The weekly show where I answer questions from viewers left in the comments section of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at AskChrisShelton@gmail.com. This week, the questions I answer are:
(1) I appreciate all the time you spend disseminating information and correcting misapprehensions/untruths. I’ve been watching your videos for a few weeks now and still can’t figure out how staff members support themselves. You’ve said they all have other paid jobs, but how do they work around the “emergency” demands at their Scientology posts that may require 12 hour days or more? Their paid jobs must be at nights and on the weekends — are they usually part time shift work? Those typically don’t pay well or provide benefits. And what about when you personally were traveling on behalf of Scientology? That’s days at a time when you aren’t earning. I just cannot fathom how it works financially. I imagine roommates and shared housing are involved, but rents are very high in Santa Barbara, L.A., Pasadena, etc.!
(2) Can you talk about Rollback?
(3) Chris, could you explain what a “one-shot Clear” is? Reading Dianetics 55!, which is a mess in its own right, it struck me as absurd! Was there ever a real application of the process? Was it discontinued? Why would anyone audit for hours and hours if it’d be possible to arrive at the state of Clear in one shot?
(4) Your mom seems to have successfully moved on with her life after Scientology and is doing well. She also seems to have been able to let go of attachment to the subject. She also doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would be motivated to post any comments on a critic’s blog. I believe this is the way it is for the vast majority of ex-Scientologists as well as ex-cult members of all stripes. When we get out we just want to be out and left alone to recover and get on with our lives as best we can. Some people however seem to be a bit obsessed with being a critic. I have been in both camps at different times of my life. I can see why an ex might want to speak out because they feel so wronged and want to let the world know about it, to warn others away from the cult and its trappings, to unburden themselves by writing about their experiences, etc. I can also see why people would not want to speak out, especially as an ex-Scientologist: fear of reprisal, apathy, disgust, embarrassment, to protect others, etc. Can you comment on what you think it is that motivates people to speak out (or not)? Why do you think a person should speak out (or not)?
(5) What was the main reason your Mom and Dad quietly left the Church? I understand why they did so quietly, because of you, but what was the reason for them wanting to leave while being so high on the Bridge? And once your parents decided to leave, did they then break a major rule by discussing each other’s case gain and what the levels entail?
(6) Some Sea Org members interact with the general public, such as those who conduct tours at open-to-the-public exhibitions or run booths at book conventions (I presume all such people are Sea Org, please correct me if I’m wrong). I also know that the Sea Org members are paid next to nothing. If somebody were to offer a financial tip to one of the Sea Org members such as $20 as a thank you after a tour, would the member be permitted to keep the money themselves, or would they be pressured to turn it over to Scientology’s coffers? Did you have any personal experience with “outsiders” giving money to Sea Org members as a favor or a tip?
(7) Did LRH model Scientology on Stalinist style Communism? Can you give examples of how if yes?
(8) Thank you very much for your clear information about the perversion of science in the use of Scientology’s pseudoscientific “Personality Test.” From my point of view, the conspiracy theory that Scientology could be a CIA front organisation or an inside job project, is worth mentioning. What do you think? There are Scientology-like problems in the institutions of psychiatry and psychology also.
(9) I have a very important question. Coke or Pepsi?
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Hi Chris,
If anyone had told me last year that I’d be happily entranced catching up on 100+ videos about Scientology, I’d have thought they were bonkers. Yet here we are and I’m happy as … something not a clam … doing it. I really appreciate your calm tone and clear explanations of what can be complex and obscure information.
From your experience in the Sea Org and on staff, what do you estimate are the gender percentages these days? From old photos and stories from exes, it seems like Hubbard promoted a lot of women to senior levels, particularly for the times. Today’s promotional materials seem to feature a more even split of genders. Do you think the percentages have changed since Hubbard’s death and if so, why? Are there fewer women joining staff or the Sea Org now?
ML,
Palmaire