LIKE A CRIME NOVEL ON ECONOMICS

     Tom Voltz: LIKE A CRIME NOVEL ON ECONOMICS

     The book by former Scientologist Tom Voltz unmasks the
psycho-cult.

     He was a devoted Hubbard-follower for over 20 years,
indoctrinated and euphorized: After shocking experiences Tom Voltz
broke through the spell of the cult and on 290 pages now shows up a
mirror to Scientology: With his book Scientology with(out) an end=BB he
cuts the organization to the quick.

     Two decades of his life Tom Voltz had directed his thinking, his
feelings and his belief in accordance with the
science-fiction-doctrine of salvation of Scientology and used
Hubbard-methods in business.  When he got into a business dispute with
the multi-concern, he was hit by the anathema of Scientology's
management.  With disciplinary measures, through internal control
committees and defamation campaigns the cult's management wanted to
force Tom Voltz onto his knees.  And there the highly trained
Scientologist came to know the true face of the organization - and
then began to fight back.  In one of the chapters he describes the
long ordeal, which reads like a thriller and also includes elements of
a crime novel on economics.

     Surprising distance

     The unbelievable story is of the stuff, that would normally lead
a victim to outbursts of rage.  But Tom Voltz does not raise the pen
to deliver an all round blow against the organization, which almost
ruined him.  Moreover he describes the experiences in a calm mood and
with a surprising emotional distance which adds to the credibility of
the newly released book.  Those however, who know about the dynamic of
cults and the inner contradictions and fears with which former members
have to fight, will not be surprised by Tom Voltz's reservations.
When reading the book one can therefor feel the fight within himself,
which Tom Voltz conducts against the cult's superego; one also feels
how difficult it is for him to judge and interpret his experiences in
Scientology.  When writing the book he obviously was undergoing a
mental process of rising awareness, because at the end of the book he
then finds the courage to denounce the practices of the pseudochurch.

     Evidence through quotes

     Tom Voltz writes against the movement, which dominated his life
since he was 16 years old, with great attention to detail.  With
uncountable original quotes, partly unknown to this date, he proves
that Scientology actually is no church nor a new religious movement
but a totalitarian economical enterprise with a religious cover up.
The author also shows that the international concern wants to gain
global political power and wants influence - if not even control -
over all companies in the world.  Tom Voltz concludes that
Scientology's ideology does not agree with our understanding of
democracy.  Biographical notes further show that Hubbard,
Scientology's founder, was a dubious person.  With his many quotes he
demasks Scientology as a totalitarian organization with a dangerous
ideology.  And here lies the great merit of the book.  At the same
time it also is its weak point: For the average reader the
meticulousness will probably be tiring.

     Instrument of information

     With his report from an inside view Tom Voltz will undoubtedly be
applauded by insiders and critics: With his book he gives them a
strong instrument into their hands for their disputes with
Scientology.  Those however, who have no prior knowledge and want to
gain an overview about the pseudo church's teachings and methods, will
only partly be satisfied.  As Tom Voltz does not discuss the doctrine
of salvation.  Whether this occurred for reasons of space or because
of inhibition is left open to be answered.  The author deals primarily
with the ideological and economical parts of Scientology and leaves it
to Hubbard's own words to draw the unfavourable picture of a group
where totalitarian structures, policies and forms of organization
reign.  He further describes the harsh methods to which scientology
employees and unethical=BB members are being subjected.  However the
slogan through economical control to world power=BB is a bit too far
fetched.  The author fails to demonstrate the true relations:
Scientology's claim to power is total, the specific influence on
economy and politics however is not very large due to broad public
information.  Nevertheless his judgement is correct, that politicians
fear to touch the subject and that government agencies should deal
with the working methods of Scientology.  The author is aware of the
fact that with his book he cuts the organization to the quick and must
expect all kinds of reactions.  After all he describes in detail
Hubbard's instructions, how Scientologists are supposed to deal with
renegades or critics: "...  or even the dull thud of one of his
enemies in the dark, or the glorious blaze of the whole enemy camp as
a birthday surprise."