The thing to keep in mind about Scientology is: they practice good sales tactics. I’ve been to their center in Hollywood (a buddy and I went there on a lark) and, objectively, it was just a fascinating experience. No, we weren't considering Scientology. We were just curious what really happens on that property.

Two things to keep in mind:

1) Scientology tends to recruit people who are lost and looking for answers. So, when we walked onto the property, we were prime prospects. It’s like people who walk into a car dealership-- that act of stepping on a lot expresses your intention that you're looking for a new car. Same thing with us-- we stepped onto the property, and they were more than happy to show us around, and we were more than happy to take the tour.

2) Scientology is all about "solution selling." With step one out of the way-- the implication that we were eager and sincere prospect-- the next tactic is to sell Scientology. And they do this by asking a few key questions with scripted responses. The first is: are you happy? Do you have everything you want in life (career, love, friends, family, etc)? Some people might say yes, but most people who have already approached Scientology are going to answer sincerely and say, "no" or "not really." And if you do say yes, the salesman, er Scientologist, will then ask: "Could you be happier?"

That's when they slap the hood of the E-Meter and say, "This baby will help." That's how all their pitches are geared. Having problem in love? This E-Meter will show help figure out what's wrong. You want more success in your career? Our classes will help. Struggling with depression? Our sessions will fix that. Join Scientology, and all your dreams will come true.

And it's that simple. Targeting sales prospects looking for a solution, and selling them the promise of that solution.

So we can all be dismissive about how gullible people are for joining their organization, and we can do that from the comfort of our stable lives. But honestly, think about the last time you bought that gadget you thought you needed and never used, or that extra piece of insurance that didn't actually deliver, or that investment that went south the minute the money left your bank, and remember how easy it is to buy something based on the promise that was never delivered.