Here's something you need to understand. After one has been on ARS a few years, a repeating pattern emerges. Newbies ask the same questions as they start learning about Scientology. Basically, your questions are not unique.

Scientology is a very complex mind-fuck, and it takes a good deal of research before you even begin to get a grasp on it. Scn has been described as an onion, the many layers of front groups, member status heirarchy, etc. guarantees that a sense of understanding it all won't come easily. Different levels within the "church" dictates the members' behavior. Publics are one thing. Staff is another. The Sea Org is something else again!

The critics, too, are a herd of cats. There are no hard and fast rules governing the behavior of people who post here. That you lack understanding of this shows in your attempt to pigeonhole the denizens of ARS. Not only do we not agree on everything, we don't get along with each other in many cases.

Your FAQ is premature. While I applaud your enthusiasm, you simply are not, at this time, in a position to be writing such things. What you need to be doing now is reading the many websites dedicated to exposing the cult. Then, you need to be asking questions. Most people here are more than willing to provide information and help you out.

However, when you post something, expect to have it picked apart, criticised, and evaluated. Be prepared to defend your assertions.

Don't waste your time getting in pissing matches with people here. Many are seasoned veterans of the information war, with developed critical thinking skills and knowlege. These are the people you should be learning from, not arguing with.

You're trying to fly too high, too fast. At present, you're just a brancher, if you get my drift. Learning about the cult, gaining the skills you really need to develop to become an effective critic is the equivalent of flapping your wings on a ledge to develop the muscles needed for flight.

Launch too soon, and some high flying haggard is going to smack you down. It's just one of those repeating patterns of life. -- --barb Chaplain,ARSCC

"Imagine a church so dangerous, you must sign a release form before you can receive its "spiritual assistance." This assistance might involve holding you against your will for an indefinite period, isolating you from friends and family, and denying you access to appropriate medical care. You will of course be billed for this treatment - assuming you survive it. If not, the release form absolves your caretakers of all responsibility for your suffering and death.

Welcome to the Church of Scientology."

--Dr. Dave Touretzky Peter Alexander

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