Joining the Church of Scientology: Understanding the Beliefs, Practices, and Membership Process
Joining the Church of Scientology: Understanding the Beliefs, Practices, and Membership Process
Blog Article
The Church of Scientology is really a unique and controversial religious organization founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard inside 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 path is marked by the series of courses, auditing sessions, with an exploration with the church’s core teachings. This article offers a detailed summary of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and what it really entails to become member.
What Is Scientology?
At the heart of Scientology is the belief that many individual is an immortal spiritual being who's lived through multiple lifetimes and is also capable of reaching a greater state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This procedure for spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, which are key components of Scientology practice.
Some of the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists believe humans are spiritual beings (thetans) that are distinct using their physical bodies and minds. The goal would be to help the thetan gain control over the body and mind and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Engrams: These are considered mental images of past painful experiences that carry on and affect individuals inside their present lives. Scientology seeks to help those identify and eliminate these engrams through a process called auditing.
Auditing: A central practice in Scientology, auditing is often a form of counseling directed at helping individuals confront and clear past trauma and negative experiences to achieve a greater state of spiritual awareness. It is often done with the use of an E-meter, a computer believed to measure modifications in emotional states.
Why Do People Join Scientology?
People are attracted to Scientology for a variety of reasons, such as promise of private growth, spiritual enlightenment, and the opportunity to explore profound questions regarding life, existence, and the mind. Some are attracted by the church's says he will provide answers to real-world problems, from dependence on relationship difficulties and mental health challenges.
Many members find that the church’s teachings on personal responsibility, ethics, and self-improvement resonate using them. The Church of Scientology promotes itself like a path to spiritual freedom, empowerment, and understanding, often appealing to those seeking answers as well as a sense of treating their lives.
Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology
If you're thinking about joining the Church of Scientology, the task typically involves a couple of key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement within the church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One in 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 give you 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 part of joining the Church of Scientology is starting to become familiar with its extensive library of teachings. L. Ron Hubbard wrote numerous books and lectures that form the foundation of Scientology doctrine. Some in 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 along with the church’s method of spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing is often a core practice in Scientology, and sign ups are encouraged to feel it firsthand. In auditing, an individual works with an auditor (a professional Scientologist) to recognize and clear engrams, or negative mental images, that could be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is considered a key part with the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which someone is free of the negative influence from the reactive mind.
Auditing is commonly conducted while using E-meter, which measures electrical resistance inside the skin and is believed to reflect shifts in emotional and spiritual states. As you progress through auditing sessions, you move toward higher spiritual awareness and private freedom.
4. Enroll in Training Courses
Once you’ve experienced auditing and studied the basics, you might choose to deepen your involvement in Scientology by finding training courses. These courses are designed to coach you on how to audit others, raise your understanding of Hubbard's teachings, and apply Scientology practices in your everyday living.
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 trip in Scientology, you'll be able to progress through different amounts 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 recognized as a lifelong means of discovery, with the ultimate goal of achieving full spiritual freedom and self-realization.
Membership and Costs
Joining the Church of Scientology could 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, specifically, are known to be expensive, and also the cost of completing every one of the OT levels can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Despite the financial commitment, many members believe the spiritual benefits and personal 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 in the Church of Scientology means becoming part of a tight-knit community. Scientologists often describe a strong 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 inside community.
Controversy and Criticism
While many members report positive experiences, the Church of Scientology has become the subject of controversy and criticism over the years. Critics have raised concerns concerning the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its treating members who leave this company, along with the high price of membership. Former members and investigative journalists have accused the church of maintaining strict treating its followers and engaging in questionable practices.
Despite these criticisms, the Church of Scientology is constantly on the attract newbies and defend its practices as essential to spiritual freedom and growth.
Joining the Church of Scientology involves dedication to its teachings, practices, and community. For those fascinated by its promises of private empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology supplies a structured path that features auditing, courses, and look. However, it’s imperative that you be aware of the financial and time commitments required to fully engage using the church’s practices.