Quasi-Religion -- Organizations whose status is anomalous given contemporary folk definitions of religion

Collectivities in which organizational and ideological tension andambiguity regarding the group's worldview, perspective and regimen are profitably used to facilitate affiliation and commitment

Group can emphasize religious, non-religious, or ambiguity
 

1. None have religious services

2. None focus on concretely defined supreme being

3. All see goal as providing a therapeutic service -- helping people make their lives better

4. Spiritual growth and transcending the limits of the self are necessary means -- identity transformation

5. Ideologies are based on scientific evidence
 

1. Financial

Tax deduction

No annual financial reporting

Clergy exempt from military service

Easier to claim conscientious objector status

Clergy may perform marriages

Healing and therapy practices are outside the scrutiny of  regulatory agencies

4. Corresponds to members' experience

1. Acceptance of denominational status

2. Negative response to religious claims

3. Unable to provide certain services

4. Lack of legitimacy as a therapy

5. Financial disadvantages

6. Group forced into compartmentalized religious sector

7. Adherents may view religious memberships as mutually exclusive

8. Religion lacks scientific legitimacy