This week, I talk about the Scientology Parent YouTube channel, Scientology’s take on psychiatry, the nature of cults and a whole lot more. Enjoy!

(1) Do you know the person behind the YouTube channel “Scientology Parent”? He used to be pretty active but suddenly disappeared. He was quite open about Scientology. The channel was something I’ve never seen before: pro-Scientology stuff on social media which was not produced by the Church itself. It would seem obvious that the church didn’t like it. Thoughts?

(2) I am reaching out because I just came across an elaborate display on my walk home. A man asked if I wanted to learn about the dangers of psychiatry. I asked if he is from the Church of Scientology. He said that the organization is funded by Scientology. He then proceeded to tell me about a myriad of evils done by psychiatry and his own mother’s terrible experience. I told him that I’m sorry about his mom. I also said that I don’t doubt that many bad things have been done in the past, but I still don’t think the entire field should discounted. He retreated from me and simply said I was mistaken. I found it interesting that they did not explicitly note Scientology in their literature. I’m curious if you are familiar with this organization and if you have any insights about them. Thank you.

(3) Do food cults count as cults?

(4) I’ve read that many “recruiters” in the past used to make huge dollars selling books, courses and other such things. Is this still a thing? And did the high profile old leaders like Mike Rinder, Marty Rathbun or Pat Broker make big money when they were at the top of the cult? Could a lowly Sea Org member land a whale?

(5) How are ordinary Scientologists supposed to clear the planet? Is going up The Bridge and attaining Clear and OT VIII sufficient, and somehow the rest of us seeing how great our Scientologist neighbor is doing will come knocking on Scientology’s door? Or are ordinary Scientologists supposed to evangelize people too? In which case, how do they handle questions from non-Scientologists about Xenu, family disconnection, Scientology and the Aftermath program, and what is found on the internet? How do they handle being told we’re almost done clearing the planet, but at the same time, there are few people at the local orgs, and a lot of non-Scientologists asking difficult questions? Seems to me one would reach one of two conclusions: (1) Scientology is not facing reality; therefore, how real can it be and I should leave? or (2) the present age is damned and only the enlightened few will be “saved”. Which leads to the next question, what does the afterlife look like for a Scientologist who has reached the highest level? Is the thetan supposed keep coming back in new bodies until the planet is cleared, gets to choose to go to another planet to clear it, wander around creation for the rest of eternity blissfully not caring about uncleared planets or what?

(6) What’s the most watched video of all time on your channel? If memory serves, it used to be the Quiverful video. Is it still?

(7) Do you think those unreleased upper OT levels will get out soon for critics to analyze? Or if Miscavige just wrote them, do you think they could or would compare to how LRH would say it or do you think Miscavige doesn’t think he would be up to the challenge of even trying?

(8) If you were about to embark on a Critical Thinker at Large world tour what would be some of the countries/cities you would like to visit?