Joining the Church of Scientology: Understanding the Beliefs, Practices, and Membership Process
Wiki Article
The Church of Scientology is a unique and controversial religious organization founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard inside the 1950s. Scientology promotes a blend of self-help, spiritual beliefs, and development, centered around the thought that humans are spiritual beings, called "thetans," that have the potential to achieve higher states of awareness and freedom.
For those interested in Why do people join the church of Scientology?, the road is marked with a series of courses, auditing sessions, with an exploration with the church’s core teachings. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and what it really entails becoming a member.
What Is Scientology?
At one's heart of Scientology is the belief that all individual is an immortal spiritual being who has lived through multiple lifetimes and is also capable of reaching a higher state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This technique of spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, which are key pieces of Scientology practice.
Some of the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists believe humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who're distinct from other physical bodies and minds. The goal is usually to help the thetan gain treatments for the body and mind and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Engrams: These are considered mental images of past painful experiences that carry on and affect individuals in their present lives. Scientology seeks to help those identify and eliminate these engrams by having a process called auditing.
Auditing: A central practice in Scientology, auditing is really a form of counseling directed at helping individuals confront and clear past trauma and negative experiences to achieve a higher state of spiritual awareness. It is often completed with the use of an E-meter, a computer believed to measure changes in emotional states.
Why Do People Join Scientology?
People are attracted to Scientology to get a variety of reasons, such as promise of personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, as well as the opportunity to explore profound questions on life, existence, and the mind. Some are attracted through the church's statements to provide answers to real-world problems, from addiction to relationship difficulties and mental health challenges.
Many members find that the church’s teachings on personal responsibility, ethics, and self-improvement resonate together. The Church of Scientology promotes itself being a path to spiritual freedom, empowerment, and understanding, often attracting those seeking answers along with a sense of treatments for their lives.
Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology
If you're considering joining the Church of Scientology, the method typically involves a few key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement inside the church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One with the first steps for newcomers is frequently participating in an introductory course or seminar at the local Church of Scientology or Mission. Some common introductory courses include:
Personal Efficiency Course: This course was designed to introduce you to the basics of Scientology and just how it can help enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in everyday life.
Dianetics Seminar: Based on Hubbard’s book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, this seminar introduces the concept of the reactive mind and how past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes an introduction to auditing.
These courses are designed to give you a glimpse in the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the possible benefits of applying Scientology principles for a life.
2. Study Scientology Literature
Another key help joining the Church of Scientology is now familiar with its extensive library of teachings. L. Ron Hubbard wrote numerous books and lectures that make up the foundation of Scientology doctrine. Some with the essential texts include:
Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
The Fundamentals of Thought
Scientology: The Basics of Thought
Studying these texts helps prospective members better comprehend the philosophy of Scientology and also the church’s approach to spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing is often a core practice in Scientology, and newbies are encouraged to go through it firsthand. In auditing, an individual works with an auditor (an experienced Scientologist) to identify and clear engrams, or negative mental images, which might be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is known as a key part from the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which somebody is free with the negative influence from the reactive mind.
Auditing is typically conducted while using the E-meter, which measures electrical resistance inside skin and it is believed to reflect shifts in emotional and spiritual states. As you progress through auditing sessions, you move toward higher spiritual awareness and personal freedom.
4. Enroll in Training Courses
Once you’ve experienced auditing and studied the basics, you could choose to deepen your involvement in Scientology by enrolling in training courses. These classes are designed to coach you on how to audit others, improve your understanding of Hubbard's teachings, and apply Scientology practices in everyday life.
Training can take place at local churches or advanced Scientology centers worldwide. Some courses include:
Scientology Communication Course: Focuses on improving interpersonal communication skills.
Success through Communication Course: Teaches strategies to enhance communication and understanding in personal and professional relationships.
5. Advance through Scientology Levels
As you continue your vacation in Scientology, it is possible to progress through different levels of spiritual development, called "Operating Thetan" (OT) levels. These levels represent different stages of spiritual growth and awareness. Members must complete specific courses and auditing sessions to reach each level.
Advancing through these levels is known as a lifelong process of discovery, with all the ultimate goal of achieving full spiritual freedom and self-realization.
Membership and Costs
Joining the Church of Scientology can be a significant financial investment. Introductory courses and auditing sessions frequently have fees, and as members progress to raised levels, costs can increase substantially. Auditing sessions, especially, are recognized to be expensive, along with the cost of completing all the OT levels can reach hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
Despite the financial commitment, many members believe the spiritual benefits and growth they experience justify the expense. However, the Church of Scientology has faced criticism for the high fees and financial demands on members.
Community and Involvement
Beyond the spiritual aspects, being a member of the Church of Scientology means becoming a part of a tight-knit community. Scientologists often describe a strong a feeling of camaraderie and mutual support among members. The church also engages in various social and humanitarian efforts, including anti-drug campaigns, human rights advocacy, and literacy programs.
Local churches and missions hold regular services, events, and workshops that bring members together to celebrate their spiritual journey and strengthen their bonds from the community.
Controversy and Criticism
While many members report positive experiences, the Church of Scientology continues to be the subject of controversy and criticism over time. Critics have raised concerns regarding the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its treatment of members who leave the business, as well as the high expense of membership. Former members and investigative journalists in addition have accused the church of maintaining strict control over its followers and engaging in questionable practices.
Despite these criticisms, the Church of Scientology is constantly on the attract sign ups and defend its practices as important to spiritual freedom and growth.
Joining the Church of Scientology involves a consignment to its teachings, practices, and community. For those fascinated by its promises of private empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology provides a structured path which includes auditing, courses, and study. However, it’s crucial that you be aware in the financial and time commitments necessary to fully engage with all the church’s practices.