February 2017 CrossingCurrents Volume 10 Issue 1

SCIENTOLOGY’S VOCAL CRITICS by Bob Waldrep What do and John Travolta have the inner workings, beliefs and practices of half of those viewers, some 1.1 million, were in common other than being well-known . However, probably none of in the highly sought 25-54 age demographic. 3 actors? Most might correctly guess they are them were as well known to the general If nothing else, these numbers indicate there also well-known Scientologists. In fact, Scien- public (due to her “celebrity” stature) as is still an interest in Scientology and perhaps tology is probably best known due to the who had been raised in Scien- a lack of awareness about what these celeb- high public profile of these and other celebri- tology from the age of nine and left in 2013. rities and other Scientologists actually be- ty members, such as former star Remini had the credentials. She had starred lieve. Remini had found an audience. Kirstie Alley and MSNBC news host Greta in the hit network comedy King of Queens. And while the celebrities in Scientology may Van Susteren. In fact, Scientology probably She had been a host on the first season of believe their membership is like that of any markets itself through its celebrity members and she had appeared on the highly other member, the treatment and attention more than any other religious group. popular, . given them is far different than that of the In a 2005 interview, Stephen Kent, a profes- rank and file member. Like most celebrity sor of sociology at the University of Alberta, members, Remini obviously did not under- said he believes, “America increasingly blends stand this while part of the group or else entertainment with news, to the neglect of turned a blind eye to it. important news items involving Scientology.” It is not simply the length of her documen- Suggesting that Scientology uses its celebri- tary (seven episodes) that sets it apart from ties as ambassadors and to soften its image, most other documentaries about Scientology Kent who has extensively studied and writ- – it is its emphasis. Rather than focus on ten about Scientology, went on to say, “They what might be considered the outlandish increasingly use their celebrities in a news- beliefs of Scientology, Remini chose to put making fashion…They are public relations the spotlight on the abuses of its leadership, officers for Scientology, and part of their especially , its Chairman of mission is to represent Scientology to the She could speak, not only from her experi- the Board, who had assumed leadership with outside world and other governments.” 1 ences in Scientology, but as a successful ac- the death of its founder in1986. Probably the best example of how these ce- tress who had once used her celebrity to The story is told through interviews with lebrities can promote and defend the teach- promote and defend Scientology. After leav- other former members – all of whom had ings of Scientology is Tom Cruise’s highly ing the group she wrote Troublemaker: Surviv- been involved in Scientology for twenty publicized attack on Psychiatry – which Sci- ing Hollywood and Scientology a revealing look years or more before leaving and had risen entology ridicules as having no validity – at her involvement in Scientology and what to positions of leadership. Through first-hand while promoting his film War of the Worlds in finally led her to leave. experiences, they were much more knowl- 2005. This led to a “war of words” with he Books by former members are nothing new edgeable about the abuses of Scientology and Today Show host Matt Lauer (Read about nor are they the only means being used to than Remini who led the more sheltered life this in my article “Tom Cruise Phone Home” bring Scientology under public scrutiny. In- 2 of a celebrity. They also knew the “abuse” www.crosswindstore.org/free-info/) creasingly, producers and media outlets were could follow them even after their depar- developing documentaries about Scientology This begs the question, does the information ture. In fact, many had told their story be- provided by these celebrities accurately por- that were quite compelling. Knowing the fore and already suffered for it. tray the teachings and practices of Scientolo- power of film, Remini produced her own Scientology has aggressively sued those who gy? Many who have left the group would say documentary, Leah Remini: Scientology and the make public statements against the Church no, especially when it comes to its more Aftermath, which was broadcast on cable’s or make public its secret beliefs, or controversial teachings. Even Cruise, though A&E network as a seven-week series. “Tech” (technology). They also harass and having accurately stated the teachings of Sci- The first episode aired November 29, 2016 try to discredit opposers through “Fair entology about psychiatry during his debate and 2.1 million viewers tuned in to watch it. ”, a practice Hubbard began as a means with Lauer, did not reveal the truth when And, while those numbers might be consid- to control enemies or detractors. asked about other teachings of Scientology ered small for a major network program, such as its connection to space aliens. they are quite astounding for a program on Ex-members who speak out against Scientol- ogy are labeled SPs, “suppressive persons,” In recent years, a number of books have cable – particularly a documentary. Perhaps and are also subject to this policy and cut off been written by former members exposing even more significant is the fact that over Continued, p. 2 Page 2 from family members who are still part of the physical attacks were said to be brought on and those she interviewed is the financial loss group. Imagine a Mother leaves Scientology for such things as simply not being able to or ruin that comes from spending tens, and and her children remain in the group. If she complete an assigned task – a task that was in even hundreds, of thousands of dollars on speaks out and is labeled an SP, she will no many cases impossible to accomplish. Scientology coursework and sessions longer be able to have contact with her chil- These are not new allegations. An article in that are essential for advancing to higher lev- dren and grandchildren. This can be particu- the June 21, 2009 edition of the Tampa Bay els. (Remini told The Hollywood Reporter, she 8 larly devastating and controlling as evidenced News describes the scene at a meeting of gave three million dollars to the Church.) by some of those interviewed by Remini. some thirty Scientology leaders in which, Remini and other ex-members have said Scientology’s official stance is the “” “Miscavige gathered the group and out of members are encouraged to do whatever it policy was canceled in 1968. However, based nowhere slapped a manager named Tom De takes to get the funds, even running up huge upon their experiences, many reporters and Vocht, threw him to the ground and delivered credit card debt or taking out loans or mort- ex-members would say differently. One, Mike more blows. De Vocht took the beating and gages to pay for the materials. Rinder, a former high ranking ex-member and the humiliation in silence – the way other Such allegations aren’t new. In fact, Time re- consultant for Remini’s documentary, was executives always took the leader’s attacks.” 6 ported similar claims over twenty-five years subjected to this policy or its practice and ago in its ground-breaking May 06, 1991 cov- offers film footage in the documentary to “[Scientology] is a hugely er story, “The Thriving Cult of Greed and substantiate it. Remini and her film crew also Power” by Richard Behar. The title indicates offer footage of their being followed during profitable global racket that Behar found the organization to be money- the filming of her documentary. survives by intimidating centered and in the opening he states it: Scientology’s response to the A&E documen- members and critics in a “The , started by tary is typical of how they handle critics and science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard to seems to offer further evidence in support of mafia-like manner.” ‘’ people of unhappiness, portrays the assertion they continue to use “fair game” Time, May 6, 1991 itself as a religion. In reality the church is type practices. In their “official” response, a hugely profitable global racket that sur- Remini is depicted as a bitter failure who is Many former members also disagree with vives by intimidating members and critics simply trying to profit from her departure: Scientology’s growth claims believing its num- in a Mafia-like manner.” His conclusion, “Leah Remini has become what she once bers are actually declining. However, one of “…in the end, money is what Scientology declared she never wanted to be known those interviewed by Remini had a different is all about. As long as the organization’s as: ‘this bitter ex-Scientologist.’ As USA take based on his position in Scientology hav- opponents and victims are successfully Today wrote, Ms. Remini is ‘as famous for ing required him to visit numerous Church squelched, Scientology’s managers and being an ex-Scientologist as she is as an locations. He believes there is some truth to lawyers will keep pocketing millions of 9 actress.’ She needs to move on with her the claims if they refer to a numerical in- dollars by helping it achieve its ends.” life instead of pathetically exploiting her crease in property/buildings instead of mem- Addressing its litigious nature, Behar wrote, former religion, her former and bership. For, while the Church was investing “Scientology devotes vast resources to other celebrities for money and attention large sums to acquire and build new proper- squelching its critics…One of Hubbard's poli- to appear relevant again.” 4 ties, he found it wasn’t unusual to find some cies was that all perceived enemies are "fair It goes on to assert the real reason Remini were basically empty. game" and subject to being "tricked, sued or left was due to her stalking Scientology lead- Writing for Rolling Stone, Janet Reitman seems lied to or destroyed." Those who criticize the ership and knowing she was about to be ex- to have come to the same conclusion when church - journalists, doctors, lawyers and pelled from the group. The response even visiting Scientology’s facility in Manhattan: even judges - often find themselves engulfed in litigation, stalked by private eyes, framed includes the claim Scientology is continuing to “The New York Org claims to receive for fictional crimes, beaten up or threatened thrive, as if to say, “Take that Leah Remini”: more than 500 phone calls per day, and with death.” 10 On this point, he concludes, “The Church has grown more in the past nearly as many visitors in a week. But aside “One legal goal of Scientology is to bankrupt decade than in its first 50 years combined from its staff, I find the place to be almost the opposition or bury it under paper.” 11 under the ecclesiastical leadership of entirely empty. Seated alone in a small Mr. Miscavige, a visionary parishioners auditorium, I watch the film, which turns One might wonder how Time and Behar es- and Church staff hold in the highest re- out to be an infomercial featuring a cast of caped the attacks and litigation Scientology gard for carrying out the legacy of the "real" people talking about how typically used against those who spoke out Scientology Founder through the renais- changed their lives, curing them of ailments against it or revealed its secrets. They didn’t. sance [it] is now experiencing.” 5 ranging from cancer to depression.” 7 However, unlike others sued by Scientology, Time had the funds and the will to stay the Remini’s show casts Miscavige much different- In addition to the allegations of physical abuse ly. Some interviewed share personal stories (some of which claim to have ended in death; course, spending millions of dollars defending of being physically abused by him. Though google “Lisa Mcpherson” or visit lisamcpher- the lawsuit. After several years and appeals by Scientology lawyers, the suit was finally dis- inappropriate under any circumstance, these son.org/), another abuse claimed by Remini Page 3 missed in Time’s favor. 12 It is likely due to Addressing this Hubbard wrote, “In a clear, Scientology, an OT is a being who no Time’s success that many other newspapers psycho-somatic illness has become non- longer is dependent on his body or the and periodicals have since been emboldened existent and will not return since its actual physical world around him and is fully to write about the organization’s secrets. source is nullified permanently…The dianetic aware of his immortality as he passes Other than its abusive practices and inflated clear is to a current normal individual as the through an endless succession of lifetimes 17 numbers alleged in the film, what else does current normal is to the severely insane.” in other bodies. Reaching the highest level Scientology not want you to know? What are Were you to go through the auditing pro- — OT VIII — usually requires a Scientolo- the secret practices learned only as one ad- cess, a trained auditor would have you hold gist to spend years and tens of thousands vances through the ranks of the Church? what is basically a tin can in each hand. A of dollars on courses, counseling, books, 19 Perhaps, chief among them - its “alien” origin. wire clips to each can and connects to a de- lectures and other materials.” Upon reaching OT VIII, a Scientologist is be- Scientology was founded in 1954 by science vice called an E-Meter. You are then asked a lieved so powerful that they can manipulate fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard and finds its number of personal questions and thanks to basis in his book, Dianetics: The Modern Sci- the E-Meter, the auditor can determine if MEST (Matter, Energy, Space, Time). Tony ence of Mental Health. In this book, Hubbard your answers are truthful. Naturally, some Ortega of the Village Voice has covered Scien- tology for years and, about this level, wrote, describes the basic problem of mankind is, you know to be true will be deemed false as “Ron Hubbard enticed followers with prom- what he calls, the , or engrams: proof you are being deceived by engrams. ises that by the time they had reached OT “The entire physical pain and painful Time described auditing as, “…a crude psy- VIII - and all of the disembodied alien souls emotion of a lifetime, whether the indi- that are attached to the rest of us had finally vidual ‘knows’ about it or not, is con- been removed from the OT VIII through tained, recorded, in the bank… years of auditing - the now unencumbered The engram and only the engram causes subject should have amazing powers: teleki- aberration and psycho-somatic illness.” 13 nesis, total recall, and basically the ability to Hubbard claimed that the only cure is make anything in the physical universe hap- through Dianetic therapy which he said, pen just with the use of your mind. 20 “deletes all the pain from a lifetime.” 14 And as wild as that may seem, it is in the OT Concerning the need for this therapy he material (OT III) that one also learns what writes, “…all physical pain and painful emo- Time revealed, as perhaps the most bizarre tion, no matter how the individual may think secret teaching introduced by Hubbard – an he has handled it, is capable of re-inflicting alien connection: itself upon him from this hidden level, unless that pain is removed by dianetic therapy.” 15 “In the 1960s the guru decreed that hu- Are there any exceptions? Not according to mans are made of clusters of spirits (or Hubbard who states, “Not one single excep- “”) who were banished to earth chotherapeutic technique [for which Hub- tion has been found. In ‘normal people,’ in some 75 million years ago by a cruel ga- bard] created a simplified lie detector (called lactic ruler named . Naturally, those the neurotic and insane, the removal of these an ‘E-meter’) that was designed to measure thetans had to be audited.” 21 Yes, Hub- engrams wholly or in part, without other electrical changes in the skin while subjects bard had incorporated aliens from anoth- therapy, has uniformly brought about a state discussed intimate details of their past. Hub- er planet into the origin of Scientology. greatly superior to the current norm.” 16 bard argued that unhappiness sprang from In her article for Rolling Stone Reitman pro- Basically this means, whether sane or insane, mental aberrations (or "engrams") caused by vides further insight regarding Xenu: the problem, and its solution, is the same for early traumas. Counseling sessions with the E [Scientology] assert that 75 million years everyone. This is done through Scientology’s -meter, he claimed, could knock out the en- ago, an evil galactic warlord named Xenu own version of “follow the yellow brick grams, cure blindness and even improve a controlled seventy-six planets in this cor- road” only their road is a bridge - “The person's intelligence and appearance.” 18 Ac- ner of the galaxy, each of which was se- Bridge to Total Freedom” – and instead of a cording to Time’s findings a one hour auditing verely overpopulated. To solve this prob- Wizard, at the end waits a science fiction session could cost as much as $1,000. writer. And it is not a friendly scarecrow, lem, Xenu rounded up 13.5 trillion beings Upon reaching a state of clear, the person is lion and tin man that will accompany you but and then flew them to Earth, where they identified as an “Operating ” and be- “auditors”. Sound inviting? were dumped into volcanoes around the gins a whole new series of levels, classified as globe and vaporized with bombs. This Being on the Bridge requires following the OTs. In a 2009 series on Scientology, the scattered their radioactive souls, or the- teachings of Scientology and Dianetic Thera- Tampa Bay Times provided a simple explana- tans, until they were caught in electronic py. On this “road” one is promised they can tion of these levels: traps set up around the atmosphere and become “clear” and rid themselves of these “At the top of the bridge [to freedom] are "implanted" with a number of false ideas - nasty engrams – the ultimate goal and prom- the ‘’ or OT levels. In including the concepts of God, Christ and ise of Scientology. Page 4 organized religion. Scientologists ries, this film documents many of the abusive The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrel- learn that many of these entities attached practices alleged against Scientology. Prior to some, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient themselves to human beings, where they its broadcast Joe Nocera wrote an Op-Ed for when wronged, with gentleness correcting those remain to this day, creating not just the the New York Times based on discussions he who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant root of all of our emotional and physical had with Gibney and Wright particularly as them repentance leading to the knowledge of problems but the root of all problems of regards its treatment of the press and those the truth, and they may come to their sens- the modern world.” 22 who had left the Church. es and escape from the snare of the devil, hav- Interestingly, when Reitman was working on ing been held captive by him to do his will. her article, , an ex-member who 2 Timothy 2:24-26 served as a consultant for Remini’s documen- Foot Notes 1 salon.com/2005/06/30/scientology_5/ tary, was over Scientology’s Office of Special 2 Tom Cruise Phone Home 3 businessinsider.com/leah-reminis-scientology-show-ae-ratings- Affairs – the so-called public relations arm of 2016-11 the Church. According to Reitman, when 4 scientologynews.org/statements/abc-news/church-of-scientology -statement-leah-remini.html asked about Xenu, Rinder almost went into a 5 Ibid. 6 tampabay.com/news/scientology-the-truth-rundown-part-1-of-3- tirade claiming, “‘It is not a story, it is an audit- According to Nocera, Gibney did not deny in-a-special-report-on-the/1012148 ing level,’ he says, neither confirming nor 7 rollingstone.com/culture/news/inside-scientology-20110208 experiencing some harassment but noted “… 8 hollywoodreporter.com/news/leah-remini-tom-cruise-urged-me 23 denying that this theology exists.” the people who are really harassed these days -get-les-moonves-kill-60-minutes-scientology-story-950903 9 Time May 6, 1991 content.time.com/time/magazine/ Even the animated sitcom South Park found aren’t journalists but those who have left the article/0,9171,972865,00.html church.” But Marty Rathburn, a former high- 10 Ibid. the story of Xenu worthy of lampooning and 11 Ibid. produced an episode in which one of their ranking member believes even former mem- 12 caselaw.findlaw.com/us-2nd-circuit/1120447.html 13 Dianetics, p. 11 characters, Stan, tries to join Scientology. bers are getting less harassment, explaining to 14 Ibid. Nocera that “with more people leaving and 15 Ibid. During the auditing process Stan attains a 16 Ibid. p. 67 higher reading than anyone other than Hub- talking about the church, it no longer has the 17 Ibid. p. 12 18 Time, Ibid. bard. Learning of it the Scientology leadership resources to sic private eyes on all its critics 19 Tampa Bay Times tampabay.com/news/scientology/climbing-the- [and that he] thinks the Internet has hurt the bridge-a-journey-to-operating-thetan/1062094 quickly proclaim Stan to be the 20 villagevoice.com/news/ed-bryan-ot-viii-demonstrates-the- of L. Ron Hubbard. As such, they decide to church, because it is far easier to find out in- power-of-scientologys-highest-levels-6683785 21 Time, Ibid. tell him their “alien” secret. What follows is a formation about it — and many of its sup- 22 Rolling Stone rollingstone.com/culture/news/inside-scientology- very accurate animated representation of the posed secrets are posted online for all to 20110208 25 23 Ibid beliefs held regarding Xenu. (Watch at south- see.” (To see just how much can be found 24 southpark.cc.com/clips/104274/what-scientologist-actually- believe park.cc.com/clips/104274/what-scientologist- online, Google the phrase “fishman affidavit” 25 New York times February 24, 2015, p. A23 ny- actually-believe) and you can read all the secret OT docu- times.com/2015/02/24/opinion/joe-nocera-scientologys-chilling- effect.html?_r=0 ments of Scientology.) Do the creators of South Park fear retribu- 26 Ibid. I hope for those who remain in Scientology as Bob Waldrep is the President and tion by Scientology? Apparently not. At the Founder of Crosswinds Foundation. end of the episode Stan rejects Scientology well as for those who have left and been de- Bob has written numerous articles concluding, like Time, it is, “Just a big-fat global clared SPs, that Lawrence Wright is correct related to cultural apologetics, coau- when telling Nocera, “Part of the message thored The Truth Behind the Secret, and scam.” To which various Scientologists is a contributing author to: The Popular crowded around him (including Tom Cruise) here is that you don’t need to fear Scientolo- Encyclopedia of Apologetics and The begin shouting, “We are going to sue you.” At gy anymore.” 26 If the days when Scientology Complete Evangelism Guidebook. this, Stan (actually, the creators of the show could hold on to disgruntled members by us- [email protected] speaking through Stan) replies, “Okay, good, ing fear and intimidation tactics are truly fad- CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? do it. I’m not scared of you. Sue Me!” 24 ing away, that is indeed good news. However, Need back/print issues? Got a question? Need as long as any are still ensnared by Hubbard’s information on a particular topic? Contact us for free What has so emboldened the critics of Scien- teachings, the Christian Church has a respon- copies of back issues, articles, and research reports we. tology? Last year HBO aired “: sibility to join with former members, like WHAT DO YOU THINK? Scientology and the Prison of Belief”, a docu- Share your thoughts/opinions on this and other topics of Remini, and share the truth with those have mentary by Alex Gibney based on Lawrence concern in today's culture. Even if it's the same as ours been deceived. we appreciate knowing what you think. Email: Wright’s book, Going Clear. Like Remini’s se- [email protected]

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