Critical Q&A

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left for me 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’m a therapist for individuals who have experienced adult sexual assault or child sexual abuse and have worked with clients from Bible based cults. Say I were to work with a former Scientologist, what are some things it would be helpful to know in working with former members? What are the top 3 things that you believe are the most difficult for Scientologists coming out of the organization?

(2) I’ve been thinking about what’s next after all orgs have been turned into Ideal orgs. Miscavige has to be thinking ahead about what his next fundraising scheme will be. I can think of several potential schemes he could be planning, but thought it would be a good brainstorming exercise to consider some options. Could he be planning: (a) a second round perhaps to create all “Super Ideal Orgs” with bigger buildings or expanded/improved space; (b) a bigger/better cruise ship; (c) new facilities for delivery of OT 9 & 10; (d) perhaps a Hubbard University requiring a campus of buildings and acres of real estate. Any opinions or ideas? Are there any hints out there about what might be next?

(3) This is an overarching question about children and religion in general. Theoretically, I agree that children shouldn’t be indoctrinated until they are adults and able to decide for themselves, but I cannot seem to figure out what that would look like concretely for any religion. So many religions permeate everyday life; keeping that from children would be impossible. Also, what religion would voluntarily give up its child soldiers? This whole thing troubles me, especially having small children that will one day be exposed to other indoctrinated children. Thank you for all that you do.

(4) Isn’t it funny that though so many previous Scientologists have died, nearly no conscious thetans have ever reappeared? I know a minute number of persons have tried to claim being a former Scientologist, but nearly all were turned down by the church. Even thetans of Sea Org members, who have sworn to work for countless lives, all seem to vanish instead of turning up at Flag or the next org. Are such questions never asked by Scientologists?

(5) Chris could you give us an idea what kind of work Sea Org members do? Not so much at Gold but in say Phoenix, where I live. There’s a beautiful building but very little activity, outside at least.

(6) I’m confused about thetans. You rid yourself of them and don’t want them back but you are trying to reach operating thetan levels. Where do these things go when you rid yourself of them? If they can jump on you as the leader says and is afraid of that, why become one?

(7) A 1996 British documentary (“The S Files”) displayed one of LRH’s book covers and says that is what an engram is supposed to look like. Is that really what Scientology says an engram looks like? That is what the E-meter is zapping off of parishioners? It looks one of the nightmare characters from the climax of The Shining.

(8) From your experience in the Sea Org and on staff, what do you estimate are the gender percentages these days? From old photos and stories from exes, it seems like Hubbard promoted a lot of women to senior levels, particularly for the times. Today’s promotional materials seem to feature a more even split of genders. Do you think the percentages have changed since Hubbard’s death and if so, why? Are there fewer women joining staff or the Sea Org now?