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Critical Q&A #96

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions 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 know you’ve gone over what happens generally when someone walks into a Scientology org for the first time and that they believe psychiatry is simply out to hurt and take advantage of people but what would happen if I went there for my Asperger’s or ADHD? What would they blame my symptoms on and what would they do to try and “help” me?
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How does the Church of Scientology treat individuals with neurological conditions, e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder? Furthermore, what is your perspective on behaviorally-based treatments like applied behavior analysis which has a huge empirical literature base?

(2) Do you think that Hubbard realized that he was a bad film maker, or do you think that because of ego, which perhaps all of us have to some extent, he convinced himself that his work was really good?

(3) Do you have any recollection of the Church of Scientology ever apologizing for or subtly hinting that they were wrong about anything? I assume the answer is “no,” but any examples (even really tiny examples) would be interesting.

(4) I understand that when you found out the truth about LRH, you started your way out. My question is are there many high up in the organisation that know what a liar and hypocrite he actually was, and does it not bother them that they are following this dingbat? How can they honestly serve a man that has the wool pulled over everyone’s eyes or when they do learn these things are they more than not likely to leave?

(5) I have an acquaintance who is now a Scientologist. She became involved in the “Church” a few years ago right after her last parent passed away and came in to a significant inheritance. She bought a big house on the lake and shortly after that, she was contacted by Scientology. Do they actually try to seek out people who have deep pockets? If so, to what lengths do they go to find these people?

(6) In Going Clear, the question is raised if David Miscavige is a true believer. The answer in the documentary was that he has to be, because it’s all he’s ever known and his entire life is integrated into the Church. From what I have read in critics’ books, LRH was constantly auditing himself and raving about body thetans, so to some extent he was a true believer as well, though obviously both men are sociopathic charlatans. Do you agree with this view on Miscavige, and second, do you think it explains why there’s been no more OT material released? Last cover story I heard was that ‘all orgs had to be the size of the old Saint Hill org’ which is obviously never going to happen, hence no pressure to release. If Miscavige truly believes LRH was a visionary, then perhaps he’s reluctant to release anything Hubbard didn’t author. Otherwise, writing a few more levels’ worth of bad science fiction and checklists wouldn’t be that hard and he could continue to herd sheep up the Bridge.

(7) I’m interested in reading some of Hubbard’s pulp and science fiction however I’m worried that if I buy anything from Galaxy Press they will then pass on that information and I will get harassed and spammed by pushy Scientology members. Is this a legitimate concern?

(8) I was wondering, since Scientology infiltrated the government, would the government be able to infiltrate Scientology? Couldn’t the Feds just walk in a church and join up? Scientology just sees people as money and free labor anyway, how would they know?

(9) In many of your videos, Scientology’s Communications Course is described by your guests as a great course that has helped them improve their communication skills. Even you look back on it as a course that benefited you and clearly resonates today with your current career in creating these videos. My question is…can someone just get involved just enough to take this course? Is it offered as a “one off?” If so, would it be wise to do it with a group not associated with the Church, or would one get the most benefit from the way the course is given by the “Church.” I know you can’t get “just a little bit pregnant” and I would be worried to give them any information, but you and your guests seem to really praise this particular course. Or should I just stay as far away as I can?

3 thoughts on “Critical Q&A #96”

  1. Best part was about is David a true believer? I say no and I think ur second reason is true. I never liked the guy too no feeling hard sell which I never feel comfortable with. And has a negative spiritual effect. Way to excess materialism and hate the constant give me ur money obsession. I too am a movie goer so I like ur communication and I’m higher up the bridge but less sea org time but I duplicate all you say. Thank you!!!

  2. I pitch a third option for David Miscavige. He not only believes in Scientology, but he also believes that he’s applying it appropriately. If he can have cognitive dissonance about it even working, why can’t he have it about his management style? I am willing to bet that if you told Miscavige to his face that he wasn’t running the church correctly, he simply would not believe you. Plenty of deeply religious people think that, because they are such deep believers, whatever they do is what they’re supposed to be doing. Religious fanaticism aside, narcissists and psychopaths are very difficult to reason with anyway. They only ever see things from their own point of view.

    I also put forth that Miscavige is running the church the way Hubbard eventually would have. He would not want any Sea Org member becoming his equal let alone surpassing him. So it would make sense to prevent Sea Org members from getting too far up the bridge. The last thing he’d want is to be surrounded by hundreds of OT 8s who are all younger and fitter than he.

    As membership declined, Hubbard also would be at the same crossroads about what to do if he wanted his organization to stay wealthy. I know he hated the idea of fundraisers in lieu of services but I believe he would have changed his mind if services brought in too little. He might not have liked real estate but if it were a good investment and fooled members into thinking the church was thriving, well……it looks like Hubbard never turned down the chance to make a buck. We already know Hubbard was cruel and violent, throwing a four year old into an anchor locker on the Apollo. If he thought “The Hole” would work he would certainly use it. So I will give David Miscavige this amount of credit- his management methods are in keeping with Hubbard’s personality and penchant for short term game. I don’t think Hubbard’s style would be too different if he were alive and still running things. If members are longing for Hubbard to still be in charge, what the church looks like now is what it would look like if they got their wish. So they should be satisfied with David Miscavige. Or turn to David Mayo.

  3. Just as an aside, I always smile to see your movie reviews because I’m truly pleased that you’re finally able to enjoy the hobbies and leisure activities you were denied for decades. Being forced to sit through Battlefield Earth multiple times doesn’t count!

    Free to be, think, and do. Unbreakable. 😉

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