Product Description Atack exposes Hubbard's bizarre imagination and behavior, tracing the creation of Scientology in the years following World War II to perhaps its final schism following Hubbard's death in 1986. A shocking book that reveals all: the abuses, falsehoods, paranoia, and greed of Hubbard and his pseudo-military Scientologist henchmen.
Helpful and InformativeApril 22, 2008 5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I found this book to be extremely useful in researching the background of L. Ron Hubbard. Many sites both critical of and favorable towards Hubbard are sorely lacking in credibility, but the citations and attention to detail here gave me not only a credible source to cite but a starting point for further investigation. Atack's own history with Scientology is interesting, but not nearly as important as the information he provides on the founder of Scientology. I'd definitely recommend it for those looking for more than unfounded claims one way or the other.
Free Your MindFebruary 2, 2008 5 out of 27 found this review helpful
What a cynical world we live in. Tell me why it is alright for the FBI to kill innocent men, women, and children at Waco. Tell me why people worship Hitler even though we know he killed millions of people. Tell me why we live in a world where anything new or helpful is deemed a cult. Tell me why the most popular organized religion killed thousands and thousands of women during the Salem witch trials. I will tell you why, because humans are closed minded and scared of what they don`t understand. I don't care what you say about L. Ron Hubbard. You can hate him, put him down, burn his books...whatever. It is a fact that was a liar, lived in a fantasy world, and robbed millions of their hard earned money. But you can not tell me that the book Dianetics if you honestly read it, is a load of crap. Because if you honestly read it, then you will know, like I and millions of others know. That it is an amazing and wonderful book. You can not tell me that if you studied the fundamentals of Scientology and applied it's teachings to your life. That your life didn't change for the better. I don't believe that Scientology is a religion. I believe that Dianetics and Scientology is a guide, a philosophy. The secret to unlocking the magic and power of these works is to stay away from the crooked organization that is the Church of Scientology. The only reason that it is even called a church is because L. Ron Hubbard got tired of paying taxes. If you study the material on your own or with other not connected to the church it can and will help you in your life. I have been studying Dianetics and Scientology for years and it has helped me a lot. But this is because I have avoided being sucked into the Church. Like I said before say what you will about L. Ron Hubbard. But do not let your hate or misinformed mind keep you from buying Dianetics and other Scientology books on EBAY or Amazon. Study the philosophy of Scientology and Dianetics and soon you will see what I have said is true. I am not sure how a lying, lazy, two-faced Science Fiction writer was able to come up with the information in these works but he did. I believe that his job was to write these books and help people. But as some humans do, once he saw what he did. That was when he decided to take it another step and take advantage of the people we was supposed to be helping. Does that make him an evil man, well quite possibly yes. But it doesn`t mean that the information that he was blessed with and was here to write is too. So let the negativity go, let what you have heard go, and let your mind go, and read these books. Dianetics, Clear Body Clear Mind, The Scientology Handbook and Scientology A New Slant On Life.
The Never Ending StoryDecember 31, 2007 18 out of 20 found this review helpful
I became interested in the various books of scientology and unfortunately ordered some from their headquarters, from that moment on I had no peace, phone calls and mail poured in, even after explaining to them I had no interest in being a member of their organization they did not cease. They even began trying to call me during my work hours? I enjoy reading some of their material but do not like their constant calling. I wish them well but they need to learn that not everyone who reads their books wants to be a member. In the future if at all possible I will order the books from Amazon.
my personal experienceSeptember 18, 2007 9 out of 93 found this review helpful
I have been a Scientologist for many years now. I have had parts of this book read to me by "concerned" relatives. Even if the thing this book brings up are true, which I have yet to be able to confirm any, I don't see the searing hatred justified. For example, the news about the GO's office having problems within it and Hubbard's ex-wife being in that office. So what? My life is far better off from Hubbard's works. What about the claim that people experienced in Scientology have gone through confessionals and are warning people that the point of the confessionals is to bribe people. Honestly, how could someone go through rigorous confessionals and publically issue crazy warnings like that? It doesn't make sense if you think about it. I could walk away from any or all of it any time I wish. True statement. I would not trade the wins I have had from Scientology for anything. True statement.
EXPOSING SCIENTOLOGYAugust 11, 2007 21 out of 29 found this review helpful
While I haven't read this particular book, I have read the reviews and one, at least, mentioned how the Scientologists have tried to "erradicate" this book. I'm wondering if that is what is happening with the book I have ordered, "Escaping Scientology". It was to have been published this past April but now the publication date has been delayed until December, 2007.
I live in Clearwater, Florida, and for those who don't know, Clearwater is the headquarter for Scientology. They are all over downtown and have bought up several properties in order to expand. If I had my way, they would all be run out of not only Clearwater but all of Florida-better, yet, the entire country.
