On Easter Sunday, we joined in with Mike Rinder to tell you about L. Ron Hubbard’s history of describing Christianity as a fraud perpetrated by a galactic overlord.
But that leaves a question: If Scientology only pretends to have a connection to Christianity with its cross and other outward appearances (in years past it would even trot out “ministers” wearing clerical garb), what does it tell its members will happen to them after they die?
Even the most casual Scientology watcher may be aware that Hubbard taught that we are all immortal beings called thetans, and that we live countless times, lifetime to lifetime. But how, exactly, does that work?
In fact, Hubbard was actually pretty specific about your “between-lives” experience, its harrowing aspects, and why only Scientology could save you from an endless cycle of meaningless returns to the living.
In a remarkable 1963 lecture (and we’ve mentioned before that 1963, for us, is the best year for Hubbard lectures), the Scientology founder spun an amazing tale not only about the way each of us is abused by an outside invader force between our lifetimes, but also how Hubbard came to discover it.
You no doubt have heard some famous quotes from this lecture — that Hubbard found space not to be freezing but to be quite hot while he was cruising through the Van Allen radiation belt, and that he was almost run over by a freight train on Venus — but the rest of the talk is worth looking at in some depth.
We have an annotated excerpt that we’d like you to endure and then give us your thoughts on it. Hubbard here really is at the top of his game, spinning an incredible yarn about his travel through space as an unfettered thetan, about the evil designs on us by an invader force that operates on Venus and Mars and supplants your actual memories with false ones while you’re waiting to pick up a new body, and how only Scientology will help you break out of this vicious cycle.
Our favorite moment may be when Ron relates what his wife Mary Sue told him when he revealed how much we are attacked by invaders between our lives to keep us from recovering our ancient Operating Thetan abilities: “Look at how hard they have to work to keep you from being OT!”
Mary Sue certainly was on to something: It is truly difficult to believe that we’re being held down by invaders here on a prison planet, and only Ron’s expensive counseling will ever get us anywhere.
Of course, Hubbard doesn’t offer a shred of evidence for any of his extremely unlikely assertions, but that’s the fun of it. Let us know what you think your reaction would have been if you’d been in the audience.
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“The fact that a bank has been built and maintained and added to works against just achieving higher levels of beingness in the process of livingness. And that is all that prevents it. And this was quite revelatory to me. You’d say this is not much of a point and it’s true enough, it isn’t much of a point. It’s one of these elementary things that doesn’t change around the basic concepts of Scientology any. But it does this, it does this: it puts a different complexion on this universe; and it puts a different complexion on what you might care to do; and it puts a different complexion on your future for the next two hundred trillion years. See, this changes that. Your concept that the only thing you could do is get to a point where you could get totally out of this universe, or something like that, if you had such a concept — the only way you could ever win is to just get away from all this MEST and space and so forth — those concepts are, apparently, invalid. Which is a very hopeful happy note. I feel like a certain Pollyanna idiocy taking over, you see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 25, 1963
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“NEWS ITEM: Phil Wearne, whose instigation of the infamous Melbourne inquiry began the Anzo attacks and who later confessed and fully documented his lies and guilt, died recently in Sydney. Cause of death not known here. Sooner or later it seems to kill them.” — The Commodore, April 25, 1970
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“I was inserted into a meat body and lived in an age old rural space in ancient buildings. Endless study from books and tablets for several thousand of what I would call years. This space was large and somewhat Earth-like, but still separate from the general population of this universe. I was asked often about what I had learned and what I was learning. This was the portion of training in which punishment was introduced. The pain, and confusion, and disorientation implants. Electronic implants as well as deprivation implants. But it was done in such a way that it was always your fault for making errors. These implants were effective, but depended entirely on previous training and AGREEMENTS for their strength. The most powerful and most difficult implants to find and sort out were the times of ACCOMPLISHMENT. When I learned to keep a balance between keeping harmony and initiating new activity, according to the instructions, I was given praise and graduated to the next step. The abilities that I was not allowed to use in order to keep things ‘fair for all’ etc. Using mental machinery to predict occurrences is an example of things not allowed. These were VERY powerful postulates and decisions that were imposed. And this was just the most recent universe. There were many before with similar training requirements and ‘accomplishment’ implants. Each one more refined and more effective than the previous.”
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2002: In a hearing in Clearwater, Florida this week, Bob Minton recanted some of the testimony he had given in previous depositions. He claims that Ken Dandar, attorney for the Lisa McPherson estate, asked him to lie under oath to keep certain events secret. As a result of the hearing, contempt of court charges against Bob Minton were withdrawn. Scientology has moved to remove Ken Dandar from the case based on the admissions. From the Tampa Tribune: “Minton was never a party to the McPherson wrongful death lawsuit, and Dandar has never represented him, Minton testified. But Dandar accepted more than $2 million of Minton’s money to keep the wrongful death lawsuit going, and then told Minton to lie under oath about the total amount, Minton testified. Also, Dandar persuaded Minton and others to sign sworn affidavits that bore false testimony, Minton told Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Judge Douglas Baird. Minton is recanting that testimony because he fears going to jail for perjury, he said on the witness stand. And he now believes Dandar is simply a greedy lawyer out to exploit McPherson’s relatives by taking 40 percent of any award in the pending wrongful death litigation, Minton said. Dandar said afterward that he believes the church has discovered something that Minton wants kept secret. He said Minton told him without explanation that if any harm came to Minton’s family, Dandar would be to blame. Minton would not comment on Dandar’s statements. His attorney, Bruce Howie, said Minton only wants to settle the litigation against the church and get on with his life. Under cross-examination by Luke Lirot, who is representing Dandar, Minton invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself when asked if he was being investigated for tax evasion.”
“I think it’s called the ‘If you become rich & famous, all is forgiven’ tech.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next pretrial conference May 31. Trial scheduled for August 29.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Last hearing was on January 18, referred to grand jury. Additional charges also referred to grand jury after January 5 assault while in jail.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference May 20 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for May 5.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Found guilty of criminal and civil contempt.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Valerie’s motion for reconsideration denied on March 15.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Next hearing scheduled for June 29.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links, including our four days in Los Angeles covering the preliminary hearing and its ruling, which has Danny facing trial and the potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientology social media: Salvaging the planet by draining one bank account at a time
[TWO years ago] Calling all patsies: Scientology tries desperately to keep its isolated members busy
[THREE years ago] VIDEO: Danny Masterson accusers face down Scientology ploy at Denim Day rally
[FOUR years ago] Former Scientology mouthpiece Tommy Davis has a new look and a new friend in his life
[FIVE years ago] Someone forgot to notify the Dept. of Defense that Scientology is the world’s coolest religion
[SIX years ago] One of the best examples ever that Scientology can only be understood from ex-Scientologists
[SEVEN years ago] Jon Atack announces a five-day Toronto conference on Scientology to take place in June
[EIGHT years ago] Video Vault: The universe is yours to duplicate, Mr. Hubbard!
[NINE years ago] FED COURT DENIES SCIENTOLOGY REQUEST: Decision on Religious Arbitration Coming Soon?
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,645 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,150 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,700 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,690 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,581 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,888 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,756 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,530 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,861 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,334 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,650 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,216 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,135 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,303 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,883 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,145 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,181 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,896 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,421 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 776 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,951 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,502 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,651 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,971 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,826 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,945 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,301 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,604 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,710 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,108 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,984 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,567 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,062 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,316 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,425 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on April 25, 2022 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
