Church of Scientology Detroit — Attraction in Detroit

I really enjoyed my visit to the Detroit Church of Scientology. I'll start off by saying that I'm not a Scientologist nor am I affiliated with the church in anyway, I was simply curious after hearing so many things about Scientology in the media and wanted to check it out for myself. The parking situation is not ideal, but it's downtown Detroit, so that was to be expected. I ended up parking in the Cobo structure for $15 and walked around the block to the church. When we entered we were greeted by a man at the front desk who asked that we fill out some information cards with our names, addresses, etc. It was a bit weird to be giving this information to complete strangers, but I'm honestly not that concerned, if you are I'm sure you can just say that. I let him know that I had taken the online personality test and was here to go over the results and tour the building. He asked if we were familiar with Scientology or their new TV network. We told him that we were not and he took us into their information center and put on a video for us. We sat there and watched the video about their new channel for about 10 minutes before my friend got impatient and went back up to ask if we could get a tour and my test results. Immediately a gentleman showed up, introduced himself and let us know that he would be giving us a tour. I REALLY wish that I remembered his name, because he was seriously so incredibly helpful, friendly, and surprisingly normal (I was expecting a sales robot if I'm being honest)! He took us around the information center and told us what each screen was showing, he gave us a quick demonstration of the e-meter device which was pretty interesting, and then took us up to the 3rd floor to go over the personality test results. Based on what I had heard from others regarding the personality tests, I was preparing to hear that I was depressed, bad at communicating, hopelessly lost, etc. and to be sold books and classes. When we sat down to review the test, I wasn't told anything like that. He said that it looked like I was very happy with my life (I am), that I tend to wane in the responsibility department (I do), and that I appear to be a good communicator (I am). I was surprised that the results were overall very positive and fit me extremely well. We sat and spoke for a bit about why I was there, he was totally open when I asked him questions about their beliefs and things I had heard about the church. Without him trying to sell me on anything, I asked which book would be best for someone interested in learning more about the gist of the religion and the spiritual side of things. He recommended "A New Slant on Life". After we'd spoken for awhile, my friend started getting impatient again and asked if we could continue the tour. At this point another young man had joined us and brought us some water and treats (if you're reading this, thanks for the road trip snacks!) and accompanied us to the chapel on the 2nd floor. It was your standard chapel with a pulpit up front, neatly arranged chairs, a piano, some tv screens, and various signs on the walls with information about the church. The younger guide asked if we wanted to watch an introduction for their efficiency course (both my friend and I thought, "Oh great, this is where the sales pitch comes in"). We said that we would watch a short video but that we didn't have time for a course today. He said that was no problem and we watched the video (it was about 8 minutes long). Afterward, the 2 men and now 1 woman asked us what we thought about the video and if we would be interested in signing up for a class at a future date. We politely declined. After that, we continued on back downstairs with our original guide. He grabbed the book I was interested in and checked us out (the younger guide did convince me to buy another small book as well). That was that. Overall, the experience was informative and I didn't feel pressured, the building is also beautifully refinished and full of historical charm. If you're...

As a scholar of religious studies, my approach to studying any religious tradition is one of intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and a commitment to fairness. With that in mind, I had the opportunity to visit and engage with members of the Church of Scientology in Detroit, and I found my experience to be both insightful and thought-provoking.

First and foremost, it is important to recognize that, like all religious and spiritual traditions, Scientology is deeply meaningful to those who adhere to it. While public discourse around the church is often polarized, it is my role as a scholar not to pass judgment based on popular narratives but to understand the beliefs, practices, and experiences of those who consider Scientology an integral part of their lives.

During my time engaging with the Church of Scientology in Detroit, I was met with kindness, hospitality, and a genuine willingness to share their perspectives. The members I interacted with were open about their beliefs and the ways in which their faith provides them with purpose, personal development, and a sense of community. While aspects of Scientology’s theology and praxis may differ significantly from mainstream religious traditions, this is not a reason to dismiss or delegitimize the sincerity of its followers. Every religious tradition, including those that may seem unfamiliar or controversial to outsiders, deserves to be approached with the same level of respect and scholarly neutrality.

It is undeniable that Scientology has been the subject of significant criticism, and for many individuals, certain aspects of the church’s structure or practices may not align with their personal beliefs or ethical frameworks. However, as scholars of religion, we must resist the impulse to reduce complex traditions to simple narratives of controversy or scandal. Instead, we should strive to understand why people find meaning, guidance, and fulfillment within their religious paths—whether in Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Wicca, Scientology, or any other faith.

My experience at the Church of Scientology, Detroit reaffirmed an essential principle of religious studies: that belief systems, even those we may not personally subscribe to, hold profound significance for their practitioners. Engaging with Scientology’s adherents reminded me of the importance of approaching religious diversity with open-mindedness and a willingness to listen.

While some individuals may have strong opinions—both positive and negative—about Scientology, it is not my place as a scholar to advocate for or against any religious tradition. Rather, I seek to foster understanding, to acknowledge the validity of religious experience for those who live it, and to extend the same level of scholarly respect to all traditions. In that spirit, I appreciate the warmth and openness with which I was received by the Detroit Church of Scientology, and I encourage others to engage with religious traditions—whether familiar or unfamiliar—with the same ethos of respect and...

I must say, the courses taught here has improved my personal life and business life. I was able to grow my business by over 600% bc I learned how to be an executive/ceo. Personally I have been able to improve my communication with others, I learned how to handle the ups and downs of life, I am able to control my thoughts better, and I learned how to get along with others. The tools I learned here has also helped me be a better Christian. This organization is helping me live to my greatest potential. I highly recommend you try it and see...