International Journal of Cultic Studies ■ Vol. 1, No. 1, 2010 83
Scientology
James R. Lewis (Editor)
Reviewed by Terra Manca
New York: Oxford University Press. 2009.
ISBN-10: 019533149 ISBN13: 9780195331493
(hardcover), $35 ($29.92, Barnes&Noble.com,
Amazon.com). 464 pages.
Editor James R. Lewis claims that his volume,
Scientology, is unlikely to please anyone who
“engages in the Scientology/anti-Scientology
conflict, which is perhaps as it should be” (p. 5).
In reality, it is most likely to please persons who
take an uncritical view of Scientology.
Contributors to this book make diverse
comments about the Church of Scientology, but
most of them are favorably disposed to the
group’s religious claims. Consequently, many of
these authors criticize “anti-Scientology” media
and literature, and downplay controversies that
they claim to analyze. Moreover, far too many
contributors in this volume fail to critically
assess the data that they gather, thereby falling
short of providing evidence that has undergone
rigorous academic inquiry. Without rigor or
critical assessment, a book such as this one
(about a supposed new religious movement
[NRM]) risks becoming pro-NRM propaganda.
Lewis begins Scientology with a short critique of
some of Scientology’s critics, an outline of
Scientology as a religious organization, and a
description of each contributor and her/his
strengths as a researcher. Part I of Scientology
outlines the group’s history, discusses
Hubbard’s life, locates Scientology as an NRM
that receives unfair media attention, and implies
that thorough research into Scientology is rare.
The book then ventures through theoretical and
statistical analyses of Scientology in Part II.
Authors in Part III highlight the community and
practices of Scientology and its adherents. These
authors focus on how Scientologists share
certain common beliefs and how, despite the
individualistic nature of Scientology, they may
share certain communal components (such as
holding other Scientologists in high esteem).
Part IV provides an analysis of Scientology’s
religious claims, and one chapter even
acknowledges that not all of Scientology’s
practices are necessarily harmless. Next, in Part
V, contributors to the book illustrate a selective
history of the controversies that the Church of
Scientology has experienced. In Part VI,
“International Missions,” only one chapter
actually focuses on Scientology’s global
dissemination, with the remaining two chapters
providing information concerning Scientology in
Sweden and Australia. Lastly, Part VII,
“Dimensions of Scientology,” provides
information that did not fit in the other sections,
as well as further references for anyone studying
the group.
Although the specifics of each chapter differ, the
theme that connects most of them is the
allegation that Scientology suffers illegitimate
discrimination from the media and “counter-
cult” academics. Although the authors are
correct that Scientologists should never suffer
discrimination based on their beliefs, these
authors have overlooked, misrepresented,
uncritically interpreted, or only superficially
researched many issues involving Scientology’s
actions and policies. To demonstrate how these
misrepresentations and superficial
interpretations appear, I briefly outline James
Lewis’s background. Then, I explain some of
Scientology’s shortfalls. Finally, I conclude that
although this book brings needed academic
attention to Scientology, its shortfalls are
substantial enough to render it as an unreliable
source of information about the organization.
Background of James R. Lewis
James R. Lewis has compiled and/or written an
impressive number of books. In the early 1990s
he was the Executive Director of the Association
of World Academics for Religious Education
(AWARE). AWARE actively worked to help
produce positive public images for groups such
as The Family/Children of God (Kent and
Scientology
James R. Lewis (Editor)
Reviewed by Terra Manca
New York: Oxford University Press. 2009.
ISBN-10: 019533149 ISBN13: 9780195331493
(hardcover), $35 ($29.92, Barnes&Noble.com,
Amazon.com). 464 pages.
Editor James R. Lewis claims that his volume,
Scientology, is unlikely to please anyone who
“engages in the Scientology/anti-Scientology
conflict, which is perhaps as it should be” (p. 5).
In reality, it is most likely to please persons who
take an uncritical view of Scientology.
Contributors to this book make diverse
comments about the Church of Scientology, but
most of them are favorably disposed to the
group’s religious claims. Consequently, many of
these authors criticize “anti-Scientology” media
and literature, and downplay controversies that
they claim to analyze. Moreover, far too many
contributors in this volume fail to critically
assess the data that they gather, thereby falling
short of providing evidence that has undergone
rigorous academic inquiry. Without rigor or
critical assessment, a book such as this one
(about a supposed new religious movement
[NRM]) risks becoming pro-NRM propaganda.
Lewis begins Scientology with a short critique of
some of Scientology’s critics, an outline of
Scientology as a religious organization, and a
description of each contributor and her/his
strengths as a researcher. Part I of Scientology
outlines the group’s history, discusses
Hubbard’s life, locates Scientology as an NRM
that receives unfair media attention, and implies
that thorough research into Scientology is rare.
The book then ventures through theoretical and
statistical analyses of Scientology in Part II.
Authors in Part III highlight the community and
practices of Scientology and its adherents. These
authors focus on how Scientologists share
certain common beliefs and how, despite the
individualistic nature of Scientology, they may
share certain communal components (such as
holding other Scientologists in high esteem).
Part IV provides an analysis of Scientology’s
religious claims, and one chapter even
acknowledges that not all of Scientology’s
practices are necessarily harmless. Next, in Part
V, contributors to the book illustrate a selective
history of the controversies that the Church of
Scientology has experienced. In Part VI,
“International Missions,” only one chapter
actually focuses on Scientology’s global
dissemination, with the remaining two chapters
providing information concerning Scientology in
Sweden and Australia. Lastly, Part VII,
“Dimensions of Scientology,” provides
information that did not fit in the other sections,
as well as further references for anyone studying
the group.
Although the specifics of each chapter differ, the
theme that connects most of them is the
allegation that Scientology suffers illegitimate
discrimination from the media and “counter-
cult” academics. Although the authors are
correct that Scientologists should never suffer
discrimination based on their beliefs, these
authors have overlooked, misrepresented,
uncritically interpreted, or only superficially
researched many issues involving Scientology’s
actions and policies. To demonstrate how these
misrepresentations and superficial
interpretations appear, I briefly outline James
Lewis’s background. Then, I explain some of
Scientology’s shortfalls. Finally, I conclude that
although this book brings needed academic
attention to Scientology, its shortfalls are
substantial enough to render it as an unreliable
source of information about the organization.
Background of James R. Lewis
James R. Lewis has compiled and/or written an
impressive number of books. In the early 1990s
he was the Executive Director of the Association
of World Academics for Religious Education
(AWARE). AWARE actively worked to help
produce positive public images for groups such
as The Family/Children of God (Kent and
