This was a very interesting book, about the Church of Scientology, and some of his famous members (Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Leah Remini, Ann Archer, and several others.
The author, John Sweeney, a reporter for BBC, really got under the skin of a lot of the leaders for the Church of Scientology, by persistently and doggedly pursuing reports that this church just may be a cult. It gets down to the age-old question, what is a cult?
Sweeney found himself intimidated, and spied upon, and followed on several occasions during the several years that he was trying to make his case.
He had several encounters with some of the famous actors and actresses, and of course with former members.
I don’t think I came away convinced that this is a cult, but it does have a lot of “cult-ish” attributes, but so do most churches and religions.
All in all, I learned a few things about the Church of Scientology, but is still a highly secretive organization, that promises a heightened and more fulfilled way of living, and prosperity, if you follow its doctrine.
Good book all in all, if you’re interested this kind of thing, go for it!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
