InfoSearched
Published -
- February 8, 2020
- 1:38 pm
What is a Sunday “church service” like at the most expensive church in the world? It’s not as glamorous as you’d think.
The Sunday service in this video is just one of the ridiculous reasons that Scientology can call themselves a “church.” Michael and I were interested when we heard that they believe their alien God Xenu had banished us to earth. We decided to go and check it out for ourselves before judging them.
How does Scientology use auditing sessions to help practitioners achieve a state of “clear”?
Infiltrating Scientology Ep 1: Sunday Church Service
Scientology has been a controversial and often secretive organization since its inception in 1954. Its founder, science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, claimed that his practice could cure physical and mental illnesses, help individuals achieve life goals, and ultimately lead to spiritual enlightenment. However, many former members have alleged that Scientology is a cult that uses tactics like brainwashing and intimidation to control its members and extract their money.
Given the limited access to Scientology that the general public has, it’s not surprising that curiosity has often turned into investigation. Mark Bunker, a filmmaker and journalist, decided to take his curiosity to the next level when he began documenting his infiltration of Scientology for a series of YouTube videos. The first installment of his project, Infiltrating Scientology Ep 1: Sunday Church Service, documents his experience attending the church’s weekly service.
Bunker’s video serves as a fascinating introduction to Scientology’s practices and culture. The footage shows the smiling and seemingly friendly greeters who welcome attendees to the service, but also depicts the thick security personnel watching from the sidelines. Bunker notes that the church’s Fort Harrison building, where the service takes place, is guarded by a chain-link fence and features cameras on every corner.
Inside, Bunker is introduced to Scientology’s main beliefs and practices, which include the idea that humans are spiritual beings called “thetans” who have lived countless past lives. The church claims that people can achieve a state of “clear,” in which they are free of the negative effects of past traumas, by participating in auditing sessions and studying Scientology materials.
However, while some of the church’s practices seem to involve self-help and personal growth, Bunker also notes that much of the service is dedicated to the church’s fundraising efforts. He films attendees being asked to donate money, and describes the church’s vast real estate holdings, including buildings in Clearwater, Florida, where the church is headquartered, and all over the world.
Overall, Bunker’s video does a great job of documenting the experience of attending a Scientology service as an outsider. It’s clear that the church values its secrecy, as evidenced by the security measures and the refusal to talk about many of its beliefs and practices with non-members. Nevertheless, Infiltrating Scientology Ep 1: Sunday Church Service provides an insightful glimpse into the world of Scientology and raises important questions about the role of secrecy and transparency in religious organizations.
