Your point about maintaining continuity is well-taken, although my point was that the scientists were trying to preserve civilization and technology, something the Cult had no interest in...they were simply mystics trying maintain their religion (a point of view Asimov wasn't particularly fond of; the scientists are presented positively, whereas the members of the Cult are wild-eyed fantatics).
Also the original short story is different from the expanded novel.
I've never read the novel, only the short story.
You read it, I'll read Evolution, sounds like a fair deal to me!