Scientology Uses Similar Tactic

It's an easy phenomenon to understand how the down trodden get drawn into religion. In modern America, however, its more difficult for an upstart cult to get moving into full religious swing thus requiring a different tact. In New York City, you see scientologists all over Times Square with their little Dianetics tables set up and blood pressure cuffs. Here, their tactic is not to offer "something better" after passing on from poverty but an escape from the stress of NYC's hustle and bustle. While I think the whole thing is a joke - I have to admit that it's a clever use of "knowing your audience." A friend and I faked our identities and came up with a backstory of problems to go into the scientology lair on 46th street. The whole thing is such a play on psychology that somebody who really is depressed or overly stressed could easily buy into their lines. The older religions acquired their base following in much the same way with promises of a better life (from slavery and oppression and beatings) and an afterlife to enjoy (from poverty and starvation and disease). Wouldn't you want that too?

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