Atlanta 3/31/2015 4:10:40 PM
News / Entertainment

The HBO documentary "Going Clear" breaks down the confusing religion known as Scientology

Whenever Scientology is the topic of conversation there are few people who are able to understand the reasoning behind the belief system. Ron Hubbard, a former science fiction writer, is the man that created scientology. In 1953 the Church of Scientology was incorporated in Camden, New Jersey. Scientology is intended to teach its followers that they are immortal beings that have lost or forgotten their true nature.

Scientology gained popularity along with some notoriety thanks in large part to some the celebrity Scientologists. Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Beck, Erika Christensen, Jason Lee and many more are all followers and believers in Scientology. Due to the affiliation that the religion has within the entertainment business The Church of Scientology has remained a controversial institution with other religious communities. In 2013, Lawrence Wright wrote a book titled “Going Clear” where Wright releases details on Scientology and allows people to gain more knowledge on the religion.

On Sunday night, HBO debuted the documentary that goes by the same name of the 2013 novel. “Going Clear” the movie was produced by HBO and was first seen at the Sundance Music Festival earlier this year. The documentary received high praise from critics as it broke down the church’s claims, showed how celebrities interact with the church, and it included the stories of ex-members that spoke on the abuse and exploitation that they experienced in the church.

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