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 in the 1950s. Scientology promotes a blend of self-help, spiritual beliefs, and development, centered around the notion that humans are spiritual beings, called "thetans," who may have the potential to achieve higher states of awareness and freedom.
For those interested in Why do people join the church of Scientology?, the trail is marked by the series of courses, auditing sessions, with an exploration from the church’s core teachings. This article supplies a detailed introduction to the Church of Scientology's beliefs, practices, and what it entails to become a member.
What Is Scientology?
At the center of Scientology is the belief that each individual is an immortal spiritual being who has lived through multiple lifetimes and is capable of reaching a higher state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This process of spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, which are key components of Scientology practice.
Some from the central tenets of Scientology include:
Thetan: Scientologists think that humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who're 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 inside their present lives. Scientology seeks to help those identify and eliminate these engrams by way of a process called auditing.
Auditing: A central practice in Scientology, auditing can be a form of counseling geared towards 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 device believed to measure adjustments to emotional states.
Why Do People Join Scientology?
People are interested in Scientology to get a variety of reasons, such as the promise of personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, along with the opportunity to explore profound questions on life, existence, as well as the mind. Some are attracted with the church's statements to provide methods to 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 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 process typically involves a few key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement within the 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 at the 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 the way 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 in the reactive mind and the way past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes introducing auditing.
These courses are designed to supply you with a glimpse into the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the potential benefits of applying Scientology principles in your life.
2. Study Scientology Literature
Another key help joining the Church of Scientology is becoming 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 see the philosophy of Scientology along with the church’s method of spiritual growth.
3. Participate in Auditing Sessions
Auditing can be a core practice in Scientology, and new members are encouraged to go through it firsthand. In auditing, a person works with an auditor (an experienced Scientologist) to spot and clear engrams, or negative mental images, which might be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is recognized as a key part with the journey to becoming "Clear," a state in which a person is free in the negative influence in the reactive mind.
Auditing is usually conducted while using E-meter, which measures electrical resistance inside the skin which 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 signing up for training courses. These is designed to show you how to audit others, increase your understanding of Hubbard's teachings, and apply Scientology practices in your everyday living.
Training can take place at local churches or advanced Scientology centers around the globe. 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'll be able 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 reach each level.
Advancing through these levels is considered a lifelong procedure for discovery, using the ultimate goal of achieving full spiritual freedom and self-realization.
Membership and Costs
Joining the Church of Scientology can be 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, particularly, are acknowledged to be expensive, along with 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 personal growth they experience justify the expense. 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 from the Church of Scientology means becoming a part of a tight-knit community. Scientologists often describe a strong 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 continues to be the subject of controversy and criticism through the years. Critics have raised concerns concerning the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its management of members who leave the business, and also the high price 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 on the attract sign ups and defend its practices as necessary 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 personal empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology comes with a structured path that also includes auditing, courses, and look at. However, it’s crucial that you be aware with the financial and time commitments necessary to fully engage using the church’s practices.