Going Clear - Lawrence Wright

Going Clear

By Lawrence Wright

  • Release Date: 2013-01-17
  • Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Score: 4
4
From 272 Ratings
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Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • NATIONAL BOOK AWARD AND NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST •  From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Looming Tower comes “an utterly necessary story” (The Wall Street Journal) that pulls back the curtain on the church of Scientology: one of the most secretive organizations at work today. • The Basis for the HBO Documentary.

Scientology presents itself as a scientific approach to spiritual enlightenment, but its practices have long been shrouded in mystery. Now Lawrence Wright—armed with his investigative talents, years of archival research, and more than two hundred personal interviews with current and former Scientologists—uncovers the inner workings of the church. We meet founder L. Ron Hubbard, the highly imaginative but mentally troubled science-fiction writer, and his tough, driven successor, David Miscavige. We go inside their specialized cosmology and language. We learn about the church’s legal attacks on the IRS, its vindictive treatment of critics, and its phenomenal wealth. We see the church court celebrities such as Tom Cruise while consigning its clergy to hard labor under billion-year contracts. Through it all, Wright asks what fundamentally comprises a religion, and if Scientology in fact merits this Constitutionally-protected label.

Reviews

  • Must read

    5
    By Karenhinsd
    Although this book was confusing at times with going back in time with some players, it is still a very comprehensive book about what seems to go on at this "church." Of course, that term is used loosely because of what it preaches, or the lack or preaching. It seems that some people are helped by Scientology, others destroyed. Kirstie ally is someone who hasn't been helped, although she stopped taking drugs, she became addicted to food, cross addiction. Of course, Tom cruise would be someone enchanted with this religion since he is taller than.....exactly...get my point. From now on, I'll keep my mouth shut when it comes to this cult, as is with other cults, you can't argue with insanity.

  • Eye Opening

    5
    By Vacation Home Owner
    I'm a skeptic at heart, but this was an excellently written, objective, thought provoking, fascinating and at times shocking read. Highly recommend!

  • Religion? No, Cult

    5
    By ajax7771
    Anyone reviewing this book who uses the term "religion" in its description is apparently one of its drones.

  • A mighty fine read!

    5
    By UnkyDwain
    Engaging, enlightening and more than a little disturbing. I thank mr Lawrence for producing a factually based, thoroughly researched account of the rise of this institution and for risking the possible backlash of its leadership to bring us this almost unbelievable story.

  • In-depth and evenhanded

    5
    By OG Snowflake
    Well researched and fascinating.

  • If this were made into a movie, you wouldn't believe it.

    5
    By Scottus Mullatus
    The author's journalistic tone is just what this book needs. He clearly writes about the history of the "church", Hubbard, and modern Hollywood movie stars. The most effective, shocking, and ultimately sad parts of the book deal with the members of the church who join thinking that they will help the world, and end up being physically and emotionally abused. The amount of actual physical abuse that the church has done is shocking. And it is almost impossible for these people to leave their situations. I'm so grateful for Mr. Wright's book. I'm glad that people are becoming less afraid of the "church", and willing to expose what is going on in the name of Scientology.

  • A gripping, well documented look at Scientology.

    5
    By Good Humor Man
    L. Ron Hubbard proved that if you have an idea and follow through with it, amazing things can happen. He created an amazing self-help program called Dianetics. Then he took it to another level with Scientology. Wright, and others, have documented how imagination can create believers and then eventually sufferers. "All for the greater good."

  • Excellent

    5
    By sjsla
    Excellent and extremely readable. Could not put it down.

  • Real and insightful

    5
    By Code chLbH2
    Unbiased and forthcoming look at Scientology. It will be discredited by those who don't want the truth out there, but this is a far cry from a bashing of the religion.

  • A page turner

    5
    By grandmamamarazzi
    I almost didn't buy this one because I was so saturated with ex Scientologists stories. I'm glad I did. The enhanced version is wonderful and he doesn't take sides. Such a pleasant change. It is a shame that the Scientologists who are forced to review this book are not allowed to read it.

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