Public relations -- Don't they care

Question answered by FreeZone in Scientology

FredricRice asked this question on 7/25/2000:

Another question that's mostly for current Scientologists however I'd like to web everyone's answers.

After viewing the Scientology cult's insane attacks against Ursula in Clearwater -- screaming Nazi and other absolutely insane nonsense -- the public address system in the airport informed travelers that what they just witnessed was the Scientology cult.

I'm curious whether Scientologists think that such exposure is beneficial to their cult's revenues and continued existance. Surely the cult's management wouldn't be so stupid as to assume that such public exposures of cult followerss' insanity helps their bank accounts.

Thanks i advance for your insights into this.

FreeZone gave this response on 7/26/2000:

To the true believers, yes, it is effective PR. They're attacking, which is what Hubbard said to do. As long as they are following policy, their actions are, by definition, the right ones.

The top leadership, in my view, are not at all true believers. They see the whole thing as a scam. But for them, the growth and expansion of the cult, while they push it constantly to the membership, is not really a priority. The priority is maintaining absolute control over a membership large enough to keep the Miscavige clan living in luxury. I think they've privately conceded that there isn't going to be any real growth and just want to hold on to the people they have.

A scene like what you describe is, from this perspective, not a bad thing. In general, rising tensions between Scientologists and the general population will cause the remaining Scientologists to circle the wagons closer and discourage defections.

You rated this answer:

Thanks. It sounds like you do understand the phenomena. I can't understand it since the notion that even such profoundly negative public relations could some how be beneficial is utterly alien. I've never fallen for a cult so perhaps that's why it akes absolutely no sense.

Thanks

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