If you go to the scientology home page, http://www.scientology.org/home.html, at the bottom left, there is a section where a person can click in order to find out more about “Materials and Services.” Then, the follower is redirected to a site where you can add items to your cart, as if discovering your spirituality was as simple as buying Christmas gifts on Amazon.com.
Most books and lectures are fifteen American dollars, while DVDs and audiobooks are mostly twenty. Honestly, if I was a Scientologist and wanted a certain lecture, this seems reasonable. However, if I had to buy the tens and tens of pieces of propaganda that seems necessary to be a fully educated member of this religion, I could simply not afford it. For example, in order to listen to all of these materials, one has the option of purchasing the “Clearsound Listening Stystem,” at the shocking price of four hundred dollars. Though not necessary to hear the information about Scientology, the system is described as the best way to do so: “Here, then, is a powerful system to relay to you the most powerful data in the universe: The Clearsound Listening System. The clear, bright wisdom of eternity awaits you.”
http://www.bridgepub.com/images/holiday/2008/products/listening-kit.jpg?locale=en_USThe fact that the website that is supposed to provide information on Scientology instead directs a potential follower to a buy this information changes my view on Scientology from a religion to more of a business.
Though, growing up Catholic, I know that there were many donations made every Mass on Sunday, no exchange of money was necessary in order to hear the word of God. Monetary gifts were appreciated but not required to be a member of the Church.
http://www.bridgepub.com/materials/listening-kit.html?locale=en_US
http://www.scientology.org/home.html
http://www.bridgepub.com/images/holiday/2008/products/listening-kit.jpg?locale=en_US
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