When I stepped away from the Church of Scientology, I experienced an amazing feeling. It took a while to recognize the feeling. After all, I'd been in Scientology for over 30 years. I finally recognized what it was: I was overwhelmed with relief that, now, at last, I could accept and live with truth.
Up until that exact moment, I had not allowed myself to see how much lying was part of Scientology.
Now, it isn't that everything in Scientology is a lie. There are things that are true. In fact, it is the truth in Scientology that brings you in.
It is the lies that trap you.
After I left, I was free to look at everything, all the "forbidden" sites and the "forbidden" books. I could talk to "forbidden" people. There was lots and lots of information out there and I wanted all of it.
But, at first I could not figure out what was true and what was false. That simple ability had disappeared over my years in Scientology. While in Scientology, it was the church, and only the church, that told me, and all Scientologists, what was true and false.
Without this "guidance", I had to figure it out for myself. But how?
Well, to help any newly-out Scientologists, I'll give you a few pointers. Of course, you have to work out what is the truth for yourself, but here are some simple rules of thumb.
Liars will, of course, insist that they are telling the truth but, when challenged, will get very, very annoyed, adamant, defensive and/or insulting. But they will never, ever provide proof of their claims.
Those telling the truth will, when challenged, provide proof. If they have an opinion, it will be stated as such.
Liars will insist that you not look at opposing viewpoints, not do any research on your own or read anything that contradicts their lies. They will say terrible things about anyone who dares contradict them, accusing them of crimes and horrible behavior (but never providing actual proof).
Those telling the truth will have no objections to your research, your reading habits or who you talk to. They will ask you to look for actual proof when deciding on something, but won't care where you get it.
As "proof" of their lies, liars will provide anonymous anecdotal stories, vague "statistics" that say nothing, and more lies. They will not provide actual statistics, real facts or any proof.
Those telling the truth have evidence like original documents, videos, photos, court documents, official papers, declarations, attestations and so on.
When presented with evidence of their lying, liars will claim the evidence is false (but not provide any proof of that). When presented with an overwhelming amount of evidence of their lying, liars will claim there is a vast conspiracy against them (but not provide any evidence of that either).
In case anyone missed it, my description of liars' behavior is exactly what the Church of Scientology does.
To newly-out Scientologists: It is embarrassing to find out how much you've been lied to, but that isn't any reason to continue believing in lies. True freedom comes from living with the truth, whatever it is.
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
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Very interesting, and not just applicable to former Scientologists. I imagine truth is something we all struggle to find, and it's such a sad fact that our pursuit of truth does indeed lead us to some very incorrect conclusions, especially when accepting ideological systems as a whole.
ReplyDeleteWhen you were in Scientology did you find that it was easier for you to lie in general? Even about little things completely unrelated to Scientology or the defense of it? I've observed a relative in some blantant and peculiar lies and I couldn't understand it.
ReplyDeleteIs there anything in Scientology "doctrine" that states/implies/encourages lying if it benefits not just the "Church" but yourself? Or is it just a side effect of all the lies inherent in the Scientology trap?
Oh and belated Merry Christmas!
Good analysis. Being able to sort out truth from lies is an ability one can develop. Part of it is not filtering information through one's "beliefs" but attempting to look at what evidence is actually there.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: Re: Lying
ReplyDeleteWell, speaking personally, I bought into that whole "most ethical people" line and tried to be that way. So, except for the official lying about Scientology, no, I didn't lie very much.
As for other Scientologists? Time has proven that many were pretty serious liars. I'd say it is more a factor that Scientology doesn't change the basic personality.
Good one, Bill. I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
ReplyDeleteWhen you get in touch with the "ONLY" chance to survive and you may not have another opportunity then you are sold a re-sold courses, processing ad infinitum and you have to help for the "critical France situation" or whatever, rushed to "cognite" and "attest" even to states NOT stated in the Bridge, What´s left?
ReplyDeleteHey Bill,
ReplyDeleteWhats this I'm hearing about the new ACCs? Could we get a write up on that?
-Red Pill on Topix
@Red Pill on Topix
ReplyDeleteActually, outside of Miscavige's hyperbole, these old lectures by Hubbard aren't very important news. Most of these lectures have been available for years and years. I studied quite a few of them many years ago.
The only reason for the huge fuss is simply that David Miscavige wants to squeeze yet more millions from his "faithful followers". Nothing new, nothing important.
Since the lectures are quite technical, very turgid and somewhat incomprehensible, even if a Scientologist does buy the damned set, I doubt they'd ever listen to them.
I also was told lies, for many years, having been in a religious cult. Lies mixed with truth is most deceptive, but what I saw, not heard was what got me out! Then when I would speak the truth , I was alienated, rumoured about, and to this day after 25 years , rumours still persist among many churches.......yes, sad but true......How does one defend lies?
ReplyDeleteYou know them by their actions!