Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Scientology Underground
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 6, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 6, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The blog Boy Culture ran into (an all too common these days) "Travolting display" in the subway system over the weekend. Scientologists! The religioncult "legendarily opportunistic Church Of Scientology" is back underground giving out free stress tests.
Though police kicked them out in 2005 for violating New York City Transit rules about vending in the subways, it seems they've still had a presence down there and, from this photo (taken in late 2006), they're still selling Dianetics (translated in 50 different languages, no less).
The Scientologists continue on their quest to make more cash and recruit new members this way, which is quite a different approach from getting a Scientology artist to integrate plugs for the religion on the MTA's centennial posters (circa 2004). For many the tables have become a familiar site during the morning commute, but is anyone drinking the Kool-Aid aside from tourists who don't seem to realize this is more than a free test? And is it a smart move to position recruitment tables in one of the most stressful city environments?
There's an equally crazy test online here, for those interested, and for those who want the group out of the way, send the MTA a little note telling them the Scientologists and their stress tests are stressing you out.
The Jews for Jesus also took their campaign to the MTA's subway posters last year.
UPDATE: The Scientologists have also just purchased property in Harlem.
Photo via Jakob Lodwick's Flickr.
Tagged
church
city
culture
drinking
flickr
harlem
jesus
MTA
new york
new york city
new york city transit
News: NYC
photos
police
religion
scientology
strike
subway
subways
transit
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .