Monday, April 16, 2007

A thing of beauty, or is it?

Would you recognize something of great beauty if it's somewhere you don't expect? This was the question the Indian Stallion posed on his blog.

Stop reading for a minute and think about it. Would you be able to recognize something for its true worth sans branding and the pizazz?

Really?

I admit, I wouldn't. It's an embarassment, I know, but I'm a sucker for branding.

Apparently, some people in the States ran a test. They got one of the world's best violinists to masquerade as a street busker for 1 hour to see if commuters would stop and listen to his performance. To find out the result of the test, click here.

After reading the above article, I proceeded to read up (for some reason I can't remember now) on Scientology. Here are a few fast facts about Scientology:


1. Scientology is a body of teachings and related techniques developed by American science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard. It started out as a self-help philosophy which later "blossomed" into a religion.
2. The Church of Scientology is entitled to recognition as a religious organization by the European Convention of Human Rights
3. Scientology has a disconnection policy, in which members are encouraged to cut off all contact with friends or family members critical of the Church
4. Scientology opposes the study and application of psychiatry and psychology

To find out more about Scientology, please click here.



Now then, when I juxtoposed the main tenets of the 2 articles, I ended up with the following conclusions:

1. Marketing is important. It first helps to promote a product's value, and later on, serves to convince people that it is valuable.
2. People not necessarily can recognize something for its worth on their own.
3. Herd mentality rules.

Now, can the above be similarly applied to religion?

If there were not a big bunch of people going around extoling the benefits of the religion, would you subscribe to that religion? If you were not already surrounded by friends and family who subscribe to that faith, would you have chosen that path?

Likewise, if you are surrounded by many people who believe, does you faith in God become stronger by association as well?

Or would you be able to embrace God on your own?

XxX,

audrey at 17:18

2 lamb droppings