TV Schedule

Scientology's defector reveals church secrets

  2. jcwelker
  3. related topics
Veteran television actor Jason Beghe tells the Village Voice that the Church of Scientology will be feeling blindsided by the YouTube video of him that hit the Internet on March 14.

Long-held frustrations with the church motivated Beghe to leave Scientology seven months ago, after he had spent about 12 years in the organization as one of its most celebrated success stories. Over the course of about a year, he negotiated his “disassociation” with the church, trying to give every indication to church officials that he was parting on good terms.

In reality, he says, he was already planning to go public with damning allegations about L. Ron Hubbard’s controversial religion.

Speaking on the phone from his home in Malibu, Beghe, 48, says the 3-minute video is part of a much longer session. After leaving the church, Beghe had reached out to a Norwegian man, Andreas Heldal-Lund, who runs Operation Clambake (xenu.net), probably the most comprehensive anti-Scientology website on the Internet. Heldal-Lund convinced him to meet him along with another of the church’s most well known critics, Mark Bunker, known as “wise beard man” to the “Anonymous” movement that in recent months has organized worldwide protests against Scientology.
jcwelker

54 responses // Scientology's defector reveals church secrets

  • Surprise! The video has been removed from YouTube.
    devo64
  • WTF, they're scared shitless that their BS will get out.

    We need a WikiVideo so the truth can be heard!!

    The information below was copied from the link provided regarding Wikileaks.

    “On April 7, 2008, Wikileaks reported receiving a letter (dated March 27) from the Religious Technology Centre claiming ownership of several recently leaked documents pertaining to OT Levels within the Church of Scientology. These same documents were at the centre of a 1994 scandal documented here."

    "The email stated: The Advanced Technology materials are unpublished, copyrighted works. Please be advised that your customer's action in this regard violates United States copyright law. Accordingly, we ask for your help in removing these works immediately from your service. -- Moxon and Kobrin
    The letter continued on to request the release of the logs of the uploader, which would remove their anonymity."

    "Wikileaks responded with a statement released on Wikinews stating

    "in response to the attempted suppression, Wikileaks will release several thousand additional pages of Scientology material next week."”
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikileaks

    Pwdrskir
  • It's YouTube. They only spend afewhours claiming they're checking the vidios when they obiously don't, same if you 'spam' . Nothing is done. YouTube's also been sued a lot.

    They even have a LOT of vidios for Saddam Hussain being hung, only wanted the news. All they do is ask for your age, and that's it. Suprised it's either not had a new buisiness taken it over who's more responseable,or sued bone dry.

    (PS, I'm no sicko. Don't ask for details why I was typing that in. Just don't.)
    steadward
  • I don't see how revealing any of the inner-workings of the Scientology church would do them any harm.

    Not to pick on anyone's religion, but Mormonism has about the same super high "weirdness" factor as Scientology. Peeping stones? Gold tablets that can only be read using special glasses provided by angels? Holy underwear? Polygamy?

    Both religions were pretty much created fairly recently by single individuals claiming to have recieved enlightened from otherworldy sources.

    If Mormonism is still going strong (and growing) with their own super high weirdness -- I don't see how any equally weird religion would be all that hurt.
    crob80227
    2 responses to this
  • crob...every religion is based off otherworldly sources. As for scientology, I'm all for freedom of religion, I mean there are people who call themselves Jedis, but the conspiracy-esque attitude that goes with Scientology creeps me out, I say put their secrets out in the open.
    jh64487
  • watch this comment being used here, here, here, here, here, and here
    I agree jh64487. I'm all for total openess and honestly for any religion -- I was just remarking that I doubt anything that's revealed about the inner workings of the church will have a significant effect on Scientology long term. I mean, look at the polygamy cult they just busted in Texas. You'd think stuff like that would have a huge negative impact on Mormonism as a whole, but I don't see that happening. I'm sure Scientology will chug along just fine no matter what gets revealed (which is a disturbing thought!)
    crob80227
  • http://www.rickross.com/
    Image...
    I understand crob, but it begs the question, what are THEY so scared of to go to the lengths they do to cover their tracks?

    I follow Rick Ross's coverage of cults and there are a number entries for both Scientology and Mormons.
    Pwdrskir
  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCbKv9yiLiQ
    The video from Anonymous, sworn enemies of Scientology.
    Pwdrskir
  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCbKv9yiLiQ
    Here's a message to scientology. Part of the movement AGAINST scientology, a very cool form of online activism that has had a lot of response online and off-line...
    lindsaytalbot
  • Great people think alike lindsaytalbot!
    Pwdrskir
  • Unlike most other religions, Scientology doesn't cater to mass acceptance. It is an inclusive organization and doesn't want it's power meddled with by "outsiders".
    Consequently, any negative or, worse, telling posts will be fought for removal. Secrecy keeps them strong.
    How cultish of them.
    huntre

  • The fact that you have to pay to be in this "religion" says everything.

    If someone tried to recreate Scientology today, they would go to jail for being a scam artist.
    Freck
  • On my campus there have been rallies and protests against the Church of Scientology. I have seen postings all over about their supposedly cult like activities, harmful to many and violent in some cases.
    jdchristianson
  • hey freck,
    dont you have to "pay" to be a catholic too? its called a 10% tithe....
    phillyphil
    1 response to this
  • I'm not one to throw salt on another man's game. If you have the nads and intellect to come up with a scam that others will fall for knock yourself out. But Scientology takes it step too far.

    Starting basically as a drunken bet between Ernest Hemingway and L. Ron Hubbard { i heard '-)} the scam has grown to encompass throngs of simple minded followers. These are the same people that would have followed Jim Jones, Marshall Applewhite and Rev Moon if given the chance.

    Before offing himself L. Ron set out to see if he could actually create a religion, which kinda makes you wonder how other religions got started as well? In any case some "entrepreneurs" saw the potential and built it into the cash cow it is now.

    You have to admit it's a pretty good scam because as long as there are people willing to imbibe the Kool-Aide, watch Fox news and WWE and thinks it's real there will be plenty of rubes to keep them going.
    eldamon
  • Whoa!

    Do NOT lump the WWE in with the phony made-up religion of Scientology.

    I swear, you elitist liberals take the cake. Deriding the legtimacy of Hulk Hogan's many victories! How dare you, sir!

    Next you'll be claiming that the outcome of Harlem Globetrotter games are pre-determined.

    Is there no end to this liberal elitism?

    crob80227
  • http://current.com/items/88908895_ben_stein_s_new_film_...
    Image...
    Here's a serious question: Why is it we can have a laugh at those "crazy" Scientologists and their far-out ideas --- yet at the same time we give other equally far-out ideas serious consideration?

    Let me direct your attention to this Current thread: Ben Stein's New Flim On Intelligent Design Give Finger To Darwin.

    Ben Stein is no fool and, in fact, many of the people who believe in the theory of Creationism are highly educated.

    So why is it that we can all agree that Scientology is silly, yet when it comes to more mainstream religions we suddenly stop short and give those ideas and beliefs more deferential treatment?

    Is there a double standard at work?
    crob80227
  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlb63bAFxkw
    here is a links that works right now of the video.
    ThomasGreen
  • @crob: Because the time factor is essential to gain credibility. "Mainstream religions", as you call them, have centuries of tradition and are deeply rooted in a country's culture. So, yes, there's a double standard at work. Scientology was founded "yesterday" and is therefore less credible than Christianism, Buddhism, etc.





    saverio
  • crob80227,
    A thousand pardons Effendi. I clearly chose my words insensitively when I neglected to take into account the admirable and prestigious career of Mr Hogan. Please except my most humble apologies.

    Please permit me one question, if you will? Was the great Hulk Hogan part of the WWE or the former WWF?

    eldamon
  • That's a good point, saverio. I suppose if Scientology had been around for 1000's of years we might view it differently.
    crob80227
  • http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthread.php?s=d8cec2c3199...
    Image...
    There are also things like this working against Scientology...

    (this is but one person's experience with the cult; that forum is full of stories like that, and they are not the only ones.)
    Humdrum
  • Okay, eldamon, I was mistaken. Hulkamania ran wild during the WWF Era and then it ran wild in the WCW (if I remember my history correctly).

    I don't want to get bogged down in a deep theological debate about the the power of Hulkamania -- but I do think we can all agree on the core concepts. In all boils down to Hulk 3:16 -- Hulk dyed (his hair) for our sins!



    crob80227
  • So scary! Scientology is a cult. RLH was one of the biggest scam artist of all time and yet there are people who are so gullible, which is a neverending story, unfortunately.
    cibalin
  • http://www.scientologydisconnection.com/
    "The Church of Scientology has long practiced something called "disconnection" where it enforces its members to discontinue communications and associations with anyone it considers an enemy (or potential enemy) to the Church of Scientology."

    This site is full of hopeful relatives and friends that are trying to reach someone who has been disconnected by this cult.
    Pwdrskir
  • watch this comment being used here, here and here
    From an outsiders perspective every religion is insane. I suppose some more than others...I'm anxious to see the extended video. And to hear the response from Scientologists.
    djknockout
  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9o
    George Carlin says it best...
    Pwdrskir
  • Well, comedians are one thing, but if we want a truly insightful commentary on the state of modern day theology I think we would all do well to recall the immortal words of Bill Joel who sang:

    "They say there's a Heaven for those who will wait
    Some say it's better, but I say it ain't
    I'd rather laugh with the sinners then...."

    How does the rest of that go?
    crob80227
  • OT8????? CLEAR?????

    guess i havent kept up with scientology lingo. have no clue what he's talking about.
    stephenthomson
  • they need to start a scientology protection service
    keeshii768
  • What is scary is the fact that it took him to 12 years to realise and what is scarier is that the majority of people who believe in a faith somehow segregate us all and corporations control us all and yet we allow them to exist. Surely the only faith we need is ourselves in how we treat each other?

    How is it so simple for some but impossible for others, which makes it virtually impossible for us all? Why do we all search reassurance and even pay for it? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to mock others beliefs if they find it in religion/cults but please give me something solid evidence that their belief truly helps the bigger picture.

    Scientology IS a cult and to base your views on a sci fi author is simply ridiculous and the only reason we allow it is that we live in a world that is obsessed with obsessions. Celebrity’s dull existence seems to propel them towards these things (more money than sense and a lack of trust in others I pressume) and yet we fuel it by buying their stupid headlines so we are just as guilty to such a preposterous existence. There is no credibilty in any of it. Sad but true.
    Goldisgood
  • A few years before the guy started scientology, he said "if you want a good way to make a load of money, start a religion" (or words to that effect, you get the point)

    I think that kinda sorts it out. All religions are made-up and are formed on peoples ideas. How come people still care enough for it to make the news when someone points that out?!
    Joe_Leo
  • Great thread!!!
    I have been off line a few days.
    Last night we happened to eat our dinner in an Italian Rest. across from The Scientology Celebrity Center.

    It amazed me how this enormous
    Shrine to Human Gullibility and Ignorance

    can exist in our world.

    This is no help from our mainstream media that does not give people a clear view of sane from insane these days! Not having a free flow of ideas such as these forums makes people have fear of these cult like institutions. The more we talk about them the more they will shrivel and go away..I hope.


    CarolynGillis
  • Looks like L-Ron is Hustling from the grave or is he dead? nah im joking or am i?
    Mrskeptik
  • Apparently, OT equals Out of Touch and your success in Scientology is measured by it's levels. 8 being more out of touch than the previous 1-7. The higher the level, the farther up your own ass you go. Glad to help.
    huntre
  • we should do what Germany did and ban scientology
    RoBot_rOcKer
  • Referring to the comparison of Scientology and other religions.. I think Scientology is without the credibility of many other, older religions not because of length of existence, but the amount of innocent people it has yet to torture, kill, scare and threaten.

    Germany and the rest of Europe have a lot of things Americans should learn from.
    lifterbaron
  • When a good friend of mine was into Scientology, I was 15, and went to a first meeting. Before I could listen to the talk, I was asked for money. I told them I didn't have any money but I had some ski's, and they said they wanted my ski's. Wow. That was odd to me. So I didn't attend the meeting and get to find out more of what it was about. I nev