Critical Q&A #16

The latest in my ongoing series where I answer questions left for me in the comments section of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at AskChrisShelton@gmail.com. This week the questions I take up are:

(1) I want to thank you for your videos! I also have a question for you. I was raised Christian, however, more and more I am seeing the hypocritical nature of most dedicated Christians that go to church for Bible Study and services on Sunday. I do not attend any church as I feel that a “group think” dynamic is dangerous. I don’t like being told what to believe. I have a “faith” but it is a personal faith. My question is why do so many Christians judge others so readily when they claim to be “saved by grace?”

(2) Nice video with Tony. Love your Q&A Videos. Some questions: Can you give us a history of where you were on staff and what were your posts? Have you apologized to anyone you wronged while on staff? How did that go?

(3) Hi Chris, do you think that the new Scientology TV network to be opened by Tom Cruise will be effective in gaining sufficient members to staff the all extravagant Ideal Orgs, or is it more likely to be just be another waste of Scientology parishioners’ money? I, for one, hope that it’s an expensive flop, but I can’t help wondering whether a vast continuous promotion “we have the answers for your mental health and the betterment of mankind” is all that’s required to increase public acceptance and turn the tide.

(4) Hi! I made a comment on your Q & A video #5, in which I mentioned Scientology’s Life Improvement Courses. I enrolled in a Personal Values & Integrity Course, and it was going along fine – I mean, I agreed with everything up till…I ended up skipping to the end of the materials one day, because I’m rebellious that way, and discovered that the last question was to write up all my overts/sins from the beginning of my life! As if that is even possible! Would you please address the real purpose of these courses (for one, intel gathering)?

(5) I am a frequent visitor to the Underground Bunker. Recently, the comments section has been repeatedly trolled by users who attack people in The Bunker, and delete their posts to make the user look crazy when they reply. The current troll, “Ghost of Gon” has not been deleting, meaning the trolls are getting bolder. I and other Bunker users believe the Church of Scientology is putting the trolls up to it. Users have been decent and not stooped to their level, but it is trying.  Does the Church of Scientology still have staff or Sea Org members trolling websites critical of Scientology? What is the reasoning behind this? Aren’t they afraid that the trolls will start poking around the internet, get the truth and turn Tory Magoo on them? Are they so full of themselves that they can’t see the danger?

(6) I have followed you since the inception of your channel. I must say that in videos at your site and elsewhere you “look” healthier and happier as time goes on. Congratulations! If an individual’s folder or file holds any confidential confessions, how do these remain as such when many workers can access or handle a folder? I see the cult begging for help with the enormous, outdated paper filing system. Moreover, can I assume that celebrity or important public Scientologists’ folders are kept out of reach?

(7) How do you and other ex-Scientologists generally feel about the fascination that many never-ins like myself have for the subject of Scientology? Have you personally ever been bothered by the intense public interest? It’s no secret that there are a ton of people who follow breaking news in the weird world of Scientology with popcorn-munching, wide-eyed fascination. They (we, let’s be honest) devour your videos and blog, as well as books, videos and websites put out by other ex-members, The Underground Bunker, Going Clear, etc. And chances are, they end up sharing this interest with their friends, some of whom inevitably become hooked themselves. That’s arguably a good thing since the more exposure there is to the abuses of this tax-exempt organization, the more likely that they might be forced to change their ways and/or the more potential new members will stay away. But while I’m sure that you appreciate people’s interest for that reason at least, I also can’t help but wonder if it can feel a little weird that so many strangers are so intrigued by tales of your own personal abuse and suffering. Does it ever… well… seem a little creepy sometimes?