Going Clear

Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

By: Lawrence Wright

Narrated by: Morton Sellers

National Book Award Finalist

A clear-sighted revelation, a deep penetration into the world of Scientology by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Looming Tower, the now-classic study of al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attack. Based on more than two hundred personal interviews with current and former Scientologists—both famous and less well known—and years of archival research, Lawrence Wright uses his extraordinary investigative ability to uncover for us the inner workings of the Church of Scientology.

At the book’s center, two men whom Wright brings vividly to life, showing how they have made Scientology what it is today: The darkly brilliant science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, whose restless, expansive mind invented a new religion. And his successor, David Miscavige—tough and driven, with the unenviable task of preserving the church after the death of Hubbard.

We learn about Scientology’s complicated cosmology and special language. We see the ways in which the church pursues celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and how such stars are used to advance the church’s goals. And we meet the young idealists who have joined the Sea Org, the church’s clergy, signing up with a billion-year contract.

In Going Clear, Wright examines what fundamentally makes a religion a religion, and whether Scientology is, in fact, deserving of this constitutional protection. Employing all his exceptional journalistic skills of observation, understanding, and shaping a story into a compelling narrative, Lawrence Wright has given us an evenhanded yet keenly incisive book that reveals the very essence of what makes Scientology the institution it is.

©2013 Lawrence Wright (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Brings a clear-eyed, investigative fearlessness to Scientology . . . a rollicking, if deeply creepy, narrative ride, evidence that truth can be stranger even than science fiction." (The Washington Post)

“A hotly compelling read. It’s a minutiae-packed book full of wild stories.” (The New York Times)

“An utterly necessary story. . . . A feat of reporting.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Further proof the Scientology is WHACK!

Where does Going Clear rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the most informative audiobooks I've listened to. Lawrence Wright's book tries to explain Scientology's hold in Hollywood and why seemingly "normal" people get involved with the religion. He does a very good job telling this story by first taking you on Paul Haggis' journey, then introducing you to countless people, in many cases former high ranking officials, who have been abused in one way or another by the church. It's a page turner!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were enough moments of physical and emotional abuse that left me saddened. Sometime last year I read Jenna Miscavage's Beyond Belief and she also detailed lots of abuse so Lawrence Wright's expose wasn't surprising. However, what is surprising is how this abuse is sustained and ignored. It's ignored by the government and ignored by fellow Scientologists. I was left feeling disgusted. David Miscavage, and to some degree Tom Cruise should be in jail for sanctioning this unethical and abusive behavior.

Any additional comments?

Lawrence Wright writes with a sympathetic ear. I was impressed because he could have easily written a tongue and cheek expose and had a "told ya so" point of view, especially when story after story detailed similar endings. He doesn't do that, instead he tries to point out facts and patterns through the use of individual story telling. I felt sad then MAD for these folks. Most spent their entire lives, and life savings, sacrificed friendships and family, only to be dropped by the church when they asked too many questions, didn't agree with the church, or didn't follow orders. It's a terrible religion - there is no way around that. Obviously many people have found the teachings useful, but I'm sorry, the ends do not justify the means. Everyone should read/listen to this book. It's that good!

GOING CLEAR

Without vilifying any one religion, Scientology, like all organized religions, is a belief system manufactured by man. Lawrence Wright, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist, writes an informative, titillating. and believable book about Scientology. After listening to “Going Clear”, the human failings of Scientology are stripped bare with a force as explosive as the abuse of parish children by Catholic’ priests. The many testimonials of Scientologists that say Scientology “improved their lives” infers some value in its teachings; however, like all organized religions, it is subject to human failings. No organized religion in recorded history has been without human failure.

Wright names the names of the most famous Scientologists with Tom Cruise and John Travolta at the top of the list. But, he also explains why lesser lights, like Kirstie Alley, Anne Archer, Greta Van Susteren, continue to follow the religion. What makes the story more interesting is why some of the early members are leaving; i.e. Paul Haggis, Bruce Hines, and possibly, Tommy Davis, a wealthy follower and former spokesman for Scientology.

Wright amplifies interest by revealing secrets of the religion, some of its leader’s alleged violence, and mysteries of disappearing members.

Where will Scientology be 100 years from now? Will Hubbard’s myths become a gospel of truth or will Scientology fall into the dustbin of history’s failed cults?

L. Ron Hubbard is a bastard.

Would you listen to Going Clear again? Why?

Yes, it was incredibly informative.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Going Clear?

When you realize that L.Ron Hubbard wasn't just a science fiction writer, but a complete scumbag dictator oppressor.

What about Morton Sellers’s performance did you like?

The narration was pretty good. I would have preferred George Guidall... but that's always the case.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was a long book, but I liked the part where L. Ron Hubbard is in the Navy and attacks a log at sea.

Any additional comments?

If you want to really know what Scientology is all about, listen to this book.

A must read!

If you are at all interested in current cults in the world you must read this book! very well supported with fact, and attention the the blatant contradictions and lies fountained forth by this "church". if you are in the cult read this, if you are interested in cults read this, if you are interested in the world around you, READ THIS BOOK.

Making it Clear

This is an excellent biography and also a sociological study of the human heart longing to find meaning, only to be destroyed.
A cautionary tale that’s more than just a tale ..

Stunning exposé

Comprehensive incisive decisive of a another religion which makes you want to be an atheist. Fine, Hubbard was a crackpot dealing with his own demons and wrote incessantly to process his damage for others. But the current crop Operating Thetans...these are some creepy people.

I'm from LA and had my first brush with Scientologists in the late 70s. Oh my how dysfunctional we have grown over the years.

Run....

Intriguing look inside a secretive organization

this story follows The Insider's view of Scientology. It does a good job of covering history of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder, and various other individuals who were part of the organization including movie stars and other famous individuals. I found the chronology difficult to follow at times, but overall was a very well performed and interesting story nonetheless.

Very informative

I knew the Scientology people were a bit off. I didn't know how weird they were though until this book.

Chilling and Facinating

A comprehensive and analytical book that covers L Ron Hubbards life, his creation of scientology, David Miscaviges coup and the workings of the cult itself. It presents the facts and allows people to come to their own conclusions about the disturbing nature of many of the practices in the Scientology and Sea Org dictated by LRH himself. If you are interested in learning about scientology this book is a fantastic starting point, and even if you already have some knowledge about it, you are sure to find some additional information here.

Wow

What made the experience of listening to Going Clear the most enjoyable?

The evenhanded journalistic approach Lawrence Wright brought to this story was to me the best part. The religion manages to shed illusions and expose itself a monster without much coaxing at all.