The Web's Best Scientology Longreads
From Lawrence Wright’s epic 2011 essay in The New Yorker to the deep investigations by local newspapers, The Daily Beast picks the best journalism about the controversial church. Plus, read our handy glossary of Scientology's key terms.
The Apostate (2011)
Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker
Paul Haggis vs. the Church of Scientology.
Members of the Church of Scientology walk past the new Flag Building, owned by the church, Aug. 28, 2007 in Clearwater, Fla. (Chris O'Meara / AP Photo)
What Is Scientology? (2012)
Tony Ortega, The Village Voice
An in-depth but readable guide to what Scientologists believe, with links to Scientology reporter Tony Ortega’s hundreds of articles about the church.
The Cult of Greed (1991)
Richard Behar, Time
“Ruined lives. Lost fortunes. Federal crimes.” In this 1991 cover story, Time magazine declared, “Scientology poses as a religion but really is a ruthless global scam.”
Attack the Attacker (1996)
Joel Sappell and Richard W. Welkos, Los Angeles Times
The sixth part of a Los Angeles Times investigation, focusing on Scientology’s widely perceived policy of harassing critics and defectors. See an index of the entire series here.
The Money Machine (2009)
Joe Childs and Thomas C. Tobin, St. Petersburg Times
The first part of an investigation into Scientology’s extreme pursuit of cash. Plus, see the whole series, and the entire archive of the Times’ numerous investigations of Scientology.
His Town (2012)
Jason Sheeler, Texas Monthly
When Marty Rathbun became an outspoken defector from the Church of Scientology, a group of filmmakers began to disrupt life in his adopted hometown. But they weren’t counting on the response of his neighbors.
About Longreads
Every week, we pick the best long-form journalism from the newest magazines and journals.
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