This week it’s answers about Danny Masterson’s possible future in and out of Scientology, my best advice on talking to someone you’re concerned may be in a bad relationship, can Scientology get rid of disconnection and more. Enjoy!
(1) It looks more and more likely Danny Masterson will go to trial. Looking ahead, if he is convicted and sentenced to a lengthy prison stay, a few interesting questions come to mind:
a. Will he be able to practice Scientology in a California State Prison (a rape conviction would likely see him assigned to a maximum security facility)?
b. Does California allow Scientology prison “Chaplins”? That brings all kinds of interesting questions to mind.
c. How might Masterson fare in prison? A rape conviction can’t create a very safe, let alone comfortable existence for any celebrity behind bars.
d. Is there any history showing how Scientologists are thought of or treated in prison?
e. How would corporate Scientology react and respond to a high profile celebrity member being convicted and sentenced to a lengthy sentence? Will they cast him off and try to disassociate from him?
(2) I was wondering if you could offer your thoughts on dealing with friends or family members who may be getting themselves into a dangerous relationship but are not aware of that possibility. I have a friend whose family member is set to marry someone who is all about strict Biblical patriarchy and also displays narcissistic tendencies. My friend and I have both been down that road with a mutual ex-friend of ours who ended up almost killing his then-wife. She’s tried expressing her concerns to her family but they either seem to be ignoring her or think she’s crazy. I thought you might have a unique perspective on this given your experience with highly controlling groups and people.
(3) We all know how damaging Scientology’s controlling techniques are, especially the threats of disconnection. This has been prominent in the reporting on the Masterson case already and more people will be made aware of this horrible policy going forward. Do you think that public awareness (and perhaps some legal activity) might force the church to change the policy somewhat? I don’t know if you heard about the recent court ruling in Belgium that decided that shunning was a human rights issue and the JW church had to pay damages. It’s an interesting tack — and focuses more on what the church *does* rather than what it *believes.* Is Scientology’s disconnection policy so important to retaining members that the church will never — CAN never — let go of it?
(4) I have a question for you I’ve been meaning to ask for some time in your opinion what are the chances of a married couple remaining married if one becomes a Scientologist and the other does not? I would be interested in your views on this as someone that I know has been married twice and originally the wives were not Scientologists but became so as I’m sure the husband somehow talked them into this. With all of the negative toxic information currently available it does seem strange to me that anyone would willingly go along with this. As you know, non-Scientologists are fully aware of all of the adverse publicity currently available. Or does the power of love supersede this?
(5) In your last Q&A, you spoke about the question of “deserving” being in a cult. This brought to mind the question of whether any person “deserves” contracting COVID or “deserves” dealing with the after-effects of COVID. I’m asking for personal reasons: I have a family member who has been belligerent, even hostile, regarding mask wearing, social distancing, listening to scientists/doctors, etc. She contracted COVID last year and was extremely ill for a few weeks. Since then, she can no longer smell or taste. She STILL has doubled down that COVID is a conspiracy brought about by the Democratic Party in collusion with China. I am having a very hard time being sympathetic with her and honestly, I have felt like she deserved being so ill, and she now deserves the after-effects. Do you feel the same way about this situation? i.e. does no one deserve to suffer in this way? Just curious. I’m not proud of my feelings and I’m trying to be more compassionate.
(6) If I, a never-in who knows too much, were to go into a mission and ask for auditing, would I be able to get it? Or would I have to do the Dianetics Seminar, or the Personal Efficiency Course, or something before? I’m starting to find it hypocritical to criticise the auditing process without having had firsthand experience.
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