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 can be 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 personal development, centered around the notion that humans are spiritual beings, called "thetans," who've 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 a series of courses, auditing sessions, as well as an exploration with the church’s core teachings. This article provides a detailed summary of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and what it entails to become a member.
What Is Scientology?
At the guts of Scientology could be the belief that many individual is an immortal spiritual being who may have lived through multiple lifetimes and it is capable of reaching a greater state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This process of spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, which are key pieces of Scientology practice.
Some in the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists believe humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who will be distinct off their physical bodies and minds. The goal is always 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 of their present lives. Scientology seeks to help identify and eliminate these engrams via a process called auditing.
Auditing: A central practice in Scientology, auditing is really a form of counseling aimed at helping individuals confront and clear past trauma and negative experiences to achieve a better state of spiritual awareness. It is often finished with the use of an E-meter, a tool believed to measure changes in emotional states.
Why Do People Join Scientology?
People are fascinated by Scientology to get a variety of reasons, such as the promise of personal 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 being hooked on 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 from the first steps for newcomers is often participating in an introductory course or seminar with a 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 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 a review of auditing.
These courses are designed to offer you 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 is now familiar with its extensive library of teachings. L. Ron Hubbard wrote numerous books and lectures that form 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 understand the philosophy of Scientology as well as the church’s method of spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing is often a core practice in Scientology, and new members are encouraged to experience it firsthand. In auditing, somebody works with an auditor (an experienced Scientologist) to distinguish and clear engrams, or negative mental images, which may be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is considered a key part of the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which somebody is free with the negative influence of the reactive mind.
Auditing is commonly conducted while using the E-meter, which measures electrical resistance inside skin and it is 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 the basic principles, you might choose to deepen your involvement in Scientology by enrolling in training courses. These courses are designed to teach you how to audit others, increase 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 strategies to enhance communication and understanding in personal and professional relationships.
5. Advance through Scientology Levels
As you continue your vacation in Scientology, it is possible to progress through different numbers 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 arrive at each level.
Advancing through these levels is recognized as 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 could be 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, particularly, can be expensive, and also the cost of completing every one of 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 expense. 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 from the Church of Scientology means becoming part 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 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 management of members who leave the corporation, along with the high cost of membership. Former members and investigative journalists also have accused the church of maintaining strict treatments for 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 non-public empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology comes with a structured path that also includes auditing, courses, and study. However, it’s vital that you be aware from the financial and time commitments necessary to fully engage with all the church’s practices.