Critical Q&A

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left in the comments section of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at AskChrisShelton@gmail.com. This week, the questions I answer are: 

(1) I know you’ve gone over what happens generally when someone walks into a Scientology org for the first time and that they believe psychiatry is simply out to hurt and take advantage of people but what would happen if I went there for my Asperger’s or ADHD? What would they blame my symptoms on and what would they do to try and “help” me?
AND
How does the Church of Scientology treat individuals with neurological conditions, e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder? Furthermore, what is your perspective on behaviorally-based treatments like applied behavior analysis which has a huge empirical literature base?

(2) Do you think that Hubbard realized that he was a bad film maker, or do you think that because of ego, which perhaps all of us have to some extent, he convinced himself that his work was really good?

(3) Do you have any recollection of the Church of Scientology ever apologizing for or subtly hinting that they were wrong about anything? I assume the answer is “no,” but any examples (even really tiny examples) would be interesting.

(4) I understand that when you found out the truth about LRH, you started your way out. My question is are there many high up in the organisation that know what a liar and hypocrite he actually was, and does it not bother them that they are following this dingbat? How can they honestly serve a man that has the wool pulled over everyone’s eyes or when they do learn these things are they more than not likely to leave?

(5) I have an acquaintance who is now a Scientologist. She became involved in the “Church” a few years ago right after her last parent passed away and came in to a significant inheritance. She bought a big house on the lake and shortly after that, she was contacted by Scientology. Do they actually try to seek out people who have deep pockets? If so, to what lengths do they go to find these people?

(6) In Going Clear, the question is raised if David Miscavige is a true believer. The answer in the documentary was that he has to be, because it’s all he’s ever known and his entire life is integrated into the Church. From what I have read in critics’ books, LRH was constantly auditing himself and raving about body thetans, so to some extent he was a true believer as well, though obviously both men are sociopathic charlatans. Do you agree with this view on Miscavige, and second, do you think it explains why there’s been no more OT material released? Last cover story I heard was that ‘all orgs had to be the size of the old Saint Hill org’ which is obviously never going to happen, hence no pressure to release. If Miscavige truly believes LRH was a visionary, then perhaps he’s reluctant to release anything Hubbard didn’t author. Otherwise, writing a few more levels’ worth of bad science fiction and checklists wouldn’t be that hard and he could continue to herd sheep up the Bridge.

(7) I’m interested in reading some of Hubbard’s pulp and science fiction however I’m worried that if I buy anything from Galaxy Press they will then pass on that information and I will get harassed and spammed by pushy Scientology members. Is this a legitimate concern?

(8) I was wondering, since Scientology infiltrated the government, would the government be able to infiltrate Scientology? Couldn’t the Feds just walk in a church and join up? Scientology just sees people as money and free labor anyway, how would they know?

(9) In many of your videos, Scientology’s Communications Course is described by your guests as a great course that has helped them improve their communication skills. Even you look back on it as a course that benefited you and clearly resonates today with your current career in creating these videos. My question is…can someone just get involved just enough to take this course? Is it offered as a “one off?” If so, would it be wise to do it with a group not associated with the Church, or would one get the most benefit from the way the course is given by the “Church.” I know you can’t get “just a little bit pregnant” and I would be worried to give them any information, but you and your guests seem to really praise this particular course. Or should I just stay as far away as I can?

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