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{{Short description|American critic of Scientology (born 1947)}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Tory Christman | name = Tory Christman
| image = 2008 December 26 Tory Christman.jpg | image = 2008 December 26 Tory Christman.jpg
| alt = | alt =
| caption = Christman in 2008 | caption = Christman in 2008
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1947|6|27|mf=yes}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1947|6|27|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = | birth_place =
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place = | death_place =
| nationality = United States | nationality = American
| other_names = Tory Bezazian | other_names = Tory Bezazian<br />Tory Magoo
| residence = ]<!--]--> | parents = ]
| known_for = Critic of ];<br /> Former member, ] | known_for = Critic of ];<br />Former member, ]
| years_active= 1969–2000, Scientology member;<br />2000–present, public critic | years_active = 1969–2000, Scientology member;<br />2000–present, public critic
| website = {{URL|www.torymagoo.org}} | website = {{URL|www.torymagoo.org}}
| children = 1 | children = 1
}} }}
'''Tory Christman''' is a prominent American critic of ] and former member of the organization. Originally brought up a ], Christman turned to ] after being introduced to the book '']'' authored by Scientology founder ] while staying with her parents in ]. She identified with concepts described in the book including the idea of attaining the Scientology state of ], and became a member of the organization in 1969. She ]d from Chicago to ], in order to begin the process of studying Scientology, and initially felt that it helped improve her life. In 1972, she joined the elite division within Scientology called the ]. After being a member of the Scientology organization for ten years, Christman reached the spiritual ] level of OT III, and learned the story of ]. She subsequently rose to a higher Operating Thetan level of OT VII, the second-highest within the organization. Her medical condition of ] caused difficulty while in Scientology, as the organization did not approve of taking medication in order to manage her condition. '''Tory Christman''' (born June 27, 1947) is an American critic of ] and former member of the organization. Originally brought up a ], Christman turned to ] after being introduced to the book '']'' authored by Scientology founder ] while staying with her parents in ]. She identified with concepts described in the book including the idea of attaining the Scientology state of ], and became a member of the organization in 1969. She ]d from Chicago to Los Angeles, in order to begin the process of studying Scientology, and initially felt that it helped improve her life. In 1972, she joined the core group of staff members within Scientology called the ]. After being a member of the Scientology organization for ten years, Christman reached the spiritual ] level of OT III, and learned the story of ]. She subsequently rose to a higher Operating Thetan ] of OT VII, the second-highest within the organization. Her medical condition of ] caused difficulty while in Scientology, as the organization did not approve of taking medication in order to manage her condition.


She became an ] ] within Scientology, and instructed celebrity member actor ] in initial coursework. Christman worked in various capacities during her time with Scientology, including for its drug rehab organization ], and at one of the organization's ]. After serving in these roles, Christman came to work for the ] (OSA), which functions as an ] within Scientology. She participated in multiple missions for OSA, including a 1979 operation designed to advance the organization's interests in ], and a 1985 operation assisting OSA agents during a lawsuit against Scientology. In 1999, OSA agents removed the ] software "]" from Christman's home computer, in order to allow her to carry out a mission of monitoring critical material about Scientology on the ]. It was in this capacity that she came across the Scientology critic website ], managed by ]. She became an ] ] within Scientology, and instructed celebrity member actor ] in initial coursework. Christman worked in various capacities during her time with Scientology, including for its drug rehabilitation organization ], and at one of the organization's ]. After serving in these roles, Christman came to work for the ] (OSA), which functions as an ] within Scientology. She participated in multiple missions for OSA, including a 1979 operation designed to advance the organization's interests in ], and a 1985 operation assisting OSA agents during a lawsuit filed against Scientology. In 1999, OSA agents removed the ] software "]" from Christman's home computer, in order to allow her to carry out a mission of monitoring critical material about Scientology on the ]. It was in this capacity that she came across the Scientology critic website ], managed by ].


Christman reported directly to OSA vice president, Janet Weiland, about her efforts to remove criticism of Scientology from the media and online. She supervised the Scientology Parishioners League, a group dedicated to removing criticism about the organization from the press, media, and Internet. After an operation viewed as successful where Christman complained to ] about a '']'' parody involving Travolta and characters from the comedy series which satirized Scientology, she was assigned in 2000 to monitor postings to the ] '']''. Christman took the ] of "Magoo", and posted multiple times to the newsgroup in attempts to stifle criticism. This conflicted with her ideals of ], and after Andreas Heldal-Lund reached out to her by ], she subsequently decided to leave Scientology. Christman reported directly to OSA vice-president, Janet Weiland, about her efforts to remove criticism of Scientology from the media and online. She supervised the Scientology Parishioners League, a group dedicated to removing criticism about the organization from the press, media, and Internet. After an operation viewed as successful where Christman complained to ] about a '']'' parody involving Travolta and characters from the comedy series which satirized Scientology, she was assigned in 2000 to monitor postings to the ] '']''. Christman took the ] of "Magoo", and posted multiple times to the newsgroup in attempts to stifle criticism. This conflicted with her ideals of ], and after Andreas Heldal-Lund reached out to her by email, she subsequently decided to leave Scientology.


After leaving Scientology, Christman's family and friends in the movement ceased communication with her, under the organization's policy of ]. She traveled to ] to join members of the ], a group dedicated to protesting against Scientology. For leaving Scientology and joining with a critic group, she felt she was subjected to the Scientology policy of "]"; a form of retribution for criticizing the organization. Christman has since become one of the more prominent critics of Scientology; she lectures and gives interviews about the organization internationally. In 2008 she joined in protests organized by the movement against Scientology called ] started by the Internet-based group ], but criticized the group for some of their initial illegal acts. Christman maintains an account on ] with the identification "ToryMagoo44", where she posts topically about Scientology. '']'' characterized Christman in a 2009 article as "a fierce critic of the church".<ref name="indenial" /> After leaving Scientology, Christman's family and friends in the movement ceased communication with her, under the organization's policy of "]." She traveled to Florida to join members of the ], a group dedicated to protesting against Scientology. For leaving Scientology and joining with a critic group, she felt she was subjected to the Scientology policy of "]"; a form of retribution for criticizing the organization. Christman has since become one of the more prominent critics of Scientology; she lectures and gives interviews about the organization internationally. In 2008 she took part in protests against Scientology organized by ], itself started by the Internet-based group ] but criticized the group for some of their initial illegal acts. Christman maintains an account on ] with the identification "ToryMagoo44", where she posts topically about Scientology. '']'' characterized Christman in a 2009 article as "a fierce critic of the church".<ref name="indenial" />


==Early life== ==Early life==
Christman was born in 1947; she is the daughter of ],<ref name="walker1969" /> an ] player and member of the ] who played ] for the ] and professionally for the ] and ].<ref>]</ref><ref>]</ref> Christman had made over $45Million Dollars playing for NFL. Christman was brought up to believe in ].<ref name="sommer">]</ref> In 1969 at age 22, Christman went through a difficult period abusing ] in ].<ref name="ortega" /> Christman had left home for ] with the intent of becoming a ].<ref name="ortega" /> She required medical treatment after using a dirty ], and returned to her parents' residence in ].<ref name="ortega" /> While recuperating in ] after a stay at ],<ref name="walker1969">]</ref> two Scientologist friends persuaded her to join the Scientology organization.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman was born in 1947; she is the daughter of ],<ref name="walker1969" /> an ] player and member of the ]. Her father played ] for the ] and professionally for the ] and ].<ref>]</ref><ref>]</ref> Her father had made over $4.5 million playing for NFL. Christman was raised ].<ref name="sommer">]</ref> In 1969 at age 22, Christman went through a difficult period abusing ] in ].<ref name="ortega" /> Christman had left home for California with the intent of becoming a ].<ref name="ortega" /> She required medical treatment after using a dirty ], and returned to her parents' residence in Chicago.<ref name="ortega" /> While recuperating in ] after a stay at ],<ref name="walker1969">]</ref> two Scientologist friends persuaded her to join the Scientology organization.<ref name="ortega" />


She read the foundational text '']'' by Scientology founder, ] writer ], and came to believe "it was a solution for helping other people".<ref name="debunking">]</ref> In recalling her initial thoughts upon reading the book by Hubbard, Christman commented, "I was really looking for a higher state of consciousness and a way of helping people. And I read ''Dianetics'' and I felt "WOW this is it!" You know, "I can help people go ]."<ref name="areweclear" /> She ]d from Chicago to ] to study Scientology in 1969.<ref name="areweclear">]</ref> Her first course in Scientology cost US$35.00.<ref name="trussel" /> Christman was quoted with a positive comment about Scientology, in the 1992 edition of the ]-produced book ''What is Scientology?''.<ref name="whatis">]</ref> She stated in the book, "I find life just gets better and better."<ref name="whatis" /> Christman has a son.<ref>]</ref> She read the foundational text '']'' by Scientology founder, ] writer ], and came to believe "it was a solution for helping other people".<ref name="debunking">]</ref> In recalling her initial thoughts upon reading the book by Hubbard, Christman commented, "I was really looking for a higher state of consciousness and a way of helping people. And I read ''Dianetics'' and I felt "Wow this is it!" You know, "I can help people go ]."<ref name="areweclear" /> She ]d from Chicago to Los Angeles in 1969 to study Scientology.<ref name="areweclear">]</ref> Her first course in Scientology cost $35.00.<ref name="trussel" /> Christman was quoted with a positive comment about Scientology in the 1992 edition of the ]-produced book ''What is Scientology?''.<ref name="whatis">]</ref> She stated in the book, "I find life just gets better and better."<ref name="whatis" /> Christman has a son.<ref>]</ref>


==Scientology== ==Scientology==


===Rise within organization=== ===Rise within organization===
In 1972, Christman joined the division of Scientology called the ],<ref name="areweclear" /> an elite unit within the organization.<ref name="debatte">]</ref><ref>], p. 125</ref> '']'' characterised the Sea Org as "Scientology's senior management".<ref name="davies">]</ref> In their book ''Cults and New Religions'', ] and ] describe the Sea Org writing, "Described by the Church as 'a fraternal religious order,' members of the Sea Org 'occupy the most essential and trusted positions in the senior churches in the Scientology hierarchy'."<ref name="cowan">], p. 39</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' notes, "Sea Org members staff all of the senior ecclesiastic positions in the church hierarchy".<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> In 2010, there were 5,000 members in the Sea Org.<ref>]</ref> Her Sea Org career was short lived; she was instructed to cease taking prescribed medication for her epilepsy, and as a result experienced multiple serious ]s.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="affidavit2">]</ref><ref>], p. 306</ref> In one instance two of her front teeth came out after she suffered a fall caused by a seizure while in the bathroom.<ref name="indenial" /> She recounted these incidents of ], in an interview with '']'', "So I started having grand mal seizures, and I wasn't even off the medicine. I was only off part of the medicine, and I started having very bad grand mal seizures."<ref name="viewson">]</ref> Christman recalled that her epilepsy was not recognized as a genuine medical condition by the Scientology organization; whose practice was to instruct members to attempt self-treatment utilizing ]s and ]s.<ref>]</ref> In 1972, Christman joined the division of Scientology called the ],<ref name="areweclear" /> a core group of the organization's staff.<ref name="debatte">]</ref><ref>], p. 125</ref> '']'' characterised the Sea Org as "Scientology's senior management".<ref name="davies">]</ref> In their book ''Cults and New Religions'', ] and ] describe the Sea Org writing, "Described by the Church as 'a fraternal religious order,' members of the Sea Org 'occupy the most essential and trusted positions in the senior churches in the Scientology hierarchy'."<ref name="cowan">], p. 39</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' notes, "Sea Org members staff all of the senior ecclesiastic positions in the church hierarchy".<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> In 2010, there were 5,000 members in the Sea Org.<ref>]</ref> Her Sea Org career was short lived; she was instructed to cease taking prescribed medication for her ], and as a result experienced multiple serious ]s.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="affidavit2">]</ref><ref>], p. 306</ref> In one instance, two of her front teeth fell out after she had a fall caused by a seizure while in the bathroom.<ref name="indenial" /> She recounted these incidents of seizures in an interview with '']'', "So I started having ], and I was not even off the medicine. I was only off part of the medicine, and I started having very bad grand mal seizures."<ref name="viewson">]</ref> Christman recalled that her epilepsy was not recognized as a genuine medical condition by Scientology; whose practice was to instruct members to attempt self-treatment, specifically completing the ], a controversial detoxification program that utilizes ]s and ]s.<ref>]</ref>
⚫ After a few months she was finally convinced by her mother to resume her medication, even though this meant expulsion from the Sea Org.<ref name="affidavit2" /> She remained a member of the church.


⚫ After a few months, she was finally convinced by her mother to resume taking her medication, even though this meant expulsion from the Sea Org.<ref name="affidavit2" /> She remained a member of the church.
⚫ After being a member of the Scientology organization for ten years, Christman reached the spiritual "]" level of OT III.<ref name="reitman">]</ref><ref name="best">], pp. 317, 333</ref> She recounted her experience of reading the ] story upon reaching the level of OT III: "You've jumped through all these hoops just to get to it, and then you open that packet, and the first thing you think is, 'Come on.'"<ref name="best" /> She explained, "You're surrounded by all these people who're going, 'Wow, isn't it amazing, just getting the data? I can tell it's really changed you.' After a while, enough people say it and you're like, 'Wow. You know, I really feel it.'"<ref name="best" />


⚫ After being a member of the Scientology organization for ten years, Christman reached the spiritual "]" level of OT III.<ref name="reitman">]</ref><ref name="best">], pp. 317, 333</ref> She recounted her experience of reading the ] story upon reaching the level of OT III: "You've jumped through all these hoops just to get to it, and then you open that packet, and the first thing you think is, 'Come on.'"<ref name="best" /> She explained, "You're surrounded by all these people who're going, 'Wow, isn't it amazing, just getting the data? I can tell it has really changed you.' After a while, enough people say it and you're like, 'Wow. You know, I really feel it.'"<ref name="best" />
⚫ While a member of the organization, Christman rose to the Operating Thetan level of OT VII, "the near-pinnacle of enlightenment",<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> and second-highest level within the movement.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> She worked for a time in one of the organization's ],<ref name="masters">]</ref> and became acquainted with celebrity members including ] and ].<ref name="price">]</ref> She became an ] minister within Scientology, and in this role trained new recruits to the organization, including Travolta.<ref name="areweclear" /> She trained Travolta on the "Hubbard Qualified Scientologist", the second Scientology class after the initial communication course.<ref name="areweclear" /> Christman spent time working at ],<ref>]</ref> a group affiliated with Scientology and promoted as a drug rehabilitation program using methods created by L. Ron Hubbard.<ref name="scientologylink">]</ref> She later came to realize that Narconon was a recruitment arm for Scientology, "Narconon's orders come from the Church of Scientology's senior management. Their programs, policies -- it's all church policy. There's no question about this to anyone involved. ... At Narconon (they're) handling drugs in society. But in truth, it's to 'safe point the environment' &ndash; a goodwill gesture so they can recruit people."<ref name="scientologylink" />


⚫ While a member of the organization, Christman rose to the Operating Thetan level of OT VII, "the near-pinnacle of enlightenment",<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> and second-highest ] within the movement.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> She worked for a time in one of the organization's ],<ref name="masters">]</ref> and became acquainted with celebrity members including ] and ]. She became an ] minister within Scientology, and in this role trained new recruits to the organization, including Travolta.<ref name="areweclear" /> She trained Travolta on the "Hubbard Qualified Scientologist" course, the second Scientology class after the initial communication course.<ref name="areweclear" /> Christman spent time working at ],<ref>]</ref> a group affiliated with Scientology and promoted as a drug rehabilitation program using methods created by Hubbard.<ref name="scientologylink">]</ref> She later came to realize that Narconon was a recruitment arm for Scientology, "Narconon's orders come from the Church of Scientology's senior management. Their programs, policies – it's all church policy. There's no question about this to anyone involved. ... At Narconon handling drugs in society. But in truth, it's to 'safe point the environment' &ndash; a goodwill gesture so they can recruit people."<ref name="scientologylink" />
⚫ According to '']'', Christman became a "high-ranking Scientologist" during her time in Scientology.<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> She had difficulty progressing higher than OT VII within the organization, in part due to her medical condition of ].<ref name="ortega" />

⚫ According to '']'', Christman became a "high-ranking Scientologist" during her time in Scientology.<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> She had difficulty progressing higher than OT VII within the organization, in part due to her epilepsy.<ref name="ortega" />


===Office of Special Affairs=== ===Office of Special Affairs===
{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="I was in a cult. Scientology promotes not watching the news. It keeps you inside a '']'' where you're totally unaware of things. It's like your own thinking gets shut down and you get used to not considering anything that might be critical of Scientology."|source=—Christman reflecting in 2001 upon her experiences assisting ] agents<ref name="ortega" />}} {{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="I was in a cult. Scientology promotes not watching the news. It keeps you inside a '']'' where you're totally unaware of things. It's like your own thinking gets shut down and you get used to not considering anything that might be critical of Scientology."|source=—Christman reflecting in 2001 upon her experiences assisting ] agents<ref name="ortega" />}}
Christman worked with the ] (OSA) in her efforts to curtail or remove material critical of Scientology from the press, media, and the ].<ref name="ortega">]</ref> She spent a total of 20 years working for the OSA agency while a member of the Scientology organization.<ref name="areweclear" /> OSA agents serve as the "internal security force and intelligence unit" within Scientology.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman assisted OSA agents in 1979, when a politician in ] was attempting to hinder the Scientology organization's efforts to establish a presence in the city.<ref name="ortega" /> She was ordered to participate in public meetings, and divert the focus of these events to questioning of the politician, Richard Tenning.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> He was defeated in a subsequent election, and the Scientology organization proceeded to increase its activities in Clearwater.<ref name="ortega" /> In 1985, Christman helped OSA agents during a lawsuit from a former Scientology member.<ref name="ortega" /> She attended the court proceedings and wrote reports about members of the ], and assisted Scientology lawyers in compiling profiles of the jurors.<ref name="ortega" /> At the time, Christman was an ardent believer in the Scientology organization and did not question the activities of the OSA agents.<ref name="ortega" /> Reflecting back on her experiences assisting OSA agents, she commented, "I was in a cult. Scientology promotes not watching the news. It keeps you inside a '']'' where you're totally unaware of things. It's like your own thinking gets shut down and you get used to not considering anything that might be critical of Scientology."<ref name="ortega" /> Christman worked with the ] (OSA), a department in Scientology, in her efforts to curtail or remove material critical of Scientology from the press, media, and the Internet.<ref name="ortega">]</ref> She spent a total of 20 years working for OSA while a member of the Scientology organization.<ref name="areweclear" /> OSA agents serve as the "internal security force and intelligence unit" within Scientology.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman assisted OSA agents in 1979, when a politician in ] was attempting to hinder the Scientology organization's efforts to establish a presence in the city.<ref name="ortega" /> She was ordered to participate in public meetings, and divert the focus of these events to questioning of the politician, Richard Tenning.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> He was defeated in a subsequent election, and the Scientology organization proceeded to increase its activities in Clearwater.<ref name="ortega" /> In 1985, Christman helped OSA agents during a lawsuit filed by a former Scientology member.<ref name="ortega" /> She attended the court proceedings and wrote reports about members of the jury, and assisted Scientology lawyers in compiling profiles of the jurors.<ref name="ortega" /> At the time, Christman was an ardent believer in the Scientology organization and did not question the activities of the OSA agents.<ref name="ortega" /> Reflecting back on her experiences assisting OSA agents, she commented, "I was in a cult. Scientology promotes not watching the news. It keeps you inside a '']'' where you're totally unaware of things. It's like your own thinking gets shut down and you get used to not considering anything that might be critical of Scientology."<ref name="ortega" />


In 1998, the Scientology organization publicized an initiative to hand out software on CDs to all its members, which would help them create their own websites describing their activity in the movement, and linking back to the main site at www.scientology.org.<ref name="ortega" /> The Scientology organization did not reveal to these individuals that the CD was simultaneously bundled with ] software which blocked websites critical of the organization.<ref name="ortega" /> This censorship software was termed, "]" by critics of the organization.<ref name="ortega" /> (], vice president of the OSA, has stated that it remains Scientologists' personal choice whether to use the filter, to protect them and their family members from encountering on-line harassment, and some Scientologists have always chosen to surf the Internet without filtering.<ref name="ortega" />) OSA agents wished for Christman to specifically monitor such critical websites and report to the organization about her findings, so they removed the Scieno Sitter censorship software from the computer at her residence in 1999, allowing her to research sites online freely.<ref name="ortega" /> She came across the Scientology critic website ], managed by ].<ref name="ortega" /> In 1998, the Scientology organization publicized an initiative to hand out software on CDs to all its members, which would help them create their own websites describing their activity in the movement, and linking back to the main site at www.scientology.org.<ref name="ortega" /> The Scientology organization did not reveal to these individuals that the CD was simultaneously bundled with ] software which blocked websites critical of the organization.<ref name="ortega" /> This censorship software was termed, "]" by critics of the organization.<ref name="ortega" /> Janet Weiland, vice-president of OSA, has stated that it remains Scientologists' personal choice whether to use the filter, it is installed to protect them and their family members from encountering online harassment, and some Scientologists have choose to surf the Internet without filtering.<ref name="ortega" /> OSA agents wished for Christman to specifically monitor critical websites and report to the organization about her findings, so they removed the Scieno Sitter censorship software from the computer at her residence in 1999, allowing her to research sites online freely.<ref name="ortega" /> She came across the Scientology critic website ], managed by ].<ref name="ortega" />


Christman reported directly to OSA vice president, Janet Weiland, about her efforts to remove criticism of Scientology from the media and online.<ref name="ortega" /> She assisted in dealing with ] for Scientology.<ref name="areweclear" /><ref>]</ref> Within the organization, negative publicity in the media was referred to as "Black PR".<ref name="areweclear" /> In 2000, Christman was in charge of the Scientology Parishioners League, a division formed by volunteers on orders from Weiland in order to respond rapidly to incidents of critical coverage of Scientology in the press.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> Weiland recruited Christman to the Scientology Parishioners League in 1999.<ref name="ortega" /> She would receive instruction from OSA agents, and proceed to complain to journalism editors and television producers in an attempt to convince them to pull a critical segment on Scientology.<ref name="ortega" /> ] produced a special television program analyzing ]s, and the Scientology Parishioners League complained to the network and attempted to have Scientology removed from coverage in the program, asserting, "Scientology isn't a cult."<ref name="areweclear" /> Christman reported directly to Weiland about her efforts to remove criticism of Scientology from the media and online<ref name="ortega" /> and assisted in dealing with ] for Scientology.<ref name="areweclear" /><ref>]</ref> Within the organization, negative publicity in the media was referred to as "]".<ref name="areweclear" /> In 2000, Christman was in charge of the Scientology Parishioners League (SPL), a division formed by volunteers on orders from Weiland in order to respond rapidly to incidents of critical coverage of Scientology in the press.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> Weiland recruited Christman to the SPL in 1999.<ref name="ortega" /> She would receive instruction from OSA agents, and proceed to complain to journalists and television producers in an attempt to convince them to pull a critical segment on Scientology.<ref name="ortega" /> The ] produced a special television program analyzing ]s, and the SPL complained to the network and attempted to have Scientology removed from coverage in the program, asserting, "Scientology isn't a cult."<ref name="areweclear" />


Christman was tasked with refuting facts posted on the Internet about the organization.<ref>]</ref> She observed about her time working with OSA, "The guys I worked with posted every day all day. It was like a machine. I worked with someone who used five separate computers, five separate anonymous identities...to refute any facts from the internet about the Church of Scientology."<ref name="cademetz">]</ref> She acknowledged that she set up multiple identities for use in this purpose online, "I was in charge of setting up phony accounts on the Internet that were designed to shut down free speech by blocking out opponents' sites or trick-routing people to pro-Scientology sites when they were looking for opposing information."<ref name="debunking" /> Christman was tasked with refuting facts posted on the Internet about the organization.<ref>]</ref> During her time working with OSA, she observed, "The guys I worked with posted every day all day. It was like a machine. I worked with someone who used five separate computers, five separate anonymous identities ... to refute any facts from the Internet about the Church of Scientology."<ref name="cademetz">]</ref> She acknowledged that she set up multiple identities for this purpose online, "I was in charge of setting up phony accounts on the Internet that were designed to shut down ] by blocking out opponents' sites or trick-routing people to pro-Scientology sites when they were looking for opposing information."<ref name="debunking" />


] operations against criticism of ] on the ], and her views on ] (April 2008)]] ] operations against criticism of ] on the ], and her views on ] (April 2008)]]
She was assigned to try to stop the ] from featuring a '']'' ] which poked fun at Scientology and the film based on a book by its founder L. Ron Hubbard, titled '']''.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman repeatedly called the ] office of MTV in an attempt to get them to stop the satire from airing.<ref name="ortega" /> In the eventual broadcast, which ran June 8, 2000, the ''South Park'' character ] was shown using a ] as ].<ref name="ortega" /> Christman believed she had succeeded in her mission, for she thought that her efforts prevented the book ''Dianetics'' from being used by Cartman, instead of the personality test.<ref name="ortega" /> She was assigned to try to stop the ] from featuring a '']'' ], which poked fun at Scientology and the film, based on a book by its founder L. Ron Hubbard, titled '']''.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman repeatedly called the ] office of MTV in an attempt to get them to stop the satire from airing.<ref name="ortega" /> In the eventual broadcast, which ran June 8, 2000, the ''South Park'' character ] was shown using a ] as ].<ref name="ortega" /> Christman believed she had succeeded in her mission, for she thought that her efforts prevented the book ''Dianetics'' from being used by Cartman, instead of the personality test.<ref name="ortega" />


After the perceived success of her ''South Park'' assignment, OSA agents instructed Christman to deal with Scientology critics who congregated on the Internet.<ref name="ortega" /> Her initial activities focused on a ]-operated ] which focused on ''Battlefield Earth'', and she subsequently progressed to posting on the ] '']'' (ARS).<ref name="ortega" /> In 2000, ARS functioned as a community of individuals whose efforts included posting material which reflected negatively on the Scientology organization.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman took the screen name of "Magoo".<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> From her ] residence in 2000, Christman posted numerous attacks on Scientology critics that were active on ARS.<ref name="ortega" /> She worked to become the most frequent poster on the newsgroup by July 2000.<ref name="ortega" /> Scientology critics on ARS were mystified as to the identity of the individual behind the Magoo handle, and posited that it was either a collective of OSA agents, or ] himself, the leader of Scientology management.<ref name="ortega" /> After the perceived success of her ''South Park'' assignment, OSA agents instructed Christman to deal with Scientology critics who congregated on the Internet.<ref name="ortega" /> Her initial activities focused on a ]-operated ] which focused on ''Battlefield Earth'', and she subsequently progressed to posting on the ] '']'' (ARS).<ref name="ortega" /> In 2000, ARS functioned as a community of individuals whose efforts included posting material which reflected negatively on the Scientology organization.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman took the screen name of "Magoo".<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> From her ] residence in 2000, Christman posted numerous attacks on Scientology critics that were active on ARS.<ref name="ortega" /> She worked to become the most frequent poster on the newsgroup by July 2000.<ref name="ortega" /> Scientology critics on ARS were mystified as to the identity of the individual behind the Magoo handle, and posited that it was either a collective of OSA agents, or ] himself, the leader of Scientology management.<ref name="ortega" />
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===Decision to leave=== ===Decision to leave===
], Tory Christman, ], and ] (March 2008)]] ], Tory Christman, ], and ] (March 2008)]]
During this period of time in her efforts on behalf of the OSA agents, Christman felt conflicted in her activities, because she supported ] and she felt her activities constituted censorship.<ref name="ortega" /> The operator of Xenu.net, Andreas Heldal-Lund, saw Christman's posts on ARS and reached out to her via email on July 14, 2000.<ref name="ortega" /> The two engaged in communication, and Heldal-Lund explained to Christman his motivation for managing the Operation Clambake site.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman identified with Heldal-Lund's ideals of ], and on July 20, 2000, she announced her intention to leave Scientology in a public post to ARS.<ref name="ortega" /> She realized she would face repercussions from the organization for her actions, and asked Heldal-Lund for help; he recommended she contact a group of protesters against Scientology called the ] (LMT) who were based in ].<ref name="ortega" /> The LMT was started by ] and former Scientologists to highlight the controversial death of Scientology member, ].<ref name="ortega" /> During this period of time in her efforts on behalf of the OSA agents, Christman felt conflicted in her activities, because she supported freedom of speech and she felt her activities constituted censorship.<ref name="ortega" /> The operator of Xenu.net, Andreas Heldal-Lund, saw Christman's posts on ARS and reached out to her via email on July 14, 2000.<ref name="ortega" /> The two engaged in communication, and Heldal-Lund explained to Christman his motivation for managing the Operation Clambake site.<ref name="ortega" /> Christman identified with Heldal-Lund's ideals of free speech, and on July 20, 2000, she announced her intention to leave Scientology in a public post to ARS.<ref name="ortega" /> She realized she would face ] from the organization for her actions, and asked Heldal-Lund for help; he recommended she contact a group of protesters against Scientology called the ] (LMT) who were based in Clearwater.<ref name="ortega" /> The LMT was started by ] and former Scientologists to highlight the controversial death of Scientology member, ].<ref name="ortega" />


Through the Scientology practice of "]", Christman's husband and the majority of her acquaintances and friends who were Scientologists at the time of her exit from the group were ] from her and cut off contact.<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> Christman recounted how after leaving the organization, the Church of Scientology attempted to damage her ] through a policy referred to as "]".<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> According to Christman, the Scientology organization publicized inaccurate information about her online, tried to get her removed from her position of employment, and opened a lawsuit related to her protesting against the group on church property.<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> Then Scientology-spokesperson, ], called her a "wacko" and rejected her assertions as "absolute bullshit".<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> Through the Scientology practice of "]", Christman's husband and the majority of her acquaintances and friends who were Scientologists at the time of her exit from the group ] her and cut off contact.<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> Christman recounted how after leaving the organization, the Church of Scientology attempted to damage her reputation through a policy referred to as "]".<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> According to Christman, the Scientology organization publicized inaccurate information about her online, tried to get her removed from her position of employment, and filed a lawsuit related to her protesting against the group on church property.<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" /> Then Scientology-spokesperson and now former Scientologist, ], called her a "wacko" and rejected her assertions as "absolute bullshit".<ref name="reitman" /><ref name="best" />


Christman contacted the Scientology critics based in Clearwater, and arranged flight transportation to ].<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> She arrived at the airport in ] to find that her flight was cancelled.<ref name="ortega" /> Her former supervisor, Janet Weiland, was waiting for her close to the ticket counter, and tried to convince her to remain in the organization.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> Christman eventually got on a flight to ], but was met at the gate when she arrived by agents of Scientology.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> Tampa police were notified, and escorted Christman safely away from the Scientologists.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> While a member of Scientology, Christman had given over $1 million to the organization; she used her inheritance money to pay for coursework.<ref name="trussel" /> She commented to the '']'' of ] about the thought process she underwent after leaving the organization, "When you get out and you get the whole thing, you're like, 'What was I thinking?'. I know the people inside are brainwashed and they're laughing at me. But to me, the truth is, I'm free. I can do what I want. I can say what I want."<ref>]</ref> Christman contacted the Scientology critics based in Clearwater, and arranged flight transportation to Florida.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> She arrived at the airport in California to find that her flight was cancelled.<ref name="ortega" /> Her former supervisor, Weiland, was waiting for her close to the ticket counter, and tried to convince her to remain in the organization.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> Christman eventually got on a flight to ], but at the gate when she arrived was met by agents of Scientology.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> Tampa police were notified, and escorted Christman safely away from the Scientologists.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="areweclear" /> While a member of Scientology, Christman had given over $1 million to the organization; she used her inheritance money to pay for coursework.<ref name="trussel" /> She commented to the '']'' of Florida about the thought process she underwent after leaving the organization, "When you get out and you get the whole thing, you're like, 'What was I thinking?'. I know the people inside are brainwashed and they are laughing at me. But to me, the truth is, I'm free. I can do what I want. I can say what I want."<ref>]</ref>


===Public criticism=== ===Public criticism===
] in London (July 2008)]] ] in London (July 2008)]]
Shortly after leaving the organization, Christman began protesting in Florida against Scientology with members of the Lisa McPherson Trust.<ref name="ortega" /> She picketed with signs outside of the organization's ] in ].<ref>]</ref> Scientology representatives in Clearwater complained to police in November 2000 about the picketing, and Christman and Minton were fined US$100.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="judgetakes" /> On February 21, 2001, Judge Thomas E. Penick dismissed other charges in the case, and criticized Scientology for its treatment of critics, commenting, "I'm missing the point here. I hope someone will let us know when the great invasion is coming."<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="judgetakes">]</ref> This experience was a defining period for Christman, as she was concerned that her former church would attempt to characterize her as a criminal.<ref name="ortega" /> She maintained that the actions by representatives of Scientology against her were examples of the policy, "]"; a form of retribution for criticizing the organization.<ref name="holland">]</ref> Shortly after leaving the organization, Christman began protesting in Florida against Scientology with members of the LMT.<ref name="ortega" /> She picketed with signs outside of the organization's ] in Clearwater.<ref>]</ref> Scientology representatives in Clearwater complained to police in November 2000 about the picketing, and Christman and Minton were fined US$100.<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="judgetakes" /> On February 21, 2001, Judge Thomas E. Penick dismissed other charges in the case, and criticized Scientology for its treatment of critics, commenting, "I'm missing the point here. I hope someone will let us know when the great invasion is coming."<ref name="ortega" /><ref name="judgetakes">]</ref> This experience was a defining period for Christman, as she was concerned that her former church would attempt to characterize her as a criminal.<ref name="ortega" /> She maintained that the actions by representatives of Scientology against her were examples of the policy, "]"; a form of retribution for criticizing the organization.<ref name="holland">]</ref>


In 2008, Christman was engaged in traveling around the world lecturing about Scientology and gave media interviews about the subject.<ref name="trussel">]</ref> In his 2008 book '']'', author ] thanked Christman in the acknowledgements section for advising him with regard to the ] and complicated history of Scientology.<ref>], p. 326</ref> In February 2008, Christman appeared on the ] program '']'' in a piece about the protest movement against Scientology called ] started by the Internet-based group ]; she said she objected to any illegal methods used, but appreciated new activists taking part in criticizing Scientology.<ref>]</ref> Along with Scientology critic ], she took part in the international protests against the organization in 2008 as part of Project Chanology.<ref>]</ref> Christman maintains an account on ] with the identification "ToryMagoo44", where she posts topically about Scientology.<ref>]</ref><ref>]</ref> Her YouTube account was briefly shut down in April 2008 around the time period that the same thing happened to Mark Bunker; soon afterwards an unidentified individual posted to '']'' and boasted of "silencing" Christman.<ref>]</ref> Christman resided in ] in 2009.<ref name="indenial">]</ref> '']'' characterized Christman in a 2009 article as "a fierce critic of the church".<ref name="indenial" /> In 2008, Christman was engaged in traveling around the world lecturing about Scientology and gave media interviews about the subject.<ref name="trussel">]</ref> In his 2008 book '']'', author ] thanked Christman in the acknowledgements section for advising him with regard to the ] and complicated ].<ref>], p. 326</ref> In February 2008, Christman appeared on the ] program '']'' in a piece about the protest movement against Scientology called ] started by the Internet-based group ]; she said she objected to any illegal methods used, but appreciated new activists taking part in criticizing Scientology.<ref>]</ref> Along with Scientology critic ], she took part in the international protests against the organization in 2008 as part of Project Chanology.<ref>]</ref>
Christman maintains an account on ] with the identification "ToryMagoo44", where she posts topically about Scientology.<ref>]</ref><ref>]</ref> Her YouTube account was briefly shut down in April 2008 around the time period that the same thing happened to Mark Bunker; soon afterwards an unidentified individual posted to ''alt.religion.scientology'' and boasted of "silencing" Christman.<ref>]</ref> Christman resided in Los Angeles in 2009.<ref name="indenial">]</ref> '']'' characterized Christman in a 2009 article as "a fierce critic of the church".<ref name="indenial" />


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Internet|Scientology}} {{Portal|Biography|Internet}}
*] *]
*]
*] *]
*] *]
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==References== ==References==
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*{{cite news|last=Ortega|first=Tony|work=]|date=June 30, 2008|title=Scientology's Crushing Defeat: A previously unpublished saga of an $8 million check|ref=Ortega2008}} *{{cite news|last=Ortega|first=Tony|work=]|date=June 30, 2008|title=Scientology's Crushing Defeat: A previously unpublished saga of an $8 million check|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2008/06/24/scientologys-crushing-defeat/|ref=Ortega2008}}
⚫ *{{cite news|work=Players|title=Paul Joseph Christman|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|year=2010|access-date=2010-10-30|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChriPa20.htm|ref=ProFootball2010}}
*{{cite news|last=Price|first=Richard|work=The Daily Mail|location=United Kingdom|date=May 22, 2010|title=Does John Travolta believe his baby is the reincarnation of his dead son?|ref=Price2010}}
⚫ *{{cite magazine | last =Reitman | first =Janet | title =Inside Scientology: Unlocking the complex code of America's most mysterious religion | magazine =] | date =February 23, 2006 |ref=Reitman2006}}
⚫ *{{cite news|work=Players|title=Paul Joseph Christman|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com|year=2010|accessdate=2010-10-30|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChriPa20.htm|ref=ProFootball2010}}
⚫ *{{cite news | last =Reitman | first =Janet | title =Inside Scientology: Unlocking the complex code of America's most mysterious religion | work =] | date =February 23, 2006 LLC |ref=Reitman2006}}
*{{cite news|last=Sommer|first=Mark|date=January 31, 2005 |title=Being in, breaking out |work=]|location=]|ref=Sommer2005}} *{{cite news|last=Sommer|first=Mark|date=January 31, 2005 |title=Being in, breaking out |work=]|location=]|ref=Sommer2005}}
*{{cite news|last=Svendsen|first=Randi H.|author2=Kjersti Flaa |author3=Leiv Gunnar Lie |title=Tom trussel|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/magasinet/2008/02/25/527741.html|accessdate=2010-10-29|work=]|location=Norway|language=Norwegian|ref=Svendsen2008}} *{{cite news|last=Svendsen|first=Randi H.|author2=Kjersti Flaa |author3=Leiv Gunnar Lie |title=Tom trussel|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/magasinet/2008/02/25/527741.html|access-date=2010-10-29|work=]|location=Norway|language=Norwegian|ref=Svendsen2008}}
*{{cite news| last = Ternieden| first = Hendrik | title =Debatte in Australien – "Scientology ist eine kriminelle Organisation" | work = Spiegel Online | language = German | publisher = www.spiegel.de | date =November 20, 2009 | url = http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/0,1518,662445,00.html | accessdate =2010-10-18|ref=Ternieden2009}} *{{cite news| last = Ternieden| first = Hendrik | title =Debatte in Australien – "Scientology ist eine kriminelle Organisation" | work = Spiegel Online | language = German | publisher = www.spiegel.de | date =November 20, 2009 | url = http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/0,1518,662445,00.html | access-date =2010-10-18|ref=Ternieden2009}}
*{{cite news|last=Tisdall|first=Simon|title=Eyewitness: Search for meaning amid the memories of JFK|work=]|date=November 23, 1993|page=1|publisher=Guardian Newspapers Limited|ref=Tisdall1993}} *{{cite news|last=Tisdall|first=Simon|title=Eyewitness: Search for meaning amid the memories of JFK|work=]|date=November 23, 1993|page=1|publisher=Guardian Newspapers Limited|ref=Tisdall1993}}
*{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Patricia|work=]|title=Antique Show Plans Unfold in 1868 Setting|date=February 21, 1969|page=B15|ref=Walker1969}} *{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Patricia|work=]|title=Antique Show Plans Unfold in 1868 Setting|date=February 21, 1969|page=B15|ref=Walker1969}}
{{refend}} {{Refend}}


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
*{{cite news | first = Bob | last = Gersztyn | title = Scientology – Are we Clear on This? | url = http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/archives/bezazian.html | work = ]|publisher=]|location=Dallas | date = July 1, 2002 | accessdate = 2010-10-29 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070217084514/http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/archives/bezazian.html |archivedate = 2007-02-17}} *{{cite news | first = Bob | last = Gersztyn | title = Scientology – Are we Clear on This? | url = http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/archives/bezazian.html | work = ]|publisher=]|location=Dallas | date = July 1, 2002 | access-date = 2010-10-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070217084514/http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/archives/bezazian.html |archive-date = 2007-02-17}}
*{{cite book|first=Frank |last=Nordhausen|author2=Liane von Billerbeck|title=Scientology: Wie der Sektenkonzern die Welt erobern will|pages=75, 215, 518|year=2008|isbn=3-86153-470-3|publisher=Links Christoph Verlag|language=German}} *{{cite book|first=Frank |last=Nordhausen|author2=Liane von Billerbeck|title=Scientology: Wie der Sektenkonzern die Welt erobern will|pages=75, 215, 518|year=2008|isbn=978-3-86153-470-9|publisher=Links Christoph Verlag|language=German}}
*{{cite news|last=Ortega|first=Tony|title=Sympathy for the Devil|work=]|date=September 27, 2001}} *{{cite news|last=Ortega|first=Tony|title=Sympathy for the Devil|work=]|date=September 27, 2001}}
*{{cite news | last =Reitman | first =Janet | title =Inside Scientology: Unlocking the complex code of America's most mysterious religion | work =] | date =February 23, 2006}} *{{cite magazine | last =Reitman | first =Janet | title =Inside Scientology: Unlocking the complex code of America's most mysterious religion | magazine =] | date =February 23, 2006}}


==External links== ==External links==
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* – Christman's website * – Christman's website
* , account with personal stories on '']'' * , account with personal stories on '']''
;Media
* Interview with D.J. Grothe on Point of Inquiry (February 8, 2008) * Interview with D.J. Grothe on Point of Inquiry (February 8, 2008)


{{Scientology and the Internet}} {{Scientology and the Internet}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Good article}} {{Good article}}


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Latest revision as of 20:31, 29 August 2024

American critic of Scientology (born 1947)
Tory Christman
Christman in 2008
Born (1947-06-27) June 27, 1947 (age 77)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesTory Bezazian
Tory Magoo
Years active1969–2000, Scientology member;
2000–present, public critic
Known forCritic of Scientology;
Former member, Church of Scientology
Children1
ParentPaul Christman
Websitewww.torymagoo.org

Tory Christman (born June 27, 1947) is an American critic of Scientology and former member of the organization. Originally brought up a Catholic, Christman turned to Scientology after being introduced to the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health authored by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard while staying with her parents in Chicago. She identified with concepts described in the book including the idea of attaining the Scientology state of clear, and became a member of the organization in 1969. She hitchhiked from Chicago to Los Angeles, in order to begin the process of studying Scientology, and initially felt that it helped improve her life. In 1972, she joined the core group of staff members within Scientology called the Sea Org. After being a member of the Scientology organization for ten years, Christman reached the spiritual Operating Thetan level of OT III, and learned the story of Xenu. She subsequently rose to a higher Operating Thetan level of OT VII, the second-highest within the organization. Her medical condition of epilepsy caused difficulty while in Scientology, as the organization did not approve of taking medication in order to manage her condition.

She became an ordained minister within Scientology, and instructed celebrity member actor John Travolta in initial coursework. Christman worked in various capacities during her time with Scientology, including for its drug rehabilitation organization Narconon, and at one of the organization's Celebrity Centres. After serving in these roles, Christman came to work for the Office of Special Affairs (OSA), which functions as an intelligence agency within Scientology. She participated in multiple missions for OSA, including a 1979 operation designed to advance the organization's interests in Clearwater, Florida, and a 1985 operation assisting OSA agents during a lawsuit filed against Scientology. In 1999, OSA agents removed the censorship software "Scieno Sitter" from Christman's home computer, in order to allow her to carry out a mission of monitoring critical material about Scientology on the Internet. It was in this capacity that she came across the Scientology critic website Operation Clambake, managed by Andreas Heldal-Lund.

Christman reported directly to OSA vice-president, Janet Weiland, about her efforts to remove criticism of Scientology from the media and online. She supervised the Scientology Parishioners League, a group dedicated to removing criticism about the organization from the press, media, and Internet. After an operation viewed as successful where Christman complained to MTV about a South Park parody involving Travolta and characters from the comedy series which satirized Scientology, she was assigned in 2000 to monitor postings to the newsgroup alt.religion.scientology. Christman took the screen name of "Magoo", and posted multiple times to the newsgroup in attempts to stifle criticism. This conflicted with her ideals of freedom of speech, and after Andreas Heldal-Lund reached out to her by email, she subsequently decided to leave Scientology.

After leaving Scientology, Christman's family and friends in the movement ceased communication with her, under the organization's policy of "disconnection." She traveled to Florida to join members of the Lisa McPherson Trust, a group dedicated to protesting against Scientology. For leaving Scientology and joining with a critic group, she felt she was subjected to the Scientology policy of "fair game"; a form of retribution for criticizing the organization. Christman has since become one of the more prominent critics of Scientology; she lectures and gives interviews about the organization internationally. In 2008 she took part in protests against Scientology organized by Project Chanology, itself started by the Internet-based group Anonymous but criticized the group for some of their initial illegal acts. Christman maintains an account on YouTube with the identification "ToryMagoo44", where she posts topically about Scientology. The Sunday Times characterized Christman in a 2009 article as "a fierce critic of the church".

Early life

Christman was born in 1947; she is the daughter of Paul Christman, an American football player and member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Her father played college football for the University of Missouri and professionally for the Chicago Cardinals and Green Bay Packers. Her father had made over $4.5 million playing for NFL. Christman was raised Catholic. In 1969 at age 22, Christman went through a difficult period abusing heroin in San Francisco, California. Christman had left home for California with the intent of becoming a hippie. She required medical treatment after using a dirty hypodermic needle, and returned to her parents' residence in Chicago. While recuperating in Illinois after a stay at Lake Forest Hospital, two Scientologist friends persuaded her to join the Scientology organization.

She read the foundational text Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by Scientology founder, science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, and came to believe "it was a solution for helping other people". In recalling her initial thoughts upon reading the book by Hubbard, Christman commented, "I was really looking for a higher state of consciousness and a way of helping people. And I read Dianetics and I felt "Wow this is it!" You know, "I can help people go clear." She hitchhiked from Chicago to Los Angeles in 1969 to study Scientology. Her first course in Scientology cost $35.00. Christman was quoted with a positive comment about Scientology in the 1992 edition of the Church of Scientology International-produced book What is Scientology?. She stated in the book, "I find life just gets better and better." Christman has a son.

Scientology

Rise within organization

In 1972, Christman joined the division of Scientology called the Sea Org, a core group of the organization's staff. 3 News characterised the Sea Org as "Scientology's senior management". In their book Cults and New Religions, Douglas E. Cowan and David G. Bromley describe the Sea Org writing, "Described by the Church as 'a fraternal religious order,' members of the Sea Org 'occupy the most essential and trusted positions in the senior churches in the Scientology hierarchy'." Rolling Stone notes, "Sea Org members staff all of the senior ecclesiastic positions in the church hierarchy". In 2010, there were 5,000 members in the Sea Org. Her Sea Org career was short lived; she was instructed to cease taking prescribed medication for her epilepsy, and as a result experienced multiple serious seizures. In one instance, two of her front teeth fell out after she had a fall caused by a seizure while in the bathroom. She recounted these incidents of seizures in an interview with CBS News, "So I started having grand mal seizures, and I was not even off the medicine. I was only off part of the medicine, and I started having very bad grand mal seizures." Christman recalled that her epilepsy was not recognized as a genuine medical condition by Scientology; whose practice was to instruct members to attempt self-treatment, specifically completing the Purification Rundown, a controversial detoxification program that utilizes saunas and vitamins.

After a few months, she was finally convinced by her mother to resume taking her medication, even though this meant expulsion from the Sea Org. She remained a member of the church.

After being a member of the Scientology organization for ten years, Christman reached the spiritual "Operating Thetan" level of OT III. She recounted her experience of reading the Xenu story upon reaching the level of OT III: "You've jumped through all these hoops just to get to it, and then you open that packet, and the first thing you think is, 'Come on.'" She explained, "You're surrounded by all these people who're going, 'Wow, isn't it amazing, just getting the data? I can tell it has really changed you.' After a while, enough people say it and you're like, 'Wow. You know, I really feel it.'"

While a member of the organization, Christman rose to the Operating Thetan level of OT VII, "the near-pinnacle of enlightenment", and second-highest level within the movement. She worked for a time in one of the organization's Celebrity Centres, and became acquainted with celebrity members including John Travolta and Kelly Preston. She became an ordained minister within Scientology, and in this role trained new recruits to the organization, including Travolta. She trained Travolta on the "Hubbard Qualified Scientologist" course, the second Scientology class after the initial communication course. Christman spent time working at Narconon International, a group affiliated with Scientology and promoted as a drug rehabilitation program using methods created by Hubbard. She later came to realize that Narconon was a recruitment arm for Scientology, "Narconon's orders come from the Church of Scientology's senior management. Their programs, policies – it's all church policy. There's no question about this to anyone involved. ... At Narconon handling drugs in society. But in truth, it's to 'safe point the environment' – a goodwill gesture so they can recruit people."

According to Rolling Stone, Christman became a "high-ranking Scientologist" during her time in Scientology. She had difficulty progressing higher than OT VII within the organization, in part due to her epilepsy.

Office of Special Affairs

"I was in a cult. Scientology promotes not watching the news. It keeps you inside a Truman Show where you're totally unaware of things. It's like your own thinking gets shut down and you get used to not considering anything that might be critical of Scientology."

—Christman reflecting in 2001 upon her experiences assisting Office of Special Affairs agents

Christman worked with the Office of Special Affairs (OSA), a department in Scientology, in her efforts to curtail or remove material critical of Scientology from the press, media, and the Internet. She spent a total of 20 years working for OSA while a member of the Scientology organization. OSA agents serve as the "internal security force and intelligence unit" within Scientology. Christman assisted OSA agents in 1979, when a politician in Clearwater, Florida was attempting to hinder the Scientology organization's efforts to establish a presence in the city. She was ordered to participate in public meetings, and divert the focus of these events to questioning of the politician, Richard Tenning. He was defeated in a subsequent election, and the Scientology organization proceeded to increase its activities in Clearwater. In 1985, Christman helped OSA agents during a lawsuit filed by a former Scientology member. She attended the court proceedings and wrote reports about members of the jury, and assisted Scientology lawyers in compiling profiles of the jurors. At the time, Christman was an ardent believer in the Scientology organization and did not question the activities of the OSA agents. Reflecting back on her experiences assisting OSA agents, she commented, "I was in a cult. Scientology promotes not watching the news. It keeps you inside a Truman Show where you're totally unaware of things. It's like your own thinking gets shut down and you get used to not considering anything that might be critical of Scientology."

In 1998, the Scientology organization publicized an initiative to hand out software on CDs to all its members, which would help them create their own websites describing their activity in the movement, and linking back to the main site at www.scientology.org. The Scientology organization did not reveal to these individuals that the CD was simultaneously bundled with censorship software which blocked websites critical of the organization. This censorship software was termed, "Scieno Sitter" by critics of the organization. Janet Weiland, vice-president of OSA, has stated that it remains Scientologists' personal choice whether to use the filter, it is installed to protect them and their family members from encountering online harassment, and some Scientologists have choose to surf the Internet without filtering. OSA agents wished for Christman to specifically monitor critical websites and report to the organization about her findings, so they removed the Scieno Sitter censorship software from the computer at her residence in 1999, allowing her to research sites online freely. She came across the Scientology critic website Operation Clambake, managed by Andreas Heldal-Lund.

Christman reported directly to Weiland about her efforts to remove criticism of Scientology from the media and online and assisted in dealing with public relations for Scientology. Within the organization, negative publicity in the media was referred to as "Black PR". In 2000, Christman was in charge of the Scientology Parishioners League (SPL), a division formed by volunteers on orders from Weiland in order to respond rapidly to incidents of critical coverage of Scientology in the press. Weiland recruited Christman to the SPL in 1999. She would receive instruction from OSA agents, and proceed to complain to journalists and television producers in an attempt to convince them to pull a critical segment on Scientology. The A&E Network produced a special television program analyzing cults, and the SPL complained to the network and attempted to have Scientology removed from coverage in the program, asserting, "Scientology isn't a cult."

Christman was tasked with refuting facts posted on the Internet about the organization. During her time working with OSA, she observed, "The guys I worked with posted every day all day. It was like a machine. I worked with someone who used five separate computers, five separate anonymous identities ... to refute any facts from the Internet about the Church of Scientology." She acknowledged that she set up multiple identities for this purpose online, "I was in charge of setting up phony accounts on the Internet that were designed to shut down free speech by blocking out opponents' sites or trick-routing people to pro-Scientology sites when they were looking for opposing information."

Audio of Tory Christman discussing Office of Special Affairs operations against criticism of Scientology on the Internet, and her views on freedom of speech (April 2008)

She was assigned to try to stop the MTV Movie Awards from featuring a South Park satire, which poked fun at Scientology and the film, based on a book by its founder L. Ron Hubbard, titled Battlefield Earth. Christman repeatedly called the New York City office of MTV in an attempt to get them to stop the satire from airing. In the eventual broadcast, which ran June 8, 2000, the South Park character Cartman was shown using a Scientology personality test as toilet paper. Christman believed she had succeeded in her mission, for she thought that her efforts prevented the book Dianetics from being used by Cartman, instead of the personality test.

After the perceived success of her South Park assignment, OSA agents instructed Christman to deal with Scientology critics who congregated on the Internet. Her initial activities focused on a Warner Bros.-operated bulletin board which focused on Battlefield Earth, and she subsequently progressed to posting on the newsgroup alt.religion.scientology (ARS). In 2000, ARS functioned as a community of individuals whose efforts included posting material which reflected negatively on the Scientology organization. Christman took the screen name of "Magoo". From her Burbank, California residence in 2000, Christman posted numerous attacks on Scientology critics that were active on ARS. She worked to become the most frequent poster on the newsgroup by July 2000. Scientology critics on ARS were mystified as to the identity of the individual behind the Magoo handle, and posited that it was either a collective of OSA agents, or David Miscavige himself, the leader of Scientology management.

Decision to leave

Actor Jason Beghe, Tory Christman, Mark Bunker, and Andreas Heldal-Lund (March 2008)

During this period of time in her efforts on behalf of the OSA agents, Christman felt conflicted in her activities, because she supported freedom of speech and she felt her activities constituted censorship. The operator of Xenu.net, Andreas Heldal-Lund, saw Christman's posts on ARS and reached out to her via email on July 14, 2000. The two engaged in communication, and Heldal-Lund explained to Christman his motivation for managing the Operation Clambake site. Christman identified with Heldal-Lund's ideals of free speech, and on July 20, 2000, she announced her intention to leave Scientology in a public post to ARS. She realized she would face repercussions from the organization for her actions, and asked Heldal-Lund for help; he recommended she contact a group of protesters against Scientology called the Lisa McPherson Trust (LMT) who were based in Clearwater. The LMT was started by Robert Minton and former Scientologists to highlight the controversial death of Scientology member, Lisa McPherson.

Through the Scientology practice of "disconnection", Christman's husband and the majority of her acquaintances and friends who were Scientologists at the time of her exit from the group excommunicated her and cut off contact. Christman recounted how after leaving the organization, the Church of Scientology attempted to damage her reputation through a policy referred to as "dead agenting". According to Christman, the Scientology organization publicized inaccurate information about her online, tried to get her removed from her position of employment, and filed a lawsuit related to her protesting against the group on church property. Then Scientology-spokesperson and now former Scientologist, Mike Rinder, called her a "wacko" and rejected her assertions as "absolute bullshit".

Christman contacted the Scientology critics based in Clearwater, and arranged flight transportation to Florida. She arrived at the airport in California to find that her flight was cancelled. Her former supervisor, Weiland, was waiting for her close to the ticket counter, and tried to convince her to remain in the organization. Christman eventually got on a flight to Tampa, Florida, but at the gate when she arrived was met by agents of Scientology. Tampa police were notified, and escorted Christman safely away from the Scientologists. While a member of Scientology, Christman had given over $1 million to the organization; she used her inheritance money to pay for coursework. She commented to the St. Petersburg Times of Florida about the thought process she underwent after leaving the organization, "When you get out and you get the whole thing, you're like, 'What was I thinking?'. I know the people inside are brainwashed and they are laughing at me. But to me, the truth is, I'm free. I can do what I want. I can say what I want."

Public criticism

Christman at protest by Project Chanology in London (July 2008)

Shortly after leaving the organization, Christman began protesting in Florida against Scientology with members of the LMT. She picketed with signs outside of the organization's Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater. Scientology representatives in Clearwater complained to police in November 2000 about the picketing, and Christman and Minton were fined US$100. On February 21, 2001, Judge Thomas E. Penick dismissed other charges in the case, and criticized Scientology for its treatment of critics, commenting, "I'm missing the point here. I hope someone will let us know when the great invasion is coming." This experience was a defining period for Christman, as she was concerned that her former church would attempt to characterize her as a criminal. She maintained that the actions by representatives of Scientology against her were examples of the policy, "fair game"; a form of retribution for criticizing the organization.

In 2008, Christman was engaged in traveling around the world lecturing about Scientology and gave media interviews about the subject. In his 2008 book Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography, author Andrew Morton thanked Christman in the acknowledgements section for advising him with regard to the jargon and complicated history of Scientology. In February 2008, Christman appeared on the National Public Radio program Morning Edition in a piece about the protest movement against Scientology called Project Chanology started by the Internet-based group Anonymous; she said she objected to any illegal methods used, but appreciated new activists taking part in criticizing Scientology. Along with Scientology critic Mark Bunker, she took part in the international protests against the organization in 2008 as part of Project Chanology.

Christman maintains an account on YouTube with the identification "ToryMagoo44", where she posts topically about Scientology. Her YouTube account was briefly shut down in April 2008 around the time period that the same thing happened to Mark Bunker; soon afterwards an unidentified individual posted to alt.religion.scientology and boasted of "silencing" Christman. Christman resided in Los Angeles in 2009. The Sunday Times characterized Christman in a 2009 article as "a fierce critic of the church".

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Harlow 2009
  2. ^ Walker 1969
  3. College Football 2010
  4. Pro-Football 2010
  5. Sommer 2005
  6. ^ Ortega 2001
  7. ^ Kozlowski 2005
  8. ^ Gersztyn 2002
  9. ^ Svendsen 2008
  10. ^ Scientology 1992
  11. Tisdall 1993
  12. Ternieden 2009
  13. Morton 2008, p. 125
  14. Davies 2009
  15. Cowan 2007, p. 39
  16. ^ Reitman 2006
  17. ^ ASME 2007, pp. 317, 333
  18. Collerton 2010
  19. ^ Christman 2003
  20. Morton 2008, p. 306
  21. CBS 2009
  22. Brain 2009
  23. Masters 2005
  24. Humanist 2004
  25. ^ Asimov 2004
  26. Ortega 2008
  27. DR 2009
  28. Metz 2009
  29. O'Neil 2000
  30. O'Neil 2001b
  31. ^ O'Neil 2001
  32. Holland 2001
  33. Morton 2008, p. 326
  34. Masters 2008
  35. Heise 2008b
  36. Heise 2008
  37. Netzeitung 2008
  38. Metz 2008

References

Further reading

External links

Scientology and the Internet
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websites		 Partial map of the Internet
Software, terms
People
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