What is the appeal of scientology???

Answer 1

Simple it works, that's all.
People that try it find it effective, and come back for more, end of story.

Answer 2

When it goes trawling for members it's usually done via questionnaires. These are issued under the name 'Dianetics' rather than 'Scientology' (the word 'scientology' might put some people off). The questionnaires are a personality test designed to find people who might be having problems or looking for some meaning or purpose to their lives. They will be offered a course in Dianetic therapy. It gradually increases from there. It appeals to people's better sides, you see. It doesn't start out as being outlandish - it gradually becomes more that way from the beginning.

Occasionally they do it by offering Dianetic therapy in the street (with an e-meter) but I haven't met anyone who got sucked in by that way.

As for celebrities who get fast-tracked through the levels, I suppose they do it for an ego-massage because they get treated like royalty whenever they visit a Scientology centre, but I wouldn't know about what it's like for a celebrity.

Answer 3

Its main publicist is an actor, a man who earns his money by making people believe he is someone that he isnt, by being Charismatic and by being pretendious. There is no appeal to Scientology only the appeal planted on the religion by its celebrity status. I dont think anyone sane actually believes its teachings, last of all Mr Cruise.....but he is a firm believer in publicity

Answer 4

Aliens, maybe? Who knows. People get into things for all sorts of reasons. Scientology, however, is dangerous. It is a cult started by Sci-Fi writer L. Ron Hubbard, who at one time was a follower of Aleister Crowley. They use a system called "auditing" on their members, which is really just hypnosis.

Answer 5

Two words: stay away. These people will try and brainwash you if they see a weakness. Dont be easily swayed by them. Once, when i was out shopping in birmingham, this lady approached me in the street, asking if i wanted to become more sucessful in life. I said "yes, it would be nice", so she said come with me and we went into this building.

Then she sat me down and made me put my hands on what i can only describe as two baked bean cans. Then she started telling me that according to the needle which was swaying from left to right, that i was really stressed and suggested i take this course. I said i wasnt sure and left immediately.

The place was freaky. They had giant books with ron hubbard on all the front pages, they even had this statue too. Its a big joke and it freaked me out big time.

They believe in an alien called xena too. If you ask me, its all boll**ks. They say you can only learn through technology. What a load of crap, and dont ask me about dianetics and whatever crap they call it.

Answer 6

People have a hard time with ambiguity. They want answers to questions even if they're not right or there truly is no answer.

It is the draw of every religion. And in fact it is the same basic human desire that leads people into science. The difference being that science quickly teaches you that you're going to have to accept ambiguity because there isn't always a factual answer.

This is also why christianity has incorporated nearly every scientific discovery into itself. The major religions know that they must constantly change to accommodate that which isn't logical to question or else become outdated and irrellivent.

Answer 7

As I understand it, the religion's affinity towards charging for its services is catered to make the rich feel good about themselves. Money carries power in Scientology, which is unheard of in any other official world religion (and with good reason, too).

Answer 8

I can see why Hollywood people like it.
Courses on communications, studying, shaking peer pressure, getting past roadblocks, shaking drugs. Seems perfect for actors. :)

And as far as I can see, the long list of ones doing it strike me as being happy open people. About the only thing anyone seems to hold against them is that they are happy open and scientologists. Compare that to the rest of the hollywood crowd that is always in the news. Id much rather have the kinds of articles that Cruise, Travolta, Seinfield, Alley have than the ones about Gibson, Spears, Jackson.

And of course, for them its also cheaper.
Much better a flat rate that any student can afford than a church with "10% of your income". That would be pretty extreme for them. :)

But seriously, it doesnt take much reading of one of their books or something to see why some people would like it. For some people its better to pray to an outside force for guidance and focus. And other people tend to want to grasp their own life and fix it up.

Answer 9

Everyone wants to get in. No one wants to be left behind. Scientology offers a way in... which is appealing to people who don't want to be left behind.

Answer 10

Same as any other religion. People seek answers and the religion which comes closest to what they can relate to (or believe) wins. It's as simple as that. With the exception of people being raised in strict religious environment, then they usualy follow the religion of their parents.

Answer 11

Noooooo clue. It's a scary cult. Not appealing to me at all.