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 a series of courses, auditing sessions, with an exploration in the church’s core teachings. This article offers a detailed breakdown of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and exactly what it entails to become member.
What Is Scientology?
At one's heart of Scientology is the belief that each individual is an immortal spiritual being who's lived through multiple lifetimes which is capable of reaching an increased state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This procedure for spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, that are key components of Scientology practice.
Some of the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists believe humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who will be distinct from other 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 on life, existence, as well as the mind. Some are attracted through the church's claims to 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 with these. The Church of Scientology promotes itself like a path to spiritual freedom, empowerment, and understanding, often appealing to those seeking answers and a sense of treating their lives.
Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology
If you're considering joining the Church of Scientology, the procedure typically involves a number of key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement inside the church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One of the first steps for newcomers can often be participating in an introductory course or seminar in a local Church of Scientology or Mission. Some common introductory courses include:
Personal Efficiency Course: This course was designed to introduce you to the basic principles of Scientology and how it can help boost 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 in the reactive mind and just how past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes an introduction to auditing.
These is designed to give you a glimpse to the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the possibility benefits of applying Scientology principles for a 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 make up 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, which might be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is considered a key part with the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which someone is free in the negative influence from the reactive mind.
Auditing is commonly conducted using the 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 searching for training courses. These courses are designed to educate 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 around the globe. Some courses include:
Scientology Communication Course: Focuses on improving interpersonal communication skills.
Success through Communication Course: Teaches techniques 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 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 arrive at each level.
Advancing through these levels is considered a lifelong procedure for discovery, while using 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 usually have fees, so when members progress to improve levels, costs can increase substantially. Auditing sessions, particularly, are acknowledged to be expensive, along with the cost of completing all 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 from the Church of Scientology means becoming section of a tight-knit community. Scientologists often describe a strong a sense 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 within 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 treatments for members who leave the organization, as well as the high tariff of membership. Former members and investigative journalists have also 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 personal empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology offers a structured path which includes auditing, courses, and look at. However, it’s crucial that you be aware in the financial and time commitments forced to fully engage with the church’s practices.