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 personal 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, plus an exploration from the church’s core teachings. This article supplies a detailed overview of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and what it entails to become member.
What Is Scientology?
At one's heart of Scientology may be the belief that every individual is an immortal spiritual being who has lived through multiple lifetimes which is capable of reaching an increased state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This technique of spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, that are key aspects 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 is to help the thetan gain treating the body and mind and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Engrams: These are considered mental images of past painful experiences that always affect individuals inside 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 is often 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 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 for the variety of reasons, like the promise of personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and the opportunity to explore profound queries about life, existence, and also the mind. Some are attracted by the church's says he will provide methods to real-world problems, from addiction to relationship difficulties and mental health challenges.
Many members see that the church’s teachings on personal responsibility, ethics, and self-improvement resonate using them. The Church of Scientology promotes itself as a path to spiritual freedom, empowerment, and understanding, often popular with those seeking answers along with a sense of control over their lives.
Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology
If you're enthusiastic about joining the Church of Scientology, the procedure typically involves a few key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement inside church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One with the first steps for newcomers is often 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 the basics of Scientology and the way it can help improve 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 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 possibility benefits of applying Scientology principles to your life.
2. Study Scientology Literature
Another key help joining the Church of Scientology has become familiar with its extensive library of teachings. L. Ron Hubbard wrote numerous books and lectures that from the foundation of Scientology doctrine. Some from 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 as well as the church’s way of spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing is 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 recognized as a key part in the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which someone is free from the negative influence with the reactive mind.
Auditing is typically conducted with all the E-meter, which measures electrical resistance in the skin and is also believed to reflect shifts in emotional and spiritual states. As you progress through auditing sessions, you move toward higher spiritual awareness and 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, improve your understanding of Hubbard's teachings, and apply Scientology practices in daily life.
Training can take place at local churches or advanced Scientology centers all over the world. Some courses include:
Scientology Communication Course: Focuses on improving interpersonal communication skills.
Success through Communication Course: Teaches processes to enhance communication and understanding in personal and professional relationships.
5. Advance through Scientology Levels
As you continue your journey in Scientology, you are able to progress through different numbers 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 regarded 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 is usually a significant financial investment. Introductory courses and auditing sessions often have fees, so that as 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 tens of thousands of dollars.
Despite the financial commitment, many members believe the spiritual benefits and private growth they experience justify the expenses. However, the Church of Scientology has faced criticism due to 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 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 the organization, and 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 attract new members 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 interested in its promises of private empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology comes with a structured path that also includes auditing, courses, and study. However, it’s important to be aware from the financial and time commitments necessary to fully engage with all the church’s practices.