Joining the Church of Scientology: Understanding the Beliefs, Practices, and Membership Process
Wiki Article
The Church of Scientology is really 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 private development, centered around the concept that humans are spiritual beings, called "thetans," who may have the potential to achieve higher states of awareness and freedom.
For those thinking about Why do people join the church of Scientology?, the trail is marked by way of a series of courses, auditing sessions, and an exploration in the church’s core teachings. This article supplies a detailed overview of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and exactly what it entails to become a member.
What Is Scientology?
At the center of Scientology could be the belief that every individual is an immortal spiritual being who's lived through multiple lifetimes and it is capable of reaching an increased state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This means 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 feel that humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who are distinct from other physical bodies and minds. The goal is 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 continue to affect individuals inside their present lives. Scientology seeks to help individuals identify and eliminate these engrams via a process called auditing.
Auditing: A central practice in Scientology, auditing is often a form of counseling aimed at helping individuals confront and clear past trauma and negative experiences to achieve a higher state of spiritual awareness. It is often done with the use of an E-meter, a tool believed to measure alterations in emotional states.
Why Do People Join Scientology?
People are interested in Scientology for the variety of reasons, such as the promise of private growth, spiritual enlightenment, along with the opportunity to explore profound questions regarding life, existence, along with the mind. Some are attracted by the church's statements to provide solutions to real-world problems, from dependence on relationship difficulties and mental health challenges.
Many members realize that the church’s teachings on personal responsibility, ethics, and self-improvement resonate with them. The Church of Scientology promotes itself being a path to spiritual freedom, empowerment, and understanding, often popular with those seeking answers and a sense of treatments for their lives.
Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology
If you're interested in joining the Church of Scientology, the procedure typically involves a couple of key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement in the church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One from 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 is made to introduce you to basic principles of Scientology and how it can help increase your efficiency and effectiveness in way of life.
Dianetics Seminar: Based on Hubbard’s book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, this seminar introduces the concept from the reactive mind and just how past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes a review of auditing.
These classes are designed to supply you with a glimpse to 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 starting to become familiar with its extensive library of teachings. L. Ron Hubbard wrote numerous books and lectures that from 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 see the philosophy of Scientology and the church’s method of spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing is really a core practice in Scientology, and sign ups are encouraged to feel it firsthand. In auditing, somebody works with an auditor (a trained Scientologist) to identify and clear engrams, or negative mental images, which may be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is known as a key part in the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which a person is free with the negative influence of the reactive mind.
Auditing is usually conducted with all the E-meter, which measures electrical resistance inside 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 basic principles, you could choose to deepen your involvement in Scientology by finding training courses. These courses are designed to educate you on how to audit others, improve your understanding of Hubbard's teachings, and apply Scientology practices in your 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 techniques to enhance communication and understanding in personal and professional relationships.
5. Advance through Scientology Levels
As you continue your journey in Scientology, you can progress through different levels of spiritual development, known as "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 considered a lifelong process of discovery, using 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, so when members progress to raised levels, costs can increase substantially. Auditing sessions, specifically, can be expensive, along with the cost of completing each of the OT levels can reach tens 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 because of its high fees and financial demands on members.
Community and Involvement
Beyond the spiritual aspects, being a member with the Church of Scientology means becoming section 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 inside the community.
Controversy and Criticism
While many members report positive experiences, the Church of Scientology continues to be the subject of controversy and criticism through the years. Critics have raised concerns concerning the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its treatment of members who leave the organization, and the high tariff of membership. Former members and investigative journalists in addition have accused the church of maintaining strict treatments for its followers and engaging in questionable practices.
Despite these criticisms, the Church of Scientology will continue to attract sign ups and defend its practices as necessary to spiritual freedom and growth.
Joining the Church of Scientology involves a commitment to its teachings, practices, and community. For those drawn to its promises of non-public empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology comes with a structured path that also includes auditing, courses, and look at. However, it’s vital that you be aware of the financial and time commitments required to fully engage while using church’s practices.