This week, it’s answers about Scientology in Germany, what drives people’s decisions and beliefs, was L. Ron Hubbard a racist and a lot more. Enjoy!
(1) I do a bit of work for the public sector here in Germany. Before I am allowed to start the job, in many cases I am asked to sign a paper saying that I “resent the methods and techniques of L. Ron Hubbard and do not use them in my teaching.” It does not use the word “Scientology”. I guess they word it that way to also include all the front groups with different names that endorse Hubbard’s methods. It was actually that document that led me into researching the subject. Since how would I know whether I am using any method similar to what Hubbard used? I did not know what he was about, despite a brief (and weird) encounter with the organization when I was 17. Now I wonder, what is the use of that document? Would a Hubbard follower just lie and sign it anyway, or is there an “ethical” obligation to not criticise Hubbard in any way? I use a similar idea when I meet someone who says they came out of Scientology, I say “Hail Xenu!” to identify myself as a non-Scientologist because I understand that Scientologists are not allowed to mention Xenu.
(2) Due to the internet and other resources, we are living in a time when it is extremely easy to research the background and criticism of high control groups whether they are cults or multilevel marketing schemes. Nevertheless, they seem to proliferate globally. Why is that?
(3) Scientology is full of Hubbard’s ideas but also his notions and views of what certain people are like infuses his work to create a worldview. The black-and-white stereotypes and caricatures he paints would, I imagine, be potentially damaging to a person’s welfare. Some examples that come to mind are labelling all journalists as “Merchants of Chaos” or stating that all anti-social personality are criminals and anti-Scientologists too. Then he referred to all of humanity as “wogs” or “raw meat” who must be redeemed or conquered as savages by a benign Scientology government. On top of that, we have his thought-stopping statements about homosexuality, medicine, psychiatry and a host of other things. What were some other Scientology perspectives you encountered?
(4) Was L. Ron Hubbard a racist? On its face, Scientology seems like it should be non-racial – after all, thetans don’t have a skin colour. But then I read Tony Ortega’s blog post about how he supported the minority governments in South Africa and Rhodesia in the 50s and 60s, and the highly problematic statements he made about black Africans while in southern Africa. Did Hubbard harbour prejudiced views, or was he simply pandering to the racists for support?
(5) Would it be a good idea to eliminate organized religion, assuming it were possible? I think not, because people need a crutch, but wanted to get your take.
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