I just finished reading an excellent book about the late L. Ron Hubbard-the founder and patron saint of Scientology. I really believe that this man was seriously mentallyill-he was a liar from an early age, and showed no sign of any inherent morality or honesty. he treated the women in his life shamefully, and probably was responsible for a huge amount of human suffering. yet, this louse (college dropout and failed naval officer) managed to convince thousands of people that he had the way to human happiness. He became immensely wealthy (at the time of his death, his “church” was estimated to be pulling in over $60 million /year).
Now, I know the famous P.T. Barnum line ("…there’s a sucker born every minute…", but exactly HOW does one exploit human stupidity so well? I for one could never fall for the load of crap (scientology), but it must have appealed to some people.
How do I make my first million as a preacher in the church of greed? Is it necessary to be ordained , or should I write some kind of book to get my message across? Finally, how long should I plan on ? It took Hubbard years to rake in the suckers…I need cash now!:smack:
Well, follow the example of Charles Manson:
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Forget that “Morality” schtick: YOU are the cult leader!
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Give people mind-altering drugs.
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Make sure said people are angsty teens and world-innocent college students.
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Sexually abuse them, but make sure they think its some glorious honor to be in one of your sick games.
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Convince them their Crack addiction is a sign of your holy power.
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Convince them you are Jesus returned, using a few poorly-translated passages from Revelations as evidence.
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Have them bring other easily mislead people looking for meaning and spiritual fulfillment on a a platter into your cult.
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Viola! You’ve suceeded! Break out the Cyanide and Kool-Aid or start collecting the money!
I hardly think flowers will help.
[justspreadingknowledge]
Actually, it was not Barnum who said it, read all about it here!
[/justspreadingknowledge]
Well, here are some tips for aspiring cult leaders, from a guy who’se experienced their methods firsthand:
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Have a lot of charisma. You can reach a lot more people face-to-face than with a book.
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Come up with some grandiose vision of a better world and claim that by following your principles this will come about.
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Appeal to people just heading off to college, who are new in town, or otherwise facing major transitions in their lives. They’re likely to be looking for friends and guidance. Try to select idealistic, intelligent ones - they’re the best picks for helping spread your religion.
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Reveal your teachings to your followers gradually and make sure you have complete agreement on each principle before introducing the next one. If you present your whole teaching at once, they’re more likely to conclude it’s a crock and reject it.
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Convince your followers that they have problems only your methods can cure, and that dire things will happen to them if they leave your church.
why bother with a religion? All the good gods are taken.
Why not just make a service or product instead? same difference.
Excactly, like Herbalife or Amway or…
Turn some water into wine…