P
Painter
Guest
I am a new member here, though I have been lurking around for awhile. I've never been a Scientologist, fortunately for me.... However I have always taken a keen interest in Scientology ever since I first knew of it, round about the early 70's. When I read DMSMH it seduced me at first, and then it scared the bejesus out of me.
First off, I want to congratulate y'all for breaking free of that particular spell, because obviously it wasn't easy. Secondly I want to thank everybody I've been reading here as a lurker, because I find the level of discourse to be generally very high, not to mention endlessly amusing.
I take Scientology very seriously. I don't think it is "just another crazy cult" but rather a kind of prototype for socio-political mind control systems in general. Though Scientology itself is probably in irreversible decline, and thankfully so, it came uncomfortably close to realizing Hubbard's diabolically ingenious scheme.
The various discussions here, in addition to exposing Scientological fallacies and thus helping to dismantle the cult, also provide valuable personal insights into the nature and purpose of spirituality in the contemporary world. This from people who have been burned, and burned bad, by one of the most skillful and dangerous frauds ever to have been perpetrated.
ESMB is a priceless resource. Perhaps I can add a little, here and there.
First off, I want to congratulate y'all for breaking free of that particular spell, because obviously it wasn't easy. Secondly I want to thank everybody I've been reading here as a lurker, because I find the level of discourse to be generally very high, not to mention endlessly amusing.
I take Scientology very seriously. I don't think it is "just another crazy cult" but rather a kind of prototype for socio-political mind control systems in general. Though Scientology itself is probably in irreversible decline, and thankfully so, it came uncomfortably close to realizing Hubbard's diabolically ingenious scheme.
The various discussions here, in addition to exposing Scientological fallacies and thus helping to dismantle the cult, also provide valuable personal insights into the nature and purpose of spirituality in the contemporary world. This from people who have been burned, and burned bad, by one of the most skillful and dangerous frauds ever to have been perpetrated.
ESMB is a priceless resource. Perhaps I can add a little, here and there.