Scientology’s space opera ideas aren’t just for the upper levels, as one key early book shows

Rod Keller reminds us that space opera is not just for the upper levels in Scientology, and it’s actively part of what Scientologists learn today, as much as David Miscavige wants to promote a more businesslike, self-help image.

Continue reading Scientology’s space opera ideas aren’t just for the upper levels, as one key early book shows

Another Scientologist runs for office in Nevada — but her campaign says she’s not a member

The other day we told you that Brent Jones, a Scientologist who served as a legislator in Nevada for one term, 2015-2017, is now running for lieutenant governor in that state.

Continue reading Another Scientologist runs for office in Nevada — but her campaign says she’s not a member

Returning to Clearwater with a Miscavige cutout and memories of the Lisa McPherson Trust

[Jeff brought a life-size cutout with him, that card]

Way back in 1999, we wrote a story for the Phoenix New Times about a local resident who was getting the full “Fair Game” treatment from the Church of Scientology. Jeff Jacobsen was a knowledgeable church critic who had alerted the world to the plight of a parishioner named Lisa McPherson who had died on the other side of the country. Jeff was also known for an excellent backgrounder on L. Ron Hubbard’s “technology,” and for being one of the members of the Lisa McPherson Trust in Clearwater, Florida. He made a trip back to Clearwater this week, and we asked him to send us his thoughts about it…

Continue reading Returning to Clearwater with a Miscavige cutout and memories of the Lisa McPherson Trust

Why Scientology has no business pontificating on mental health — a discussion

Whether it’s about the shocking way people have been treated at a remote Tennessee facility, or the infamous death of a woman in Florida, for years we’ve been writing about Scientology’s poor record of handling the needs of the mentally ill. Now, Chris Shelton and Sunny Pereira are beginning a series of discussions specifically about Scientology’s ideas about mental health. We think you’re going to find it very interesting. Here’s what Chris has to say about today’s first installment…

Continue reading Why Scientology has no business pontificating on mental health — a discussion

A new academic book takes apart Scientology and pop culture, and the apologists hate it

We have to apologize to University of Alberta Professor Stephen A. Kent. He sent us a copy of his newest book ages ago, and we simply haven’t had time to do more than leaf through it.

Continue reading A new academic book takes apart Scientology and pop culture, and the apologists hate it

Before Scientology was a ‘church,’ L. Ron Hubbard said religion controlled people with lies

[L. Ron Hubbard, circa 1952]

It’s one of those L. Ron Hubbard quotes that gets brought up a lot, especially by those who want to make the point that the “Church” of Scientology really isn’t one at all.

Continue reading Before Scientology was a ‘church,’ L. Ron Hubbard said religion controlled people with lies

Our prayers are answered — Freedom magazine is coming to Scientology television!

You can hardly imagine our glee when we opened the special issue of Freedom magazine that hit Scientology’s website yesterday and found what’s going to be coming soon to the Scientology television network.

Continue reading Our prayers are answered — Freedom magazine is coming to Scientology television!

Scientology buys another derelict building in order to pretend that it’s expanding wildly

[Future Brescia Ideal Org]

Rod Keller continues to keep us up to date on David Miscavige’s precious Ideal Org program as it continues to buy up empty buildings around the world.

Continue reading Scientology buys another derelict building in order to pretend that it’s expanding wildly

On Day One, 2018’s Writers of the Future party betrays its connection to Scientology’s abuses

[Contest winners greeted on their first day at this week’s festivities.]

Sunday night, Scientology will put on its annual gala to celebrate the winners of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contest. As in past years, we’ll take a peek at some of the annual broadcast to see how many of the contest winners remember to make their obligatory obeisance to Hubbard, whose portrait overlooks the proceedings.

Continue reading On Day One, 2018’s Writers of the Future party betrays its connection to Scientology’s abuses

Is Scientology really any different than other ‘churches’? Oh, you bet. Here’s one example.

[The “target” Scientology’s Freedom magazine put on Sara Goldberg for appearing in Going Clear]

An 81-year-old former Catholic priest, Australia-born but today living in France, contacted us yesterday to tell us about his blog.

Continue reading Is Scientology really any different than other ‘churches’? Oh, you bet. Here’s one example.

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