Critical Q&A

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

(1) For a very long time I was involved with the Charismatic Movement that has wormed it’s way through a lot of churches. I no longer go to church, though I do still consider myself a Christian.
I’ve been watching your YouTube videos about being involved in Scientology. Once you got out, did you deal with a lot of anger? If so, how long did it last? If you dealt with anger, what did you do to get over it?

(2) I had to watch the famous Tom Cruise turtle neck Scientology video and I have some questions on some of the things he says:

“We can bring peace and unite cultures. They want help and they are depending on people who know and that’s us.” Know what? And how can Scientologists bring peace?

“I think about those people who are depending on us” Who does he think depends on Scientology? And depending on what specifically!?

“Being a Scientologist, when you drive past an accident, it’s not like anyone else. You know you have to do something about it, you know you’re the only one that can really help” What is he talking about? Why would Scientologists be the only ones that can really help? And help in what way? Typically you start by calling 911 and if possible you may try to assist whoever involved, if possible, and at the best of your capabilities. Other then that, what would he do, give an autograph and perform CPR at the same time?

(3) Why is Tone 40 called Tone 40?

(4) Dear Chris, love your channel! It actually makes me feel a bit more sane. I was wondering if you could describe a weekly staff meeting to us. I heard from several former staff members how those meeting were a lot like weird AA-meetings, with strange “wins” and a lot of clapping for LRH. I am interested in the topics and the interaction during those meetings. Did you feel like you had to pretend to be enthusiastic or engaging, even if the “wins” seemed a bit too crazy?

(5) I saw your video on the development of Dianetics and Scientology but I’m still not entirely clear on a couple of things. For one, how do Scientologists regard people who only use Dianetics? Can someone use Dianetics and not be a Scientologist? Also, let’s say a friend and I read Dianetics and audit each other to “Clear” and I decide to join the Church. Could I, in theory, skip the lower grades? (I know that wouldn’t actually happen in practice but I’m curious to know how the church reacts to people who try to clear themselves).

(6) In the JWs they have PIMOs (Physically In, Mentally Out). In the LDS, they have Shadow Mormons. The vast majority of the PIMOs and the SMs stay “in” is because they don’t want to be disfellowshipped or shunned. What are these types of members called in Scientology and is the main reason because they don’t want to be disconnected?

(7) Chris, I’ve watched most of your videos and quite a few from other ex-Scientologists but I still don’t understand the “point’ of the organization. If most Scientologists believe the goal is to ‘Clear’ the earth, why don’t they put their time, money and efforts into getting all Sea Org members up the Bridge? I’m shocked to hear so many Sea Org (ex) members say they did not want auditing. I thought that was the point. Thanks for your efforts here, I’m sure you have saved lives already.

(8) If Scientology got a new leader who was actually a good person, would that organization start to grow instead of decreasing in members?