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ibstubro's avatar

How did Scientology end up finding sanctuary in the United States?

Asked by ibstubro (18804points) July 24th, 2014

L. Ron Hubbard took to the seas because Scientology was under increasing scrutiny, and was forced to leave a good number of countries. How did Scientology find a home in the US.

I admit to a recurring fascination with Scientology and other cults. I’m amazed at the things people will allow themselves to believe in order to be accepted as part of a group.

Unappealing man with unconvincing rhetoric.
Note the date.

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6 Answers

zenvelo's avatar

The United States has First Amendment protection for speech and belief, so it was able to reside here. It’s biggest accomplishment was to be recognized as a religious tax exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service in 1993.

kritiper's avatar

Some people, no matter where they live, are desperate for that afterlife!

LostInParadise's avatar

One secret to the success of Scientology is its focus on celebrities, which makes the U.S. a good place to concentrate their efforts due to the extent of the entertainment industry here.

filmfann's avatar

Gullibility.

ibstubro's avatar

I find it amazing that L. Ron Hubbard was a world pariah, living on a ship at sea, denied port at even 3rd world countries, yet ended up based in the tropics of the USA. He was wanted in England and being pursued by Granada in the 1960’s, for gourd’s sake.

JLeslie's avatar

The US is pretty liberal about what constitutes a religion.

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