09 Jan The Big Scary Church that isn’t Frightening at All (to Visit)
To the curious visitor, Scientologists are nothing but friendly and cordial. Of course, we’ve all heard stories of strange happenings for those who get further involved, but what you’ll witness if you visit is normal-looking people spending time and money to improve themselves and their lives.
These are the major LA sites:
Church of Scientology of Los Angeles
Scientology’s flagship and the center of its worldwide operations is this enormous, blue, former hospital. Visitors are welcome any time they are open, and a friendly staff person will guide you and your friends through the displays and videos. If you want more information it is available; and if not, they will leave you alone unlike the rumors will have you believe. It did seem a little overly-regimented to me until a friend pointed out that the Church receives visitors with ill intentions every single day, so they are correct to protect themselves.
The rooms upstairs are used for people attending trainings. The site includes a full bookstore, is clean and well-lighted, there’s free parking and nothing to be afraid of. At least as a visitor.
4810 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours 9 am -10 pm daily
Celebrity Centre International
Open to the public, but started for “artists, politicians, leaders of industry, sports figures and anyone with the power and vision to create a better world.”
Other Celebrity Centres exist in major cities across the world such as London, Paris, Vienna, and Munich.
5930 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hours 9 am – 9 pm daily
Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition
This place is guaranteed to make you wonder “what have I been doing with my life?” as you review L. Ron Hubbard’s multitudinous accomplishments: still the youngest boy ever to achieve Eagle Scout, four Guinness World Records: most published author, most translated author, the author with the most audiobook titles and the single most translated non-religious work. His humanitarian efforts, his career as a naval officer, and his wide travels. Whew, and what have you been doing lately?
6331 Hollywood Blvd #100, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hours 9:30 am -10 pm daily
Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR)
Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
Scientology holds an impassioned and inaccurate belief that psychiatry is evil and up to no good. The displays and videos at this site attempt to prove their position. Personally, I walked out when the introductory video misquoted Freud. While it may be true that psychotropic medications are in some cases over-prescribed, I have seen with my own eyes what a godsend they are for many. Go check it out for yourself.
6616 Sunset Bl., LA 90028
© 2020 Catherine Auman
This is an excerpt from Catherine Auman’s book Guide to Spiritual L.A.: The Irreverent, the Awake, and the True
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