Robert Kaufman, "Inside Scientology/Dianetics" (1972, rev. 1995)

Subtitle: "How I Joined Dianetics/Scientology and Became Superhuman."

A fascinating read that is less concerned with the administrative workings of the Church of Scientology than the processes involved in what Dianetics/Scientology claims will help its adherents.

Kaufman was a Scientologist during the late 1960s and all of his observations date from practices of that era. His narrative is compelling, as he starts off rather dubious about the claims of Scientology, describes his growing faith in its practices, and then his turn to disbelief. Throughout, he provides what was (apparently) the first in-depth description of the 'levels' within Scientology, and the completion requirements for these levels. His gentle approach allows the reader the ability to slowly come to the realization of how utterly nonsensical the practices become the further one becomes enmeshed in the belief system.

While Scientology depends on a rather complex and unique set of jargon, by the end of the book, it will all seem second-nature.

The full text of the book can be found here.

See my discussion of related texts:
- Jon Atack, "A Piece of Blue Sky: Scientology, Dianetics and L. Ron Hubbard Exposed"
- Jenna Miscavige Hill, "Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology..."