"Dancing for the Devil—Episode 1 Part 1 - Die to Yourself" recounts the harrowing journey of the Wilking sisters, Melanie and Miranda, through their involvement with Shekinah Church, founded by Robert Shinn, and its associated group, 7M. The episode begins with the Wilking family's desperate attempt to reconnect with Miranda, who has been isolated from them since joining the church. Despite their efforts, including visits to the church gate and numerous calls, Miranda remains out of reach, even missing her grandfather's funeral under dubious claims of having COVID-19. This separation is indicative of the church's control over its members, compelling them to cut ties with their families.
Miranda's entanglement with the church began after moving to Los Angeles post-high school and forming relationships with key members of the dance community, including James (B-Dash), who introduced her to Robert Shinn's circle. The narrative reveals how Melanie also got involved, initially invited to Shinn’s house where she experienced unsettling religious practices and coercive tactics. Financial exploitation is highlighted, with members being subjected to steep fees and controlled bank accounts, leaving Miranda financially drained and dependent on the church.
As the story unfolds, Melanie distances herself from the church after a series of controlling demands, while Miranda remains entrenched, further alienating her family. The church’s manipulation becomes evident through practices such as signing non-disclosure agreements during services and enforcing strict separation of new members from long-term devotees. Former member Melanie Lee’s experiences corroborate these accounts, revealing systemic control and abuse within the church over decades.
The episode sheds light on the psychological and financial manipulation within Shekinah Church. Members are forced to surrender large portions of their income and subjected to public shaming for non-compliance. The church's control extends to personal relationships, with members reporting all thoughts and actions to a mentor, creating a pervasive atmosphere of surveillance and obedience. Financial records reveal that church leaders, particularly Shinn’s wife Hannah, exploit members for labor and monetary gain, maintaining strict control over their finances.
A turning point occurs when Melanie Lee recalls the sexual abuse scandal involving Robert Shinn, which initially led to a loss of church workers but eventually saw Shinn manipulating and retaining control over remaining members like Melanie and her sister Priscylla. This abuse and manipulation culminate in Priscylla's eventual escape, although she continues to struggle with the psychological aftermath. The episode underscores the enduring impact of Shinn's control, with former members grappling with the trauma and attempting to reclaim their lives.
The episode concludes with a glimpse into the ongoing legal battle against Robert Shinn, initiated by Melanie and Priscylla. Their decision to sue is driven by a desire for justice and to expose the church’s exploitation. The involvement of the dancers in the lawsuit highlights the shared experiences of manipulation and control, emphasizing the collective struggle against Shinn's oppressive regime. Despite the legal actions, key members like Miranda, James, and Nick remain loyal to 7M, illustrating the deep-rooted influence of the church on its followers.
"Dancing for the Devil—Episode 1 Part 1 - Die to Yourself" recounts the harrowing journey of the Wilking sisters, Melanie and Miranda, through their involvement with Shekinah Church, founded by Robert Shinn, and its associated group, 7M. The episode begins with the Wilking family's desperate attempt to reconnect with Miranda, who has been isolated from them since joining the church. Despite their efforts, including visits to the church gate and numerous calls, Miranda remains out of reach, even missing her grandfather's funeral under dubious claims of having COVID-19. This separation is indicative of the church's control over its members, compelling them to cut ties with their families.
Miranda's entanglement with the church began after moving to Los Angeles post-high school and forming relationships with key members of the dance community, including James (B-Dash), who introduced her to Robert Shinn's circle. The narrative reveals how Melanie also got involved, initially invited to Shinn’s house where she experienced unsettling religious practices and coercive tactics. Financial exploitation is highlighted, with members being subjected to steep fees and controlled bank accounts, leaving Miranda financially drained and dependent on the church.
As the story unfolds, Melanie distances herself from the church after a series of controlling demands, while Miranda remains entrenched, further alienating her family. The church’s manipulation becomes evident through practices such as signing non-disclosure agreements during services and enforcing strict separation of new members from long-term devotees. Former member Melanie Lee’s experiences corroborate these accounts, revealing systemic control and abuse within the church over decades.
The episode sheds light on the psychological and financial manipulation within Shekinah Church. Members are forced to surrender large portions of their income and subjected to public shaming for non-compliance. The church's control extends to personal relationships, with members reporting all thoughts and actions to a mentor, creating a pervasive atmosphere of surveillance and obedience. Financial records reveal that church leaders, particularly Shinn’s wife Hannah, exploit members for labor and monetary gain, maintaining strict control over their finances.
A turning point occurs when Melanie Lee recalls the sexual abuse scandal involving Robert Shinn, which initially led to a loss of church workers but eventually saw Shinn manipulating and retaining control over remaining members like Melanie and her sister Priscylla. This abuse and manipulation culminate in Priscylla's eventual escape, although she continues to struggle with the psychological aftermath. The episode underscores the enduring impact of Shinn's control, with former members grappling with the trauma and attempting to reclaim their lives.
The episode concludes with a glimpse into the ongoing legal battle against Robert Shinn, initiated by Melanie and Priscylla. Their decision to sue is driven by a desire for justice and to expose the church’s exploitation. The involvement of the dancers in the lawsuit highlights the shared experiences of manipulation and control, emphasizing the collective struggle against Shinn's oppressive regime. Despite the legal actions, key members like Miranda, James, and Nick remain loyal to 7M, illustrating the deep-rooted influence of the church on its followers.