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Religion & Spirituality. Sociology. Nonfiction. HTML:National Book Award Finalist A clear-sighted revelation, a deep penetration into the world of Scientology by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Looming Tower, the now-classic study of al-Qaeda�s 9/11 attack. Based on more than two hundred personal interviews with current and former Scientologists�both famous and less well known�and years of archival research, Lawrence Wright uses his extraordinary investigative ability to uncover for us the inner workings of the Church of Scientology. At the book�s center, two men whom Wright brings vividly to life, showing how they have made Scientology what it is today: The darkly brilliant science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, whose restless, expansive mind invented a new religion. And his successor, David Miscavige�tough and driven, with the unenviable task of preserving the church after the death of Hubbard. We learn about Scientology�s complicated cosmology and special language. We see the ways in which the church pursues celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and how such stars are used to advance the church�s goals. And we meet the young idealists who have joined the Sea Org, the church�s clergy, signing up with a billion-year contract. In Going Clear, Wright examines what fundamentally makes a religion a religion, and whether Scientology is, in fact, deserving of this constitutional protection. Employing all his exceptional journalistic skills of observation, understanding, and shaping a story into a compelling narrative, Lawrence Wright has given us an evenhanded yet keenly incisive book that reveals the very essence of what makes Scientology the institution it is.… (more)
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"Going Clear" also deserves praise for providing a singular -- and singularly disturbing -- portrait of Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Wright describes him as an absolutely enormous personality, a sadistic, mendacious, mercurial, greedy, overbearing, delusional and overwhelmingly egotistical figure who seemed to wreck every life he touched. I almost came away relieved that all he'd done was found a moderately successful money-sucking faux-religion. Scientology's done more than its share of damage, but I fear that if he had chosen to go into electoral politics, the consequences for humanity might have been far graver. Wright, to his credit, has done his homework on Hubbard and doesn't reduce him to a cartoon: he consistently acknowledges Hubbard's talent as a writer, his charisma, his talents as an organizer, and even, on occasion, his inventiveness. David Miscavige, the church's current leader, also comes off as a forcefully malignant personality: Wright depicts him as an undersized tyrant given to violent rages and sadistic punishments. There are plenty on the market already, but "Going Clear" might be most useful as a portrait in shamelessly empowered evil. Here's hoping that the book can someday be called a nail in its coffin.
The book's principal themes focus on L. Ron Hubbard as a personality and creator of an elaborate belief system, on the cult-like nature of Scientology, on its repressive control of its members, on its tactics to pursue its opponents, and on its use of celebrities to advance its aims.
Certainly it can be agreed that Hubbard was an amazing character. His imagination was astoundingly fecund, his works generated prolifically, and his personality extraordinarily charismatic. But, Wright portrays an arguably delusional and paranoid mentally ill person with an autocratic despotic nature toward his circle. Hubbard was a chronic liar and a philanderer, but was he a fraud?
The doctrine of the religion he created has many features common to established religions (e.g.s a soul as our essence, the impending return of the messiah, a prescribed path to immortality, etc.), but it also veers into science fiction based nonsense involving ancient alien races and titanic inter-galactic struggles that have determined the nature and problems of humankind today. It's really far-out stuff, but when you think about the doctrines of traditional religions (virgin birth, resurrection, receiving golden tablets from an angel in an upstate NY field, being rewarded for killing/martyrdom with 72 virgins in paradise, etc.) are these on their face any less fantastic? It calls itself a science because it is supposedly based on scientifically sound natural laws, but that's completely off base; it's a faith-based belief system that requires faith in received (concocted) doctrine.
All that said, at a fundamental and important level, Scientology must do some good for some people, as all religions can, or it wouldn't succeed. The question is does its potential for harm outweigh the good it does? Like other cults it is a vitally important consideration and I would agree with the author that this is on balance a dangerous cult. One example is the church's well-known opposition to psychiatry and psychotropic medicines. While psychiatry, like other branches of medicine, is not without troubles in its history, pressing people to forswear proven medical interventions is a harmful thing. Another feature of Scientology is its system of extracting money from its adherents. To progress to higher levels one must pay large sums to "audit" the teachings. Again, although different in magnitude, not unknown in other religions.
Another aspect of Scientology that is common to other cults is its requirment for complete loyalty and the rejection of family and friends who don't share one's beliefs. This is similar to shunning seen in other religions. Even more coercive and vicious is Scientology's pursuit of apostates and others who criticize the church. It is clear that this church will go to any lengths to hound and persecute its perceived opponents with legal and illegal tactics.
The book covers extensively Scientology's cultivation of Hollywood celebrities like Tom Cruise and John Travolta to gain publicity and support. This is a key strategy for the church and one seems quite successful. A major figure in exposing the dark side of Scientology is Paul Haggis, a well-known screen writer and director.
The church is oppressive to the point of gross abuse of its staff, utilizing various punishments in the guise of "rehab" when it perceives shortcomings or waivering. It pays its staff next to nothing and expects a lifetime commitment. Such tactics are appalling, but, again, when you think about the historical or even current behaviors of established religions (e.g. inquisitions, fatwas, etc.) Scientology doesn't seem unique and unprededented.
Is Scientology a religion or a fraud? Governments around the world have attempted to address this question. Some have restricted or banned it; others (including the US) have granted it status as a religion. In the end, I would have to conclude that Scientology is indeed a bona fide religion; it has all the aspects that one associates with religion. But, like many other sects, it is on balance a dangerous one; certainly, it has done some good for people, but also puts them in harm's way. ]
Psst...is everyone gone? Is it safe? Okay, I really liked this book. It's a hard hitting exposé of Scientology that has to be read to be believed. That first paragraph above was just a feeble attempt on my part to ward off retribution and harassment by the Church of Scientology for expressing a negative opinion.
That is not the case at all.
Everything that was said was true.
I am still in awe.
The title refers to the process a Scientologist must go through in order to move up the levels to reach their version of enlightenment. A lot of money is involved as the auditing process, required literature, and devices cost an astronomical amount. The subtitle are the three parts the book is divided into.
In Scientology, Wright writes about the history of Scientology. It shows ow Paul Haggis, a renowned screenwriter and former scientologist after 35 years, first got involved the religion. It is also a biography on L. Ron Hubbard, a former science fiction author and de-facto founder of Scientology. In Hollywood, Hubbard realizes the financial cash cows celebrities are and goes hunting. His death is also explored as a new leader in David Miscavige and cash cow in Tom Cruise.
In the Prison of Belief, the shortest chapter, goes full circle showing the aftermath of Haggis' leaving of Scientology, along with other defectors. An in-depth profile of Anne Archer's son, Tommy Davis, former head of the celebrity centre of Scientology in California.
I absolutely loved this book. I was worried that this book would be biased in some way and I didn't want to read something like that. I was quite surprised on how crisp, concise, and impartial Wright's voice was. He had the ability to explain the good along with the bad about Scientology. It was such an through profile on Scientology, I feel very much informed. I now have an opinion on Scientology. It isn't good but I can understand it.
A must-read.
My Thoughts: Going Clear is meant to be impartial, though I found it to lean heavily in the anti-Scientology direction. For instance, it provides pages
It is, however, clearly well researched. I had some knowledge of L. Ron Hubbard previous to reading this book – my grandpa knew him for a short time while he was still an aspiring writer, and so my dad has stories about that. I had no clue that he was so cruel, dishonest, and mentally ill. (Other than having a clear problem with believing in his own invented stories.) The only other book I’ve read on Scientology was Beyond Belief, by David Miscavige’s niece Jenna Miscavige Hill. My view of David Miscavige was colored by Ms. Hill’s rendition of him, which was much kinder than that in Going Clear. She did briefly mention that there was rumor of his violence, but not anything that would make me suspect the violence that Wright reports. I found this book to be believable, well-researched, and eye-opening. Definitely worth reading if you’re interested in learning about Scientology from the non-Scientologist’s view. It gets four stars (loses half a star due to claims of impartiality).
His main interest seemed to be to accumulate wealth and power. His doctrine was based on the simple premise that you can decide what is good and bad for yourself. If you think something is good, than it simply is, regardless of what others think. His followers were largely wealthy entertainers, actors who played roles in life and perhaps lost touch with what was in the real world. Writers of science fiction, like Hubbard, followed him and supported him financially, as well. If nothing else, they all had creative imaginations.
Many of those who associated with him also created wild, untrue narratives about their lives and experiences. Perhaps in writing science fiction, they too lost touch with the real world.
Hubbard’s fame is mind-boggling to me. How could rational people pay any attention to him, how could they dismiss his lies? Yet, this is a charade that many fell prey to, and many still do. This is a man who was sued often but nothing ever stuck. There was never enough proof. Scientology, designated as a religion, is exempt from many things ordinary people and business are subject to, and therefore, Scientology can get away with a great deal in the interest of religious freedom.
The bulk of the book is a very detailed and precise exploration of the founding of Scientology and its practices and progression to the current day, but the author also delves into other unusual religions at the end of the book. He talks about the Branch Davidians, the followers of Jim Jones and their mass murder/suicide, the Amish, and the Mormons, among others. However, most of the book is about Scientology and it followers.
The religion would appear to be ruled with an iron hand by a harsh master. Severe punishment is meted out to those who commit infractions, though they may not even understand what they have done; they are virtually kept prisoners and find it difficult to leave or escape. After years of living with and following the guidelines of Scientology and mixing only with Scientologists, it is difficult for the follower to adjust to the outside world and interact with others. It is almost like they are brainwashed. The whole was more important than the individual and, as a result, the individual often was unable to act independently. In addition, secret files were kept on the followers to blackmail them should they desire to leave.
Although I did not love listening to the book because there was sometimes too much detail, I have to admire the amount of research that went into it. It was such a thorough examination of this “cult-like” religion. It was so deftly done that the reader will come away with an understanding of the complexity of the religion and its followers, in so far as the author understands it. I think it will be impossible for the reader to drawer any other conclusion, other than the one that Wright puts forth and seems to prove.
Hubbard seemed insane as does David Miscavige who stepped into Hubbard’s shoes. He is a cruel taskmaster, was odd as a child and is even odder as an adult. Many famous names are associated with Scientology. Tom Cruise, Sonny Bono, John Travolta, Nicole Kidman, Paul Haggis, Kirsty Allee, among many others who were at one time or another associated with Scientology, and many of them still are. They donate millions to keep it alive and well. It is beyond me that they can look beyond the punishments meted out, the demands made of the followers, the hierarchy and its inequity and still believe in, follow, and support its doctrines. They don’t seem to practice what they preach. Hypocrites, they live in rarefied air, and they either don’t care about others, or they simply want the rest of the followers to smell foul air. How can they not see the insanity in the leader, the inequity in the approach of the religion and the greed of the Church itself? It owns real estate, businesses and it would seem to own people as well. Followers are afraid to leave for they might find themselves exiled to a place where no one will ever find them. Even L. Ron Hubbard was in exile, apparently, for the last half-dozen years of his life, kept that way by Miscavige.
Dianetics, the most famous book written by Hubbard, was probably written by a Sociopath, by a very disturbed man, and yet, people read it and follow its path and still respect the man named L. Ron Hubbard. They believe the practice of Scientology helps them. It is Hubbard’s cure for all the ills of the world. Actually, he claimed he could cure almost everything, blindness, diabetes, cancer, etc.! How can sane, intelligent people believe the ravings of someone who was sometimes a madman? Wright made it seem like Scientology was a corrupt, deceptive religion, existing only to make the “Church” and the higher-ups wealthier and more powerful.
Has Hubbard pulled a fast one, has he pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes, eventually creating a monster, the monster of unintended consequences? Was he really only writing science fiction which attracted a fan club? In his own madness, did he then believe his own imaginings? Reader, read on and draw your own conclusions!
The aspect of Scientology that was most surprising to me is the horrific abuse that the non-celebrity members endure. They are punished for various transgressions with being made to perform horrible tasks or imprisoned in unspeakable conditions. I had to wonder how this imprisonment is legal. Why don’t the members who have escaped file charges against those in the church leadership. Partly, it’s probably because the church has so much money that they can literally destroy your life if you speak out against them in any way. I was stunned that an organization in the United States can get away with the things they get away with. Their behavior is that of a fascist dictator.
Paul Haggis (director of the movie Crash) was a Scientologist for 35 years before he finally left the church. His perspective on why a seemingly smart person would remain in the church is insightful. I wanted to read more about other celebrity Scientologists. There is a lot of information on John Travolta and Tom Cruise but not much on anyone else. I have to wonder if the celebrities in the church know about how the rest of the church works – the imprisonment, child labor, etc. Are they so brainwashed that they will make excuses for what the author has uncovered? If they choose to remain in the church, I think they have a responsibility to work to reform it and put a stop to the abuse. I’m sure if they threatened to stop the millions of dollars they donate, the leaders of the church would stand up and take notice.
This book is very well-researched, especially considering the fact the church is so close lipped about what goes on behind closed doors. Wright was able to interview several of the former church leaders who have defected over the years. If you want to know the truth about Scientology, this book is your best bet.
Wright explores all aspects of this so-called church: its founding by Hubbard, who couldn't seem to succeed at anything; Miscavige's tyrannical narcissistic personality; its celebrities (what's with these people anyway?);its successful tax evasion strategies; and its litigiousness, which keeps it insulated from criticism (I wonder what they're trying to do now to Wright).
Two things I would have liked to understand better: how exactly was Hubbard able to build such a powerful empire? and how did Miscavige get to be so powerful after Hubbard's death? More psychological analysis would have helped - but that would be all speculation, which Wright admirably avoids.
The facts reveal that not only was L. Ron Hubbard prolific in his words and larger than life in his personality, but he was also a horrible person who physically
After reading this book, I'm pretty clear on the fact that Scientology isn't just weird--it is exploitative. Those who sign on to the billion year contract of its innermost acolytes, the Sea Org, often toil fifteen hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless of the hours worked, Sea Org members do it for a mere fifty dollars each week. If members try to leave, they are sued for the money which they would have raised for the church of Scientology. Even conforming to the rules of the organization is no protection from being punished when reality fails to conform to the wishes of church leaders--high ranking members of the church of Scientology are routinely sent to isolated camps where they are subject to sleep deprivation, physical and emotional abuse.
My hat goes off to Wright for tackling this challenging subject.
Learn from my mistake. A "mild" curiosity isn't nearly enough motivation to plow through this exhaustively-researched tome. Hence, the three-star rating isn't as
That being said, "Going Clear" serves up some jaw-dropping relevations without seeming to be heavy-handed or sensationalized. Folks looking for the "Hollywood" connection that is touted in the book's title won't be disappointed, either. Tom Cruise, John Travolta and other Hollywood luminaries make more than cameo appearances in Wright's work.
Readers who are committed to discovering more about Scientology will likely find this book fascinating. Those of us with a mild curiosity about the subject should probably wait for the Reader's Digest version.
Going Clear is meticulously researched. It draws on interviews with lots of current and former Scientologists, court documents, medical records, and the writings of L. Ron Hubbard and other parties. The book is also peppered with footnotes to the tune of “[person's name]‘s attorney denies that X happened” and “The church denies that [person] ever did Y,” which makes one wonder what kinds of behavior that anyone’s attorney would admit to, but that is another matter. The title of the book, Going Clear, refers to the first step in being a Scientologist. When one becomes “clear,” one is free of malicious engrams and is able to work towards being an Operating Thetan (OT). Various people throughout the book are described by their Scientology levels; OT VIII is the highest level that anyone other than Hubbard has ever had access to (Hubbard supposedly penned several more levels, but no one has seen them). Operating Thetans are supposed to have amazing mental powers that can prevent sickness, bend others to one’s will, and basically a certain level of telekinesis. At least, OT levels are described this way. There is as yet no one on the record demonstrating these amazing powers, which of course makes one question why people keep on believing in it, but of course, we could ask such questions about any number of movements.
The book opens with Paul Haggis, that archetypal, directionless young person of the 1970′s who finds Scientology. People like Haggis were attracted to Scientology because of its idealism, they state that they’re working toward “A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where Man is free to rise of greater heights,” as stated by Hubbard himself. This narrative that Scientology is actively working to improve the world seems at odds with basically everything that happens to individual Scientologists in the book, and yet, they all kept stating that they were in it for this ideal; they thought they were really helping. Haggis is the bread in this Scientology sandwich. After his introduction, the reader doesn’t hear about him again until much later in the book when he begins questioning Scientology.
L. Ron Hubbard’s (the L is for Lafayette) early years, when examined from the perspective of Scientology as it is today, are quite revealing. Wright traces the development of some of the themes of Scientology back to Hubbard’s youth, which I think is one of the most interesting aspects of the book. Analyzing modern “religions” and charismatic leaders is so different from tracing the history of someone like the Prophet Muhammad because there is actually a record of what people did and one can draw conclusions about how that influenced their later work.
Read the rest at digitalmanticore.com