How can historians judge whether Scientology was a “real” religion of the 20th and 21st centuries, or whether it was a hoax (scam) cult-like movement?

Religion Question

How true is this equation: cult + time = religion?

2.It is easy to see Scientology as a scam for average people. But what about for the very rich at the very top? What about celebrities like Tom Cruise?

After taking this course for a semester, try to explain the factors that make new rituals and new religious leaders attractive to certain people.

3.A long time has passed. It is now 2222. How can historians judge whether Scientology was a “real” religion of the 20th and 21st centuries, or whether it was a hoax (scam) cult-like movement? Feel free to be creative while citing themes we mentioned in the semester.