By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent months have seen a surge in adolescent boys and young men performing “speed runs” into the Church of Scientology’s international headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard. These incidents, documented in viral TikTok videos, appear to be attempts at social media fame and stem from public intrigue surrounding the church’s controversial reputation. The Church of Scientology has condemned these actions as trespass and harassment, reporting that staff members have been injured and that law enforcement is investigating the trespassing. While the trend’s initiator has distanced himself from the disruptive actions, critics like Leah Remini argue that such spectacles are counterproductive to exposing the church’s alleged dangers.
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The “speedrunning” trend, a curious new phenomenon making waves across Los Angeles, has the Church of Scientology in a decidedly unhappy state. This isn’t just about a few folks poking around; it’s a burgeoning internet phenomenon that has participants, often young and armed with smartphones, attempting to navigate and “complete” Scientology’s processes or buildings in the fastest time possible, much to the chagrin of the organization itself. It seems the normally tight-lipped church is finding this trend particularly irksome, leading to a public display of its displeasure.
The idea of “speedrunning” a spiritual organization, particularly one with the intricate hierarchical structure and alleged secretive practices of Scientology, strikes many as inherently absurd and, frankly, hilarious. For those observing this trend, it’s a welcome departure from the usual discourse surrounding the church. It’s seen not as a malicious attack, but as a darkly comedic response to what many perceive as the organization’s secretive nature. After all, if a church claims to be open and welcoming, why the need for such opacity? Many observers draw a stark contrast to their own faith communities, which they describe as accessible and transparent, open for anyone to visit and experience without elaborate gatekeeping.
This new wave of activity has people feeling a sense of empowerment, especially when compared to the past. There’s a noticeable shift in the perceived power dynamic. Gone, it seems, is the era where many feared repercussions – harassment, lawsuits, or threats – for even questioning or lightly poking fun at the Church of Scientology. The current reaction from the church, described as merely “whining to the news,” suggests to many that their grip on control is weakening. It’s a significant change, leading to a collective sentiment that perhaps the church is losing its ability to intimidate.
The notion of “speedrunning” Scientology has sparked a range of reactions, from outright support to amusement. For some, it’s a satisfying spectacle, a kind of karmic retribution for perceived past wrongdoings. The idea that the very organization often accused of preying on individuals is now itself the subject of a playful, albeit disruptive, challenge is seen as poetic justice. There’s a clear sentiment that if the church is experiencing discomfort, it’s a deserved consequence. The public’s fascination extends to imagining prominent figures within the church, like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, as the ultimate “bosses” in these speedruns, adding another layer of entertainment to the concept.
The “speedrunning” concept, in this context, seems to have evolved beyond its gaming origins. While some initially imagined it as a literal race to achieve the highest levels of Scientology’s auditing process in record time, the trend has manifested as more of an in-person, often theatrical, infiltration and rapid exploration of church facilities. This interpretation, while perhaps not what all initially envisioned, has certainly captured the public’s imagination and provided ample fodder for online commentary and amusement. It’s a testament to the creativity and unexpected ways people engage with cultural phenomena.
This trend has also brought back memories for some who engaged in similar activities years ago. There’s a shared experience among those who recall visiting Scientology centers not necessarily to join, but to go through the process, ultimately declining to proceed and leaving, often using fake names. This past behavior, previously a secretive pastime for a select few, now resonates with the current speedrunning movement, highlighting a long-standing undercurrent of skepticism and playful subversion directed at the organization. It suggests that the desire to test the boundaries of Scientology is not entirely new.
The current “speedrunning” craze has undeniably put Scientology in the spotlight, albeit in a way the church likely finds unwelcome. The very act of these rapid explorations, often documented and shared online, acts as a form of free advertising, drawing attention to the organization that it might otherwise struggle to generate through traditional means. The church’s public unhappiness with the trend is, in the eyes of many, a sign of its increasing irrelevance or, at the very least, its waning ability to control its public image.
The public’s consensus, expressed through various online comments, suggests a broad agreement on a single, unifying sentiment: a shared disdain and amusement directed at Scientology. This is a rare point of unity in an often divided world, and it highlights the organization’s unique position in public perception. The notion that their “churches,” which are ostensibly open to the public, are now being treated as challenges to be overcome speaks volumes about the public’s perception of their transparency.
Despite the amusement, there’s also a recognition that for some, this trend is more about generating online “clout” than genuine protest. The origin story of some participants, reportedly learning about the Church of Scientology through blogs rather than deep personal investigation, fuels this perception. Furthermore, accounts of participants potentially interacting physically with staff, such as “knocking down a staff member,” cast a shadow over the trend, raising concerns that it might inadvertently reinforce the church’s narrative of persecution among its members.
The reactions to this trend are varied, ranging from the darkly humorous to the outright critical of both the trend participants and the church itself. Some comments suggest escalating the disruptive nature of the trend, while others critique the perceived performative aspect of online content creation. There’s a strong undercurrent of amusement, with many finding the church’s discomfort to be a source of entertainment. The idea of prominent figures like Tom Cruise being involved in such a scenario is also a recurring theme, highlighting his association with the church.
For those who have had negative experiences or hold deep suspicions about Scientology, this trend is a welcome development. The idea of “speedrunning” through what they perceive as a manipulative system, and for the organization to express distress, is seen as a form of catharsis. The comparison to gaming “boss battles” and the imagined scenarios of uncovering hidden secrets or individuals, like the oft-discussed Shelly Miscavige, add a layer of speculative fiction to the real-world events.
The question of Shelly Miscavige’s prolonged absence from public view is a recurring theme, intertwined with the Scientology speedrunning trend. The idea of her being a “final boss” or hidden within the church’s facilities is a darkly humorous, yet persistent, element of online speculation. While these imaginings are acknowledged as fictional, they are presented as being as plausible as the church’s own pronouncements, reflecting a deep-seated skepticism regarding the organization’s narratives and transparency.
The trend has also been met with some defenders of Scientology, who argue that it is a legitimate religion and that mocking it is inappropriate. They point out that, like many religions, Scientology’s deeper levels are not publicly accessible, and that the initial stages are open to exploration. This perspective highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Scientology, with some seeing it as a harmful cult and others as a genuine spiritual path.
Ultimately, the Scientology speedrunning trend in Los Angeles has ignited a fascinating public conversation. It’s a phenomenon that has managed to combine internet culture, a long-standing skepticism of a prominent religious organization, and a good dose of dark humor. The church’s visible unhappiness only seems to fuel the trend further, creating a cycle of amusement and commentary that continues to captivate and divide observers.