As you may be aware, Scientology's membership hosts a somewhat disproportionate number of celebrities. There could be a number of reasons for this, however the simplest is the fact that the Church of Scientology actively recruits celebrities. Once members, these celebrities endorse the church, pushing Scientology into the mainstream media. The Church of Scientology explicitly states in a policy letter from 1976 that the "rehabilitation of celebrities who are just beyond or just approaching their prime" allows for the "rapid dissemination" of the church(1). Scientology has one of its largest church's in the Hollywood district of California.
The Church of Scientology, Hollywood District.
A second contributing factor in Scientology's celebrity following is the model of the church itself. Similar to a pyramid scheme, Scientology allows members to climb a sort of faith hierarchy by paying money into the organization - the more you pay, the more prestige you gain in the religion. This method appeals strongly to those with enough money to pay into the scheme. The idea of paying your way to divinity may seem repugnant, but it is also a potentially simple way to gain spiritual well-being if you have the funds.
Some of Scientology's most famous members include:
- Tom Cruise
- John Travolta (actor & producer, Battlefield Earth)
- Isaac Hayes (musician, voice actor on South Park)
- Beck (musician)
- Laura Prepon (of That 70s Show and Orange is the New Black)
- Nancy Cartwright (of The Simpsons)
References:
1. Hubbard, L. R. (1976). HCO policy letter 23 May 1976R: Celebrities. Scientology Celebrities & Human Rights. U.S.A.: Church of Scientology International.