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)

See K T Run...

This is an "in between read", I just happened to remember stashing away, and pulled it up when the earth-shattering news hit that a very famous couple was breaking up. How timely, and wickedly fortuitous for me.

Any "religion" is vulnerable presented to the world by an author, but Reitman stays respectably and incredibly unbiased, even though presenting some stories and facts that point to some pretty logical conclusions, that more than just slant a little toward the negative side. After reading this book, I am struggling to write an objective review - trying to settle myself with the opposing ideas of respect for all people's belief-systems, and Scientology, whose founder once made the guileful remark, "If you want to get rich,you start a religion". It is a conundrum, matched only by my curiosusity and confusion regarding the secretive Scientologists.

The Publisher's Summary and the Audible Editor Reviews cover the content of this book thoroughly, and I'd suggest reading some of these great customer reviews: Matt/Hood River, Roger/American Fork, Brad/ Tuscaloosa, Baker/ Casselberry. Inside Scientology is presented in a professional journalistic manner. Sometimes the load of information can become a little weighty and routine, more than a person who is just curious may want--especially for 15-plus hours. Reitman is a contributing editor for The Rolling Stone, and I found some of her interviews, as well as some of the articles about Scientology, in The Rolling Stone to be more candid and personable. I enjoy reading about philosophies, religions, theologies, and was therefore occasionally fascinated--particularly with the etiology of the religion and Hubbard's connection to occultist Aleister Crowley (via Jack Parsons). Overall, I came away with a little knowledge and a lot less understanding. Very noteworthy piece of research and journalism, well written and understandable, and fitting narration. Still, I'd only recommend for those that want to know everything available about Scientology, including the minutiae.

Wow. Shocking, Appalling & Bizarre!

What did you love best about Inside Scientology?

I was absolutely shocked at what actually goes on inside Scientology. The various ex-members and insiders perspectives were eye opening and literally jaw dropping. I thought I had a pretty good idea of what L. Ron Hubbard was, Dianetics, etc. This is NOTHING like what I thought, NOW I understand why the secrecy. Absolutely appalling, I can't figure out whether it's more of a business scam or more of an emotionally and physically abusive cult. But one thing it's NOT is religion. I also liked that it walks the listener through the years from beginning to current day, so you can really get an idea of how things changed over the years and after Hubbard died.

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

I had never heard the horrific story of Lisa McPherson. This was probably the most memorable and saddest part of the entire book. I don't want to spoil the story, but it's appalling what this devoted member went through. I plan to read more about her on the internet, but the book gives a very good summary. Also, the outright abuse and neglect of members was shocking. Members literally trapped from escaping, being fed only beans and rice, emotionally tortured, forced abortions, forced divorces, forced to sleep under tables and give every penny they had to the "church". The only thing missing from this story was the Kool-Aid.

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

The narration was perfect. No complaints. Clear, serious tone due to the serious nature, and good tones of sarcasm when appropriate. So good I kept forgetting he was not the actual author, but only the narrator.

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

Again, the story of Lisa McPherson was tragic and shocking. I still can't believe they got away with what they did. Several other former member stories were moving and sad. People going bankrupt by the pressure to give every penny they had, and many of them just treated like slaves.

Any additional comments?

This book was incredibly eye opening. Of course the "church" denies many of the claims, but when you hear the repeated accounts, along with actual proven records, I have no reason to believe it isn't true. I also previously knew nothing about David Miscavige, who led the "church" after Hubbards' death. An ego maniacal abusive, manipulative narcissist who clearly viewed this as a cash scam and ran it like a spoiled brat tyrant. I HIGHLY recommend this audiobook to anyone concerned about, interested in, or wanting to know more about what goes on behind the "secret doors". When you hear what goes on, it's no wonder they're so secretive.

Very illuminating

I have always been curious about "what the heck is Scientology?" This book revealed a great many secrets and very disturbing stories about this group. How it got to be called a Religion or a church is still beyond me as there is no mention of God, Buddha, Jesus, Zoroaster, Moses, Mohammed, Krishna, Baha'u'llah, not even Confucius! What I gather is the label of "Church" is for collecting money for classes and calling it tax deductible. Well written and researched. A story that needs to be told. You will be amazed that this is going on and legal in America. Whew

Wow, Interesting

Where does Inside Scientology rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

First book...not sure how to rate.

What did you like best about this story?

The detail

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

I cannot read a book due to my vision difficulties.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

In the beginning, no it did not...but further on, it got my attention and it really had me on edge.

Very well researched. Fascinating. Scary.

This was a great listen. Fantastic job giving a complete history of Scientology. The author does a great job telling the stories of the survivors. Just very well done overall.

Interesting that this is the 2nd book I listened to in a row that was written by a female, but narrated by a male. I have appreciation for this. There were a few times when the author switched into first person where I was trying to get the mental picture and found myself picturing a male. Just interesting the way we sometimes start to see (hear?) the narrator as the author. I feel that's the sign of both a great story and a great narrator.

I think this would be a great book for those who know nothing about Scientology, but it would also be worth reading for those with a good deal of knowledge on the subject.

In this book you will hear about how Scientology beat the IRS. You'll learn that the successor to L Ron Hubbard is even scarier than the old man was. You may not take Scientology's beliefs and methods seriously, but we must take them seriously as an entity, because they have proven to be quite powerful.

Getting The Heebeegeebees

I consider myself to be open minded and being a liberal when it comes to all types of religions. All Religion has a little brainwashing and most religions are fee-based, but spirituality is only free.

Scientology is something that I wanted to know about ever since I could remembered watching tv and seeing ads for L. Ron Hubbard and Dianetics. So, it's been in the back of my mind to look into as I got older. Since the recent news of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes break up and her reasoning on why she doesn't want their daughter to be in the church, it made me wanted to pickup this book even more.

Unlike other religions, that condone free will, Scientology is a bully religion, where one looses all rights after joining the organization. After listening to the tortures, deaths, and giving up your rights, I have no doubt that this is a cult for people who are not grounded into themselves.

I understand that there are commandments and rules for all to follow in order to reach the pinnacle peak to reach a supernatural being, but from what I read, this church doesn't have a God. It just seems like they use their followers in a form of slavery or bankrupt them financially and ex communicate them when they can't give anymore.

Chilling read. There are many parts in the book where I got the heebeegeebees because I couldn't believe the story, such as Lisa McPherson's death, and getting their members to sign a billion year contract to join Sea Org and Int Base, a camp, where they are being captive against their will.

Tanya Neujahr's escape from the Int Base to be with her husband, sounded something from World World's concentration camps for the Jews.

Being tax exempt is a form of a loop hole for the corporation to have a ponzi scheme, but unlike funding a bogus retirement fund, you can pay your way into their utopia.

It's very interesting, but unless I want to experience my actual birth from my mother's Cervix.... Some thoughts are meant to be in the past and never relived.

All those legends are apparently true

Living in L.A. all my life I've heard stories about Scientology and driven past its Hollywood Celebrity Center castle thousands of times. I've known journalist colleagues whose lives threatened during an investigation and heard of endless preemptive lawsuits when any articles were in the works.

This book admirably fills in the historic gaps among the legends -- most of which are true. Unlike the books by disgruntled former Scientologists, this is a journalistic account from a disinterested third party whose research and writing are first-rate. It's a "legitimate" history of L. Ron Hubbard's sci-fi self-help philosophy, not a tell-all by an ex-member or a puff-piece by the brilliant Scientology propaganda machine.

I have a much better understanding of the so-called religion, and if anything it's even scarier. What are these people thinking? As it attempts to go mainstream, the more light shed on Scientology the better.

Shocking

Do you think Inside Scientology needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I really don't see how a follow-up book could make the 1st book better. This story started great, shocking information on Scientology's founder, but fell flat mid way.I never did finish it. Sorry... but the 2nd half couldn't keep my attention.

Confirmed the Wrongs of Scientology

It's unreal that folks would fall into the false ideology and mistreat their fellow believers

I've become obsessed with this subject!

I read "going clear" first, and this book is just as good. The information is interestingly told, and relies on both believers are former believers, as well as others outside the organization for their insights. While it becomes obvious what the author thinks about the subject, it is a clear and straightforward telling of events. I recommend this book highly.