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  #1  
Old 08-08-2006, 03:56 AM
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Default Could Scientology ever become a mainstream religion?
Could it ever evolve from its current status as a ridiculous cult? Wouldn't it be fair to say that it is currently viewed the same way Mormons were first viewed?
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  #2  
Old 08-08-2006, 04:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sahra-t
Could it ever evolve from its current status as a ridiculous cult? Wouldn't it be fair to say that it is currently viewed the same way Mormons were first viewed?
The absurdity of scientology as a belief system is no bar at all to its becoming a mainstream religion. When it comes to who makes it as a mainstream religion and who doesn't, it seems organization and a willingness to proselytize win out over ideology. Scientology is both highly organized and very much a proselytizing religion, so the silliness of its ideology is more or less meaningless to whether it becomes a mainstream religion or not.
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  #3  
Old 08-08-2006, 04:18 AM
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I doubt it
the emphasis seems to be on selling their knowledge to their followers.
I do not recognise that as a religious activity.
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  #4  
Old 08-08-2006, 04:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Terrywoodenpic
I doubt it
the emphasis seems to be on selling their knowledge to their followers.
I do not recognise that as a religious activity.
Welcome to Earth.
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  #5  
Old 08-08-2006, 04:31 AM
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Do you think that any children born to scientologist parents will deviate from the religion they are born into? Surely this will be a huge factor in its survival and becoming a respected religion.
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  #6  
Old 08-09-2006, 09:36 AM
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From some of the posts on this site, apparently scientology has already split (amazing, considering how young it is). If you believe their own rhetoric, it's the fastest growing religion in the world with well over ten million members. Every outside study shows these numbers are ludicrous and they have actually been losing members, however.

The fact is, they have money... and that never hurts an organization/religion.

-Erin
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  #7  
Old 08-09-2006, 09:38 AM
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They could go mainstream, but it would be difficult to keep the secrecy surrounding it the bigger it gets...
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  #8  
Old 08-09-2006, 09:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sahra-t
Could it ever evolve from its current status as a ridiculous cult? Wouldn't it be fair to say that it is currently viewed the same way Mormons were first viewed?
I am in a unique position because scientoloies 2nd largest church is here in Austin. I would say no for the following reason based on what I have seen:

1) they don't recruit aggressively enough. They are very passive in accepting new members meaning the new members do much of the acceptance work

2) they require strong and ongoing knowledge of their faith for acceptance. if you become a scientologists you will study that religion activly for the rest of your life or not be veiwed as a serious member. They have alot of info to study

3) they tend to keep to themselves. while other religious communities network with the religious communities around them scientologists by far keep to themsevles as a lone group

4) they don't adverstise their beliefs. you either have to find a hijacked video on the net (yourtube is a good source) or get one who is willing to open up to you. even getting them to talk about their faith is tough..they expect recipcation immediatly

5) their are labor and monetary requirements that are more aggressive than most other organizations

6) hubbard's motives for creating the religion are suspect and while he may or may not have had honest intentions the perception of such goes both ways and likely damages their membership by detracting potential members.
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  #9  
Old 08-09-2006, 09:54 AM
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Nah, the secret's "Out of the Closet", thanks to
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Old 08-09-2006, 10:10 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sahra-t
Could it ever evolve from its current status as a ridiculous cult?
It could; never say never.

But I don't think it's likely. I agree with Sunstone that the absurdity of their beliefs isn't necessarily a bar, but I think the absudity of their public face -- I'm thinking Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley -- is a strong negative. Also the secrecy and the expense involved.

I think Star Wars and Star Trek have greater potential as bases for religious movements than Scientology does.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sahra-t
Wouldn't it be fair to say that it is currently viewed the same way Mormons were first viewed?
In the Bible Belt, that's pretty much the way Mormonism is still viewed.
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