Today we are joined once again by Jeffrey Augustine of The Scientology Money Project and Surviving Scientology Radio. Jeffrey and I begin by discussing the actual intake process an individual goes through when first introduced into Scientology. Jeffrey breaks down this process from being approached by a “body-router” on the street, to your first auditing session and beyond. Jeffrey details the way Scientology uses four important and legally binding contracts to ensnare a new recruit. These contracts make it extremely difficult to sue Scientology, and essentially signify you giving up all rights to the cult. Jeffrey also explains the legal complexities of how Scientology operates as a franchised business. We talk about the legal definition of what a Scientologist is, and how the organization is structured, and why this is so important to them.
Later we look at how Scientology is evolving as a cult and the steps it is now taking to ensure its survival. We talk about how Scientology is desperately trying to portray itself as a humanitarian group through the use of various front groups. Jeffrey talk about how the group has begun to cozy up more and more to police departments through the use of their anti-drug groups. We discuss how this is all a cynical PR attempt to make Scientology look like a benevolent group while they continue to employ the destructive teachings of L. Ron Hubbard.
Today we are joined by former second-generation Scientologist Aaron Smith-Levin. Aaron became a member of the Church of Scientology at around the age of 4, after his mother joined up in Philadelphia. Aaron details his life within Scientology, from joining staff at age 12, to signing his billion year Sea Org contract in his 20’s, to eventually leaving the cult along with his wife and children. We discuss what it was like as a child growing up knowing nothing other than Scientology. We discuss how Scientology is often contradictory and at odds with its own belief system, along with the posthumous influence of L Ron Hubbard, regarded by Scientologists as both god and man.
Later Aaron relates the fascinating story of how Patt and Annie Broeker were ousted by David Miscavige in the course of his quest to gain control of the group. We also discuss Scientology’s dangerous and barbaric views about disabled people; Aaron describes the “superman” mentality of Scientologists and how they blame disabled people for their handicaps. Aaron explains that Scientology doesn’t regard them as worthy of help, and explains the Scientological concept of “making the able more able.” We round off the podcast with a discussion of the current state of Scientology — Aaron and I talk about the involvement of Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam with Scientology, and what this means for the future. We briefly consider the rumors of OJ Simpson being a Scientologist, and Aaron notes some other interesting celebrities who dabbled in Scientology.
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