world."
Salvation
Scientology: Man is basically good, but "engrams" (psychological hang-ups) prevent him from reaching his full potential. When released from these engrams through the sect's techniques, man begins to live on a higher level in terms of his own human achievement.
Christianity: Man needs to be saved from sin and to be given new life. Both are available from God through faith in Christ.
Appendix E:
Bibliography
Atack, Jon. 1990. A Piece of Blue Sky. Secaucus, New Jersey: Carol Publishing Group.
Burrell, Maurice. 1982. The Challenge of the Cults. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House.
Corydon, Bent. 1987. L. Ron Hubbard: Messiah or Madman. Secaucus, New Jersey: Lyle Stuart.
King, Francis. 1970. Ritual Magic in England. London: Neville Spearman, Ltd.
Miller, Russell. 1987. Bare Faced Messiah: The True Story of L. Ron Hubbard. London: Penguin Books, Ltd.
Petersen, William. 1982. Those Curious New Cults in the 80's. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats.
Scientology Front Groups
A few of the organizations and businesses affiliated with or
fronts for Scientology, or that have been used by them to promote
the goals and objectives of Co$.
ABLE Inc. - See Association for Better Living and Education
Akademie Fur Management Und Kommunikation - WISE member
business front to spread LRH and scientology in Europe.
Prosperity
APPLIED SCHOLASTICS - Functions as an educational organization
to spread LRH (L. Ron Hubbard) courses and scientology ethics and
beliefs in their schools. All schools licensed by Applied Scholastics
are scientology schools staffed and directed by scientologists and
under the policies and tech and dictates of Co$.
ASSOCIATION FOR BETTER LIVING AND EDUCATION -
Runs some of the church's front groups and activities. Under
ABLE's management, other fronts infiltrate bussiness and organizations
to introduce LRH idea's and methods. Includes Applied Scholastics,
The Way to Happiness Foundation, Narconon and Criminon.
Athens Gold - 4,500 acre mining property near Reno, taken over by
Michael BAYBAK, a scientologist Time
AUTHOR SERVICES, INC. - manages scientology's literary and
financial affrairs controlled by the church of sci and influential
scientologists. NHJ To sell and promote LRH books, particularly
policy.
BANCORP DEVELOPMENT, INC. - Members of the Patrons of
the Association who have donated in excess of $40,000 to the
Assn's. "War Chest" Impact
BETTER FAMILY RELATIONS ASSOCIATION (Australia) -
Front group for the church headed by sci. Eva Ross . Writes letters
and articles attacking any persons or groups who expose the truth
abouth sci. C.C.G. Ministries
BRIDGE PUBLICATIONS - scientology publishing and printing
company.
Business Success Sales and Management Training - Sci. front that
lures people and businesses in with "management training" and
seminars, and eventually steers them to LRH and sci. Members in
IAS, donated to Authors Svcs. Preservation of Tech
CALICCHIO & CO., SPA - Members of the IAS who donated in
excess of $40,000 to "War Chest", Donated in excess of $20,000 to
Author Services Pres. of Tech.
CASA DOLCE CASA - (Europe) WISE member fronting LRH
technology in Europe Prosperity
Celebrity Center Kids on Stage for a Better World - Entertainment
and PR, "The group exists to spread the word of scientology to the
rest of the world" Celeb. mag
CCHR - see Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Child Guidance Centers - Set up by scis, runs child dianetics
processing on children and encourages parents who are not already
into scientology to begin with Dianetics etc. Ch. Dia.
CHURCH OF SPIRITUAL TECHNOLOTY (COST) - functions as
an archivist for Hubbard's works. NHJ Also functions as
one of the corporations created to challenge the IRS's ruling against
scio. Bet Bus Bur Formed in part from assets stripped from
Church of Scientology of California. Wollersheim
CITIZENS FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TAX SYSTEM - Set up as a
"citizens" group to abolish the IRS entirely, uses the "Church of
Spritual Technology" as one of the corporations to challenge the
IRS's ruling against them.
CITIZENS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CCHR) -
Founded by church of sci in 1969. Claim: to help people who have
been abused or mistreated by psychology or psychiatry and/or mental
institutions. Intention: to defame, devalue, discredit and destroy
the field of psychology and psychiatry because they had disclaimed
Dianetics and L. Ron Hubbard as a schizophrenic. T Sci. Tdy. S
ci. Adv. disseminates reports discrediting psychiatry and individual
psychiatrists Bet Bus Bur
CMI CORPORATE MARKETING - IAS members who have donated in excess of
$40,000 to the Assn's. "War Chest" Impact Mag.
COMMUNITY SERVICE GUILD - est in Washington D.C. by sci
to get LRH influence involved in public schools with a tutoring
program. Freedom Mag
COMPUTER ETHICS INSTITUTE - (CEI) - Used by the church of sci in
their attempt to gain control over what can and cannot be put
over the Internet. Freedom
CONCERNED BUSINESSMENS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA - sponsors writing
contests and other programs in schools, and try to get students involved in LRH
beliefs. Hands out Way To Happiness (By LRH) to community groups,
police,prisons and other groups. Purpose, to promote scio. and get name recognition for LRH T NHJ Bet. Bus Bur.
COST - See Church of Spiritual Technology
CRIMINON - Like Naroanon in prisons.
CRY OUT - interfaces with organizations like Greenpeace and
capitalizes on children's environmental concerns, it distributes
comic book like primer on the environment sponsored by Arsenio
Hall and Rick Dees, and making no mention of scientology, to
school children. Bet Bus Bur.
DISTRIBUTION VIDEO - Member of the Patrons of the Association who
have donated in excess of $40,000 to the Assn's "War Chest". Impact
DRUG FREE MARSHALS PROGRAM - PR program to get a mock up a good name
for Co$ into the community C mag Favorable circumstance for photo
and/or press opportunity. Also makes available the distribution of "The Way to Happiness" booklets to children to promote name and face
recognition with LRH.
EAST HOLLYWOOD PEOPLE AGAINST CRIME - a "Gung Ho" group to spread sci
in the East Hollywood area using community action. KSW
EDUCATION ALIVE - train and tutor in Hubbard's study tech and
attempt to get various scientology programs into local PTA's and
school systems. Works in conjunction with Applied Scholastics
and ABLE Bet. Bus Bur Applied Scholastics affiliate
delivers LRH tech to S. Africa and other parts of the continent
WIS p. 333 Given grant by S. African Council of Churches to train
teachers in LRH policy to pass on to their students. Int Sci News
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT CENTERS - (EMC) is an association of WISE
members in a local area that form a group, management training
business, and operate on their own to expand WISE membership and
deliver Hubbard Management Technology to the local business
community.
Prosperity
ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE (Scientology) - formed by church as a community
group for PR and to get local citizens exposed to sci and LRH policy.
Sci Tdy
Federation of Clubs of Professionals and Business Women - second
deputy chairman speaks in behalf of the valuable work being done
by the Dianetics organizations Sci. Tdy.
FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT IN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION - (FASE)
a group formed by scientologists to enter the scientific community to
tout Hubbard's "Purification rundown" also called detox. To build
credintials and allies in the scientific community, the foundation has
channeled tens of thousands of $$ in grants to educators and researchers
studying toxicological hazards, most unaware of the foundations ties to
scientology. NHJ
GOLDEN ERA PRODUCTIONS - The organization established to bring LRH
Materials, (taped lectures, technical films, and other audio-visual
products by LRH) to people. Sci Adv.
HEALTH MED - Clinics set up that promote the "purification" program
& scientology. NHJ Solicits unions and public agencies contracts
for its regimens of saunas, exercise and vitamins promoted to purify
the body. Bet Bus
HOLLANDER CONSTULTANTS INC. - consulting firm that leads to LRH and
scientology courses, part of WISE group. Donated Over $100,000 to
Author Svcs. Preservation of Tech
HUBBARD COLLEGES OF ADMINISTRATION - a front set up to bring in business
persons for management training and feeds LRH technology leading to
Dianetics and scientology. According to CoR, now legally required
in state of El Valle, Columbia for school teachers to advance and
also for some government positions. Spreading widely in Russia to
business and government officials. Also put LRH tech in University
of Saudi Arabia and several Saudi businesses.
Prosperity
HUBBARD ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN - front to spread LRH technology in the
women's community leading to scientology. Prosperity
I HELP - International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors -
created to provide auditors who deliver services outside the
organized scio churches and missions to spread scientology WIS
p.256
IAS - See International Association of Scientologists
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE TECHNOLOGY INC. - WISE front group designed
to bring in businesses to scientology through LRH Mgt. tech.
Got Allstate Ins. Co Orl sent.
IRONS MARCUS AND VALKO (formerly Singer Consultants ) - consulting
firm that leads to LRH and scientology courses, part of WISE group.
LEAD THE WAY TO A DRUG FREE USA - campaign led by the Office of Special
Affairs of the church of scientology to get involvement with the
community using anti-drug causes as the button Sci Tdy
LIBRARY DONATION SERVICE - Set up as part of the International
Library Campaign in order to place scientology books and materials
into the public libraries around the world. Source Mag
LEMON TWIST RANCH - Members of the Patrons of the Association who
have donated in excess of $40,000 to the Assn's. "War Chest". Impact
LONDON FINANCIAL (Europe)l - Donated over $50,000 to Author Svcs.
Preservation of Tech
MERIDIAN CONSULTANTS - an EMC under WISE control in Westchester
NY, set up as a business and management consulting company to
disseminate LRH tech leading to scientology to the business community.
Have distributed LRH teachings to Prudential Insurance Company and
the Seventh Day Adventist Church who have hired them as management
consultants Prosperity
MIWA ENVIRONMENTAL - (Japan) - Member of the Patrons of the Association
who have donated in excess of $40,000 to the Assn's "War Chest" Impact
MOXON & BARTILSON (Atty's, CA) - Co$ laawyers
NARCONON - Chain of alcohol and drug rehabs that promote and lead to
LRH and Scientology. NHJ
(NARPA) = National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy
- an affiliation of the CCHR, founder and president Bill
Johnson Sci
National Coalition of IRS Whistleblowers - Gathers IRS horror
stories IAS adv
NATIONAL COMPUTER ETHICS & RESPONSIBILITIES CAMPAIGN - (NCERC) -
Used by the church in their attempt to gain control over what can
and cannot be put over the Internet. Freedom
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (NCLE) -
a social reform group tun by the Church of Scientology Bet Bus Bur
NATURAL HEALTH FOOD ASSOCIATES - Member of the Patrons of the
Association who have donated in excess of $40,000 to the Assn's.
"War Chest" Impact
OFFICE OF ETHNIC AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS - to have scientology reach
into communities by race. etc. WIS
POWER MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS - Wise member, EMC, fronting LRH
technology as a management training business Prosperity
Progressive Academy Education Society of Alberta - (Canada)
Scientology front group in the field of education in Edmonton,
Canada ARS 20 Sept 95
Psychiatric Institutes of America Survivors Support Group - They
say they are not affiliated with CCHR or scientology but have
worked with them. Orl. Sent.
PSYCHIATRY. A PUBLIC WARNING - A weekly radio show put on by the sci
front group CCHR to slam all psychiatrical practices. Host is Bruce
Wiseman, President of CCHR US and member of the IAS CCHR
REALWORLD CORP. - Members of IAS, donated in excess of $40,000 to
"War Chest". Donated in excess of $50,000 to Author Services
Preservation of Tech.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CRUSADE, THE - replaced Alliance for the
Preservation of Religious Liberty, It gathers staff and followers
to demonstrate against whatever organization or court may be
investigating, or sitting in judgements of Scientology. Through its
periodicals, "Freedom" and "Crusader", it raises public outcry
against the "offending" institution. Bet Bus Bur
RELIGIOUS TECHNOLOGY CENTER (RTC) - Holds trademarks for scientology
Also gives rewards of up to $1,000 to people who report any activity
against scientlogy that leads to the apprehension or arrest of said
people. Oversees the keeping of knowledge reports on it's own members
and citizens the church views as "enemies" KSW News More or
less,
the "Gestapo" unit of the church.
SILHOUET HOLLAND - (Europe) WISE member fronting LRH
technology Prosperity.
Silhouet Profile Analysis - (Europe) WISE member fronting LRH
technoloty Prosperity
SINGER CONSULTANTS - Member of the Patrons of the Association who have
donated in excess of $100,000 to the Assn's. "War Chest" Uses
"management seminars" to put out LRH tech and bring new people into sci
SOCIAL COORDINATION COMMITTEE (S Africa) - a group designed to get
LRH tech into African countries. Picked up by some Jesuits for use.
Robinson Consultants
STELLAR MANAGEMENT - consulting firm that leads to LRH and scientology
courses, part of WISE group. Time Pod Tdy
STERLING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - a management and consulting firm that
lures businesses in with "management' seminars, and then steers them to
LRH and scientology courses. Also called Emery Wilson Corporation,
part of WISE group. Member of the Patrons of the Association who
have donated in excess of $100,000 to the Assn's. "War Chest"
Donated over $500,000 to Author Svcs. Preservation. of Tech.
STOMP = Stop Torture of Mental Patients - and affiliation of the
CCHR founded by Sandra Everett Sci Tdy
STRYKER SYSTEMS INC. - Member of IAS, donated in excess of $40,000
to their "War Chest". Tech Preserver donator to Author Svcs. Pres
of Tech
U-MAN BELGIUM - (Europe) WISE member fronting LRH technology
VOLUNTEER MINISTERS ASSOCIATION - a group of scientology ministers
whose intention is to establish contact with community leaders and
groups to further dissimenate LRH and Co$ influence CWF
WAY TO HAPPINESS FOUNDATION, THE - IAS Member, donated in excess of
$40,000 to "War Chest". Function to distribute LRH literature to
publics schools and community organizations. Get name recognition
for L Ron Hubbard the "humanitarian".
WISE INTERNATIONAL (World Institute of Scientology Enterprises)-
Licenses use of LRH management tech to the WISE group firms, and
sells and distributes LRH and scientology books, with the main
focus on businesses and professionals.. Responsible to get LRH
tech and scientology in the business world. Member of the Patrons
of the Association who have donated in excess of $100,000 to the
Assn's "War Chest" Impact Mag
WORLD LITERACY CRUSADE - A "reading program" outreach developed to
get LRH Tech and scientology influence into public schools and
communities. One of scientology's many famous celebrities who is
successfully advertising for the front group is Musician/Actor Isaac
Hayes. Great opportunity for PR and political influence.
Church wields celebrity clout
By JOSEPH MALLIA
Boston Herald
Date of Publication:3/5/98
It is the year 3000 and the earth is enslaved by invading aliens, evil 9-foot-tall "Psychlos" with glowing amber eyes.
Now mankind's only hope is the heroic Johnny Goodboy Tyler - in an MGM film to be produced by actor John Travolta, based on a Church of Scientology novel titled "Battlefield Earth."
Thanks to Travolta's Hollywood clout, audiences worldwide may soon see this film, and get a dose of the philosophy of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
"Mankind ... is imprisoned not so much by aliens who dominate the planet, but by superstition, until the hero Johnny Goodboy Tyler...(becomes) the first to break free," Hubbard wrote.
Critics say this film, along with other Scientology media efforts, is a veiled attempt to gain converts and influence.
With books, sophisticated TV and print advertising campaigns, a 30,000-page Internet site, and its celebrity members' clout on TV sitcoms and major films, Scientology uses a range of modern media to gain influence, church critics say.
How much clout does the church have?
Apparently a great deal.
President Clinton may have sided with Scientology against the German government in hopes of having Travolta soften his portrayal of a Clinton lookalike during filming of the movie "Primary Colors," a recent report in George magazine said.
Since the church was founded in 1954, Hubbard encouraged his followers to enlist celebrities.
The policy, observers say, has paid off.
Since Travolta became a Scientologist in 1975, he has been joined by other acting heavyweights, including Tom Cruise, Cruise's wife Nicole Kidman, Travolta's wife Kelly Preston, and TV sitcom stars Kirstie Alley ("Cheers" and "Veronica's Closet") and Jenna Elfman ("Dharma & Greg"). All are outspoken church members.
"It was everything I had been looking for, answers to questions I had been asking forever. They finally got answered for me," Elfman said in an interview published in a January Sunday newspaper supplement that reached millions of readers.
And last week, Elfman, Preston and other Scientology celebrities were scheduled to appear in Boston and other cities to promote Hubbard's book "The Fundamentals of Thought."
Jazzman Chick Corea - a Chelsea native who reportedly hopes to open a nightclub in Massachusetts - leads the church's publicity battle against the German government, which is investigating Scientology for alleged fraud and anti-democratic acts.
And locally, musician Isaac Hayes hosted a reception at Roxbury Community College in Boston three years ago that helped local Scientologists bring their World Literacy Crusade learn-to-read program into the Randolph Public Schools and various inner city Boston youth agencies.
Other Scientology celebrities include actresses Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart on "The Simpsons"), Juliette Lewis ("Natural Born Killers"), Anne Archer ("Fatal Attraction)," and Elvis Presley's widow and daughter Priscilla and Lisa Marie.
The musician and congressman, Sonny Bono, who died in January, was a longtime Scientologist.
Others who took Scientology courses, or who were members - some briefly - according to published reports, include football legend John Brodie, dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, author William Burroughs; singers Van Morrison, Al Jarreau and Leonard Cohen; actors Emilio Estevez, Rock Hudson, Demi Moore, Candice Bergen, Brad Pitt, Christopher Reeve, Jerry Seinfeld and Patrick Swayze; and O.J. Simpson prosecutor Marcia Clark.
Also, the Observer newspaper of London recently linked actress Sharon Stone to Scientology.
Ex-Scientologists the church would like to forget include members of the suicidal Heaven's Gate cult, who were church members in the 1970s; and mass killer Charles Manson, who took church classes during a prison term that ended in 1967, before he and his cult followers massacred Sharon Tate and others.
Meanwhile, the church is conducting an 18-month advertising and publicity blitz, with 38 different TV ads aired to reach 70 percent of North American households. This campaign is intended to counteract negative publicity from Germany and from the death of Scientologist Lisa McPherson, a Dallas native who died during a church retreat in Florida, according to an August report in the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times.
Scientology-linked groups including Narconon also advertise on local cable channels in the Boston area, said anti-cult activist Steve Hassan of Cambridge.
Critics say, however, that the church's celebrities never have to face the hardships faced by ordinary Scientologists, who often can't afford to pay the required tens of thousands of dollars for courses and instead must trade their full-time labor.