&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Scientology_by_James_R._Lewis.jpg) Book cover | |
| Author | James R. Lewis |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Scientology |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Publication date | March 2009 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 464 |
| ISBN | 0-19-533149-4 |
| OCLC | 232786014 |
| 299'.936 | |
| LC Class | BP605.S2S29 2009 |
Scientology is an edited volume about Scientology, and the Church of Scientology organization, published in 2009 by Oxford University Press. It was edited by the sociologist James R. Lewis. Chapters in the work give an overview and introduction to the organization, and present analysis of the movement from the perspective of sociology. The book compares the organization to religious movements, and goes over its history of controversy. It delves into the practices of the organization and the activities undertaken at its facilities.
Scientology received polarized reviews. Some reviewers criticized the book as biased in Scientology's favor to the point of unreliability, criticizing Oxford University Press for its publishing of the book. Other reviewers praised the book for taking a balanced view of criticism of the church, covering previously unstudied aspects of Scientology, and for its comprehensive coverage of a wide variety of topics related to the group.