scientology

Tony Hitchman interviews L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. The interview was filmed in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), in May 1966 by Rhodesian Television. Hubbard explains the basis of Scientology beliefs, and how he came to found the organization.

Understanding Scientology covers one of the world's newest religions. Scientology, founded in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, has become a controversial faith. Followers believe its philosophies can change the world for the better. Critics point to the religion's legal troubles and alleged misdeeds.

The niece of controversial Scientology leader David Miscavige presents a tell-all memoir about her life in the Church of Scientology. The author was raised as a Scientologist but left the controversial religion in 2005. In this memoir, she shares her true story of life inside the upper ranks of the sect, details her experiences as a member Sea Org, the church's highest ministry, speaks of her "disconnection" from family outside of the organization, and tells the story of her ultimate escape. Complete with family photographs from her time in the Church, the author, a prominent critic of Scientology who now helps others leave the organization, offers an insider's profile of the beliefs, rituals, and secrets of the religion that has captured the fascination of millions, including some of Hollywood's brightest stars such as Kirstie Alley, Tom Cruise, and John Travolta.

"Based on more than two hundred personal interviews with both current and former Scientologists--both famous and less well known--and years of archival research, Lawrence Wright uses his investigative skills to uncover for us the inner workings of the Church of Scientology"--From publisher description.

Through five years of research, confidential documents, and interviews with current and former members, the author paints a thorough picture of Scientology, discussing its founder L. Ron Hubbard, David Miscavige who took over after Hubbard's death, the controversies surrounding the religion, Tom Cruise as a vocal advocate, and stories of abuse.

Raised in Scientology and raised to obey, Jenna Miscavige Hill is the neice of Scientology's leader, David Miscavige. But in her early twenties, she made a daring break and now speaks out against the Church by telling the story of her dramatic escape and revealing unprecedented insider knowledge about the religion, its rituals, and its mysterious leader. When she finally recognized the psychological control that ruled her life, Jenna was faced with a heartbreaking choice as she made her escape.