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 reach higher states of awareness and freedom.
For those enthusiastic about Why do people join the church of Scientology?, the trail is marked by way of a series of courses, auditing sessions, as well as an exploration of the church’s core teachings. This article gives a detailed breakdown of the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and what it really entails to become a member.
What Is Scientology?
At the guts of Scientology may be the belief that each individual is an immortal spiritual being who's lived through multiple lifetimes and is also capable of reaching a greater state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This means of spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, which can be key aspects of Scientology practice.
Some of the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists feel that humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who are distinct off their physical bodies and minds. The goal is always 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 within 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 often a form of counseling targeted 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 device believed to measure modifications in emotional states.
Why Do People Join Scientology?
People are drawn to Scientology to get a variety of reasons, such as promise of personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, as well as the opportunity to explore profound questions about life, existence, as well as the mind. Some are attracted by the church's statements to provide ways of real-world problems, from dependence on relationship difficulties and mental health challenges.
Many members see 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 along with a sense of treating their lives.
Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology
If you're thinking about joining the Church of Scientology, the method typically involves a number of key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement within the church’s practices.
1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar
One with the first steps for newcomers can often be 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 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 of the reactive mind and just how past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes an introduction to auditing.
These classes are designed to provide you with a glimpse in the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the opportunity benefits of applying Scientology principles for a life.
2. Study Scientology Literature
Another key step in 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 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 comprehend the philosophy of Scientology as well as the church’s procedure for 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, an individual works with an auditor (an experienced Scientologist) to spot and clear engrams, or negative mental images, which might be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is considered a key part of the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which an individual is free of the negative influence from the reactive mind.
Auditing is usually conducted while using E-meter, which measures electrical resistance within the 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 private freedom.
4. Enroll in Training Courses
Once you’ve experienced auditing and studied the basics, you could possibly choose to deepen your involvement in Scientology by finding training courses. These classes are designed to show you how to audit others, enhance your understanding of Hubbard's teachings, and apply Scientology practices in daily 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 ways to enhance communication and understanding in personal and professional relationships.
5. Advance through Scientology Levels
As you continue your vacation in Scientology, you'll be able to progress through different degrees 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 reach each level.
Advancing through these levels is regarded as a lifelong procedure for 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 usually have fees, so that as members progress to higher levels, costs can increase substantially. Auditing sessions, in particular, can be expensive, along with the cost of completing every one of the OT levels can reach hundreds and hundreds 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 for its high fees and financial demands on members.
Community and Involvement
Beyond the spiritual aspects, being a member of the Church of Scientology means becoming portion 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 has been the subject of controversy and criticism in the past. Critics have raised concerns regarding the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its treating members who leave the business, and the high tariff 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 important to spiritual freedom and growth.
Joining the Church of Scientology involves a commitment to its teachings, practices, and community. For those attracted to its promises of private empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology comes with a structured path which includes auditing, courses, and look at. However, it’s imperative that you be aware from the financial and time commitments needed to fully engage with the church’s practices.