Other Religions
Latvian Orthodox
Scientology
When George’s girlfriend tells him that they can no longer see each other because her parents want her to be with someone who is of the same faith (Latvian Orthodox) he decides to convert.
Jerry and Elaine ask him if he would seriously go through with it he responds “what do I care?” suggesting that his own faith or religion (which he does not formally announce) does not matter to him; Or that he does not identity with any religion – that religion is just a means to an end (the girlfriend). This shows George’s opinion of religion, that it is not an important aspect of his life and can be easily changed for any reason.
George goes to a Latvian orthodox church to be converted but ends up mocking the religion. For example, when George is asked what he likes about the religion he responds with “the hats” and he admits that he only knows the “basic plot” of the religion – that there was a flood, lepers, and commandments. He studies the sacred texts in the bathroom (hiding from his assumed catholic parents) – showing that he does not acknowledge the importance of these scriptures.
George then decides to write the answers of the conversion test on his arm in order to cheat and ends up acing the test. Again, revealing that he does not take the religion or the conversion seriously. During the conversion, however, he continues to make a mockery of the religion, such as calling the father “faddah” and spilling wine on the gown
George tells his girlfriend of the conversion, she responds that she is moving to Latvia with relatives.
The four main characters (Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer) are going through a parking lot looking for their car. Elaine asks every passing car if they can give them a ride around to look for their car but everyone says no until one woman agrees without hesitation
However, only a few short moments later the woman kicks the gang out of her car because George says something insulting to her resulting in her blast with anger. The audience does not hear what he says, only that it includes something about L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology
Note that George felt it was acceptable to make a scientology joke to someone he has just met – meaning that he takes it lightly and is acceptable small talk conversation, even when he is obviously saying negative things about it.
Jerry then notes that scientologists “are so touchy”