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The Church of Scientology is often 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 have the potential to arrive at higher states of awareness and freedom.

For those considering Why do people join the church of Scientology?, the trail is marked by way of a series of courses, auditing sessions, plus an exploration from the church’s core teachings. This article offers a detailed summary of the Church of Scientology’s beliefs, practices, and what it really entails to become member.

What Is Scientology?

At one’s heart of Scientology may be the belief that every individual is an immortal spiritual being who has lived through multiple lifetimes which is capable of reaching an increased state of spiritual awareness and freedom. This technique of spiritual growth and self-discovery is achieved through auditing and training, that happen to be key components of Scientology practice.

Some with the central tenets of Scientology include:

Thetan: Scientologists believe that humans are spiritual beings (thetans) who’re distinct from their physical bodies and minds. The goal is 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 inside their present lives. Scientology seeks to help individuals identify and eliminate these engrams by way of 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 done with the use of an E-meter, a computer believed to measure adjustments to emotional states.

Why Do People Join Scientology?

People are fascinated by 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, and the mind. Some are attracted with the church’s statements to provide answers to real-world problems, from obsession with relationship difficulties and mental health challenges.

Many members see that the church’s teachings on personal responsibility, ethics, and self-improvement resonate together. The Church of Scientology promotes itself like a path to spiritual freedom, empowerment, and understanding, often appealing to those seeking answers and a sense of treating their lives.

Steps to Joining the Church of Scientology

If you’re interested in joining the Church of Scientology, the task typically involves a number of key steps, from introductory courses to deeper involvement in the church’s practices.

1. Attend an Introductory Course or Seminar

One from the first steps for newcomers is frequently 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 is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of Scientology and how it can help increase 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 with the reactive mind and how past traumas influence present behavior. It also includes introducing auditing.

These classes are designed to give you a glimpse in to the Church’s teachings and demonstrate the potential benefits of applying Scientology principles for a life.

2. Study Scientology Literature

Another key step in 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 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 understand the philosophy of Scientology and the church’s approach to spiritual growth.

3. Participate in Auditing Sessions

Auditing is a core practice in Scientology, and new members 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, that could be hindering spiritual progress. Auditing is known as a key part of the journey to becoming “Clear,” circumstances in which an individual is free in the negative influence with 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 personal freedom.

4. Enroll in Training Courses

Once you’ve experienced auditing and studied the basic principles, you could choose to deepen your involvement in Scientology by finding training courses. These classes are designed to educate you on 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 globe. 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 journey in Scientology, you can progress through different amounts 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 succeed in each level.

Advancing through these levels is regarded as a lifelong process of discovery, with the ultimate goal of achieving full spiritual freedom and self-realization.

Membership and Costs

Joining the Church of Scientology is usually a significant financial investment. Introductory courses and auditing sessions will have fees, and as members progress to raised levels, costs can increase substantially. Auditing sessions, especially, can be expensive, and also the cost of completing every one of the OT levels can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Despite the financial commitment, many members believe the spiritual benefits and personal 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 with the Church of Scientology means becoming portion 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 inside 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 regarding the church’s aggressive legal tactics, its management of members who leave the corporation, and also the high price 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 will continue to attract new members and defend its practices as essential to spiritual freedom and growth.

Joining the Church of Scientology involves a consignment to its teachings, practices, and community. For those interested in its promises of personal empowerment, spiritual growth, and self-realization, Scientology comes with a structured path that features auditing, courses, and look at. However, it’s vital that you be aware with the financial and time commitments necessary to fully engage using the church’s practices.