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 and is also 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) that are 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 ways of real-world problems, from obsession with 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 as well as 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 method typically involves several key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement in 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 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 of the reactive mind and the way past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes introducing auditing.
These classes are designed to provide you with a glimpse in the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the possibility benefits of applying Scientology principles to your life.
2. Study Scientology Literature
Another key step up joining the Church of Scientology is becoming familiar with its extensive library of teachings. L. Ron Hubbard wrote numerous books and lectures that make up the foundation of Scientology doctrine. Some of 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 view the philosophy of Scientology and the church’s way of spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing is really a core practice in Scientology, and newbies are encouraged to experience it firsthand. In auditing, someone works with an auditor (a trained Scientologist) to distinguish and clear engrams, or negative mental images, which may be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is regarded as a key part of the journey to becoming "Clear," a situation in which an individual is free with the negative influence in the reactive mind.
Auditing is usually conducted while using 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 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 is 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 degrees 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 achieve each level.
Advancing through these levels is known as 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 can be quite a significant financial investment. Introductory courses and auditing sessions will have fees, and as 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 hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
Despite the financial commitment, many members believe the spiritual benefits and 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 treatment of members who leave the organization, and also the high expense of membership. Former members and investigative journalists in addition have accused the church of maintaining strict treating its followers and engaging in questionable practices.
Despite these criticisms, the Church of Scientology continues to attract new members and defend its practices as necessary 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 non-public empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology comes with a structured path that includes auditing, courses, and study. However, it’s vital that you be aware from the financial and time commitments needed to fully engage with all the church’s practices.