Joining the Church of Scientology: Understanding the Beliefs, Practices, and Membership Process
Wiki Article
The Church of Scientology can be a unique and controversial religious organization founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s. Scientology promotes a blend of self-help, spiritual beliefs, and development, centered around the thought that humans are spiritual beings, called "thetans," who may have the potential to arrive at higher states of awareness and freedom.
For those enthusiastic about Why do people join the church of Scientology?, the trail is marked by the series of courses, auditing sessions, with an exploration with the church’s core teachings. This article supplies a detailed summary of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and what it really entails to become a member.
What Is Scientology?
At the guts of Scientology could be the belief that all individual is an immortal spiritual being that has lived through multiple lifetimes and it is capable of reaching a higher state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This means of spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, which can be key the different parts of Scientology practice.
Some from the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists believe that humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who will be distinct from other physical bodies and minds. The goal is always 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 still affect individuals within their present lives. Scientology seeks to help individuals identify and eliminate these engrams by having a process called auditing.
Auditing: A central practice in Scientology, auditing can be a form of counseling targeted at helping individuals confront and clear past trauma and negative experiences to achieve a higher state of spiritual awareness. It is often carried out with the use of an E-meter, a computer device believed to measure alterations in emotional states.
Why Do People Join Scientology?
People are drawn to Scientology to get a variety of reasons, such as the promise of personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, along with the opportunity to explore profound queries about life, existence, and also the mind. Some are attracted with the church's statements to provide methods to real-world problems, from addiction to relationship difficulties and mental health challenges.
Many members realize that the church’s teachings on personal responsibility, ethics, and self-improvement resonate together. The Church of Scientology promotes itself as a path to spiritual freedom, empowerment, and understanding, often attracting those seeking answers along with a sense of treating their lives.
Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology
If you're considering joining the Church of Scientology, the process typically involves a number of key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement within the church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One of the first steps for newcomers is frequently participating in an introductory course or seminar at a local Church of Scientology or Mission. Some common introductory courses include:
Personal Efficiency Course: This course was designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of Scientology and how it can help increase your efficiency and effectiveness in daily life.
Dianetics Seminar: Based on Hubbard’s book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, this seminar introduces the concept in the reactive mind and just how past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes presenting auditing.
These is designed to supply you with a glimpse to the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the potential benefits of applying Scientology principles in your life.
2. Study Scientology Literature
Another key step in joining the Church of Scientology is now familiar with its extensive library of teachings. L. Ron Hubbard wrote numerous books and lectures that form 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 understand the philosophy of Scientology as well as the church’s approach to spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing can be a core practice in Scientology, and new members are encouraged to go through it firsthand. In auditing, a person works with an auditor (a skilled Scientologist) to identify and clear engrams, or negative mental images, which may be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is regarded as a key part from the journey to becoming "Clear," circumstances in which an individual is free with the negative influence of the reactive mind.
Auditing is usually conducted while using the E-meter, which measures electrical resistance within the skin which 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 basic principles, you could possibly choose to deepen your involvement in Scientology by signing up for training courses. These classes are designed to teach you how to audit others, enhance your understanding of Hubbard's teachings, and apply Scientology practices in everyday life.
Training can take place at local churches or advanced Scientology centers around the globe. Some courses include:
Scientology Communication Course: Focuses on improving interpersonal communication skills.
Success through Communication Course: Teaches ways to enhance communication and understanding in personal and professional relationships.
5. Advance through Scientology Levels
As you continue your journey in Scientology, it is possible to progress through different levels of spiritual development, referred to as "Operating Thetan" (OT) levels. These levels represent different stages of spiritual growth and awareness. Members must complete specific courses and auditing sessions to succeed in each level.
Advancing through these levels is considered a lifelong procedure for discovery, with all the ultimate goal of achieving full spiritual freedom and self-realization.
Membership and Costs
Joining the Church of Scientology is usually a significant financial investment. Introductory courses and auditing sessions usually have fees, so when members progress to improve levels, costs can increase substantially. Auditing sessions, in particular, are recognized to be expensive, as well as the cost of completing each of the OT levels can reach thousands of dollars.
Despite the financial commitment, many members believe the spiritual benefits and private growth they experience justify the price. However, the Church of Scientology has faced criticism for its 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 has been the subject of controversy and criticism through the years. Critics have raised concerns in regards to the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its treatments for members who leave this company, and the high price of membership. Former members and investigative journalists have accused the church of maintaining strict treatments for its followers and engaging in questionable practices.
Despite these criticisms, the Church of Scientology is constantly attract new members and defend its practices as essential to spiritual freedom and growth.
Joining the Church of Scientology involves a commitment to its teachings, practices, and community. For those attracted to its promises of private empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology supplies a structured path that also includes auditing, courses, and look. However, it’s important to be aware of the financial and time commitments necessary to fully engage using the church’s practices.