Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

Strange. Lawrence Wright’s book, Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief, may be the strangest work of nonfiction that I’ve read in years. Wright bends over backwards to be fair and objective in his presentation of Scientology, and if the voluminous notes are any indication, he appears to have support for everything he writes. We use the phrase “leap of faith” because the nature of belief requires going beyond factual evidence. The beliefs that comprise Scientology may require a larger leap than most religions. The treatment of believers by the leaders of Scientology seems very severe, and the sources and uses of money made for fascinating reading. Wright’s profiles of founder L. Ron Hubbard and current leader David Miscavige are detailed and disturbing. I finished the book with a much deeper understanding of the people, practices and appeal of Scientology. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Going Clear from amazon.com.