Books like Inside scientology by Janet Reitman

Leah Remini’s memoir traces her rise from a New York upbringing to Hollywood stardom and prominent Scientology status, and chronicles her courageous decision to question the church, leading to her declaration as a suppressive person and family separation.

Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige, recounts her isolation, indoctrination, and daring escape from the Church of Scientology.

The Scientology religion contains workable answers to the problems people face in their lives. The subject matter of Scientology is all life. It contains practical means through which predictable improvement can be obtained in any area to which it is applied. Scientology recognizes that man is not just so many vials of chemicals fortuitously combined into a remarkable stimulus-response machine. Scientology views man as a spiritual being with native capabilities which can be improved far beyond what is generally believed possible. In fact, it has been demonstrated that man deteriorates to the degree that he denies his spiritual nature and ceases to live with moral values, such as trust, honesty, integrity and other sometimes intangible characteristics. By seeing man as essentially spiritual, Scientology follows in the traditional view of man and his relationship to the universe. Scientology, however, is unique in that it contains practical means of enabling man to resolve his material concerns and so come to achieve his spiritual aspirations. In this regard Scientology is an improvement over any earlier practice in terms of what it can actually do to help man. The problems of drugs, education, morals, relationships, trust and others contain solutions in Scientology which do not beget further problems. The situations to which Scientology can be applied are as varied as human activity itself. If a child cannot read well and is falling behind the rest of the class, Scientology study technology can help dispense with a liability that would otherwise affect the rest of his or her life. With Scientology, many, many marriages have been saved and strengthened. The emphasis in Scientology is on the application of exact methodologies in order to bring about change in the conditions of an individual’s life. The aim of Scientology is to put a person into a condition where he can be more self-determined about living a happier, more fulfilling life. “There can be no purpose worth contemplating which does not include happiness and experience. When a man is no longer able to envision happiness as a part of his future, that man is dead.” — L. Ron Hubbard Millions of people all over the world have used Scientology to improve their lives and help their fellows. This handbook contains the basic Scientology principles and methods most often employed to help people get along better in interpersonal relationships, be more successful in their work, improve their family life, and effectively help their friends, family and associates do the same. Scientology does not require that one change his or her beliefs or convictions to use it successfully. All you have to do is apply the data and observe for yourself whether or not it works. You as you are now, can do more good for yourself and for those around you than you ever imagined, and gain enormous personal satisfaction doing it.

A practical guide that shows how cult-like thought patterns can appear in everyday life and provides tools to recognize and counter them.

This large book on Scientology is fairly disorganized but it remains a vital source of first-hand testimony from ex-Scientologists about life aboard Hubbard's ship, the Apollo, and many alarming accounts of illegal and criminal activities within Scientology. Includes 21 photos, mostly of Hubbard, and two illustrations that compare Scientology's cross to that of the infamous Aleister Crowley. Brian Ambry organized and wrote the addendum, the additional chapters and some revisions to existing chapters of the two later editions.

It is the purpose of this book to evaluate the so-called cults and isms that today are found in abundance in America and on the great mission fields of the world. My approach to the subject is threefold: (1) historical analysis of the salient facts connected with the rise of the cult systems; (2) theological evaluation of the major teachings of those systems; and (3) apologetic contrast from the viewpoint of biblical theology, with an emphasis upon exegesis and doctrine. - p. 18. Since the first edition was published in 1965, Walter Martin's The Kingdom of the Cults has been the leading reference work on the major contemporary cult systems. With an emphasis on the currently active, proselytizing cults, The Kingdom of the Cults continues to be a crucial tool in counter-cult ministry and evangelism. While remaining true to Walter Martin's original tone and text, this updated edition includes substantial new information. Relevant and accurate materials have been reintroduced from the original editions, preserving Dr. Martin's unique voice and defense of the faith. Scholarly yet readable and engaging, The Kingdom of the Cults evaluates each cult's history and beliefs, contrasting individual teachings with true biblical theology. Readers will find apologetics help in dealing with cults not only at home but also overseas. An invaluable reference work for both scholars and laypeople. - Jacket flap.

A scholarly examination of Heaven's Gate, a U.S. cult that ended in 1997 mass suicide, tracing its origins, beliefs, social dynamics, and cultural context.