Listen/Download [mp3 25MB | 1 hour 12 mins]
This is the presentation given by David Barrett at the APRU on 18/11/2011. Details of David’s talk are below.
Title: “The Church of Scientology – a Scientific or an Esoteric Religion?“
Speaker: Dr David Barrett
Title: “The Church of Scientology – a Scientific or an Esoteric Religion?“
Abstract
The Church of Scientology claims to be based on scientific principles but actually bears a considerable resemblance to esoteric, Hermetic and Gnostic religious movements. David Barrett will explore these similarities, while also examining Dianetics as a form of psychotherapy, and looking into why people join and stay in “cults”, touching on the myth of “brainwashing”.
He will also look at the use of popular culture in new religions, and discuss assorted deceptions common to many esoteric religions, including the self-creation of the mythology of a guru – and just how big the Church of Scientology really is.
This illustrated talk ranges from psychology to science fiction to superman, with just a hint of magick…
Biography
Dr David V Barrett has worked in teaching, British and American government intelligence and journalism, and has been a freelance writer specialising in new religious movements and secret societies for 20 years. He gained his PhD in Sociology of Religion from the London School of Economics in 2009. His most recent book is A Brief Guide to Secret Religions (Constable & Robinson, 2011).
