Why do some religions succeed better than others?

[Geoff]

Inspired in part by Spas's failing conversion...why is it that some bat-shit-crazy religions, like Mormonism & Scientology, succeed where other equally lunatic ones just drift along, or end up drinking Kool-Aid?

What did they get right (from their point of view) that others didn't?

[Pappa]

Money, power, influence?

[laklak]

Can't have anything to do with theology. How much better can you get than a stripper factory and a beer volcano?

[Geoff]

Money, power, influence?

Yeah, but they don't all start with those. OK, Hubbard did, but Joseph Smith didn't, nor Mary Baker Eddy.

[laklak]

Smith just wanted all the pussy for himself. Seems to be a common motivator for cult leaders.

[Pappa]

I think if Scientology hadn't attracted some Hollywood A-listers, it would likely have no credibility at all... not that it has a lot anyway.

I just don't get how people can be so completely taken in by such utter nonsense as Scientology. I know it's just as nuts as all the other religions, but it doesn't even have the benefit of gaining credibility through age. How the fuck is anyone taken in by it? How is it presented to a floating voter to seem remotely plausible?

[Animavore]

Scientology has aggressive recruiting techniques. It's no different to hunting gazelle for lions. You seperate the weak from the herd and then devour them.

[Geoff]

I think if Scientology hadn't attracted some Hollywood A-listers, it would likely have no credibility at all... not that it has a lot anyway.

I just don't get how people can be so completely taken in by such utter nonsense as Scientology. I know it's just as nuts as all the other religions, but it doesn't even have the benefit of gaining credibility through age. How the fuck is anyone taken in by it? How is it presented to a floating voter to seem remotely plausible?

Well, up till very recently, the real crazy bits were kept secret from new recruits.

[Azathoth]

Scientologists use some very impressive brainwashing techniques coupled with blackmail to keep people handing their cash over

[mistermack]

The answer to the question is simple.
Some religions indoctrinate their children more aggressively than others. Simple as that.

They all indoctrinate, but some go much much further.
At the top are those that keep their people, and especially children, separate from the rest of the public.
That's why they want their own schools. And the LUDICROUS thing is, they get public money to run them !!
.

[Pappa]

Scientology has aggressive recruiting techniques. It's no different to hunting gazelle for lions. You seperate the weak from the herd and then devour them.

Anyone know how they present it to would-be Scientology cult members to make it sound appealing?

[Animavore]

Scientology has aggressive recruiting techniques. It's no different to hunting gazelle for lions. You seperate the weak from the herd and then devour them.

Anyone know how they present it to would-be Scientology cult members to make it sound appealing?

http://www.skeptictank.org/gen2/gen00093.htm

[Animavore]

Here's a more detailed account http://anonireland.com/blog/scientology/recruiting/

[Pappa]

Scientology has aggressive recruiting techniques. It's no different to hunting gazelle for lions. You seperate the weak from the herd and then devour them.

Anyone know how they present it to would-be Scientology cult members to make it sound appealing?

http://www.skeptictank.org/gen2/gen00093.htm

That reminds me... I've been meaning to watch Magnolia again for ages.

[Pappa]

Here's a more detailed account http://anonireland.com/blog/scientology/recruiting/

Fucking hell... that's awful.