This episode features Aaron Smith-Levin, a former Scientologist and Vice President of the Aftermath Foundation, known for his insightful YouTube channel on navigating life after Scientology. He shares his profound journey from childhood in the church, discussing the manipulative techniques of auditing and the role of charismatic authority in maintaining control. Aaron also delves into the unique dynamics of the Sea Organization, the challenges of leaving the cult, and the importance of supportive relationships in rebuilding one's life outside such environments.
Scientology aims to restore Thetans to their native state through auditing and resolving past pain and unconsciousness.
The Sea Organization consists of individuals who have signed billion-year contracts, live communally, and dedicate their lives to Scientology.
Becoming an auditor in Scientology requires extensive training to help individuals improve their spiritual awareness.
The mystery surrounding Shelley Miscavige stems from her absence as David Miscavige's assistant, but she is known to be working at a secretive base in Twin Peaks, California.
Scientology's dwindling number of active followers contradicts their claims of millions of practicing Scientologists worldwide.
Deep dives
Scientology's belief system revolves around the concept of Thetans, immortal spiritual beings with god-like potential.
According to Scientology, Thetans are immortal spiritual beings that have fallen away from their native god-like power and are now trapped in physical bodies on Earth. Scientology aims to restore a Thetan to its native state through various practices and techniques.
Scientology incorporates auditing, a form of one-on-one therapy, to address mental recordings called engrams.
Auditing in Scientology is similar to talk therapy and involves the use of an emeter, a device that measures the electrical resistance in the body. Through auditing, individuals recall and examine engrams or mental recordings of past moments of pain and unconsciousness. The goal is to locate earlier similar incidents and resolve any unresolved issues.
The Church of Scientology operates on a strict hierarchy, with the Sea Organization (C-org) as the most dedicated and disciplined group.
The Sea Organization is made up of individuals who have signed billion-year contracts. They live communally, earn a minimal wage of $50 per week, and dedicate their lives to the management and operation of Scientology organizations. C-org members are not allowed to marry or have children with non-C-org members and adhere to strict regulations and practices.
Scientology training focuses on becoming an auditor, responsible for delivering auditing sessions to individuals.
Becoming an auditor in Scientology requires extensive training, which can take years. Auditors receive instruction on how to use the emeter and follow standardized auditing procedures. Auditors play a crucial role in helping individuals improve their spiritual awareness and abilities through the auditing process.
Shelley Miscavige and the Mystery Surrounding Her
Shelley Miscavige, who held the job of David Miscavige's assistant, has not been seen with him since around 2006. However, it is important to note that in Scientology, the role and post of a sea org member is more significant than their personal relationships. While there are claims of her being missing, Shelley has been seen and spoken with in 2019 or 2020 by someone who knew her well. The mystery surrounding her stems from the fact that she no longer appears with David Miscavige, but she is known to be working at a secretive base in Twin Peaks, California.
David Miscavige's Belief in Scientology
David Miscavige is a true believer in Scientology, albeit with a different understanding and awareness of the inner workings compared to other Scientologists. While most Scientologists believe in the promises of Scientology, such as reaching higher spiritual states through auditing, Miscavige knows that these promises are not fulfilled as claimed. He is aware of the flaws and gaps in Scientology's teachings and the fact that there are no further levels beyond OT8. However, he still believes in the broader structure and aims of Scientology and sees himself as the one responsible for expanding and accomplishing the goals of the organization.
Violence and Abuse within Scientology
There have been numerous accounts of violence, harassment, and assault within Scientology, with many former Sea Org members reporting instances of abuse, especially by David Miscavige. Multiple individuals, including Mike Rinder, have spoken openly about being physically assaulted by Miscavige. This pattern of violence and abuse has led to many individuals leaving Scientology due to the grave mistreatment they experienced. The oppressive control and enforcement of secrecy within the organization make it difficult for individuals to speak out or escape from such destructive circumstances.
The Decline of Scientology and the Number of Practicing Scientologists
The number of practicing Scientologists has continuously dwindled over the years. While Scientology claims to have millions of followers, a realistic estimation puts the number at no more than 35,000 worldwide. This estimation takes into account the limited number of staff members and public Scientologists at each organization, along with other factors. There has been a significant decline in active members since the peak of around 100,000 in the past. The disconnect between Scientology's claims and the actual number of active followers highlights the shrinking influence and appeal of the organization.
The Destructive Impact of Separating Families
The suffering associated with the separation of families is highlighted as the most costly aspect of Scientology. The speaker emphasizes that the deep emotional connection to loved ones is valued above all else, including money and personal freedom. While acknowledging the positives that may exist within the organization, such as a sense of belonging and hope, the speaker firmly states that separating families is the most destructive aspect. It is noted that individuals within Scientology, including the speaker, harbor no hatred towards Scientologists because they understand that if they had the same knowledge and experiences, they might have done the same.
Tom Cruise's Unique Experience and Scientology's Influence
The podcast delves into the reasons why Tom Cruise remains committed to Scientology. The speaker suggests that Tom Cruise genuinely loves the organization and attributes his unique experience to the extensive control exerted by Scientology, particularly through Scientology-contracted staff handling Tom Cruise's affairs. The speaker explains the close bond between Tom Cruise and Scientology leader David Miscavige, describing them as best friends united against the outside world. The concept of 'us against the world' is explored as a powerful and intimate connection that Scientology creates with its followers.
Aaron Smith-Levin is a former Scientologist, Vice President of the Aftermath Foundation, and host of the Growing Up In Scientology YouTube channel. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(06:00) – Thetans
(09:59) – Dianetics
(22:02) – God
(32:38) – Sea Org
(36:48) – Auditing
(57:01) – Control
(1:07:25) – David Miscavige
(1:16:32) – Xenu
(1:32:26) – Secrecy
(1:38:29) – Mike Rinder
(1:45:36) – Separation of families
(1:52:30) – Tom Cruise
(1:56:23) – Sin
(2:01:19) – Corruption
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