Inside Scientology

The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion

By: Janet Reitman

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Scientology, created in 1954 by a prolific sci-fi writer named L. Ron Hubbard, claims to be the world's fastest-growing religion, with millions of members around the world and huge financial holdings. Its celebrity believers keep its profile high, and its teams of "volunteer ministers" offer aid at disaster sites such as Haiti and the World Trade Center. But Scientology is also a notably closed faith, harassing journalists and others through litigation and intimidation, even infiltrating the highest levels of government to further its goals. Its attacks on psychiatry and its requirement that believers pay as much as tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars for salvation have drawn scrutiny and skepticism. And ex-members use the Internet to share stories of harassment and abuse.

Now Janet Reitman offers the first full journalistic history of the Church of Scientology, in an even-handed account that at last establishes the astonishing truth about the controversial religion. She traces Scientology's development from the birth of Dianetics to today, following its metamorphosis from a pseudoscientific self-help group to a worldwide spiritual corporation with profound control over its followers and even ex-followers.

Based on five years of research, unprecedented access to church officials, confidential documents, and extensive interviews with current and former Scientologists, this is the defining book about a little-known world.

©2011 Janet Reitman (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A detailed and readable examination of the life of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the church, and his successor, David Miscavige." ( Publishers Weekly)

Massively Informative

Boatload of non-judgemental information about Scientology. A few times, it seemed a little more like a personal essay than an informative one, but I'd definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn about L. Ron Hubbard's religion from a source that neither proselytizes or bashes.

A must-listen for those interested

Reitman's book comes across as well-researched and thorough. There is enough in the background, history, and portrait of LRH to discredit Scientology as a cult movement without even getting to the so-called "church's" policies and practices. Reitman not only takes the listener behind the curtain, but deep into the holy of holies of this secretive and litigious organization.

Enjoyed learning the inner workings of Scientology

I knew very little about Scientology before I listened to Inside Scientology. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Scientology and hearing the stories (some of them horror stories) of former Scientologists. Listening to the book prompted me to also do my own research (to fact check some of the book) and I learned even more.

An important and comprehensive work

If you could sum up Inside Scientology in three words, what would they be?

COMPREHENSIVE IMPORTANT GRIPPING

What was one of the most memorable moments of Inside Scientology?

The portions of interviews with children who grew up in scientology in the midst of a world where technology has exploded.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator has never, in my experience, been very good at portraying different voices, particularly female ones. His narrative portions are quite good, but his depiction of female subjects are no different from the narrative flow itself. I must also insert here that having a male narrator read a book written by Reitman, a female reporter, is an odd choice. At times, Reitman will insert herself in the story, and it's a bit of a shock having the narrator insert "personal" insights.

Any additional comments?

Many other reviewers have done better than I at describing this book, but I will add my voice to them. This book is intricate in its describing the many aspects of scienntology, from the beginnings of the religion to the personal stories of current and former scientologists. It is well-balanced and fair, though Reitman is quietly critical of scientology. There are spots that drag, particularly regarding scientology's battle with the IRS and obtaining tax-exempt statuus: and there are many interview subjects and language that gets confusing. Beyond that, this book is intense and should be of interest to anyone thinking of joining scientology or having a fascination with religions.

Inside Scientology

Worth the listen. Interesting with various views. Listening to people who were involved and left for various reasons.
Form your own opinion.

Excellent book

Perfect balance of detail and overview. Holds attention well. Non biased and covers beginning of Scientology to the present Thank you!

If you've ever wondered about scientology, READ.

I have always wondered what Scientology really was.. I've done research on the subject but was never really able to get to the heart of it... This book is written not in a way to convince you one way or the other, but to give you the facts and let you decide for yourself..

It appears Scientology has a very dark side to it. Parts of the story are a little slow moving, but all in all, it's very interesting.

The book explains John Travolta and Tom Cruise connection to Scientology, too..

Interesting book...

I'm believing the unbelievable

Like most histories, this book focuses on the rulers and their power, not the common people. How did Hubbard and Miscavige get away with all that? The book corroborates stories I heard from a friend who knew L. Ron Hubbard in the period when he had lost control of Dianetics and was cooking up Scientology, so I may have to believe the rest as well.

I read the book because I have had the privilege to work with a Scientologist who I've found to be a remarkably intelligent, competent, and warm person with a lot of integrity and backbone, unlike so many of the people described in the book who seemed content to stand by while Scientology threw friends and colleagues under the bus, colloquially speaking.

I am left with more questions than answers. I wanted to hear what about Scientology generates such loyalty and willingness to submit. Nothing I read in Inside Scientology made me want to walk into a franchise office and try it out. I guess I should be thankful for that.

Fascinating!

Would you listen to Inside Scientology again? Why?

Yes I would! It's such an unbelievable journey into something I knew little about and I was appalled by the methods they use to brainwash people.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The brainwashing methodology. Breaking people down and preying on their vulnerabilities!

What does Stephen Hoye bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A voice that I found easy to listen to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The death of the young girl Lisa.

Any additional comments?

I feel grateful that books like this are written so that people like me can be made aware of traps like this that are out there.

Wow, I did not expect that

Any additional comments?

I didn't know much about scientology. I admit I thought they were weird and had heard the OT3 beliefs that I thought were crazy.

I didn't know the half of it. I walked out actually fealing sorry for them in many ways.