Other reviewers praised the book for taking a balanced view of criticism of the church, covering previously unstudied aspects of Scientology, and for its comprehensive coverage of a wide variety of topics related to the group.

The sixth part analyzes the organization's activities in its "International Missions", while the seventh examines "Dimensions of Scientology", including a chapter on the Xenu myth.

Bainbridge looked at statistical data on the percentage of websites managed by Scientologists, and his studies revealed that the most significant portion was in the Pacific Northwest and the state of California.

University of Copenhagen researchers Rie Wallendorf and Peter B. Andersen write that the Church of Scientology in Denmark is wary of those external to the organization, and that this detracts from the likelihood that new members will join.

[4] Charles De Gaulle University researcher Régis Dericquebourg writes that when compared to the Scientology practice of "Auditing", other ceremonies carried out by the organization have more restricted levels of participation.

This form of organizational structure and operational tactics is seen as not working well in areas where the U.S. is not seen favorably, including sections of Western Europe, but agreeable to locations sympathetic to American culture.

At the time of the book's publication, editor James R. Lewis was employed as an associate professor of religion at the University of Tromsø in Norway.

[7] A review in Choice magazine by G. H. Shriver praised the volume as an "unparalleled book", saying it would "remain for many years the definitive, scholarly work on Scientology."

Manca criticized the book for failing to include substantive analysis of several aspects within the controversial history of the Scientology organization, including its treatment in some countries; lack of discussion regarding Scientology programs; dearth of coverage regarding use of specialized terminology especially regards suppressive persons and the related practice of disconnection, and failure to cite critical scholarship on the subject matter.

"[1] Richard Cimino, founder and editor of the Religioscope Institute-published newsletter Religion Watch, wrote that the book "focuses less on the church's abuses than on its organizational dynamics and teachings, although its authors do broach controversial issues."

[10] In an open letter in January 2011, Lewis stated he had reevaluated his opinion on the Church of Scientology, following the defection of a large number of high ranking Scientologists, the sacking of Heber Jentzsch, and what he viewed as unethical ways of raising money.

He described the open letter as "not an apology for anything I have written in the past", but that it was to "set forth some of my views on CoS – both academic and personal – in a public way".

He also stated that the organization, which had "hated the collection, particularly the Xenu chapter", completely stopped communication with him soon after the volume was published, leading him to conclude he had possibly been designated a suppressive person.