Sleight of Hand

In my previous article I stated that a wise person is one who has the power of discernment, proper judgment and discretion. I gave an example of both deductive and inductive logic and how they are used to test not only the truth of something, but the validity as well. In the deductive logic example, Sherlock Holmes concludes that a woman was recently in the room because of the burning cigarette with lipstick on it. But what if a gentleman recently lit a cigarette that previously had lipstick on it and set it there to fool Mr. Holmes? His conclusion would be true and valid, but his logic would be faulty because he did not test his conclusions. Advertisers know this and that is why they continue to sell products to the masses because they invent, re-introduce or re-evaluate a problem and then offer their product or service as a solution to that problem. Religions do the same. If it isn’t salvation, fear of being left out or simply, “I want more in my life”, it is all about getting something that you perceive you currently don’t have. The solution is offered in the best light possible and you either buy their wares or not.

In evaluating the truth and validity of a religion, we must use a critical eye. This begins by considering the source of the religion. Is it truly from God? Is it valid enough to provide common everyday solutions to my problems? Who founded this religion and why? What were their motivations in starting this religion? Was there a need or an apparent problem with their previous religion? By considering who founded a religion we can begin to see why the religion was formed and what its ultimate goals were. In our first example we are considering the founder of the Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard. Many things, both good and bad have been said about this man. But let’s examine the man with a critical eye. Visit the Scientology website and view their version of his accomplishments. In subsequent articles we will examine his revelations in his book “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.” Many of the research and findings Mr. Hubbard revealed were true based on his observations, but were they valid? For some they were because they BELIEVED in his principles and conclusions. However, without belief in his principles their validity falters.

What was L. Ron Hubbard’s purpose in founding Scientology? In a previous article I stated how he once repeated and modified the Orwellian statement of “You don’t get rich writing science fiction. If you want to get rich, start a religion. I was slammed with emails from Scientologists claiming that I needed to get my facts straight. My facts are straight. Witnesses heard Hubbard making this statement and he had also written it in a letter. Let’s look at the demeanor of Mr. Hubbard. When he spoke he did so with confidence. A knowing that is either based on a true revelation from God or just sheer arrogance. Again, I invite debate on this subject because the conclusions I will draw will be based on observation and not subjective malarkey.

In my previous article I mentioned I was taken aback by his pseudo-science and hypnosis of his followers. A magician performs tricks called the sleight of hand because he gets you to focus on one thing while he does another. You are minimally hypnotized (susceptible to suggestion with diminished peripheral awareness) by the magician who directs your awareness by the motions of his hands. After reading a great deal about Scientology it appears to me to have all the buzz words associated with the Law of Attraction but not the substance. You are attracted to the principles they suggest that they embody, but their ultimate goal is to rent a great deal of space in your head. Any organization that elevates their needs above their constituents is not out for the good of their people. More to come…

For more info: Download my free Wilmington Spirituality Examiner toolbar. “Life is a gift. Be thankful for it and it will be replete with abundance. Encourage others to express creativity, release negativity and embrace pro-activity." Dean A. Banks, MCIWD, DD can be reached at webproducer@hotmail.com or banksnet.com. Download my free eBook on Articles 1-10 here.

An Inspirational Story

Previously I talked about what our needs, wants, desires and expectations are. I have an interesting story to relate to you about a lady I know that helps to clarify the differences between emotional levels. I received a call yesterday from this lady who had just been let go from her job. She was one of the best performing workers at her job but recently contracted an illness which lowered her immunity to infections. She had lost several days from work last month and the management at her job told her that since she was such a good employee, that if she needed to work from home for a while they would support her in her recovery. She felt very good that she had that support. Due to her illness, within a month she contracted another flu-type infection and still went to work but had a difficult time focusing. The management told her that they needed her at work and she came in even though she was still sick. Her need to keep her job to support herself was real and she came to work. Other workers weren’t as dedicated to her job as she was.

Last week she missed 3 days of work because she couldn’t even talk. Since she was a customer service rep on the phone all day, it didn’t make any sense for her to even try to work on the phone. Her doctor faxed an excuse to her job. When she showed up Friday for work she worked the full day and when the day was over they called her into the manager’s office and let her go. Since the State of Delaware is an employer-at-will state, employers can fires anyone for any reason. They told her that her work performance was down (her minimum expected phone call goals were 160 calls per day and she was reaching 300 calls per day; more than any other CSR) and that she had missed too many days from work. Her reaction to this news was one of inspiration. Instead of a “woe is me” attitude, she gave thanks to God for the blessing of not having to be associated with a company that fires someone for being sick. All along she wanted a better job, but her need to keep a job took precedent. Her desires to be better than she was kept growing within her. She began to expect the best in her life and God allowed her to be able to receive the best by leaving a job that was not conducive to her growth. Left alone, she might not have left the job, but she chose to look at her firing as a blessing.

What I will say next might ruffle some feathers, but I really don’t care. I am a child of the sixties and I have always chosen to question authority and religions that impose man’s, not God’s, dictates on individuals under the guise as the “word of God”, or some other authority. I have always respected other religions other than my own, but I must draw the line here. The optometrist that my friend worked for was proud to display that they operated their business under the principles of Scientology and the business practices of L. Ron Hubbard. In fact, she was persuaded to attend an “optional” seminar of these principles “off of the clock” from work. The seminar wasn’t mandatory, but “highly suggested.” She also told me about the ongoing tension in the office that was created by what she called “Scientology henchman” who monitored the employees and their work. Calls came in daily from Scientology headquarters to monitor their progress.

Years ago I read Hubbard’s book, “Dianetics”, and was taken aback by his pseudo-science and hypnosis of his followers. I was courted by Scientology at the Celebrity Center in Los Angeles, CA. in the late 70’s when they wanted to put a galvanic skin response meter on me to determine whether I was “clear” or not. This meter was supposed to show the “knots” in my nervous system. When I asked the “clear” initiator to show me his results on the meter, he declined; even though he had a large certificate over his head that stated he was “clear.” That told me all I needed to know. So I began some intensive research on Mr. Hubbard.

I discovered that when the State of New Jersey and the American Medical Association was challenging the veracity of his new founded faith (Scientology) he fled the state to avoid prosecution. His son, L. Ron Hubbard, Jr., remembers him moving them out of their home grabbing shoe boxes full of cash. Cash he had received from loyal followers of his “Scientology.” After being a science fiction writer for many years, he discovered that religion was his way to cash in. Please research what I am saying and see the facts for yourself. Here are some links; L. Ron Hubbard, Sr. and an interview of L. Ron Hubbard, Jr. Any belief system or religion that claims to be the only way to enlightenment is setting you up for a fall; or at the very least, separate you from your hard earned cash. Please check out this You Tube link. The poor guy is so afraid of Scientology retribution, he wears a mask. Religion needs to teach FAITH, and not FEAR! If any Scientology official has a problem with what I am saying, I invite you to an open debate on video of your principles, conclusions and the ethics of your founder and the statements he has made. Let’s let the people decide whether your organization is on the up and up.

Back to the lady that was let go. She is very happy to not be in that environment anymore. Her expectations for a better life have led her down a path to receiving that better life. In fact, she already has had several offers to work independently and in line with her talents and abilities. Sometimes life can appear to be handing you a lemon, but as the saying goes, just turn it into lemonade!

For more info: Download my free Wilmington Spirituality Examiner toolbar. “Life is a gift. Be thankful for it and it will be replete with abundance. Encourage others to express creativity, release negativity and embrace pro-activity." Dean A. Banks, MCIWD, DD can be reached at webproducer@hotmail.com or banksnet.com.