Earlier quoted context omitted.
Religion is all about social function, at least from social science perceptives I guess.
well even if it's "social function", do want to be labeled as retarded? I just can't imagine tainting my name by joining those scientology retards...
Well, fear of being labeled retarded leverage on common mechanisms with fear of missing out which is one of the main engine for religious groups (or any social group really). Or said otherwise, people tend to want to be accepted in the group and will consider how to not be rejected.
Only when looking at "other" groups one generally starts to activate critical thoughts on the down sides of being part of that group.
A name in western culture is often not even chosen by the carrier, so any concern about what could be attached to the name is already part of this wanna show group value adhesion.