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Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology is Really All About

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What is Scientology really? Behind the glossy logos and sleek advertisements and South Park parodies, what do Scientologists really believe and practice? Is it really a religion? Who was L. Ron Hubbard and why did he start it in the first place? Is their "technology" for real or just so much New Age pseudoscience?

Former insider Chris Shelton grew up in Scientology and worked for it for 25 years. This critical analysis covers the key aspects of its beliefs, practices and structure from the bottom to the top, including not just the confidential Xenu story but details all of the upper level scriptures. Chris goes into detail about what goes on inside Scientology churches, why their members get involved in the first place and what it takes to get out should someone decide to leave.

An informative guide for anyone who has been involved with Scientology in the past as well as anyone who wants to understand what it's really all about.

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 2015

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About the author

Chris Shelton

1 book5 followers
Born and raised in California, Chris Shelton grew up in Scientology and spent 25 years actively working for it at its highest levels. Having escaped in 2013, he has been an outspoken critic and anti-cult advocate ever since. He has chronicled his recovery from Scientology on his blog, The Critical Thinker at Large, and on his YouTube channel.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Ross Blocher.
544 reviews1,450 followers
September 28, 2016
If you are at all interested in Scientology, this is the book to read. Chris Shelton speaks from personal experience as a 27-year member, a 17-year "volunteer" with the Sea Org, and survivor of 3 years in the infamous Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF). He combines this personal story with extensive study to paint a full picture of who L. Ron Hubbard was, how Scientology got started, exactly what it teaches, why it's a [destructive] cult, how it is organized, and how David Miscavige took control of the entire operation. It's clearly explained and an engaging read.

As someone who has read and watched a LOT about Scientology, and even taken introductory courses at the Los Angeles Org as part of an investigation for a podcast, I still gained a lot from Scientology: A to Xenu. I had many wins, you might say. It was consistent with everything else I had learned from study and personal experience, but added so much additional information and context. For example, in a chapter about the upper OT levels, you learn that "Xenu" is actually a misspelling and mispronunciation of L. Ron Hubbard's original name for the galactic overlord. There's also a fascinating appendix with LRH's "affirmations", statements he wrote to hypnotically boost his own self-confidence.

Don't be fooled by the title: it's not just an alphabetical glossary of terms (though there is a handy glossary at the end, as any good Scientology work should have). Rather, Chris tells his own tale (from which he emerged remarkably well-balanced) to establish his perspective and bona fides, and then delves into the various other aspects of Scientology from chapter to chapter.
Profile Image for Picklefactory.
70 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2016
Although the first chapter or two recounts the author's time within Scientology and the Sea Org, this is not a personal memoir in the same vein as Beyond Belief or Blown For Good . Nor is it an attempt at a comprehensive history like Going Clear . Rather, it feels like the crystallization of everything the author has learned in his post-Scientology attempts to explore and understand his experiences. Since it's clear that Mr. Shelton is a rationalist / critical thinker / autodidact, in that regard I think it bridges the gap superbly as both an explanation of the specific tactics Scientology uses to entangle its members and a 'leaving Scientology' how-to for current or recent members. A to Xenu differentiates itself in that it neither delves deeply into the history of Scientology (though a chunk of the book is dedicated to explaining how Scientology got to be the way it is), nor does it turn into a lurid recounting of Scientologists abusing each other for the personal profit of the Leader.

If you've done a lot of reading about Scientology already, you won't come across any surprises; there's nothing new there except for the author's personal story. If you're interested in reading someone willing and able to discuss Scientology's brainwashing tactics and cult activities from the perspective of critical thinking / psychology / neuroscience – highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mel.
169 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2017
I appreciate that Chris has directed quite lot of content to ex- or questioning Scientologists. I probably appreciate even more the fact that he was a "regular" guy in Scientology and not a former executive; he's far easier to relate to than some other outspoken apostates.

As an apostate myself, of a different church, I give Chris props for recognizing how very difficult it is to question whatever belief system you've been indoctrinated into and even more so to leave it. One thing I have in common is an appreciation for science and logic, discovered after leaving my former religion, and a fondness for Carl Sagan. Aw, hell, "fond" is too light a word for my part. I practically worship the man.

I'd recommend two things that have nothing to do with the subject:
1. Make the ebook version more financially accessible, especially if targeting Scientologists (since they probably have most of their money tied up in the church). I actually broke my own rule regarding a price cap on ebooks because I found the sample interesting enough. I don't regret it, but it might get a broader audience if the price came down.

2. Fix the formatting. The book is not formatted really well for Kindle. The table of contents is incomplete, so even though - for example - there is an appendix with Hubbard's Affirmations mentioned a couple of times, the only way to get to it is to go to the last chapter and scroll. In addition, none of the endnotes are linked, so I doubt anyone reading the Kindle version is flipping back to see reference/notes (also not in the table of contents). It's possible to link to a note and then back to the source. Fixing these kinds of things would definitely increase the readability. A few odd grammar/spelling errors were found, too, but I've seen similar in books released by big publishing houses.
Profile Image for David O'Reilly.
83 reviews
May 27, 2021
A great book indeed. I've read many books about scientology over the years. But this is the most detailed account I've ever read. If you think you know what scientology is all about, you don't know the half of it.
7 reviews
February 10, 2017
Open and honest reveal of one man's journey through Scientology.

This book explains Scientology in more depth and scope than any of the others that I have read to date. The study techniques that the author was taught to indoctrinate him have served him well in his ongoing attempt to free himself by means of 'critical thinking'
As a former psychologist, I admire his ability to recognize the damage that occurred mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is amazing to me that he has been able to see through the dogma and find his footing in the 'real' world in such a short span of years.
I have been retired for the past decade, but this book, among others makes me wonder if there may be a need for a great many more therapists to learn how to sincerely help those who want to recover from such a traumatic experience, and only those such as the author, hold the key that will open minds to the degree that true healing can begin.
I admire the reasons why most people join Scientology in the first place. I can honestly say that after reading this, as well as other books on the subject, that the 'sell' may have enticed me at a certain point in my life. They start out extremely well-intentioned and it is nothing short of a travesty that they are connived, controlled and abused the way that they are.
I genuinely hope and pray that any and all that find their way out will go on to live the rich and rewarding lives that they deserved to live all along.
Profile Image for Christine Bass.
63 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2016
I find books about Scientology fascinating as I cannot understand what seemingly intelligent people would get involved with something like this. This book definitely details many aspects of the "religion" and how it came to be. The author, being a former long term Scientologist, knows his stuff and presents the material fairly and accurately. I can only hope that anyone still in this cult will read this book as it will definitely open their eyes as to what the real mission of Scientology is.
Profile Image for Cullen Haynes.
319 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2020
Book Review 33/200 2019 - 4/5 - 'Scientology: A to Xenu - An Insider's Guide', Chris Shelton - Non-Fiction - Religion/Cult

For those who've watched Netflix's 'Going Clear' documentary or Leah Remini's 'The Aftermath' the contents of Shelton's is framed from the perspective of one who was on the inside of this strange religion/corporation/business.

Behind the slick marketing, glossy advertisements and hilarious South Park parodies, Shelton delves into what Scientologists actually believe and practice.

Yes, a lot of the information in the book is readily available online, but there's so much rhetoric about this organisation out there that one feels like you're drinking from a fire hose. It doesn't help that a lot of information is written in the vernacular of 'Scientologese' the jargon specific to insiders. Shelton's book covers topics like OT levels and how it's followers, like Tom Cruise, Grant Cardone and many more pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for courses, the troubled mind of it's founder L. Ron Hubbard and the convoluted structure of the church which is designed (like all power systems) to keep it's Chairman, David Miscaviage on top.

There are some segments where Shelton talks about his time on the Rehabilitation Project Force, a prison of sorts, which is compared to a "Maoist Re-education camp".

The author of course breaks free from the sect and I don't like to quote L. Ron Hubbard at the best of times, but here's one affirmation I can get behind when applied to Shelton, "You start your life anew. Your approach to work is wonderfully clear and fresh. You have suffered much and you are deep in understanding".
Profile Image for Einzige.
328 reviews18 followers
August 29, 2019
I came across this book having previously watched videos on the authors YouTube channel - which for the record is a uniquely helpful resource for those curious in Scientology from the opinion of ex members as he previously held a decently high position in the Church's clergy and responds to questions on the subject weekly.

As for this book it's a nice sampler for all the different angles of criticism of Scientology - it contains biography, a history of Hubbard, cult psychology, a history of the Church and a discussion of its organisational practices and religious practices. So even if it doesn't hit any one of these points brilliantly it's still a great starting read.

I will say thought that as an occultic religion (not in the sense of Satan and pentagrams but secrecy over teachings and practices) material on its specific teachings and practices only come from materials leaked by ex members so bar becoming a Scientologist yourself and reaching the highest levels its always going to be difficult to verify some matters conclusively.
60 reviews
April 6, 2020
A Waypoint on a long journey

Chris Shelton has a YouTube channel, The Critical Thinker, which I have enjoyed occasionally for years. The difference in Chris's thoughts, beliefs, and judgements could hardly have changed more since he left the exploitative cult of Scientology. This book was written soon after he left the destructive cult and demonstrates how he has continued to grow even since leaving. Chris has remarried and has talked about his relationships with his family on his channel, and after reading this account of his former church you can't help but take vicarious satisfaction from Chris's warm relationships, and all the small joys of life Chris now enjoys which Scientology robbed him of for years.

I urge you to read this book, if you, or your family is trapped in a Multi Level Marketing scam, religion, or other group that is isolating and monopolizing the resources of a person to their detriment.

Thank you again Chris for informing and entertaining me like you do on your channel.
Profile Image for Joy.
18 reviews
November 3, 2017
My review on Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology is Really All About.

If you’ve ever put an search online for information on Scientology, you’ve for sure at some point came across the name Chris Shelton, from his blog to YouTube videos you’re find something to peak your interest into the world of Scientology. There is a saying in the world of writers, ‘Write what you know.’ Chris for sure dose in his book and for what he doesn’t know his researched if to it’s fullest. His no Dr or Professor, but he as one thing over them, his lived it.

This is not a life story as such, but an informative subject on all you would want to know on Scientology, giving you a understanding on how it’s birth came about, the appeal of why people join; fear of leaving because of Hubbard’s own policy’s and how to this day the use of Ron Hubbard writings are used to control and abuse their members, you will learn a lot about this money making organisation, which seems to be untouchable.

I found this book to be a refreshing change, why? Because I’ve read a lot of ‘I’ve survived Scientology’ books already; I’ve seen Going Clear (yet to read,) as well as a lot of other documentaries. But it is one thing to listen or read the stories too understanding how something can be built to be able to have such a hold over people even to this day; this breaks it down for you. This was well written and gave me more insight to the world be-hide the heart-breaking and painful stories of people who in their eyes were lead to believe they were helping the world, while the fact was they were helping Hubbard’s bank account and allowing him to live a fantasy of being a God, which now leaves David Miscavige playing his role as Jesus and a very bad one at that.
75 reviews
December 30, 2017
I downloaded the audiobook version of this work on iTunes. It was the only version on there.

Scientology: A to Xenu is a very in-depth look into the perpetually rusty inner workings of the Church of Scientology.

The history of L Ron Hubbard's creation can't be told without going into great detail about pulpy 'theology,' the church's labyrinthine management structure and the IRS. The book wouldn't be complete without this stuff, but the immensity and density of it weigh the piece down. That's not Shelton's fault, so I can't criticise him too much.

I found this book fascinating and has given me much to think about.
Profile Image for Ann.
27 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2020
As someone who very rarely reads memoirs or informative non-fiction books the writing could get a little bogged down but I believe that is up to the subject matter. Chris Shelton does an excellent job of explaining to lay persons the complicated and deceitful nature of L. Ron Hubbard and the money making scheme he created with Scientology. I've been reading this book off and on for about a year and frankly the subject matter is what kept me coming back to retry reading it. I think books like this are useful in understanding the mindset of people who are incredibly different than you, and right now, I think that is something the world needs more of.
Profile Image for Elena Varg.
536 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2020
A great and insightful runthrough of Scientology as a whole. Although it (obviously) doesn’t have the time to go through every single detail, it gives an overall picture of how Scientology was created, how it works on all it’s levels, what type of a human was L. Ron Hubbard and what kind of people are run-of-the-mill regular scientogists.
1,668 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2020
Starting this book, I was expecting literally a dictionary type of format. Instead I found myself reading a memoir of someone who finally leaves Scientology, telling the how and the why. What makes this unique is that the author wasn't a high level executive within Scientology, but a mid-level person finally leaves when he sees Scientology isn't what it purports to be. An interesting read.
Profile Image for Rachel.
304 reviews
August 25, 2018
Heavily skimmed. I found a lot of good insight, but it wasn't a great read. Scary how vulnerable we are to belief in and obeisance to perceived authority. Thinking and critical thinking are so vital, as well as quality education.
Profile Image for Marbeth Skwarczynski.
Author 12 books82 followers
December 26, 2019
It isn't an encyclopedic collection of information as implied by the title but, after a brief history of the author, can definitely be seen as a reference work. Chris Shelton explains both the history and practices of Scientology in easy to understand segments.
Profile Image for Gina.
631 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2022
I had hoped it would be more focused on Shelton's personal story, since there's not much here about Scientology itself that isn't available from other sources. I was also disappointed that the audiobook version I listened to didn't include the appendix with the list of Hubbard's affirmations.
Profile Image for Jesse.
769 reviews10 followers
December 31, 2016
A ton of information, but needs a good editing scrub and some stepping back of perspective to be a 4 star.
Profile Image for Dan .
11 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2025
A MLM pyramid scheme with aliens. I can’t believe the fought the IRS and won. Got dang. This cult is seriously so fucked.
110 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2020
Want to get yourself really angry and worked up about a sci fi cult?. Read this book!

Chris Shelton, former Scientologist takes you through his experiences in a destructive cult, how he got out, and what this cult is truly all about. It is an infuriating tale of abuse, control and brainwashing. Unless you were inside Scientology, I can promise you that you will learn something from reading this book. And if you are reading this, and somehow still in... Consider why this information is hidden from you, and know that you can just leave. There are people out here who will help you.

This was written quite well, I loved the self contained nature of the chapters, it makes for quite a good reference work as well as a gripping account from someone who lived this stuff. These kinds of stories are essential if we want to protect others from falling into cults like this.
Profile Image for Kaisu Koskelin.
211 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2023
Important but slightly overwhelming to an outsider. Crazy stuff. Surely Interesting details throughout.
Profile Image for Mothwing.
970 reviews28 followers
July 1, 2016
Although by and large, we're very laid back, liberal and overall not very fervent in the north of Germany, we do get our scary cults in my home city (Hamburg), like islamist terror cells, evangelist fundies, Mormons, and we also have a chapter of Scientology.

This book is a guide to the cult by one who worked for its higher echelons and quit in the end. It confirms many of the things you'd suspect- that its primary purpose is not being a religion but an organisation dedicated to enriching its leaders, as well as that it severely interferes with members' critical thinking. Rather chilling, as former-cult-member stories tend to be.
Profile Image for Nic.
53 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2016
Interesting, although I have seen a number of the author's talks about his time 'in' and there wasn't too much extra info in the book. It also got a bit technical toward the end and, as I have never been 'in', I found it a bit hard to keep up. The book does include details of the processes and incredibly intricate hierarchy of the scientologists, but it is, at times, so bizarre that I didn't absorb it very well - which, actually is a relief.

This was another audiobook and I enjoyed that the author narrated the book himself.
Profile Image for Billie Pritchett.
1,202 reviews122 followers
December 28, 2016
I first heard of Scientology: A to Xenu by Chris Shelton from the podcast Oh No! Ross and Carrie, a podcast that investigates religious phenomena. Shelton is someone who left Scientology a few years before writing this book. He talks about his departure as well as dogma and the institutions of Scientology. Especially illuminating were the chapters on the Church of Scientology's management structure and another chapter on the core beliefs that accompany moving through the different stages while in the Church. A good read.
Profile Image for Daniela Murphy.
Author 1 book10 followers
January 8, 2016
Chris Shelton's newly published book is a clear and fascinating journey into the maze of $cientology. A wonderful read. An absolute must. If after having read this book You are still fascinated by the cult of Scientology still interests you, subscribe to Chris's YouTube channel and prepare yourself for a fantastic journey of gripping truths.
164 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2015
Well written (always a concern with self published books) but would have been better with more of the authors own experiences as illustrative examples. I'm not sure who the target audience is, except perhaps wavering Scientologists.
Profile Image for Janet.
3 reviews
February 13, 2016
One of the best breakdowns of Scientology

I recommend Chris Shelton's work to anyone interested in Scientology, whether on his amazing blog and videos or in reading this book. It answers questions I've had after reading pretty much everything.
Profile Image for Olivia Meads.
60 reviews1 follower
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January 3, 2017
Wanted to like this book SO MUCH. I love learning about Scientology and I esp love Chris's podcast. But his voice in the book was too robotic, and some of the subject was boring, had to return on audible :((.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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