Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology Is All About

By: Chris Shelton

Narrated by: Chris Shelton

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

What is Scientology really? Behind the glossy logos and sleek advertisements and South Park parodies, what do Scientologists really believe and practice? Is it really a religion? Who was L. Ron Hubbard, and why did he start it in the first place? Is their technology for real or just so much New Age pseudoscience?

Former insider Chris Shelton grew up in Scientology and worked for it for 25 years. This critical analysis covers the key aspects of its beliefs, practices, and structure from the bottom to the top, including not just the confidential Xenu story but details of all of the upper-level scriptures. Chris goes into detail about what goes on inside Scientology churches, why its members get involved in the first place, and what it takes to get out should someone decide to leave.

An informative guide for anyone who has been involved with Scientology in the past as well as anyone who wants to understand what it's really all about.

©2015 Christopher Shelton (P)2016 Christopher Shelton

Excellent & book with some technical problems

What made the experience of listening to Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology Is All About the most enjoyable?

This is a straight forward book that works as both an introduction to the CoS or a companion piece to other books such as Going Clear or Inside Scientology.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Chris (the author) comes off as informed & sincere. While this book is not about him or his journey out of Scientology, you can't help but rout for him.

Which scene was your favorite?

The chapter that breaks down the O.T. Levels is very interesting. I don't think that information has been presented so straight forward in any other book about Scientology.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

As started above. The O.T. Level information is very interesting.

Any additional comments?

There are some real problems with the production value of this audiobook that I think need to be addressed. During several parts of this book the narrator will stop mid-sentence & say "again", then reads the line over again. Clearly these were just messed while editing the audiobook together. Not a big deal but still it happens quite a bit. To the point of being distracting. Would love to have this corrected at some point.

Good stuff about LRH's destructive cult.

This is the 7th anti (or rather the trurh about) Scientology book I've listened to since I watched Going Clear the movie. I learned a few new things in this one. I love learning about destructive mind-control cults like Heaven's Gate, The People's Temple and the Church of Scientology.

Welcome back to the land of the WOGs, Chris!

Everything you wanted to know about Scientology

Chris Shelton tells a compelling story about his 25 years in Scientology.
What I really like about this book is his insightful knowledge of the theory or dogma of this orginisation. It really is an A to Xenu guide to Scientology. Anyone who enjoyed the Going Clear book and documentary will enjoy this book. Wonderful narration by the author himself.

Informative, interesting and good narration

The subject of Scientology is fascinating. It’s new to me. I am ripping through every book, video, tv special, etc. to learn more. Mr. Shelton’s book covers some information in detail that I hadn’t read in some of the other sources. His take on organizational structure and day-to-day life is interesting because he experienced it personally. His narration is spot on.

First hand knowledge easy to follow!

I have listened to a number of books regarding Scientology. This one is, by far, the most informative in regards to inside details. I always wondered how they call themselves a "church" and now that wonder is even larger! They are masters of deception (in their own minds), but I don't think they are fooling many outsiders. Keep learning more & more about this terribly destructive cult & awaiting the day for it to be taken down for good. Chris did a great job with the details & inside info. A little trouble with audio from time to time, but I'm sure that has to do more with editing that anything else. At first I thought I was getting a bit too much monotonous info, but found that his insight was perfect. I had a very good understanding of the organization and its beliefs that just got even better! Welcome to the WOG world, Mr. Shelton!

Informative and Fair

The book covers each topic with facts and when the author has an opinion or is describing a personal experience he describes them as such. I would highly recommend this book to people who are interested in cults or fringe groups.

Great book for learning the sausage making of Scientology.

Listened to the book twice. He is very knowledgable about the intricate workings of Scientology. Kept my interest from beginning to end.

Very thorough

I thought I knew so much but learned so much from listening to this in depth study of Scientology. I was never a member but am fascinated by this subject matter. Chris Shelton did a fine job on his first book. I hope this book will be followed up by many more. Clear narration as well.

Fascinating and Informative!

If you have any interest in the specifics as to Scientology’s philosophy and practices written someone who spent most of their life in this organization, this is a must-read! The introduction is brutally honest and heartfelt, and the book itself is a wealth of well written information, designed to be read either cover to cover, or used as a reference book. Devoid of sensationalism or hype, Mr. Sheldon provides us with fascinating reality.

Loved

This is by far the most in depth book on the topic and the narrator is perfect!

Illuminating book about Scientology

If you want a non-sensational book to tell what Scientology is like, the basic beliefs, history etc this book is spot on. You get a human story without tabloid headlines that explains Scientology and how to help those leaving the cult and other cults as well. Very thought provoking. The author has a lovely reading voice.

not a good book.

I will keep this short and sweet.

the narration is terrible, it sounds like it is read by a middle aged man who is trying to sound like a Californian Cheerleader. I kept expecting to get used to it but did not.

Mr Shelton go to great lengths to constantly remind us that Scientology is a cult and a scam. Where he used to belive it, it appears it has not quite sunken in that most people do not and he must have mentioned these points hundreds of times throughout the book in a desperate bid to help us 'see the light'

The book is generally poorly written and sounds like it has been made up on the spot.

only plus points, it does go into reasonable detail so you will likely learn something, although in my case not a lot. Also Mr Shelton appears to be a low level ex member so has a slightly different perspective from other higher ranking defectors/authors unfortunately this was not explored enough.

Unless you have read or listened to every other scientology book and this is the last one on your list I recommend you give it a wide birth.

A good read

Excellent factual guide to the reality of life in Scientology. Well read by Chris, easy to follow.

a greater understanding

Loved this. A 'Clear', reflective and easy to understand explaination into different 'Scientologyisms'. Highly recommended

Very informative 👏

This is a great overview what Scientology actually is and it's history. I recommend this book to everyone that has interest in this subject and wants to be factual when speaking about what's going on inside this "Church" and its history.

There are a lot of falsehoods and conspiracy theories out there about Scientology and here you can get your facts straight, there is no need to manufacture anything about this Cult, there own doings and actions are bad enough so no need to make things up about them ;)

A Very Interesting Book

Chris brings the world of Scientology to the masses in easy-to-digest portions and recounts his own experiences. As a non Scientologist, I am fascinated and horrified by his story. There's so much information in this book, I listen to it it over and over. A very good read/listen and I would recommend to anyone.

Xenu where are you?

Fantastic. Shelton crafted this book in a well formed way, making it easy to understand and follow for us SP's. Would recommend to anyone who wants to analyse the hypocrisy of scientology's dogma/ rules as well as know Chris's personal experience.