Cult News

Is Scientology hard up for new members?

Despite claims that it has “millions” of adherents some critics have said its total membership may be less than 100,000 and shrinking.

So what do businesses often do when they have a slump? They increase advertising and look for new markets.

Now the Church of Scientology is engaged in an ongoing ad campaign seemingly focused upon recruiting college students.

Scientology is recognized as a “church” in the United States, but considered otherwise in many countries.

And now it seems to be acting more like a business than a church. Scientology is paying for splashy ads placed within college newspapers. The inserted promotions have been run at US colleges, but are now finding their way to an expanded market in other countries.

This has caused controversy at some campuses, but Scientology’s frequent response to any criticism is that it reflects “religious bigotry.”

Controversy emerged again when ads were run promoting the “science” of “Dianetics” at Oxford in Great Britain. One official said that accepting the ad was “profoundly irresponsible.”

But the editor replied that to do otherwise would be “religious bigotry and intolerance,” reports the Oxford Student.

What is Dianetics?

Dianetics is the so-called “science” created by sci-fi writer and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard’s creation has also been called “pseudo-science.” However, by making his “science” a religion Mr. Hubbard conveniently sidestepped the need to prove his claims through any credible peer-reviewed scientific research.

After decades of critical media reports Scientology seems to prefer buying its own press through paid advertising. And it also appears to have joined the ranks of other groups called “cults” that work colleges and universities for new recruits.

Students should know that Scientology can be expensive. And any student that take its courses is likely to find this out.

In Ireland a cautionary story recently emerged, reported within the Irish Times. A woman who took Scientology courses later sued them. She said they hurt her through “mind control techniques.” One man who made similar claims in the United States ultimately won his lawsuit and received $8.7 million dollars.

So has the Church of Scientology embraced targeted marketing as an article of faith?

Recruiting at the better colleges might be lucrative. Some students have extra cash, or at least credit cards. And after college many are likely to earn good salaries.

However, should a “church” be so concerned with expanding its customer client base?

Apparently the church that Hubbard built is concerned. Scientology seems engaged in a rather concerted effort to expand its market share amongst the demographic group most often targeted by groups called “cults.”