🌋 That Time I Went to a Scientology Church

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  • čas přidán 17. 07. 2024
  • If there was ever a church that felt abducted by HBO documentaries and national news headlines, it's the Church of Scientology. Founded by sci-fi writer, L. Ron Hubbard, many critics consider the church to be a celebrity-filled religion on the outer reaches of the spiritual Milky Way.
    When David Boice was writing 52 Churches in 52 Weeks, BY FAR, the top requested church visit from readers was Scientology. In today's video, David presents an unfiltered account of walking off the street into a Scientology church and what he experienced during and after his visit.
    ---------------------------
    ▶️ Timestamps:
    0:00 Introduction
    3:04 Signing In and Waiting Room
    7:40 Chaplain's Alien Icebreaker
    10:15 Visitor's Center Tour
    14:35 Scientology Church Service
    18:39 Presentation of L. Ron Hubbard
    22:10 Library and Order Form
    24:30 DVDs and Mailer
    28:05 Wrap-Up
    ---------------------------
    📚 "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
    amzn.to/3DKry4q
    ---------------------------
    📷 All pictures used in this video were photographed by David Boice
    ---------------------------
    #52Churchesin52Weeks #DavidBoice

Komentáře • 275

  • @d.-_-.b
    @d.-_-.b Před 2 lety +121

    Okay some detail on your experience:
    • The Chaplain lied to you, there are no regulars, and no service happens unless someone comes in from the public like you did to request one, at which time the on-call guy is called up to come in and do it. There were never sermons/services when the founder L.Ron Hubbard was alive. They only came up with them to comply with the IRS tax-exemption requirement in 1993, 7 years after Hubbard died.
    • The reason you see so many audio-visual displays is to trigger re-stimulation of a hypnotic false memory implantation event almost 75 million years ago full of the symbolism presented in the displays which is meant to be a stimulus-response mechanism that prompts you to fork out cash for their materials.
    • You were correct to doubt the detox rubbish, Hubbard didn't count smoking among the toxins. He is on the record in his own voice saying "not smoking enough will give you cancer." Many preventable deaths have occurred at Scientology's "secular" drug rehab version of this purif rundown, called Narconon.
    • The focus is on you, on stroking your ego through self-help introduction courses. This falls under their Division 6 public dissemination department that uses the "acceptable truth" that you can follow any other religion while also being a Scientologist. This ends once you progress to Division 4 courses which are on the actual "Bridge" requiring you to not "mix other practices with Scientology" based on the stipulation in their IRS agreement that members devote themselves to Scientology "to the exclusion of other religions" in order to gain tax-exempt status.
    • Almost every detail about Hubbard's life as presented by Scientology has been proven false through public/military records and interviews with people who were there with him at the time.
    • They do not use members of Scientology on their promotional material any more. They used to, but the churn rate of so many who were in the promos leaving and telling the truth about Scientology meant they kept having to redo it all each time, so now they just hire actors desperate for any paying job. This is why you only see attractive people on promos.
    To wrap up, you were probably deceived more in your Scientology visit than in your visits to any other church. It has always been a business scam that was first wrapped up in pseudo-science until the legal trouble that caused led to it being wrapped up in pseudo-religion.

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +35

      Much appreciated on the breakdown here. A few follow-up thoughts:
      That makes sense with the chaplain. I arrived about 5-10 minutes before the service time, so it's no wonder why I waited so long until he arrived. When I was chatting him with, he did mention some previous visitors who had come for a service and they did an activity where they would look left of the room, then right of the room, then left, then right, etc. I don't recall him saying anything about what service was like with the regulars. The promotional material I was given was geared towards lectures - not sermons - so that's an interesting callout.
      When it comes to promotional material, the production within the presentation is very well done, almost too well done (to its detriment). For example, in one of the DVDs for dianetics, each person/actor used the same formulaic technique for why dianetics will solve all your problems. For successful interviews, I recall there's a technique called STAR (Situation - Task - Action - Result). The interviewee gives a Situation, describes the Task they were assigned, what Action they took, and concludes with the successful Result. In the DVDs, each person used the same formula in a quick, 2--minute video of a bad situation (i.e. parenting problems, poor work performance, marriage issues, etc.), the negative effect that was doing to their lives, and then each person found out about dianetics, and the result was their problem was solved instantly. Two or three, stories you could believe. After 10 consecutive people using the same formulaic response... it became very artificial, very quick.
      Thanks for watching and input.

    • @PandoraWake
      @PandoraWake Před 2 lety +4

      All true! But so bizarre haha.
      Great point by point comment!

    • @noneayourbusiness5149
      @noneayourbusiness5149 Před 2 lety +2

      @@52churchesin52weeks also, it seems like they neglected to tell you that they believe the traumatic events they're "helping" you through are not traumas you have ever actually experienced. They're traumas of disembodied "thetons" that are clinging to you and holding you back. And once you've purged all of these disembodied thetons, Then you get to... purge more of them. Because apparently you didn't get them all, and somehow someone else knows that you didn't get them all, because of reasons.

    • @arielporte4149
      @arielporte4149 Před 2 lety +1

      BINGO !!!!!

    • @ToyotaTom04
      @ToyotaTom04 Před 2 lety +7

      When I was in scientology there were a few people that went to the Sunday service. Like 5 or so...but it's really just is put on for new people.

  • @aj2587
    @aj2587 Před 2 lety +37

    Sometimes going in with blinders on is a very dangerous thing. This is NOT a religion but does fit every definition of a cult.

  • @AA-lq5pu
    @AA-lq5pu Před 2 lety +40

    I was so traumatized I began to dissociate, my nervous system started to shut down. PTSD, derealization, feeling absolutely helpless, at one stage I purposely walked out into the street without looking to an extent that a driver had to put on breaks. Could not sleep, crying every night. I was under so much stress I had to force my food down so as not to throw up. This Church will destroy your life, your finances, your health, your career. I am so glad I managed to get out. The church service does not actually exist, it is a front, Scientologist spends hours every day studying in s courseroom, or in session confessing all their crimes among other things. I was on staff there and was in for seven years. Seems like you were in the Div 6 area, area designed for what they call raw meat. They will not show you the actual courseroom until you have been indoctrinated. You will see see the strangest things in the courseroom and they dont want to scare you off too soon. They will tell you whatever you need to hear in the beginning. No you cannot be a Christian and a Scientologist. Super friendly when you begin. Screaming at you once they have you, cornering you, wearing you down, violating your boundaries. Please do not be fooled. Everything that you saw was part of the facade. Trust me you did not see Scientology at all. I will vouch for that 100% percent. And it is true about the beautiful people, I have never seem so many beautiful, sexually attractive people in one place in my life. There are amazing people there, it's sad.

  • @kevinmoreau1351
    @kevinmoreau1351 Před 11 měsíci +50

    I was just listening to Jeffrey R. Holland, a LDS 12 apostle. I had watched five or so videos, and felt the Holy Spirit so strong, then once that ended, this video came on, and the Holy Spirit just left, it left me so dry just nothing. It’s not you. I think you’re a good man for doing this. I’m sorry to say this so-called Church has nothing to do with Christianity. Keep up the good work. Thanks

    • @aliceduren6542
      @aliceduren6542 Před 8 měsíci +14

      Lol I felt that too. Going from his LDS church investigations to this, there’s this sense of hollowness

    • @willowoneal4084
      @willowoneal4084 Před 3 měsíci +9

      I love Jeffrey R. Holland
      My favorite speaker.

    • @debkatz8105
      @debkatz8105 Před 3 měsíci +5

      I love Elder Holland. Thanks for your post

    • @jmaice83616
      @jmaice83616 Před 2 měsíci +3

      Jeffery R Holland is the Best. I hope he lives longer than he made it seem like at General Conference. Good talk, but he made it seem like he only has a few months left on Earth.

    • @academyofchampions1
      @academyofchampions1 Před 2 měsíci

      @@willowoneal4084💪🏻

  • @althunder4269
    @althunder4269 Před rokem +17

    L. Ron Hubbard - 'You don't get rich writing science fiction. If you want to get rich, you start a religion.'

  • @boba.6478
    @boba.6478 Před rokem +17

    Hi David. I literally just opened the lid on my slightly cold BBQ nachos when you said 'word vomit'. I do so enjoy synchronicity. I really enjoyed this one. You had me laughing. David, I am a devout member of a church and believe seeking true doctrine is very important; however, I do respect and love all worshippers, Christian and otherwise. Most are doing the best with what they have to try to sincerely understand God and/or learn learn from Him. There might be varying degrees of understanding; there might be some misunderstanding, but most are sincere, I believe. There are definitely some semantics issues from one group to the next. This, however, is different. It appears to me it has nothing whatsoever to do with seeking God. It really does seem to be a dangerous scam that plays one one's own tendencies toward narcissism. The "religion" appears to be all about the individual seeker until at some point it becomes all about the organization.
    Christ understands the needs of the individual, but the Gospel of Christ is selfless. It is never about you. It is about meekness and humility and loving God through loving His children. The natural result is your own growth and enlightenment, but it is never about you. Scientology, on the other hand, is one of the self-centered "religions" that is all focused on the self, but it often backfires badly. Christ teaches you how to lose yourself and ,in turn, find God.

  • @christig1611
    @christig1611 Před 2 lety +15

    The impression I get, based on your description, is that they get very few visitors, much less people who show up for "church." So when you arrived and announced you wanted to attend church service, they had to pull some lackey out of bed, put some robes on him, and pretend that he's a chaplain. The gym clothes people were there for the purification program.

  • @trishaa46
    @trishaa46 Před rokem +19

    I don't think Scientology is Christian. I do enjoy your videos . I myself am a Latter-day Saint God Bless you on your journey.

    • @nonzerosum8943
      @nonzerosum8943 Před rokem

      Patricia
      Ron Hubbard..Joseph Smith..do Christians need a human demagogue?

    • @north40lady98
      @north40lady98 Před rokem +3

      Oh boy, I have been getting schooled well on the LDS lately. Many sinister things going on in that "religion" too.

    • @tonymedeiros5515
      @tonymedeiros5515 Před rokem

      Latter day saint are not christians either they are nothing but a cult

    • @edwardgabriel5281
      @edwardgabriel5281 Před rokem +13

      I'm 95. I've been a LDS for 70 years. I believe in God, His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. You have been misled.

    • @BreakFreeThrive
      @BreakFreeThrive Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@edwardgabriel5281 Amen

  • @heathersmeather
    @heathersmeather Před rokem +9

    My husband had a negative experience with Scientology. Approached on college campus during freshmen year. Was convinced to buy some books, changed his mind to returned the books. The person he bought them from went from being cordial and kind to nasty and hateful. He was verbally abusive and called my (then 18 year old) husband terrible names.

  • @tinman1955
    @tinman1955 Před 2 lety +26

    I encountered scientology way back in the 1970s when I was a college kid. Enrolled in what they called the communication course. Quit half way thru because I thought it was silly & useless and because they kept hitting me up for a couple thousand dollars for something called "auditing"...and $2000 was real money in those days. I'll never forget how creepy those people were. In those day you could smoke cigarettes indoors and the scientology staff smoked constantly. And they wouldn't answer questions. Ask a question about the comm course or about auditing and they referred me to a book - and pressured me to buy it. Seemed a bit ironic that the guys running the "communication" course we're forbidden to communicate.

    • @wingmanbbc
      @wingmanbbc Před 2 lety +3

      Consider yourself lucky. Usually they clean out your wallet & then want you to sign a billion year contract to be their abused servant (for the next billion years).

    • @christig1611
      @christig1611 Před 2 lety +1

      Leah Remini says that everyone smokes (or smoked) in the Sea org.

    • @tinman1955
      @tinman1955 Před 2 lety +1

      @@christig1611
      I'm pretty sure Hubbard smoked and that would make it the closest thing to a sacrament that scientology has.

    • @StarShippCaptain
      @StarShippCaptain Před 2 měsíci

      Thanks for the report of your experience.

  • @suryadnb
    @suryadnb Před 2 lety +34

    Correction: while they SAY you can be a Christian and a Scientologist, that is, according to former Scientologists, not actually the case. They just say that to not scare people off.

    • @wingmanbbc
      @wingmanbbc Před 2 lety +3

      Actually the Cult prefers people who haven't got a conscience they can use. Some of their membership is recruited from Mexican jails. Very little training required.

    • @ToyotaTom04
      @ToyotaTom04 Před 2 lety +4

      When you first get into scientology you can be another religion. Just like any other religion once you get in past a certain point they expect you to commit to it

    • @suryadnb
      @suryadnb Před 2 lety +1

      @@ToyotaTom04 Sure, but that's another way of saying that if you commit to Scientology, which they'll expect you to, you can't hold other religions.

    • @ToyotaTom04
      @ToyotaTom04 Před 2 lety +1

      @@suryadnb Most religions would expect that of you.

    • @suryadnb
      @suryadnb Před 2 lety +3

      @@ToyotaTom04 Exactly. And Scientology is no different. They just say they are.

  • @mitsim
    @mitsim Před 2 lety +19

    They say you can be a Christian from another church, but once you get past that welcoming intro, this changes.

    • @ToyotaTom04
      @ToyotaTom04 Před rokem

      If you truly adopt Scientology then you can't be a Christian or anything else. It's just incompatible. Most people who come in need no convincing to give up prior religious beliefs

  • @nathanmaughan2974
    @nathanmaughan2974 Před 10 měsíci +4

    I’ve watched you enough to see that you are sensitive to and can recognize the Holy Spirit when it is present as well as when it is not. God put that in each of us to guide us, and thank goodness! (To quote obi wan- trust your feelings)

  • @bcbarc7044
    @bcbarc7044 Před rokem +1

    This journey of yours is super fascinating. I have thought of doing something similar. Thank you for doing it so I can do it vicariously, lol. Your descriptions of your experiences are very good.

  • @turi319
    @turi319 Před 2 lety +22

    It’s a cult. Its a cult. There are no church services.

  • @derekcarroll8319
    @derekcarroll8319 Před 2 lety +8

    Very interesting Dave, thanks for the insight, I had a couple chuckles when you said you were disappointed when Cruise and Travolta weren’t there lol. I was hoping you’d get to meet them.

  • @JonAdamsMinistries
    @JonAdamsMinistries Před 2 lety +5

    Hey man, just saw you on deans channel. Glad to have come across your content!

  • @heyitslilz2474
    @heyitslilz2474 Před 2 lety +13

    What an absolutely fascinating study….all those churches in one year! I’m going to check out your book for sure. All L Ron Hubbard managed was a TON of word vomit 🤮 he was one strange duck!! I’ve watched a ton of videos on this “religion” and my take is it’s all about human trafficking and suffering….talk about false prophets 🤯🥺👹

    • @wingmanbbc
      @wingmanbbc Před 2 lety +1

      Many former Cult members call him Adolph Hubbard & that's no exaggeration.

    • @TWariner
      @TWariner Před 10 měsíci

      A false prophet and the religion he created is what I see here, too.

  • @AngelaSealana
    @AngelaSealana Před rokem

    Kudos for trying it out, brother.

  • @jennm7012
    @jennm7012 Před 2 lety +21

    Wow sounds like quite an anxiety invoking experience.

  • @cherylnorth5075
    @cherylnorth5075 Před 3 měsíci

    thanks for your honesty

  • @budsutt
    @budsutt Před 2 lety +21

    It's not a church or a religion. It's a money scam.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      All churches charge money. They are essentially businesses providing services.

    • @deanjames2476
      @deanjames2476 Před rokem

      They are all money making scams only dumb people donate to these places 🙄

    • @skyblue20199
      @skyblue20199 Před rokem +3

      ​@@GrandmaKnightLife I think you work for scientology

    • @akirafan28
      @akirafan28 Před rokem +4

      ​@@GrandmaKnightLife Not all churches charge money. Some asks for money but it is not an requirement to attend their services.

  • @vladimirputindreadlockrast7725

    Can't I just buy a "Battlefield Earth" DVD at Dollar Tree and get everything Scientology has to offer without the hassle?

    • @vladimirputindreadlockrast812
      @vladimirputindreadlockrast812 Před rokem +4

      @@mager888 E-meter, an old fondue pot, a few old friends, and you've got yourself a party!

    • @Gypsy839
      @Gypsy839 Před rokem +2

      Lol

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      That was fiction, not Scientology

    • @masaokakihara9316
      @masaokakihara9316 Před rokem

      @@mager888 There's a good website that reverse-engineered it and shows what you need to build yaself a piece of squirrel tech.

  • @kristaw2686
    @kristaw2686 Před 2 lety +7

    You actually can't be another religion and also a scientologist. They tell you that you can to get you in, but later on you find out that you definitely can not. You'll get in massive amounts of trouble if they find out you're practicing another religion.

  • @SisterCaliGal
    @SisterCaliGal Před 2 lety +5

    not sure how i got here, but i enjoyed the content!

  • @HelibearWomble
    @HelibearWomble Před rokem +33

    As a Latter-day Saint, I’m aware that some Christians are uncomfortable with the fact that our LDS building don’t feature a cross/crucifix. All I’ll say from watching this video is don’t be fooled by everyone who holds up a cross!!! ✝️😳

    • @Beebles9140
      @Beebles9140 Před rokem +1

      No sorry. The cross is a symbol of salvation. Every house needs a cross for spiritual protection

    • @HelibearWomble
      @HelibearWomble Před rokem +12

      @@Beebles9140 the resurrected Christ is our symbol

    • @Beebles9140
      @Beebles9140 Před rokem

      @@HelibearWomble His death and crucifixion is equally important. By denying this and only recognising the resurrection of Christ is like denying His incarnation and humanity. Jesus Christ is fully human and fully Divine.

    • @HelibearWomble
      @HelibearWomble Před rokem +6

      @@Beebles9140 I completely agree that the crucifixion and resurrection are both important. We don’t deny the cross, as that’s where the saviour fulfilled his prophesied sacrifice and declared “it is finished.”

    • @firstLast-gb9kr
      @firstLast-gb9kr Před 10 měsíci +2

      @@Beebles9140 what are you worried about--Vampires?
      What type of cross ❌ would you recommend? Should it be a variation of an empty cross... ☦️✝️ Or should it be a crucifix. Any? All?
      What about the cross of St. George, St. Andrew, and St. Patrick. The Celtic cross. The thief cross. There are so many different crosses out there. They can be such a burden to carry.

  • @Ashs-mini-vlogs
    @Ashs-mini-vlogs Před rokem +3

    They never stop emailing you even wen u unsubscribe they have no respect for law

  • @d.-_-.b
    @d.-_-.b Před 2 lety +20

    Good luck trying to get off their mailing list now. They use skip-tracing for when you change address.

  • @isaacerickson6312
    @isaacerickson6312 Před 2 měsíci

    I remember when that building was the Minnesota Science Museum. I loved that place as a kid.

  • @abramgaller2037
    @abramgaller2037 Před 2 lety +5

    The auditing ,courses ,and the Purif are more important ,than the services which were an afterthought.

    • @ToyotaTom04
      @ToyotaTom04 Před 2 lety +2

      Scientologists don't go to the Sunday service in scientology. I mean a few do but it's mostly for new people

  • @ForTheLoveOfHomes
    @ForTheLoveOfHomes Před rokem +3

    Here with my towel to enjoy the full video. You have inspired me to visit a church here in OK that I have been wondering about. It is called House of David. It is a Christian church with a lot of Jewish influence. I’m sure there is a better way to word that but I can’t think right now. Church of Scientology would intimidate me. Seems to be weird stuff.

  • @BryanHalo123
    @BryanHalo123 Před 2 lety +6

    Was the Scientology rep, 'reverend', being pc by mentioning 'boyfriend', or was he merely reversing the sexes? As in a man can burn dinner for his girlfriend also. I've been told L Ron Hubbard was very ridged in his problems with homesexuality, and the church carries on as he dictated.
    Also, thank you for this open minded exploration of this group. It's good to hear a source other than a former member; although I tend to agree with their negative stances, it's worthwhile to hear an outside view.

  • @sarahbee3732
    @sarahbee3732 Před 2 lety +12

    It’s hilarious that they portray him as a war hero. He wasn’t even injured in battle. His records only showed that he was treated for something stupid like pink eye or something like that.

    • @wingmanbbc
      @wingmanbbc Před 2 lety +3

      Adolph Hubbard was removed from command of his ship after he mistakenly shelled a Mexican island. After that "success" he decided to start a phony religion. Par for his course.

    • @henrytutweh
      @henrytutweh Před rokem

      As a fundamental Part for his Shit he used a Book of a German Nazi.
      What a surprise, it got the same title like Adolf Hubbard used for his Bullshit.
      Scientologist have no clue about their Fascist background.
      The Name of the Writer was Nordenholz.
      You can still buy it.
      What a surprise, the content of this book shows the same shit Adolf Hubbard sells to simple People.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      Who told you that?

    • @ToyotaTom04
      @ToyotaTom04 Před rokem

      He was removed from commanding ships for incompetence. He was treated by the navy for several small health issues. Nothing having to do with combat.

    • @Draegoron
      @Draegoron Před 11 měsíci

      ​@@GrandmaKnightLifeHis publically available military records?

  • @toph8298
    @toph8298 Před 2 lety +6

    Every Scientology building has an office for Hubbard as they believe he will return. They pretend it’s only there as a tribute to the founder.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      Just like Christians believe Jesus will return

    • @toph8298
      @toph8298 Před rokem +1

      @@GrandmaKnightLife Yep.

    • @ToyotaTom04
      @ToyotaTom04 Před rokem

      New people who get a tour are told it's symbolic. In reality we all believed that we all including LRH would return in different lifetimes in different bodies. The motto for the Sea Org is literally "we come back"

    • @TWariner
      @TWariner Před 10 měsíci +1

      He’s their false Christ.

  •  Před měsícem

    I’ve lived by that building in St. Paul my entire life. There are never any people in that building other than a handful of staff anytime I’m by it. It gives off very unwelcoming and desolate vibes. Shame that space used to be a science museum that educated minds and now it’s a place for a human trafficking cult.

  • @jamesf791
    @jamesf791 Před 2 lety +25

    I've watched a few of your videos, and have to say when I finally was able to listen to scientology I was shocked that you went in with blinders on not knowing anything about the subject.
    As others stated, scientology are basically a bunch of liars. Everything is for sale and they make you pick them or your family.
    The only thing that scientology will say that is true is that Hubbard wrote more books then anyone else and that is a record. At one time he worked for a publisher that paid I believe 1 cent for every word written. So he just basically threw words out and many of his books makes zero sense.
    You also said with scientology you can also practice another faith, that is a complete lie. I've listened to many people who have left and you'll be shocked how they treat people, especially those who work for scientology.

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +13

      Hey James, thanks for watching and the in-depth comment here.
      I had heard a lot of rumors about Scientology going in, but tried my best to avoid coming in with biases. Reason for that was early on during this spiritual experiment, I fell hook-line-and-sinker for mainstream news stories about trendy church headlines. For example, there were reports that atheist churches were growing, but when I visited one - no one was there. Another example was there was big media hoopla about a church who served rainbow-colored communion bread, but when I attended, there were just five or six people who attended. Hardly felt worthy of national news, but it stirred outrage in people. Seemed like back then (and definitely true today), the media made a bigger thing about something that was relatively small. So with Scientology, tried my best to avoid falling for that again - hence, trying to put up blinders.
      After the visit, I did dabble with watching an episode or two of Leah Remini's series on it. Plenty of more advanced information there and shocked to hear some of those stories and the family rifts that happened... My visit was more of a curiosity thing for what it looks like to a first-time visitor. If anything, my lone experience felt more like an orientation.
      As for the introductory DVD, Scientology does present itself as being able to practice another faith. The video presents it as you can "come in" from another religion while the camera pans to a gentlemen wearing a ghutra atop his head just to hammer the point. But how that could even work creates a dizzying number of questions as to how that conflicts with Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc. Based from other comments here, it sounds like other religious beliefs erode the further one would advance.

    • @PandoraWake
      @PandoraWake Před 2 lety +9

      @@52churchesin52weeks you would be STUNNED if I told you what Hubbard wrote about Christianity in the old top secret OT8 materials.
      Also, if a person is gay they will spend years and 10’s of thousands of dollars ‘auditing the gay away’.
      So many people have left Scientology that it can no longer afford to use real Scientologists in their promotional material. They hire young attractive actors.
      I was in Scientology for eight years and their bizarre practices taught me how to aggressively make a lot of money in any job I approached. I suppose one could call that ‘personal efficiency;)
      Of course they got every penny of that money, I could barely afford a coat lol.
      There must be a reason for that tiny water they gave you.
      One story I’ve never figured out was one my friend (who’s father was in the Sea organization) told me.
      Her father was the groundskeeper. I won’t say where to protect her privacy.
      Anyway he developed skin cancer and by the time he saw a doctor it was too late.
      She went to where they were keeping him.
      They were very controlling and she told me they withheld water from her and her dad as they spent their last days together:/
      And of course there’s the Lisa McPhearson story too.
      There are many more ex Scientologists than active ones at this time.
      All of us have strange stories to tell.
      Also, the media runs whatever PR stories the churches give them. I suppose that’s another rabbit hole.
      I’m loving your series here! Thank you!

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +3

      @@PandoraWake Appreciate your input, Victoria. The more comments and strange stories I read here, the more everything hits differently. You have me intrigued whatever OT8 is and what Hubbard wrote about Christianity.
      Your comment about the small water bottle is interesting. It's like, the receptionist was trying to be welcoming and accommodating by giving it to me - but at the same time, I was in this rich, state-of-the-art facility. This may sound unappreciative, but the water bottle was the barest of minimums as a welcoming gift. The story of the groundskeeper and withholding water sounds horrible! I don't understand such treatment.
      PR DOES sound like another rabbit hole. Anyways, thanks for taking a look and checking the channel out.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      Yes, when I was taking the communication course and they asked me to come back in on a Sunday I said I can’t cuz I have church Sunday. They went silent and looked at each other.
      When I got a little further in Scientology (still division 6) they called me a Scientologist with a Christian background.

    • @jamesf791
      @jamesf791 Před rokem +1

      @@GrandmaKnightLife So which church do you currently go to? Want to call the pastor just to make sure you are not a lying scientologist.

  • @JanPeterson
    @JanPeterson Před měsícem

    Catch Me If You Can was the story of Frank Abagnale. Frank was (is, I think he's still alive) a real person, I got to meet him at a company event where he was our guest speaker.

  • @Jschuon66
    @Jschuon66 Před 2 lety +7

    They just tell you that, you can't be any other religion because they want to share your money with anybody!

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      One time I got an inheritance so they came out to my house and during the sale they asked about my assets.

    • @joytimbrel7302
      @joytimbrel7302 Před 2 měsíci

      ⁰​@@GrandmaKnightLife

  • @soul2soul733
    @soul2soul733 Před rokem +3

    If the chaplain doesn’t talk about Jesus Christ 🏃‍♂️ run!!!!

  • @izzzzzz6
    @izzzzzz6 Před 11 měsíci

    Interesting to see how you tackle this subject and to gain some insight.
    However I feel "Big Media" Law and possibly social media is the new religion. It would be really interesting if you could find a way to cover this topic!
    When you start to mention the order form i immediately start to think Ponzi. Order means what order you come in. The longer you are in "order",eventually, potentially the more it will pay back to you.

  • @rachael780
    @rachael780 Před 2 měsíci

    I dont know why but even just listening to your experience there gives me the heebie jeebies. Maybe it's because I'm sensitive to recognizing deception.

  • @ToyotaTom04
    @ToyotaTom04 Před 2 lety +2

    The people were going to do the purif. The purif center is always next to the Cafe in ideal orgs

  • @user-ld8ss5mx8n
    @user-ld8ss5mx8n Před 11 měsíci +1

    And people say we Latter Day Saints are cult!

  • @josephgunderson6532
    @josephgunderson6532 Před 2 měsíci

    hey man, love your vids. congrats on getting baptized

  • @davidralphs4
    @davidralphs4 Před 2 lety

    Did you visit the Eckankar Temple in Chanhassen Minnesota?

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +1

      Did not, though I had heard of the Temple of ECK and considered visiting at one point.

  • @bearnurse1
    @bearnurse1 Před rokem +1

    I visited the Scientology visitors center in Clearwater Florida. All those big fancy buildings advanced technology all just turned me off because it looked like "big time religion"

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před rokem +1

      I can believe it. Just heard of Clearwater in the comments a month or so ago.

  • @ToyotaTom04
    @ToyotaTom04 Před 2 lety +4

    Scientology is not like a typical church

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      So what if it’s different? It’s a different religion. Why should it be the same as Christian churches?

    • @skyblue20199
      @skyblue20199 Před rokem

      ​@Jeannette Knight yep you definitely are brain washed by them or work for them

  • @jonathangatto
    @jonathangatto Před rokem +1

    23:59
    Not really and I am not a Scientologist. But I am LDS and we pay 10 percent of our income to the church. So we pay almost 8k a year for tithing. They pay just one time

  • @daveluck5717
    @daveluck5717 Před 2 lety +4

    'They were all beautiful people' ,,lol ,,, I guess it's important to radiate the ideal your trying to sell to others ,, the 'winning' look .... The Chaplain introduction was amusing ,, not something i ever came across with their sunday services ,,, tho given the circumstance of 'just me and him' i guess he felt free to improvise somewhat on a buddy buddy level ,, i assume it was a sunday.

  • @brettduffy1992
    @brettduffy1992 Před rokem

    Have you tried the Agape spiritual center in California

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před rokem +1

      No, haven't heard of it. Did a quick look, what is transdenominational? Never heard that before.

  • @billkeon880
    @billkeon880 Před 2 lety +1

    Did you do any critical research on each before going into any of these, especially Scientology? You know when the salesman meets you at the door, smiles, laughs, gives you a tour….? Then they show you the pictures of the 100 acres of land with the mansion for $5,000. But you can’t go there to see it, you have to pay up front.

  • @lukesteele4510
    @lukesteele4510 Před rokem +5

    My experience with Scientology was very amusing. They gave me a test. When the results came back they attempted to persuade me that I was very deficient in certain areas, but I can read graphs and the reality was that I was well above average with only minor variations in all my scores.

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před rokem +3

      That doesn't surprise me haha. With all the levels, didn't seem like anyone (except the founder) could "ascend" to the highest tier.

    • @lukesteele4510
      @lukesteele4510 Před rokem

      @@52churchesin52weeks Maybe it was the LDS missionary attire I wore when I went to their office to get the results. 😲 My experience was in the late 80's.

    • @masaokakihara9316
      @masaokakihara9316 Před rokem +1

      @@52churchesin52weeks You can certainly go up to OTVIII. Problem 1) it will cost immense amounts, even if you pay for Auditing by becoming an Auditor yourself and giving Service. 2) it will take a very long time. 3) once you are OTVIII, you will learn that this isn't the end, but you can't progress because the Tech isn't available yet. LRH needs to be reborn and finish it first. That's why every Org has an 60s office for him ready, so he can just go back to work.

  • @copper4441
    @copper4441 Před rokem +2

    They were probably checking your credit score and trying to see how much credit you had on your credit cards if you had any they don't hold church services at the church of Scientology that church you have to pay for to get anywhere in it

  • @steveeymann6374
    @steveeymann6374 Před 2 lety +13

    A religion made by a sci fi writer. What could go wrong🤣

  • @PrayingForMiraclesWithCarol

    The epitome of bondage. They deny the truth to such an extent - it is denied them.

  • @Jschuon66
    @Jschuon66 Před 2 lety +10

    That toxin thing is called "The purification rundown" at it costs roughly 2,500

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +3

      Yeesh.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      I started the purification program but had a reaction where I said “I’m a Christian! I don’t belong here!” She asked “You don’t like Scientology?” I said No. So she reluctantly said “Ok. Let her go” so I left. I never had to pay a cent for any processing I got.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      They never brought up the subject of money.

    • @skyblue20199
      @skyblue20199 Před rokem

      ​@Jeannette Knight yes they do

  • @sweetpea7715
    @sweetpea7715 Před 2 lety +5

    You should do more research on Hubbard it’s interesting

    • @arielporte4149
      @arielporte4149 Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah he's a delusional liar and self aggrandized money addict and skirt chaser with zero great deeds or accomplishments that ever helped anyone but himself.

    • @jamesdevlin6373
      @jamesdevlin6373 Před 2 lety

      "interesting"? That con man who invented a cult to make money, nah, I'll pass.

  • @teresajohnson9723
    @teresajohnson9723 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks so much for sharing. I was taught there are only two churches upon the earth. Gods church and Satan who is a master of confusion. I pray you will see passed all the confusion. God bless you upon your quest. Praying for
    You to see the truth. With your spiritual eyes and heart and ears you will see.

  • @UncleKennysPlace
    @UncleKennysPlace Před 2 lety +3

    Sort of sounds like a _Landmark_ cult presentation. Landmark is an iteration of _est;_ I watched it break up a family.

  • @donnaedwards4732
    @donnaedwards4732 Před rokem +6

    It doesn’t sound like church. It sounds like a nut house.

  • @rizmacadillac
    @rizmacadillac Před 2 lety +2

    I came across a rumor at one point in time and people falsely claimed I was a Scientologist. I have never been a member of the Church of Scientology and I am not affiliated with them or interested in them in any way. I can honestly say I don't know anything about the organization.

  • @paulblack1799
    @paulblack1799 Před 3 měsíci

    All hail Xenu!

  • @ryanglaros9120
    @ryanglaros9120 Před 10 měsíci +1

    A reservation option for attending a church service. WTF?

  • @saris42
    @saris42 Před 2 lety +4

    I have so many questions. why 52 denominations of one religion? did you even think of doing anything other than western religions? If you are only interesting in the god of the western bible... why on earth would you bother with scientology, which has NOTHING to do with God, the bible, or christianity...
    I am so very confused on the point of this 52 in 52.... but whatever floats your boat I guess.

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +4

      Thanks for taking a look. At first, the plan was try other denominations and then dabble into other religions. I visited a synagogue and also visited a Ba'hai temple, but learned pretty quick that I couldn't give a fair shake to the western religions. Besides, along the way I had learned someone else had attempted to do other religions ("My 52 Weeks of Worship" by Pamay Bassey if you'd like to check her book out), and then felt liberated to veer into other church culture that interested me.
      Scientology, though, was a different cat. When people learned of my spiritual experiment, there was such a morbid curiosity about it. Tried my best to remain unbiased, and then let the reader/watcher decide for themselves what to make of it.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      That’s what I was wondering.

  • @RachelASmith1990
    @RachelASmith1990 Před 26 dny

    I'm glad you tried attending a Scientology church so I don't have to.

  • @heatherluna5075
    @heatherluna5075 Před rokem +3

    I’m reading a book about Christian Science right now called mother father God . My way out of Christian Science. The main character gets chicken pox and is told it’s an allusion. Very interesting. I’m all about natural healing but would go to the doctor if needed. I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Okay imma gonna order you book now. I’m in a book club with a bunch of friends. So thanks for the info. My sister in law is from Minnesota. She’s a member of The Church of Jesus Christ too. Grateful for The gift of Agency. I think most people are doing the best they know how. Have a great day. 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

  • @davidralphs4
    @davidralphs4 Před 2 lety +3

    Did you visit a Mormon Church or Community of Christ formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)?

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +1

      That's one that I wish would have been visited if I could do the 52 weeks again. I'm still curious about visiting one some day soon just to witness.

  • @DC-vv5ii
    @DC-vv5ii Před rokem

    You look smart in the togue and plaid jacket. Very 'Eastern Canada' of you. Ah, you'd fit in B.C. as well. And even in my Alberta you'd fit in, eh?

  • @MesaGuitarGuy
    @MesaGuitarGuy Před rokem

    just mention "Zenu" to see them freak out

  • @Jaebee2626
    @Jaebee2626 Před 7 měsíci

    Are they stalking you?
    I met them in Clearwater. In Dr. Minkoff office. Truly stranger than fiction. Dangerous people. Hope your safe. 🙏🏻
    Justice for Lisa McPherson

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Nothing like that. Even though I aim to remain neutral with visiting (and revisiting) all kinds of different churches, I have no future plans to attend another Scientology church.

  • @thuggie1
    @thuggie1 Před 4 měsíci

    The whole point of these courses it to rid you of the spirits of dead aliens that cause you to fail. That's what the auditing is set yo do. It is explained in OT3, "I know L R Hubbards' great grandson.
    I advise you not quiz them to much on their beliefs as it can get very creepy, with the stalking, aggression and such like. I also know a few ex members who where in the sea org as well

  • @mikelangley3919
    @mikelangley3919 Před rokem +2

    I don't suppose the Chaplan mentioned Jesus Christ at all?

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před rokem +4

      No, I don't recall any mention of Christ. Looking back, the cross logo is strange since its marketing religion by associating with the Christianity symbol, but ends up being a swerve inside.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem +1

      Why would he? It’s not a Christian church.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      L. Ron Hubbard did say that Scientology is a gnostic religion and that it was taken from eastern religions and a little bit of Christianity.

    • @masaokakihara9316
      @masaokakihara9316 Před rokem +1

      @@GrandmaKnightLife once you progress on the Bridge, you'll understand that religions are just false images. My mom left shortly after OTVIII. But many stay and hope, that LRH will come back and finish the Tech for the unfinished Bridge.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      @@masaokakihara9316 I can’t progress on the bridge because I am poor and a psych patient

  • @StarShippCaptain
    @StarShippCaptain Před 2 měsíci

    Who received the directive from God to organize this Church? Was it to be the Church of a man (Hubbard), or the Church of God? If it was to be the Church of God, how did God give his authority to this Church? or was it not authorized to be God's Church? What Jesus taught to his Apostles: "Ye have not chosen ME, but I have chosen YOU, and ORDAINED YOU." No consideration for worldly knowledge, or ability to give elaborate sermons. No regard to the teachings of a man. God's Church was to be led by God through revelation to His Apostles and Prophets. He could make His Ministers out of FISHERMEN!! But bestow them instead with revelation and testimony by the Holy Ghost, with no regard to the philosophies and worldly attainment of mortal men or women. Did God ever give a revelation that this church was His? It does not appear so.

  • @ToyotaTom04
    @ToyotaTom04 Před 2 lety +3

    The pill is niacin and also a few other vitamins.

  • @jerrymcguire8371
    @jerrymcguire8371 Před 2 lety +1

    MK ULTRA ONLY !!!!

  • @bmorse68
    @bmorse68 Před 2 lety +1

    Did they tell you about Zenu?

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +2

      No, never was mentioned. For this experience - which essentially was an orientation, the majority of attention was devoted to Hubbard.

    • @michellehouseburg527
      @michellehouseburg527 Před rokem

      Whats zenu?

    • @bmorse68
      @bmorse68 Před rokem +2

      @@michellehouseburg527 zenu is a doctrine of theirs they keep from scientologists until ot3. He is a galactic overlord .....look it up

    • @michellehouseburg527
      @michellehouseburg527 Před rokem +1

      @@bmorse68 hummm interesting looked it up there whole thing is definitely a rabbit hole

    • @bmorse68
      @bmorse68 Před rokem +1

      @@michellehouseburg527 and they expect people to believe such garbage. Hubbard was a amateur sci fi writer n it shows in his make believe religion

  • @Kaydubbbb
    @Kaydubbbb Před 2 měsíci

    I went to see Joel Osteen at a “spark” conference he put on. I do not remember hearing anything cringeworthy about tithing. His messages are so positive. I do think God wants us to succeed as we love ourselves in preparation to love and serve His children.

  • @ChronicallyCassidy
    @ChronicallyCassidy Před 2 lety +2

    Make fake contact info for sure.

  • @bcbarc7044
    @bcbarc7044 Před rokem

    Interesting. Haha, but not tons? about the Savior and going to heaven, and stuff?

  • @rossshin184
    @rossshin184 Před 2 měsíci

    Detox process, some ppl died because of it.

  • @Jschuon66
    @Jschuon66 Před 2 lety +9

    They will send you shit for years

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +7

      Knock on wood, but haven't received anything for quite some time.

    • @PandoraWake
      @PandoraWake Před 2 lety +6

      I was on it for decades. When I left the country they started sending it to my sister.
      She lives in a small town and told the mailman not to deliver that trash to her anymore, and he never did! Lol
      When I returned to the country the found me in a new state, almost immediately.
      It was only when I started trying to help staff to get out when they called, and wrote similar letters in the free envelopes they sent, that they removed me permanently.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před rokem

      Very persistent

  • @janeeyre8241
    @janeeyre8241 Před 2 měsíci

    I’m LDS and had a lot of past interactions with Scientology. It is deeply misunderstood and maligned a bit like our church. But calling it a church is a misnomer because it doesn’t bring you to a relationship with God, yet, in its favour, neither does it profess to. It’s about personal growth and therefore I think it should be called an academy. Nevertheless its therapies and courses are highly effective. Dianetics in its simplest form will clear trauma quicker than modern psychology or counseling. I’ve decided L. Ron Hubbard was a genius. He based a lot of his theories on religious doctrines that help humanity. Just a shame it masquerades as a church because there’s a lot of incredible knowledge and technology that is immensely helpful.

    •  Před měsícem

      It’s trauma inducing if you listen to people who have actually escaped this cult. He was a genius at abusing and robbing people blind or their money. Do you have any idea about the suicides and self harm that have taken place because they deny mental health issues? Nope, just sit with some cans and clear alien particles from your body. Come on. Let’s call it what it is. A human trafficking cult.

  • @luejidiniz6653
    @luejidiniz6653 Před 2 lety +1

    David go to Clear Water and than you will see the real Scientology

    • @52churchesin52weeks
      @52churchesin52weeks  Před 2 lety +1

      Just searched for it. NEVER heard about this before.

    • @luejidiniz6653
      @luejidiniz6653 Před 2 lety

      @@52churchesin52weeks hi again sorry you have the woodcraft family a story from many many years ago… you have also other documentaries all about Clear water have a look 🤍

  • @GrandmaKnightLife
    @GrandmaKnightLife Před 10 měsíci +1

    Christians really adore their founder as well. Insomuch that they made him a god.

    • @TWariner
      @TWariner Před 10 měsíci

      So you’re equating Hubbard to Jesus.

    • @kathrynquinn6889
      @kathrynquinn6889 Před 3 měsíci

      His Father, who begat him, made Him a God

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před 3 měsíci

      @@TWariner Hubbard believed the Bible verse about us doing greater things than Jesus did because He left.
      John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před 3 měsíci

      @@TWariner equal in that they both founded their own religions

    • @GrandmaKnightLife
      @GrandmaKnightLife Před 3 měsíci

      @@kathrynquinn6889 it’s possible that Jesus said that God was his father because he didn’t know who his father was and Joseph and Mary made up the virgin birth story to protect his mind as a child.

  • @nuns8126
    @nuns8126 Před rokem +1

    Scientology is man centered & not God & Jesus centered. It's not a church.

  • @danholmquist7747
    @danholmquist7747 Před 3 měsíci

    😂

  • @travelnc2g
    @travelnc2g Před rokem

    You drank the koolaid

  • @Robert-rw5lm
    @Robert-rw5lm Před 3 měsíci

    Sounds like a dying religion

  • @billkeon880
    @billkeon880 Před 2 lety +4

    So after all this you HAVE to be an atheist. You have to. The level of fairy tales told and charlatans is astounding. Everyone needs to ba critical thinking and asking hard questions. Or save your time and effort

    • @janetshew5028
      @janetshew5028 Před 2 lety

      @Samara Hamilton I think if you compared all the religions you might come away with the thought that from the beginning of organized man someone or group has wanted to rule over others and religion and superstitions are the best way to control the masses. Classic carrot and the stick. You know scientists can electrically stimulate a particular spot in the brain to give you a “religious experience .” True .

  • @WillBlindYouWithLight
    @WillBlindYouWithLight Před 2 lety +1

    They have a CZcams channel now. Lmao.
    It is alot of visuals and bs info. They're really trying hard now because Jesus is coming soon.