The real problem with Scientology, second-most famous Scientologist John Travolta argues, is that people outside the religion haven’t actively tried to educate themselves about the major issues.

When asked about the controversies surrounding Scientology—the religion for which he is an endorsing spokesman, the religion which has been accused of years of harassment, abuse and torture—Travolta suggested detractors just don’t understand enough about thetans and e-meters.

“You can read ‘A New Slant on Life.’ You can read ‘Dianetics,’” Travolta told ABC’s Amy Robach Monday. “I think if you really read it, you understand it. But unless you do, you’ll speculate — and I think that’s a mistake to do that.”

In other John Travolta news:

[image via AP]