This week, it’s answers about antisemitism in conspiracy theories, L. Ron Hubbard’s so-called “research,” the nature of belief in Scientology and a lot more. Enjoy!
(1) I was wondering if you could offer your insight as to why antisemitism and conspiracy theories are so interconnected. What did Jewish people ever do to deserve this? Also do you think bringing up and talking about conspiracy theories can perpetuate their spread?
(2) You mentioned in one of the other Q&A shows that LRH had tried out a bunch of wacky ideas that were important in Scientology in the early years, but were jettisoned as they proved unworkable/unpopular… I would love to hear more about rejected Scientology ideas… Could you give some examples? I feel like knowing what was left on the cutting room floor can say a lot about the intentions behind what remains, if you catch my drift.
AND
You said in a recent podcast that as time went by, Hubbard made further discoveries and that made me think did he ever elaborate on how discoveries were made or which I suspect will be your answer he just said it therefore it was. Also you go on to say in 1980, Hubbard announced that all of this was true in this story (from History of Man) no further elaboration or was that it?
(3) Do you think in a few decades that Scientologists will start to question why there hasn’t been any reincarnations even with partial memories that could be proven? Perhaps they could just lie about it and say “oh yeah there were examples but we’re not allowed to share them since their cases are confidential.” I feel like it’s been around long enough that people should be starting to show up. I’m assuming there’s a protocol to answer this when someone asks this question.
(4) It seems clear that people don’t much talk about their subjective experiences in getting auditing. Why is that? It makes the subject such a mystery. Like how come there is not a book that releases data on what goes on in sessions and the grades processes for people in a comprehensible manner to show that its either good or bad in itself? It seems that a lot of critics take the easy way out of criticizing things people have said and done, but like the whole pitch is that the tech is supposed to be workable towards increasing sanity and intelligence and spiritual awareness. And there are plenty of raving Scientologists you see on those testimonial videos. The whole thing is confusing, like if auditing was complete garbage, then why wouldn’t anyone at this stage release data about its awful qualities, as opposed to silence? The lack of data seems to hint that it could be helpful for a lot of people. And why would so many people pay the cost of The Bridge so many times if it was unhelpful and pointless?
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