About the Author

Mark 'Marty' Rathbun was Inspector General of the Religious Technology Center (RTC), the organization that controls the copyrights and trademarks of the materials relating to Dianetics and Scientology. His role was to head the Inspector General Network, described by the Church of Scientology as "an independent investigatory and policing body whose function is to keep Scientology working by ensuring the pure and ethical use of Dianetics and Scientology technology." The post is one of the most senior management functions in the Church and its related organizations. Rathbun left the Church of Scientology in 2004. He is now an independent Scientologist. As such he and his wife, Monique, provide counseling and auditing services for other Scientologists that have cut their ties with the Church of Scientology. He emerged as a critical source in a 2009 Tampa Bay Times expose on the organization, revealing that physical violence is a common occurrence within Scientology management, and that Scientology head David Miscavige regularly beats his staff, and orders staff to administer beatings to designated individuals. The series by the Times titled "Inside Scientology: The Truth Rundown" (http: //tinyurl.com/mjcnfv) was recognized with honors including the 2010 Gold Medal for Public Service award from the Florida Society of News Editors, and was a finalist for the 2010 National Headliner Awards in the category of investigative reporting. Rathbun has also been profiled by the following publications: The UK Independent weekly magazine: http: //tinyurl.com/cwahwzy Texas Monthly magazine: http: //tinyurl.com/758rb75 The Village Voice: http: //tinyurl.com/5tjnhuc Rathbun operates a blog called Moving On Up a Little Higher: markrathbun.wordpress