Some people, most recently Tad, have posted reports that some of the
methods proscribed by Scientology for getting focussed (or Clear) are
useful, and I take these testimonials from intelligent and thoughtful
people at face value. My aversion to Scientology stems from the fact
that they answer dissent with legal harrassment. They use the courts as
a weapon to silence their critics, and they seem to employ draconian
coercisive measures to keep their flock in line. I do not believe that
the self-help methods they provide are worth the risks I percieve in
establishing any sort of association with the Church of Scientology.
If the time and money you'd have to invest in Richard's book are not at
issue, and you have testimonials regarding it's value from clear thinking
individuals like Y.T. (Your's Truely), how much more do you need before
you'll take a look. You could have read a fair chunk of the book in the
time you've spent articulating your requests for the justification to
expend a little faith. Actually, I disagree with Richard in that I don't
think a leap of faith is necessary. I think the distinctions he carves
out in his book are valuable and require no step over the precipice to
manifest value in your life. You won't be able to levitate or raise the
dead after you read the book. It's a book about memetics and
evolutionary psychology. It will give you food for thought. You
described yourself as a voracious reader. Your resistance to reading
this one book is very strange to me.
Take care. -KMO