On TikTok, a new trend has racked up millions of likes. Adolescents across the globe have started to “speedrun” churches of Scientology.
Speedrunning refers to an act performed by video game players. It is when, “gamers attempt to complete a video game as quickly as possible, often taking advantage of unintended shortcuts, manipulating gameplay and glitches to catapult themselves to the finish line” according to Forbes Magazine. Groups of adolescents have taken this idea and brought it to various Scientology establishments.
For context, Scientology is a set of beliefs established by L. Ron Hubbard that teaches humans that they are immortal and can span multiple lifetimes. Members of Scientology refer to themselves as “thetans”, meaning an immortal spirit. A central theme of the church is referred to as auditing, meaning an electro psychometer locates traumatic memories and removes their negative effects from the mind. Scientology is often referred to and criticized as a cult.
Tiktokers have taken it upon themselves to set a “level”
of Scientology buildings (ex. Level 2) to reach in their speedruns. They have even gone as far as breaking in past security guards and throwing unsolicited items at windows. The motivation behind this unique brigade is unknown but has blown up across social media platforms. In one of the most famous speedrun videos, a Tiktoker dressed as Jesus Christ breaks into the Scientology building. That particular video gained more than 17 million views.
A spokesperson of Scientology, David Bloomberg says, “These incidents are not ‘speed running.’ They are organized trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention.” in The Los Angeles Times. Furthermore, on May 3rd, speed runs reached Vancouver, Canada. CBC reported that the doors were locked and high security measures were in place. Despite the failed attempt to enter the Scientology building, this assembly represented the first time the trend of speedrunning reached a country outside of the United States. Many critics of the speed runners say that religious institutions are a place for practice and worship, not viral stunts to gain clout.
As the influence of these viral videos expands, it is up for debate whether or not Scientology is considered a “religious institution.” Emma Duncan, the author of this article, conducted various interviews around the Lafayette community to determine the Rams’ stance on Scientology and the current speedruns taking over the internet.
Logan Robertson, 12th grade, said, “Scientology is probably a cult, but I love the videos on my TikTok.”
Kyle Kremer, 12th grade, said, “I don’t know what it is, bit it looks like a cult.”
Claudia Gilbert, 12th grade, said, “The speedruns are entertaining. They should try to make it further and build their endurance so we can find out more about Scientology.”
Julia Schniepp, 11th grade, said, ” Scientology is cult-like. I don’t know what to think about the raids.”
Tabitha Thompson, 12th grade, said, “They have been charging the speed runners for trespassing. I’m not so sure if it is a great idea.”
As one can infer from the interviews conducted, Scientology
has a common reputation of being a cult. Although, the speedrunning videos on social media are very entertaining to the adolescent population. While it is disrespectful to the Scientology buildings and properties themselves, the premise of the idea is arguably positive. Adolescents are trying to liberate cult members, although it is not necessarily respectful. They could be practicing more peaceful means of protest to the cult itself.
