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 often a unique and controversial religious organization founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard within the 1950s. Scientology promotes a blend of self-help, spiritual beliefs, and private development, centered around the notion that humans are spiritual beings, called "thetans," that have the potential to succeed in higher states of awareness and freedom.
For those considering Why do people join the church of Scientology?, the path is marked by a series of courses, auditing sessions, and an exploration in the church’s core teachings. This article gives a detailed introduction to the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and exactly what it entails to turn into a member.
What Is Scientology?
At one's heart of Scientology may be the belief that each individual is an immortal spiritual being who has lived through multiple lifetimes which is capable of reaching a better 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 from the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists believe that 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 of their present lives. Scientology seeks to help those identify and eliminate these engrams via a process called auditing.
Auditing: A central practice in Scientology, auditing is a form of counseling geared towards helping individuals confront and clear past trauma and negative experiences to achieve an increased state of spiritual awareness. It is often completed 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 also the opportunity to explore profound questions about life, existence, as well as the mind. Some are attracted through the church's claims to provide ways of 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 attractive to those seeking answers and 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 in the church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One in the first steps for newcomers is usually 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 created to introduce you to the fundamentals of Scientology and exactly how it can help enhance 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 with the reactive mind and how past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes a review of auditing.
These courses are designed to supply you with a glimpse in to the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the possible benefits of applying Scientology principles for 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 and also the church’s procedure for spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing is really a core practice in Scientology, and newbies are encouraged to go through it firsthand. In auditing, somebody works with an auditor (an experienced Scientologist) to distinguish and clear engrams, or negative mental images, that may be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is known as a key part of the journey to becoming "Clear," a situation in which an individual is free from the negative influence in the reactive mind.
Auditing is usually 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 enrolling in training courses. These is designed to show 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 around 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 vacation in Scientology, you can progress through different degrees of spiritual development, generally 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 known 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 can be quite a significant financial investment. Introductory courses and auditing sessions will have fees, and as members progress to higher levels, costs can increase substantially. Auditing sessions, specifically, can be expensive, and the cost of completing all of 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 costs. 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 portion of a tight-knit community. Scientologists often describe a strong sense 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 may be the subject of controversy and criticism in the past. Critics have raised concerns regarding the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its treatment of members who leave the business, as well as the high tariff of membership. Former members and investigative journalists in addition have 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 focus. However, it’s crucial that you be aware with the financial and time commitments needed to fully engage while using church’s practices.