Afghanistan is unique in that there is little hostility between the ulama (religion scholars) and the Sufi orders.

Bromley and Cowan noted in 2008 that Scientology's attempts "to gain favor with new religion scholars" had often been problematic.

However, Nof's study concluded by stating that "whether this happened or not is for religion scholars, archaeologists, anthropologists and believers to decide on."

But its symbols and practices elicit suspicion from outsiders, Wiccans and religion scholars say.

It is "unapologetically hostile to young and developing spiritual trends", according to one religion scholar.

He has also assembled an advisory board for his work: poets, religion scholars and technical specialists.

The Adventist church is thus classified as a Restorationist sect by some religion scholars.

And when the would-be new neighbor is a megachurch, a congregation defined by religion scholars as having more than 2,000 members, the stakes become higher.

The church officially estimates it has 50,000 American members, but religion scholars say the number of active members is probably 2,000 to 7,500.

John Corrigan is an American religion scholar, known for being the author of a number of books on religion.