Leah Remini’s Emmy-winning Scientology and the Aftermath is in its second season and the impact the show is having on the world of Scientology is immense. Scientologists have never come out to attack critics the way they are now on social media, the Church is desperate to counter the abuses that are being exposed and more. I talk about this and how the show is affecting me personally.
Some Thoughts about Scientology and the Aftermath
Dear Chris — I just watched your post of September 21. Having left a cult myself in 1986, I admire you so much for doing what you do. I am further impressed with your courage after hearing you today. Anyone who might think less of you just does not understand the power of undue influence in a totalitarian organization. Can you imagine what our lives would be like under a totalitarian government? This is why what you and others are doing now with respect to Scientology is so important — people need to understand why critical thinking and free choice are so important to defend.
Chris, everything I could say comes down to one word – Wow.
Your ability to be candid about your activities while in Scientology is admirable and I admire your courage. You need to know that. Everyone that’s participated in the series needs to know that. As for the things you revealed here, remember that confession is good for the soul – and the truth will set you free.
I’m curious as to whether you – or any of your former Scientology associates – have discussed just what the endgame will be. I personally don’t see any kind of government intervention coming that would be a true death blow. Revocation of their IRS tax exemption would be a huge PR blow, and force them to wage a court battle that would only increase their negative press exposure, but it will also likely get civil libertarians engaged on purely first amendment grounds . They also have huge financial resources that would guarantee they could tie that effort up in courts indefinitely.
Also, I’m wondering if their massive acquisition of properties and dilution of assets among a variety of groups worldwide was in anticipation of this day eventually coming. Call it a golden parachute or whatever, but the possibility of Miscavige escaping to a country from which he would be safe from extradition with enough money socked away in untouchable accounts and tied up in real estate is a very shrewd way of ensuring he and his inner circle would have a way out – even if it leaves everyone else – Travolta, Cruise, Elfman, Masterson, etc – holding the proverbial bag.
That leaves the possibility of a criminal investigation into offenses for which the statute of limitations haven’t expired and for which there are witnesses and evidence. Quite frankly, I’m not seeing that happening either. If there are people who are willing to testify to their direct involvement in holding others against their will who can point to orders from the top, that could change.
I agree that Hollywood has had it with them. However, unless celebrity scientologists start feeling the pinch financially or socially all that means is future growth in membership and donations from that area is over.
That leaves it up to the media to take the celebrities on, making them face up to their propping up this thing, and perhaps shame them into finally taking a stand. Will that happen? Who the hell knows, but I’m curious to hear what you think about all this.
Tim Curtin
Thank you so much, Chris, for all you’ve done in the struggle to inform the world of the realities of Scientology
I admire your courage for all the videos, interviews, etc. Today’s confession must have taken a big bite of regret and humility. I’m sorry you had to go through what you did while in the Sea Org – I’m sure this decision (or non-decision, as it was forced upon you) must haunt you in ways I can only imagine. It’s unforgivable of the “CHURCH” … you, however, deserve full forgiveness. I hope you don’t blame yourself. All of the pain this organization inflicted is the big sin, here… not the actions of the victims. You and your then wife were VICTIMS: of mind control, of emotional abuse, of cruelly inflicted fear for your very salvation.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have gained even more respect with this heartfelt “confession.” There is no condemnation from any informed, sane non or ex Scientologist. You deserve only peace.
Thank you so much Susan. I really appreciate it <3
Bravo, Chris! My respect for you has only grown as a result of this video. As someone said above, you were a victim of the cult’s powerful mind control techniques. I’m really impressed at your level of honesty, and I’m sure it will only help everyone who watches be even more aware of the evil that this “church” is capable of.
One depressing thought occurred to me though: what about people in other countries, who don’t have access to Leah’s show? I don’t know anything about which American shows tend to air in foreign countries. Scientology is probably dead here in the U.S. but not everyone in the world has the same access to information that we have. That’s where web sites like yours, Tony Ortega’s, etc. are wonderful resources. But I just wonder how much Scientology will continue to grow abroad. Not something I want to think about, but a concern nonetheless.
Chris: Watching you grow emotionally and deal with hard truths is really humbling and inspiring. Hard enough to do in general, but to do so publicly is really admirable. I am a never-in, but could have been. I picked up Dianetics at a book fair in the early 80s. I had a very dysfunctional nuclear family and was searching for understanding and acceptance. Fortunately, the book seemed nonsensical to me and I didn’t pursue. HOWEVER, had I been body-routed into an org, given the personality test and personal attention, and taken some of the beginning courses, I think it could have gone very differently. I fairly soon after first reading the book (or trying to read it) got into an abusive relationship that went on for nine years, so I do understand how once you’re in something–even when you know it’s really not OK–you can feel so stuck and not even realize you CAN leave. Like you, something finally kicked in for me, and I’ve gone on to have a very fun and interesting life.
Anyhow, I think you are an excellent teacher, and I have learned so much listening to your videos. I am all for ending scientology, but my fear is that DM will get away with plenty of $$ and parishioners will be left bereft and without psychological care. Do you think it would better to have a quick end, or would a more gradual phasing out be better overall for the people still involved? Thanks. Holly
Thank you Holly and thank you for your support!!!