Believe What You Like

Believe What You Like

Believe What You Like: What Happened Between the Scientologists and the National Association for Mental Health is a book that delves into the conflict between the Church of Scientology and the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH), now known as Mind. The book, authored by C.H. Rolph, provides an in-depth examination of the events and controversies surrounding the interactions between these two organizations. It highlights the legal, social, and public relations battles that ensued, offering insights into the tactics and strategies employed by both parties.

Overview

The book outlines the Scientology organization's aggressive campaign against the NAMH, a British charity focused on mental health issues. The Church of Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard, has been known for its critical stance against psychiatry and mental health practices, which it views as abusive and fraudulent. This conflict with the NAMH represents a significant episode in the church's broader campaign against psychiatry and related institutions.

Rolph's narrative covers the various tactics used by the Church of Scientology to discredit and undermine the NAMH, including legal challenges, public demonstrations, and extensive propaganda efforts. The book also explores the response of the NAMH and the broader mental health community to these attacks, including efforts to defend the organization's reputation and practices.

Themes

The book touches on several key themes, including the freedom of speech, the ethics of psychiatric treatment, and the impact of religious organizations on public health discourse. It raises important questions about the limits of criticism and the responsibilities of both religious groups and mental health organizations in engaging with each other respectfully and constructively.

Reception

Believe What You Like has been recognized for its detailed research and balanced perspective on a highly contentious issue. It is considered an important work for those interested in the history of the conflict between Scientology and the mental health profession, as well as for readers seeking to understand the broader implications of this conflict for society.

See Also

• Scientology and psychiatry
• Freedom of speech
• Mental health