Dead-Agenting

When A Church Uses Scientology Tactics

The term Dead Agenting refers to the practice "in which Scientologists attempt to discredit critics."  (Special thanks to Deana Holmes for introducing me to the verbiage.)

Used as a verb, "dead agenting" is described by Hubbard as a technique for countering negative accusations against Scientology by diverting the critical statements and making counter-accusations against the accuser; in other words, to "attack the attacker". Source

Sometimes the information used to attack a critic is "gained through confidence or 'counseling.'"

Scientology does that too. Auditors write down information when you go in for auditing, which is supposed to be confidential. But if you ever leave and threaten the organization, Scientology will have people go through and “cull the PC [pre-clear] files” looking for juicy stuff to expose.  Source  

In 1994, a former member of Homestead Heritage, Clinton Elder, shared concerns he had about his former church by writing a letter to church leaders.  Homestead Heritage returned the favor by printing a 222 page book detailing this man's faults and failures.

According to a Waco Tribune-Herald article which is reprinted here:

The document is also important because it demonstrates the ferocity with which Homestead Heritage responds to criticism, the ex-members say. At well over 200 pages, the response addresses Elder’s claims point by point. But it also includes a catalog of various sins the group claims Elder committed, reaching back as far as grade school.

Even more galling, the ex-members say, the book was required reading for all followers at the time.

Elder, who is 54 and still lives in the Waco area, says the book was hurtful. Many of the men who helped write it had known him since junior high school, he says.

Elder readily admits many criticisms about him in the book are true. But some material is either untrue or taken out of context. More importantly, some material was gleaned from confessions he made to church leaders, he says.

Because of that, Elder decided to bring legal action against the group. He didn’t want to destroy it, he says. He simply wanted to send a message that it shouldn’t disclose personal details about its members.

Settling the matter

The matter never went to court. When Elder and his attorney met with Homestead Heritage members, a monetary settlement was reached. Because of the terms of that settlement, both Elder and church members say they can’t disclose the amount.

What kind of church does this? Oh, wait.