how long did scientology take to become a legit religion from a cult?

they keep sending me their brochures, should i just join?

All religions are cults.

Only fools believe that their own is different

Still waiting.

as soon as dummies like tom cruise and john Travolta joined them

It's still a cult.

They're still making that journey.

They haven't made the transition from cult to religion yet, they still are a cult. They are still harassing critics, taking obscene amounts of people's money ($100K + for auditing services), and holding people in unofficial prisons complete with barbed wire fencing and armed guards.

Believe me...there's NOTHING "legit" about that deceitful cult. The only reason they gained religious status in the U.S. is because they blackmailed the government. Scientology is about as legit as the mafia only not as ethical. At least the mafia respects the idea of family. Scientology can't even do that. Breaking up families is part of their everyday business.

I am a Scientologist.

I would only recommend what you feel like doing. We are considered a cult because people were lied to many years ago buy the media and they still hold that lie. They think that we are some large corporation that kills detractors and swindles money from our members.

To rebuke this, however, I would like to first employ a reasoning of logic. Why is there so much stuff against us if we kill our detractors?

Also, all of our courses are offered for free at volunteer ministers.org When I joined I was homeless. They accepted me with open arms and love.

What I recommend is going to a church before you join; see what it is like. Scientology is not for everyone, but I guarantee you will find happy, healthy people and see that the lies against us are false.

Scientology is a minority religion that is less than 60 years old.It has most definitely grown and expanded in members over that period.
Depends on how you define a cult versus a legit religion. There is no exact formula for this actually.
except maybe size and number of followers.(Government recognition aside)

For those who were original members when it was first Founded in the USA back in 1953 and for all those people around the world , including myself, who have since become members, it has always been a legit religion.

As for joining... that would be entirely up to you and must be your own informed decision.