Jim Gatos asked a couple of good questions about my post, Answer to Comment on Fair Game. I answered the questions there, but I thought they are of general interest so I am also posting the questions and answers as a blog article:
Jim Said:
I can sympathize with how you must have felt, but may I ask;
1. Can you give us any clue as to what your offense was? If you'd rather not mention it that's fine, you and I and everyone has their right to privacy. Maybe you could tell us the type or catagory of offense you had, if you want to...
2. You must have felt upset about the "suppressive person" label. Logic would dictate that some folks would take the steps to get that label removed, and others would be quite upset and never admit they were wrong (if they were, in fact, wrong..).. How did you handle it?
PS.. I think EVERY religion has a "code of conduct"..., so I am not being negative at all, and I don't want anyone to think that...
My Answer
Excellent questions.
On #1, well ... I'd rather not go into details - don't want to embarrass myself any more than I already have :) Let's just say I was young and my solution to a problem was to run away from it rather than handle the mess I'd created. I think the category would be behavior that caused damage to the Church I was working at. Is it okay if I leave it at that?
On #2, strangely enough I was not upset about the "Suppressive Person" label. I had studied Scientology Ethics and I understood what it meant, that it wasn't a permanent label and I knew what to do about it. I also felt it was deserved. So, whilst I wasn't exactly over the moon about it, I wasn't upset.
The steps to handle a Suppressive Person declare are pretty simple. The detailed description takes a long page of a policy letter, so I'll give you the Reader's Digest version: stop doing bad stuff, publicly announce that you realize what you did wasn't good and what may have influenced you to act that way, pay off any debts you may have to Scientology churches, do some project to make up for what you did (the project must be clearly of benefit to mankind and can't involve Scientology) then start doing Scientology training starting at the lowest level.
That's all you have to do.
By the way, the things that can get you declared a "suppressive person" are called "suppressive acts" and they are listed in the book "Introduction To Scientology Ethics." So it's not like you get labeled just because someone gets pissed off at you or doesn't like you. You have to actually do stuff such as: Any felony (murder, arson, etc.), blackmail, using the mailing lists of Scientology organizations for personal profit or gain and there are quite a lot that are specifically concerned with the correct delivery of Scientology services and the spiritual technology of Scientology.
I guess people who read about "SP" on the Internet are not told that although the definition of Suppressive Person lists particular attributes of behavior, you only get officially labeled as a "SP" if you actually do something bad. Which is pretty much like it is in any group - you have to do something.
You also get a lot of chances to handle the situation. There is a thing called the "Ethics Gradient" which lists the steps that are taken to try and help a person handle his situation. The last step is #36 and that is "Expulsion from Scientology" which means you are expelled and declared a SP. And every expulsion has to go through several levels of the church before it is approved. So no one gets declared on a whim or without a lot of oversight and review.
And finally, Here is a quote from the policy letter written by L. Ron Hubbard that says how to handle a suppressive person:
"Civil court actions against SPs to effect collection of monies owed may be resorted to, as they are not entitled to Scientology ethics procedures."
That is all "Fair Game" every meant before it was canceled 40 years ago. Someone who had been expelled was not entitled to the protection of Scientology Ethics procedures. Nothing more and nothing less.
Well, I hope that answers it for you.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Apology to Jim Gatos
Jim is a reader of my blog and often posts great comments. Unfortunately my backlog of handling comment moderation caused me to not post or answer several of Jim's comments. Sorry Dude!!! As of right now I've posted and answered everything. So please continue making comments and giving me your excellent insights.
Scientology Blogosphere - Good Articles for the Week
There have been some really good articles on the Scientology Blogosphere this week:
- Drug Education Ads Win Silver Telly Award
A drug education public service ad series from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World has been honored with two Silver Telly Awards, one for its "They Said/They Lied" series as Best Public Service Campaign and another going to a single ad of the series selected as Best Public Service Ad. - Girl's Night Out
A mother's article about her two daughters and how they are learning to think for themselves. - Scientology Videos - Finding them
It's easy to find the Scientology Video you want. They are all listed in one place. - Expansion for Scientology in South Africa
Church of Scientology has acquired the famous Johannesburg landmark, the Kyalami Castle, to be the home of its new advanced spiritual retreat. This marks a significant step for Scientologists who until now had to travel all the way to the U.S., Australia, Denmark or England for their higher spiritual progress. - On the Radio!
Monty is on the radio! "I liked it as I think that we are making an impact to those people out there that do not have a clue about the dangers of these drugs." And he'll be on this Sunday too, talking about the "Drug the Mothers Act," so listen in. - Book: The Scalpel and the Soul
L. Ron Hubbard said it over 50 years ago, and Scientologists know all about the phenomenon, but it's nice to have someone else come up with evidence from a completely different source.
These are just a few of the great articles you can see every day on the Scientology Blogosphere. The blogosphere is a collection of articles from blogs written by Scientologists from all over the world. It doesn't capture every blog by every Scientologist, but it has a lot of them.
Find out who Scientologists really are. Read the Scientology Blogosphere or subscribe to the Scientology Blogosphere RSS feed.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Fair Game Comment
jully made a comment regarding my article What is Fair Game?,
Here is my reply:
jully, You said you couldn't believe me because you'd read an alleged policy letter written in 1967. I can't comment on it because in 30 years of being in Scientology I've never seen this policy. I have the full set of the volumes that contain all Church policy written by L. Ron Hubbard and the "policy letter" you mention is not in there. I also have a single volume from the 1960's (I'm a bit of a collector) that contains a lot of old canceled policies many of which were not even written by Mr. Hubbard, but were published with his name on them. The policy you reference is also not in there.
You also refer to someone who you claim was "fair gamed" in the 1970s. I don't know who the person is and, as it was probably before I got into Scientology, I can't comment because in the 31 years I've been a Scientologist I've never ever seen any application of the nasty stuff that the anti-Scientology crew claim is being done all the time.
So we come back to "You say it is" versus "I say it isn't".
A couple of simple points in my favor:
If this "fair game" policy is in wide spread use as the anti-Scientology crew claim, then how come in 31 years I've never come across it? How come my son who was working in the Church's International management never heard of it? How come my daughter who worked in the ethics & justice department of a major Church never heard of it? How come my friend Patricia who was on staff at a major Church for ten years never heard of it? How come none of the friends I asked about it have ever heard of it? If it is such a broadly used and wide spread policy someone must have heard of it somewhere. Or is it so secret that none of the people who are supposedly following it know of its existence? Sorry, your claims just don't hold up under logical scrutiny. The truth is that "fair game" does not exist.
You also admit "I don't know much about Scientology". If you did know a little about Scientology and Scientologists you would know that the sort of behavior the anti-Scientology crew accuse us of is actually completely foreign to every tenet of the religion. I can't speak for every individual in Scientology but I can speak for myself, my family and my friends and I can say with absolute certainty that we follow the Way to Happiness, we apply the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and we obey the law - which has been a policy of Scientology from day one.
Here is my reply:
jully, You said you couldn't believe me because you'd read an alleged policy letter written in 1967. I can't comment on it because in 30 years of being in Scientology I've never seen this policy. I have the full set of the volumes that contain all Church policy written by L. Ron Hubbard and the "policy letter" you mention is not in there. I also have a single volume from the 1960's (I'm a bit of a collector) that contains a lot of old canceled policies many of which were not even written by Mr. Hubbard, but were published with his name on them. The policy you reference is also not in there.
You also refer to someone who you claim was "fair gamed" in the 1970s. I don't know who the person is and, as it was probably before I got into Scientology, I can't comment because in the 31 years I've been a Scientologist I've never ever seen any application of the nasty stuff that the anti-Scientology crew claim is being done all the time.
So we come back to "You say it is" versus "I say it isn't".
A couple of simple points in my favor:
If this "fair game" policy is in wide spread use as the anti-Scientology crew claim, then how come in 31 years I've never come across it? How come my son who was working in the Church's International management never heard of it? How come my daughter who worked in the ethics & justice department of a major Church never heard of it? How come my friend Patricia who was on staff at a major Church for ten years never heard of it? How come none of the friends I asked about it have ever heard of it? If it is such a broadly used and wide spread policy someone must have heard of it somewhere. Or is it so secret that none of the people who are supposedly following it know of its existence? Sorry, your claims just don't hold up under logical scrutiny. The truth is that "fair game" does not exist.
You also admit "I don't know much about Scientology". If you did know a little about Scientology and Scientologists you would know that the sort of behavior the anti-Scientology crew accuse us of is actually completely foreign to every tenet of the religion. I can't speak for every individual in Scientology but I can speak for myself, my family and my friends and I can say with absolute certainty that we follow the Way to Happiness, we apply the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and we obey the law - which has been a policy of Scientology from day one.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Scientology Videos - Telling Others
The new Scientology Video Channel has 3 hours worth of videos and a great menu structure to help you select which video you want to see. But sometimes you want to direct someone to a particular video so what do you do?
There are two solutions.
The first is to go the the video channel page, select the video and then click on "Share Video" just below the video screen. A form will pop up that you can use to email a link to a friend.
The second solution is to go to this page: Scientology Video Channel Site Map and select the video from the list.
There are two solutions.
The first is to go the the video channel page, select the video and then click on "Share Video" just below the video screen. A form will pop up that you can use to email a link to a friend.
The second solution is to go to this page: Scientology Video Channel Site Map and select the video from the list.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Lisa McPherson and False Reports
chakurakid15 asked about Lisa McPherson. (Lisa was a Scientologist whose death has been used by anti-religious bigots to attack her religion.)
My Answer:
My own knowledge of this is that Lisa died from a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which is "a sudden blockage in a lung artery, usually due to a blood clot that traveled to the lung from a vein in the leg."
That is what happened to Lisa. She had a minor car accident in which she injured her leg. She was staying at a religious retreat when the blood clot reached her lungs and she died very shortly afterwards.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, "At least 100,000 cases of PE occur each year in the United States. PE is the third most common cause of death in hospitalized patients. If left untreated, about 30 percent of patients with PE will die. Most of those who die do so within the first few hours of the event."
So it is not an unusual occurrence. Unfortunately, anti-religious bigots have taken a terrible accident and twisted it into a campaign of lies and abhorrent accusations. People who hate Scientologists, and therefore hated Lisa when she was alive, are using her to attack her religion. Pretty sick if you ask me.
Here is the truth about some lies I have seen on the Internet regarding her death:
-- The religious retreat she was staying at is a luxury hotel. I know this because I've stayed there several times myself. The rooms are much nicer than those of the numerous hotels I've stayed in when I've traveled for work and the service is second to none. I've never been taken care of like I am at the Fort Harrison. You can take an online tour of the Fort Harrison Hotel.
-- Other cases by Medical Examiner Joan Wood were found to have put innocent people behind bars: Medical examiner's apparent mistakes put man in jail, Another man jailed because of medical examiner's mistake
-- Lisa's final death certificate quite clearly states that her death was accidental: Lisa McPherson death certificate.
-- She did not lose any weight while at the religious retreat and she was not dehydrated - see the death certificate and: Press Release about the dismissal of charges.
I think it is pretty clear from the facts that some sickos have taken a tragedy and tried to twist it to their bigoted advantage.
My Answer:
My own knowledge of this is that Lisa died from a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which is "a sudden blockage in a lung artery, usually due to a blood clot that traveled to the lung from a vein in the leg."
That is what happened to Lisa. She had a minor car accident in which she injured her leg. She was staying at a religious retreat when the blood clot reached her lungs and she died very shortly afterwards.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, "At least 100,000 cases of PE occur each year in the United States. PE is the third most common cause of death in hospitalized patients. If left untreated, about 30 percent of patients with PE will die. Most of those who die do so within the first few hours of the event."
So it is not an unusual occurrence. Unfortunately, anti-religious bigots have taken a terrible accident and twisted it into a campaign of lies and abhorrent accusations. People who hate Scientologists, and therefore hated Lisa when she was alive, are using her to attack her religion. Pretty sick if you ask me.
Here is the truth about some lies I have seen on the Internet regarding her death:
-- The religious retreat she was staying at is a luxury hotel. I know this because I've stayed there several times myself. The rooms are much nicer than those of the numerous hotels I've stayed in when I've traveled for work and the service is second to none. I've never been taken care of like I am at the Fort Harrison. You can take an online tour of the Fort Harrison Hotel.
-- Other cases by Medical Examiner Joan Wood were found to have put innocent people behind bars: Medical examiner's apparent mistakes put man in jail, Another man jailed because of medical examiner's mistake
-- Lisa's final death certificate quite clearly states that her death was accidental: Lisa McPherson death certificate.
-- She did not lose any weight while at the religious retreat and she was not dehydrated - see the death certificate and: Press Release about the dismissal of charges.
I think it is pretty clear from the facts that some sickos have taken a tragedy and tried to twist it to their bigoted advantage.
Are you more than a body?
I came across a video (see below) about a new book by a brain surgeon. He has come across something we've known about in Scientology for a long time.
In Scientology we know that the spirit (or "thetan" as we call it) and the body are two separate entities. The phenomenon of exteriorization was discovered in the early 1950's and led to the discovery that man was indeed a spiritual being and not just a conglomerations of meat and bones. More can be found on this in the book Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought, Chapter 7: The Parts of Man.
In his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health," published 58 years ago, L. Ron Hubbard noted the fact that people undergoing operations record everything that was going on.
So here is the video:
In Scientology we know that the spirit (or "thetan" as we call it) and the body are two separate entities. The phenomenon of exteriorization was discovered in the early 1950's and led to the discovery that man was indeed a spiritual being and not just a conglomerations of meat and bones. More can be found on this in the book Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought, Chapter 7: The Parts of Man.
In his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health," published 58 years ago, L. Ron Hubbard noted the fact that people undergoing operations record everything that was going on.
So here is the video:
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Scientology Donations
Burkhard asked where the money paid for donations goes.
My answer:
-- It goes to paying for the Church you are at to be there - mortgage, utilities, etc.
-- It goes to paying the people who work at your local Church.
-- It goes to disseminating Scientology.
-- It goes to printing and publishing Scientology books.
-- It goes to managing Scientology Churches world wide.
-- It goes to expanding Scientology.
I think that about covers it.
More information:
How are Churches of Scientology Supported?
How are Churches of Scientology supported financially?
My answer:
-- It goes to paying for the Church you are at to be there - mortgage, utilities, etc.
-- It goes to paying the people who work at your local Church.
-- It goes to disseminating Scientology.
-- It goes to printing and publishing Scientology books.
-- It goes to managing Scientology Churches world wide.
-- It goes to expanding Scientology.
I think that about covers it.
More information:
How are Churches of Scientology Supported?
How are Churches of Scientology supported financially?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Scientology Video Channel
PCMag.com is reporting on the new Scientology Video Channel. You can read the article here: Church of Scientology Launches Video Channel.
I've already blogged about the new channel, but I have to say, it is amazing. It's in 16 languages and there are 3 hours worth of videos!
If you haven't yet seen it then what are you waiting for? Check it out!
I've already blogged about the new channel, but I have to say, it is amazing. It's in 16 languages and there are 3 hours worth of videos!
If you haven't yet seen it then what are you waiting for? Check it out!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Definition of Religion
My friend Max has written a great article that clarifies the definition of religion as it applies to Scientology: Fun With Dictionaries: The Definitions of "Religion".
I also dug up a scholarly article on the definition of religion and how it relates to Scientology by James A. Beckford, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick in England: Scientology, Social Science and the definition of Religion.
I also dug up a scholarly article on the definition of religion and how it relates to Scientology by James A. Beckford, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick in England: Scientology, Social Science and the definition of Religion.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Scientology Advanced Courses
chakurakid15 asked about the "OT Levels" (also called Advanced Courses). These are higher levels of Scientology auditing. He asked all sorts of questions so I'll do my best to answer.
My Answer:
I've noticed that several people, chakurakid15 included, seem to have a wrong definition for the term "Thetan", it means: "an immortal spiritual being; the human soul. The term soul is not used because it has developed so many other meanings from use in other religions and practices that it doesn't describe precisely what was discovered in Scientology. We use the term thetan instead, from the Greek letter theta, the traditional symbol for thought or life. One does not have a thetan, something one keeps somewhere apart from oneself; one is a thetan. The thetan is the person himself, not his body or his name or the physical universe, his mind or anything else. It is that which is aware of being aware; the identity which IS the individual"
The amount of garbage I've seen on the Internet purporting to expose "what Scientologists really believe" is quite amazing. That people would spend their time and imagination dreaming it all up is even more amazing. Don't they have better things to do?
For example, chakurakid15 mentioned something about exorcise "evil spirits." We don't do that, heck, we don't even "exercise" 'em :) . You must be mixing Scientology up with some other religion.
What Scientologists actually believe, is simple: Scientology Beliefs. That is all we believe. With everything else in Scientology it is up to the individual to decide for himself or herself whether the information presented is true or not. You study something, you apply it to your life and you see if it works. That's all there is to it. As L. Ron Hubbard said: "Nothing in Dianetics and Scientology is true for you unless you have observed it and it is true according to your observation." (Personal Integrity by L. Ron Hubbard)
Personally, I've never come across anything in Scientology that, after careful and thorough personal inspection and investigation, didn't turn out to be true.
chakurakid15 was asking what you get out of the Advanced Courses. He had heard that after the eighth level "you get things like great strength, the ability to fly, and you can even change the way the reality around you is with just your thoughts". I don't know where you heard that, what I do know is that the gains from the OT Levels up to OT VIII are described in the "Ability Gained" column on the "Bridge to Total Freedom" and accurate data about the OT Levels can be found here: Operating Thetan Levels. I could repeat what is there, but I'm lazy, so please take the time to click and read.
Regarding your questions about space aliens, I will simply refer you here: Do Scientologists believe in aliens?.
I can tell you personally that I've been a Scientologist for over 30 years. I am near the top of the Scientology Bridge (on the auditing side) and have done most of the available Advanced Courses (some are not available yet). The gains I have experienced are so huge that it is difficult to describe them all without going on and on and on ad nauseam. So I'll try to sum it up in a few words: My life is great. I am happy. When I come across something in life that is difficult I can face it and handle it. The personal barriers I had in the past (shyness, various inhibitions, difficulties in certain areas of life, depression, random illnesses, etc., etc.) have all vanished like morning mist in the noonday sun. Life is fun and a blast. I look at life like an exciting adventure and I'm Indiana Jones!
Anyway, that's it on those questions.
My Answer:
I've noticed that several people, chakurakid15 included, seem to have a wrong definition for the term "Thetan", it means: "an immortal spiritual being; the human soul. The term soul is not used because it has developed so many other meanings from use in other religions and practices that it doesn't describe precisely what was discovered in Scientology. We use the term thetan instead, from the Greek letter theta, the traditional symbol for thought or life. One does not have a thetan, something one keeps somewhere apart from oneself; one is a thetan. The thetan is the person himself, not his body or his name or the physical universe, his mind or anything else. It is that which is aware of being aware; the identity which IS the individual"
The amount of garbage I've seen on the Internet purporting to expose "what Scientologists really believe" is quite amazing. That people would spend their time and imagination dreaming it all up is even more amazing. Don't they have better things to do?
For example, chakurakid15 mentioned something about exorcise "evil spirits." We don't do that, heck, we don't even "exercise" 'em :) . You must be mixing Scientology up with some other religion.
What Scientologists actually believe, is simple: Scientology Beliefs. That is all we believe. With everything else in Scientology it is up to the individual to decide for himself or herself whether the information presented is true or not. You study something, you apply it to your life and you see if it works. That's all there is to it. As L. Ron Hubbard said: "Nothing in Dianetics and Scientology is true for you unless you have observed it and it is true according to your observation." (Personal Integrity by L. Ron Hubbard)
Personally, I've never come across anything in Scientology that, after careful and thorough personal inspection and investigation, didn't turn out to be true.
chakurakid15 was asking what you get out of the Advanced Courses. He had heard that after the eighth level "you get things like great strength, the ability to fly, and you can even change the way the reality around you is with just your thoughts". I don't know where you heard that, what I do know is that the gains from the OT Levels up to OT VIII are described in the "Ability Gained" column on the "Bridge to Total Freedom" and accurate data about the OT Levels can be found here: Operating Thetan Levels. I could repeat what is there, but I'm lazy, so please take the time to click and read.
Regarding your questions about space aliens, I will simply refer you here: Do Scientologists believe in aliens?.
I can tell you personally that I've been a Scientologist for over 30 years. I am near the top of the Scientology Bridge (on the auditing side) and have done most of the available Advanced Courses (some are not available yet). The gains I have experienced are so huge that it is difficult to describe them all without going on and on and on ad nauseam. So I'll try to sum it up in a few words: My life is great. I am happy. When I come across something in life that is difficult I can face it and handle it. The personal barriers I had in the past (shyness, various inhibitions, difficulties in certain areas of life, depression, random illnesses, etc., etc.) have all vanished like morning mist in the noonday sun. Life is fun and a blast. I look at life like an exciting adventure and I'm Indiana Jones!
Anyway, that's it on those questions.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Scientology Expansion
It has just been announced that a new Advanced Organization is being created in Africa. This is great news for Scientology and Scientologists and is another sign of the huge expansion Scientology is currently experiencing.
For people not familiar with what an Advanced Organization (AO) is or how this shows huge expansion, let me explain. The structure of the Church of Scientology is described here: Ecclesiastical Structure of Scientology - that tells you all the details. The quick overview is: there are different kinds of Scientology Churches:
There are hundreds of Missions and Class V Churches and these deliver the majority of the spiritual services and training available in Scientology. There are four AOs in the world, they deliver more advanced services and training.. There is only one Flag and one Freewinds, they deliver the most advanced services and training. See the links above for more details on what that all means.
The last AO was formed over 20 years ago in Australia so the announcement that a new AO is forming in Africa means that there is so much expansion going on that the existing AOs are not enough to handle the number of people who want the Advanced Courses these churches deliver.
The premises for the new AO in Africa have been purchased and the place is beautiful. It's out in the country side and is a huge property with a 5-star hotel and lots of other buildings. Perfect for the volume of people who will be going there.
So, that's the news!
For people not familiar with what an Advanced Organization (AO) is or how this shows huge expansion, let me explain. The structure of the Church of Scientology is described here: Ecclesiastical Structure of Scientology - that tells you all the details. The quick overview is: there are different kinds of Scientology Churches:
There are hundreds of Missions and Class V Churches and these deliver the majority of the spiritual services and training available in Scientology. There are four AOs in the world, they deliver more advanced services and training.. There is only one Flag and one Freewinds, they deliver the most advanced services and training. See the links above for more details on what that all means.
The last AO was formed over 20 years ago in Australia so the announcement that a new AO is forming in Africa means that there is so much expansion going on that the existing AOs are not enough to handle the number of people who want the Advanced Courses these churches deliver.
The premises for the new AO in Africa have been purchased and the place is beautiful. It's out in the country side and is a huge property with a 5-star hotel and lots of other buildings. Perfect for the volume of people who will be going there.
So, that's the news!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Scientology Video Channel
The Church of Scientology home page has been transformed into a video channel. I just watched several of the videos and I'd say that this new site answers the famous "Everything you ever wanted to know about Scientology but were afraid to ask."
It is in several languages and the videos are high quality.
So go watch the new Scientology Video Channel and find out what Scientology is, what Scientologists believe, what they do in the world and much more.
It is in several languages and the videos are high quality.
So go watch the new Scientology Video Channel and find out what Scientology is, what Scientologists believe, what they do in the world and much more.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Happy Birthday L. Ron Hubbard
Well, today is the day. The man himself, the dude who started it all, was born this day in 1911.
Whenever I finish something in Scientology, be it auditing or training, I write a success story so I can share the wins and gains I've had with others. Very often, as I write down my successes, I realize that my tremendous gains all came about because of the work of one man! Amazing.
Now Ron himself would probably tell me that he couldn't have done it without help. In fact, in his famous article "Keeping Scientology Working" he says, "The contributions that were worthwhile in this period of forming the technology were help in the form of friendship, of defense, of organization, of dissemination, of applicaiton, of advices on results and of finance. These were great contributions and were and are appreciated. Many thousands contributed in this way and made us what we are."
But, nevertheless, it was Ron himself who made the discoveries of Dianetics and Scientology and it was Ron who developed the technology of spiritual freedom that we benefit from today.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from Ron:
So, let me end by giving you more info about Ron. Check out these links:
-- All About L. Rob Hubbard
-- L. Ron Hubbard: The Founder of Scientology
Whenever I finish something in Scientology, be it auditing or training, I write a success story so I can share the wins and gains I've had with others. Very often, as I write down my successes, I realize that my tremendous gains all came about because of the work of one man! Amazing.
Now Ron himself would probably tell me that he couldn't have done it without help. In fact, in his famous article "Keeping Scientology Working" he says, "The contributions that were worthwhile in this period of forming the technology were help in the form of friendship, of defense, of organization, of dissemination, of applicaiton, of advices on results and of finance. These were great contributions and were and are appreciated. Many thousands contributed in this way and made us what we are."
But, nevertheless, it was Ron himself who made the discoveries of Dianetics and Scientology and it was Ron who developed the technology of spiritual freedom that we benefit from today.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from Ron:
"I have lived no cloistered life
and hold in contempt the
wise man who has not lived
and the scholar who will not share.
"There have been many wiser men than I,
but few have traveled as much road.
"I have seen life from the
top down and the bottom up.
I know how it looks both ways.
And I know there is wisdom
and there is hope."
L. Ron Hubbard
So, let me end by giving you more info about Ron. Check out these links:
-- All About L. Rob Hubbard
-- L. Ron Hubbard: The Founder of Scientology
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Anonymous - Scientologists Answer
A friend just directed me to this video. I think it is important for people to realize the cost of religious hatred. Excuses, lies and false rumors get used to justify the encouragement of violence, but the truth is that only criminals and terrorists act as the members of "Anonymous" have acted.
(March 22nd, 2008) The video was removed from YouTube, but there is now a whole website for it: Anonymous Exposed. Here is the video from a different site:
(March 22nd, 2008) The video was removed from YouTube, but there is now a whole website for it: Anonymous Exposed. Here is the video from a different site:
L. Ron Hubbard
Tomorrow is the birthday of one of the coolest guys who ever lived, L. Ron Hubbard. He was highly accomplished in several fields; including as a mariner, a writer and an explorer.
However, for me the area where his accomplishments mean the most is the area of the spirit. He made discoveries about the human spirit and then developed methods for spiritual improvement that anyone can use.
I personally have benefited from these discoveries and techniques to a massive degree.
Here are examples from others of their gains:
-- Successes Of Scientology: What Scientologists Say
-- Scientology: Successes And Results
And here is more data on the man himself:
-- L. Ron Hubbard: A Profile
-- About L. Ron Hubbard
However, for me the area where his accomplishments mean the most is the area of the spirit. He made discoveries about the human spirit and then developed methods for spiritual improvement that anyone can use.
I personally have benefited from these discoveries and techniques to a massive degree.
Here are examples from others of their gains:
-- Successes Of Scientology: What Scientologists Say
-- Scientology: Successes And Results
And here is more data on the man himself:
-- L. Ron Hubbard: A Profile
-- About L. Ron Hubbard
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Scientology and Open Heart Surgery
Burkhart asked about getting Scientology auditing from the FreeZone because it is "cheaper".
My answer:
Simple answer is that you can't get Scientology auditing from the FreeZone because the FreeZone isn't Scientology. It's like going to your buddy Joe for some open heart surgery because he watched an episode of ER. You just aren't going to get proper open heart surgery, but it's a lot cheaper.
My answer:
Simple answer is that you can't get Scientology auditing from the FreeZone because the FreeZone isn't Scientology. It's like going to your buddy Joe for some open heart surgery because he watched an episode of ER. You just aren't going to get proper open heart surgery, but it's a lot cheaper.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Answer to Comment on Fair Game
Flowers accused me of lying about "Fair Game":
"Fair Game, may have been canceled, however this does not apply to enemies of the Church, or SPs as you like to label anyone that is critical of the practices of the Cult of Scientology."
How do you answer someone who is a fanatic? No matter what you say they aren't going to believe you. However, for the benefit of anyone who is reading this to find data, here is a personal story for you about "Fair Game".
In the early 1980s I was expelled from the Church of Scientology. Yup, that's right, poor little, innocent me, in whose mouth butter wouldn't melt. I messed up big time and did something that, when I look back upon it, makes me cringe, and quite rightly I was expelled and "declared" a suppressive person. So, if "Fair Game" existed, according to the fanatics I should have been attacked, spat upon, harassed, etc., etc. So what really happened? Absolutely nothing, zip, zilch, nada. Kinda boring, but that's what happened.
It took me some time, but I handled it and did the necessary steps (there are only 5 of them) to get back in good standing with the Church.
Anyone can screw up so there needs to be a way to make up for the damage and get back in good standing with your community. In the world outside Scientology you get thrown in jail and you do your time and then you are allowed back into society. In Scientology if you screw up you get tons of chances to make good the damage and change your ways, and if you don't you will eventually (after lots of chances) be kicked out. If you do get kicked out then there are ways to get back in and it isn't hard. But that is all there is to it.
There is no "Fair Game", Flowers. I know you aren't going to believe me but that's your problem not mine.
"Fair Game, may have been canceled, however this does not apply to enemies of the Church, or SPs as you like to label anyone that is critical of the practices of the Cult of Scientology."
How do you answer someone who is a fanatic? No matter what you say they aren't going to believe you. However, for the benefit of anyone who is reading this to find data, here is a personal story for you about "Fair Game".
In the early 1980s I was expelled from the Church of Scientology. Yup, that's right, poor little, innocent me, in whose mouth butter wouldn't melt. I messed up big time and did something that, when I look back upon it, makes me cringe, and quite rightly I was expelled and "declared" a suppressive person. So, if "Fair Game" existed, according to the fanatics I should have been attacked, spat upon, harassed, etc., etc. So what really happened? Absolutely nothing, zip, zilch, nada. Kinda boring, but that's what happened.
It took me some time, but I handled it and did the necessary steps (there are only 5 of them) to get back in good standing with the Church.
Anyone can screw up so there needs to be a way to make up for the damage and get back in good standing with your community. In the world outside Scientology you get thrown in jail and you do your time and then you are allowed back into society. In Scientology if you screw up you get tons of chances to make good the damage and change your ways, and if you don't you will eventually (after lots of chances) be kicked out. If you do get kicked out then there are ways to get back in and it isn't hard. But that is all there is to it.
There is no "Fair Game", Flowers. I know you aren't going to believe me but that's your problem not mine.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
A Scientologist's Life
SomethingNice asked:
I have a question about Scientology: What would you say are the most common, usual, regular, daily or weekly activities of most Scientologists, inside their Church or in their day-to-day life?
I answered:
That's almost impossible to answer because Scientologists are individuals and they have different jobs, different friends, different likes and dislikes. I guess eating, sleeping and breathing would be an answer :) It's sort of like answering "What are the most common, usual, regular, daily or weekly activities of most Human Beings?"
I can try to answer it personally and for some people that I know, but that's the best I can do.
Right now my activities are pretty straightforward.
-- Weekdays:
I go to work during the day. I come home. I sometimes do some blogging or maybe I watch a movie. I'm also writing a novel so I may do some work on that.
-- Weekends:
I do the usual chores: sweep out the leaves so we don't get a flood from blocked drains, grocery shopping, etc. (exciting, eh?). Saturday afternoon I'm studying the book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" as part of a longer term program to restudy all the basics of Scientology. Sunday I do some volunteer work with my Church, which often includes helping people who are having some difficulty in life. And whenever I can I work on my novel.
-- In a couple of months I will be adding daily auditing to my schedule - that should be a blast!
I have a friend who works in real estate. Her weekly activities consist of:
-- Weekdays:
She starts the day answering emails. Then she does research to find properties clients may be interested in, sets appointments with clients, takes them to see houses, etc. Three evenings a week she goes on course at the local Church. She's on the same study program that many, many Scientologists are on just now - the Basics. Every Friday night she goes to Graduation at her local Church. This is where people who completed services that week get presented with their certificates. They share their wins and gains with those attending. It is very uplifting because you get to see how others are improving their lives using Scientology.
-- Weekends:
She's mainly doing open houses and showing clients around. Usual real-estate related stuff. And of course she has some leisure time in amongst all this.
Another friend.
-- Weekdays:
Goes to work during the day, in the evenings she is on course at her local Church of Scientology, training to be an auditor.
-- Weekends:
She does the usual boring things we all have to do at the weekend: groceries, chores, etc. And in amongst all that she looks after her son and takes hundreds (and I do mean hundreds) of photos of him every week.
It seems SomethingNice asked another Scientologist the same question. Here is what she said: What is life as a Scientologist like?
So there are examples from four Scientologists. I hope that answers your question.
I have a question about Scientology: What would you say are the most common, usual, regular, daily or weekly activities of most Scientologists, inside their Church or in their day-to-day life?
I answered:
That's almost impossible to answer because Scientologists are individuals and they have different jobs, different friends, different likes and dislikes. I guess eating, sleeping and breathing would be an answer :) It's sort of like answering "What are the most common, usual, regular, daily or weekly activities of most Human Beings?"
I can try to answer it personally and for some people that I know, but that's the best I can do.
Right now my activities are pretty straightforward.
-- Weekdays:
I go to work during the day. I come home. I sometimes do some blogging or maybe I watch a movie. I'm also writing a novel so I may do some work on that.
-- Weekends:
I do the usual chores: sweep out the leaves so we don't get a flood from blocked drains, grocery shopping, etc. (exciting, eh?). Saturday afternoon I'm studying the book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" as part of a longer term program to restudy all the basics of Scientology. Sunday I do some volunteer work with my Church, which often includes helping people who are having some difficulty in life. And whenever I can I work on my novel.
-- In a couple of months I will be adding daily auditing to my schedule - that should be a blast!
I have a friend who works in real estate. Her weekly activities consist of:
-- Weekdays:
She starts the day answering emails. Then she does research to find properties clients may be interested in, sets appointments with clients, takes them to see houses, etc. Three evenings a week she goes on course at the local Church. She's on the same study program that many, many Scientologists are on just now - the Basics. Every Friday night she goes to Graduation at her local Church. This is where people who completed services that week get presented with their certificates. They share their wins and gains with those attending. It is very uplifting because you get to see how others are improving their lives using Scientology.
-- Weekends:
She's mainly doing open houses and showing clients around. Usual real-estate related stuff. And of course she has some leisure time in amongst all this.
Another friend.
-- Weekdays:
Goes to work during the day, in the evenings she is on course at her local Church of Scientology, training to be an auditor.
-- Weekends:
She does the usual boring things we all have to do at the weekend: groceries, chores, etc. And in amongst all that she looks after her son and takes hundreds (and I do mean hundreds) of photos of him every week.
It seems SomethingNice asked another Scientologist the same question. Here is what she said: What is life as a Scientologist like?
So there are examples from four Scientologists. I hope that answers your question.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Scientology versus the world - Part 2
DocORock said: I've only been looking at the Scientology site for a day or so now and I've tried to stay away from the one-sided views (although many Internet roads lead to Lisa McPherson). If I were to consider becoming a part of that institution, my first apprehension would be the statements the organization makes with an undertone of "anyone who opposes our religion (and practices their own?) is a suppressor and therefore an enemy of the church. Wow - even the rightest winged Christians don't damn other religions that way!
Once more, I have to say you've been reading too many anti-Scientology sites. Your statement "the statements the organization makes with an undertone of ..." is a generality. I need specifics. Why don't you post another question/comment with links to the specific pages you are referring to and how come you get this impression from them? That way I can address specifics.
To answer the rest of what you say, let's go over this "enemy of the church" thing logically: The word "enemy" means "somebody who hates or seeks to harm somebody or something". If someone decides to "hate or seek to harm" my Church or my religion then they are an enemy by the very definition of the word and please note that they have elected themselves as an enemy, we didn't.
If someone has a disagreement, upset or grievance with my religion or my Church then there are plenty of ways to handle grievances without resorting to "hating" or "seeking to harm". The Church is always trying to improve and do better so if someone finds something wrong we have lots of ways of correcting it. For example there is an online report form to make the reporting of problems very easy.
If someone has no interest in Scientology then that's not a problem. Your religion (or lack thereof) is your own choice. The Creed of the Church of Scientology says: that "all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance."
In his article, Religious Influence in Society, L. Ron Hubbard stated how important religion is to mankind. He said: "When religion is not influential in a society or has ceased to be, the state inherits the entire burden of public morality, crime and intolerance. It then must use punishment and police. Yet this is unsuccessful as morality, integrity and self-respect not already inherent in the individual, cannot be enforced with any great success. Only by a spiritual awareness and inculcation of the spiritual value of these attributes can they come about. There must be more reason and more emotional motivation to be moral, etc., than threat of human discipline." You will notice that he is not saying "Scientology" he is saying "religion." In other words he's covering all religions here. They are all important to the future of mankind.
My personal viewpoint mirrors this. When I meet a person who has a different religious belief than mine, I don't mind at all. I have no problem with it. The right to believe as you see fit is a basic human right. It is in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "ARTICLE 18... Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."
I have friends who are Christian, Mormon, Jewish, Hindu, new-age spiritual and atheist as well as Scientologists. I don't have a problem with them and they don't have a problem with me. Why should we? All religions have the same basic goals of peace and salvation. We all have the same basic idea that man is a spiritual being. So why should we be in conflict?
Other references:
What does Scientology have to say about other religions?
Once more, I have to say you've been reading too many anti-Scientology sites. Your statement "the statements the organization makes with an undertone of ..." is a generality. I need specifics. Why don't you post another question/comment with links to the specific pages you are referring to and how come you get this impression from them? That way I can address specifics.
To answer the rest of what you say, let's go over this "enemy of the church" thing logically: The word "enemy" means "somebody who hates or seeks to harm somebody or something". If someone decides to "hate or seek to harm" my Church or my religion then they are an enemy by the very definition of the word and please note that they have elected themselves as an enemy, we didn't.
If someone has a disagreement, upset or grievance with my religion or my Church then there are plenty of ways to handle grievances without resorting to "hating" or "seeking to harm". The Church is always trying to improve and do better so if someone finds something wrong we have lots of ways of correcting it. For example there is an online report form to make the reporting of problems very easy.
If someone has no interest in Scientology then that's not a problem. Your religion (or lack thereof) is your own choice. The Creed of the Church of Scientology says: that "all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance."
In his article, Religious Influence in Society, L. Ron Hubbard stated how important religion is to mankind. He said: "When religion is not influential in a society or has ceased to be, the state inherits the entire burden of public morality, crime and intolerance. It then must use punishment and police. Yet this is unsuccessful as morality, integrity and self-respect not already inherent in the individual, cannot be enforced with any great success. Only by a spiritual awareness and inculcation of the spiritual value of these attributes can they come about. There must be more reason and more emotional motivation to be moral, etc., than threat of human discipline." You will notice that he is not saying "Scientology" he is saying "religion." In other words he's covering all religions here. They are all important to the future of mankind.
My personal viewpoint mirrors this. When I meet a person who has a different religious belief than mine, I don't mind at all. I have no problem with it. The right to believe as you see fit is a basic human right. It is in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "ARTICLE 18... Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."
I have friends who are Christian, Mormon, Jewish, Hindu, new-age spiritual and atheist as well as Scientologists. I don't have a problem with them and they don't have a problem with me. Why should we? All religions have the same basic goals of peace and salvation. We all have the same basic idea that man is a spiritual being. So why should we be in conflict?
Other references:
What does Scientology have to say about other religions?
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Scientology versus the world - Part 1
DocORock asked a couple of questions buried in a comment. I'll answer the first one here and the other one tomorrow. If I missed any then, DocORock, you'll just have to post an actual question rather than a comment.
DocORock said: I think the problem most people have with Scientology is that it comes across as warring the world.
Grahame answered:
You could only get that impression if you read anti-Scientology web sites. The anti-religious extremists (aka "critics") want to create that impression. In fact that is not the way it is at all. If you could give me some specific examples (just post another comment) then I can address them.
The way your statement is worded is rather general and makes answering it difficult. But I'll do my best. Here are some examples of how the world really views Scientology and what the views of Scientologists really are:
- Scientology Founder Awarded
- For tsunami survivors, a touch of Scientology
- Who is Scientology Open to?
- The Scientology Blogosphere (blogs by Scientologists)
- Yalama Scientology! Thank you! - One Volunteer's Story
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers Join Grassroots Initiative to Tackle Illiteracy, Conflict and Substance Abuse in the Northern Territory of Australia
- Scientology Volunteers Help in One of Southern California's Worst Fires Seasons-
- Scientology in Society
Actually this site, Scientology Today, contains tons of articles on how Scientologists are helping others all over the world.
Here are a few of the other things we do to help mankind:
- The largest volunteer organization in the world
- The largest human rights educational program in the world
- The largest drug educational program in the world
- The largest and most effective drug rehabilitation network in the world
- A grass-roots literacy movement helping kids from deprived areas learn how to read and write
Here are statistics of Scientology, Scientology Statistics. I don't think you'd be getting expansion like this if you were in constant conflict with the rest of the world.
The only time we (Scientologists) get into conflicts is when we step on the toes of a vested interest. We help someone or expose some activity that is damaging people and this takes money from the pocket of some greedy person who cares only for his own bank account and doesn't give a damn about other people. In such a case we are tenacious in getting blocks to helping others handled. Luckily the vast majority of people in the world are good hearted and welcome all the help they can get.
DocORock said: I think the problem most people have with Scientology is that it comes across as warring the world.
Grahame answered:
You could only get that impression if you read anti-Scientology web sites. The anti-religious extremists (aka "critics") want to create that impression. In fact that is not the way it is at all. If you could give me some specific examples (just post another comment) then I can address them.
The way your statement is worded is rather general and makes answering it difficult. But I'll do my best. Here are some examples of how the world really views Scientology and what the views of Scientologists really are:
- Scientology Founder Awarded
- For tsunami survivors, a touch of Scientology
- Who is Scientology Open to?
- The Scientology Blogosphere (blogs by Scientologists)
- Yalama Scientology! Thank you! - One Volunteer's Story
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers Join Grassroots Initiative to Tackle Illiteracy, Conflict and Substance Abuse in the Northern Territory of Australia
- Scientology Volunteers Help in One of Southern California's Worst Fires Seasons-
- Scientology in Society
Actually this site, Scientology Today, contains tons of articles on how Scientologists are helping others all over the world.
Here are a few of the other things we do to help mankind:
- The largest volunteer organization in the world
- The largest human rights educational program in the world
- The largest drug educational program in the world
- The largest and most effective drug rehabilitation network in the world
- A grass-roots literacy movement helping kids from deprived areas learn how to read and write
Here are statistics of Scientology, Scientology Statistics. I don't think you'd be getting expansion like this if you were in constant conflict with the rest of the world.
The only time we (Scientologists) get into conflicts is when we step on the toes of a vested interest. We help someone or expose some activity that is damaging people and this takes money from the pocket of some greedy person who cares only for his own bank account and doesn't give a damn about other people. In such a case we are tenacious in getting blocks to helping others handled. Luckily the vast majority of people in the world are good hearted and welcome all the help they can get.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)