The Scandal of Scientology, by Paulette Cooper | Next | Prev | Index

Preface

The Scandal of Scientology is not the story of one isolated group. It tells of a loosely organized network of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of franchises, "Orgs," "Churches," etc., that have been established in various parts of the world.

Each group has its own personality. Because one incident may have occurred in Australia or England, it does not necessarily mean that it has happened, or even could happen, in America, or vice versa. The only thing the Scientology groups or "Orgs" have in common is their acceptance of L. Ron Hubbard's theories and policies.

This book contains more historical than contemporary material. Some of the information comes from an American tax case that ran from 1956 to 1959; some of it comes from a 1963-1965 Inquiry in Victoria, Australia; and some comes from statements Hubbard made in the 1950's.

Every day there are new directives, cancelling old policies and creating new ones so that the nature, beliefs and practices of Scientology are constantly changing. It is to Hubbard and the Scientologists' credit that the direction is generally a positive one, and that some of the less laudable practices outlined in this book appear on the wane.

I have tried to present the Scientologists' statements (quoting them directly whenever possible) and actions, along with the statements and actions of those who are against them or who have had difficulties with them.

Until now, Scientologists have been able to keep the stories a secret, generally by suing. However, as more inquiries into Scientology are made, as more news stories about the organization are printed, and as more criticism against Scientology is levied, Scientologists may discover that law suits are ineffectual. Instead of trying to hide what is going on in their house, they may have to clean it up.

If they don't, various national governments may not permit them to survive. The Scientologists are already recognizing this. Like many groups that were formerly enfantes terribles, Scientology, if it continues in its current clean-up campaign, may one day become one of the world's most respected groups or Churches.

It has taken more than two years to gather all the material in this book. I would like to thank a few of the people who unselfishly gave of their time and energy to aid the project.

First, I'd like to thank those who helped in the early phases of the manuscript: Hayes B. Jacobs, C. Michael Curtis, and especially, Ann Barr, and Queen Magazine which published a small portion of this book.

I am also especially grateful for the help later on of Michael I. Sanders, Ray Buckingham, Ralph Lee Smith, Susan Kideckel, Robin Wagner, Jay Larsen, and especially, Adelaide Ungerland. Finally, I'd like to thank those who helped me with this book in England: Victor Briggs, Paul Nix, and especially, Peter Haining.

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