The Anderson Report

The report concludes that Scientology is evil, its techniques are evil, and its practice is a serious threat to the community medically, morally, and socially. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, is described as having questionable sanity, and its adherents are often sadly deluded and mentally ill. The report asserts that Scientology processing has caused considerable mental harm and that any claimed benefits do not justify its dangerous practices.

This chapter details the appointment of the Board of Inquiry by the government of Victoria on November 27, 1963, to investigate and report on Scientology. It outlines the Board's wide terms of reference, its 160 days of sittings, and the extensive evidence heard from 151 witnesses. It also notes that Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, chose not to attend the inquiry despite being a central figure.

The introduction outlines the structure of the report and provides a brief overview of Scientology's subject matter. It describes Scientology as a strange and unreal "perverted form of psychology" that grew out of Dianetics, a pseudo-science founded by L. Ron Hubbard. The chapter notes that an understanding of Hubbard, who exercises absolute control, is necessary to understand Scientology.

Hubbard makes numerous extravagant and pretentious claims for Scientology, defining it as a "new science" of "knowing how to know" and the "only successful psycho-therapy validated in the world". It is presented as a branch of psychology that can raise IQ, make people well from hopeless illnesses, and resolve problems of the spirit, life, and thought. The Board found these claims to be unjustified.

Scientology is a worldwide organization with international headquarters in England, under the complete and autocratic control of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. He directs all activities and members through the Hubbard Communications Office (HCO), which functions as his "police force". In Victoria, the organization operates as Hubbard Association of Scientologists International (HASI).

A financial investigation revealed that the Melbourne HASI and HCO had a combined gross income of over a quarter of a million pounds in the six years to June 1963. A flat 10% levy on income is paid to Hubbard's headquarters in England. Hubbard and his wife exercise exclusive control over certain bank accounts in Melbourne, and the organization has been profitable.

L. Ron Hubbard is presented as a prolific science fiction writer who falsely claims academic distinctions, including a Ph.D. from an unaccredited institution. He exercises complete and autocratic control over his followers, who view him with almost unbelievable adulation. The report notes Hubbard's writings show a morbid and prurient preoccupation with sexual perversion, rape, and abortions.

The Board heard from an imposing array of highly qualified experts who testified that Hubbard's writings revealed him as ignorant and ill-informed in the sciences of medicine, physics, and psychology. His theories were found to be contrary to established scientific principles and practices, and entirely unscientific. The Scientology interests failed to call any credible scientific evidence to support Hubbard's claims.

Hubbard's "research" is not scientific but is based on the subjective experiences and hallucinations of preclears during auditing sessions, which often involve hypnotic states. This "data," including fantastic accounts of past lives and cosmic events, is accepted by Hubbard as conclusive proof upon which he builds his theories. There are no proper laboratory facilities or scientific methods used at his Saint Hill headquarters.

Dianetics is described by Hubbard as "the modern science of mental health," which claims to invariably cure 70% of man's illnesses. Its central theory is that all psychosomatic ills are caused by "engrams"—moments of pain and unconsciousness, primarily from the prenatal period. These theories are medically and rationally unjustifiable, forming a core part of Scientology's teachings.

Scientology developed directly from Dianetics, and the two are inseparably interwoven despite claims by Scientologists that Dianetics is no longer practised. Hubbard insists that an understanding of his book on Dianetics is essential for Scientology students. The continued association allows Scientology to covertly spread the belief that it can cure illnesses, a central claim of Dianetics.

Scientology's theories are a fantastic collection of bizarre and delusional beliefs, including the "ARC Triangle" (Affinity, Reality, Communication) and eight "Dynamics" of existence. Central to its beliefs is the "thetan," an immortal spirit that has lived for trillions of years through past lives. This thetan has been subjected to various traumatic "implants" in the distant past, such as the "Gorilla Goals" and "Helatrobus Implants".

Scientology is taught through a series of courses, beginning with free "Personal Efficiency" lectures designed to lure people into the organization. Students progress through various levels to become auditors, a process involving intensive indoctrination and repetitive drills. The report concludes that the training process resembles brainwashing and is designed to destroy critical faculties and ensure acceptance of Scientology's theories.

Auditing processes are the practical techniques of Scientology, many of which are hypnotic and dangerous. Processes like "Exteriorization," "CCH's" (Control, Communication, Havingness), and "R2-12 Listing" are repetitive and can induce hallucinations and extreme emotional states. These sessions, often lasting for many hours, can be mentally torturous and are designed to break down the individual.

The E-meter is a simple device that measures electrical resistance in the human body, similar to a lie detector. Scientology falsely claims it is an infallible machine that can read the mind and detect the thoughts of the "thetan". It is used as a powerful gimmick to control preclears, create an air of scientific validity, and reinforce the auditor's domination over the individual.

Hubbard developed diabolical and deceptive methods to recruit people, including advertising "illness researches" for polio victims and exploiting the grief of bereaved families. More recently, the methods focus on offering free IQ and personality tests, which are then used to create anxiety and convince people they need auditing. Once a person shows interest, they are subjected to relentless letter-writing campaigns to keep them engaged.

A person entering Scientology is gradually indoctrinated, losing their critical faculties and abandoning reason in favor of Hubbard's teachings. Processing creates a dependency on the organization, offering an escape from reality into a world of illusion. Personal goals are replaced with Scientology goals, such as striving for the unobtainable states of "Clear" and "Operating Thetan".

Scientology engenders a fanatical dedication in its followers, leading to extreme personal and economic sacrifices. Staff members work long hours for sub-marginal wages, and followers spend thousands of pounds on processing. Scientologists with scientific training abandon their own knowledge to defend Hubbard's theories, often by claiming they exist in a different "frame of reference".

This chapter examines the relationship between Scientology techniques and hypnosis. Anderson analyzes whether Scientology processes constitute hypnotic techniques and the implications for participants who may be unaware they are being subjected to hypnotic influence.

Anderson examines Scientology's claims about healing physical and mental conditions. He analyzes testimonials, case studies, and promotional materials, finding that medical claims are unsupported and potentially dangerous when they discourage proper medical treatment.

This chapter critically examines all the benefits that Scientology claims to provide, including improved intelligence, better relationships, and enhanced abilities. Anderson finds little credible evidence for these claims and notes that any perceived benefits may be due to placebo effects or temporary psychological changes.

Anderson examines the overall impact of Scientology participation on individuals, documenting both claimed positive effects and observed negative consequences. He presents evidence of psychological harm, social isolation, and other detrimental effects on participants and their families.

This chapter examines Scientology's antagonistic stance toward medical and psychiatric treatment. Anderson documents how the organization discourages members from seeking proper medical care and promotes hostility toward mental health professionals, potentially endangering members' health.

Anderson presents evidence of mental health risks associated with Scientology practices. He documents cases of psychological deterioration, nervous breakdowns, and other mental health problems that appeared to be triggered or exacerbated by Scientology auditing and training.

This chapter examines coercive practices within Scientology, including psychological pressure, manipulation, and control techniques. Anderson analyzes how these methods can undermine individual autonomy and decision-making capacity, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Anderson examines concerns about moral and ethical standards within Scientology. He analyzes reports of sexual impropriety, dishonesty, and other ethical violations, questioning whether Scientology's practices and culture promote or undermine moral behavior.

This chapter examines how Scientology involvement affects family relationships. Anderson documents cases of family breakdown, estrangement, and conflict arising from one member's involvement in Scientology, including the organization's policies regarding family relationships.

Anderson examines Scientology's claims to religious status and protection. He analyzes whether Scientology qualifies as a genuine religion and considers the implications of religious freedom protections for regulating potentially harmful practices conducted under religious auspices.

This chapter examines Scientology's political activities and ambitions. Anderson analyzes the organization's attempts to influence government policy, its response to criticism and regulation, and its broader political agenda and methods of operation.

Anderson examines Scientology's relationship with other fringe movements and alternative practices. He analyzes how Scientology positions itself within the broader landscape of unconventional therapies and spiritual movements, and its interactions with similar organizations.

In this crucial chapter, Anderson presents his overall findings and conclusions about Scientology. He summarizes the evidence presented throughout the report and delivers his final judgment that Scientology is evil, harmful, and poses a serious threat to individuals and society.

Anderson's final chapter presents his recommendations for legislative and regulatory action to address the problems identified in his investigation. He proposes specific measures to restrict Scientology's activities and protect the public from its harmful practices.