What Really Happens Inside a Scientology Church

Scientology has often been described as a 'slow train of mind control.' While initially viewed as a cult, the reality of a Scientology church reveals a complex array of religious and educational services aimed at personal development and spiritual understanding.

Introduction to Scientology

Scientology Church goings-on are diverse and center around various forms of spiritual and educational development. Each church is a vibrant community hub where individuals pursue understanding and growth through a range of services provided by the Church of Scientology.

Inside the Scientology Church

Public Information Center

The Public Information Center is the first stop for many visitors. Here, multimedia presentations offer answers to fundamental questions about Dianetics, the Church’s social betterment programs, and other community activities. This area welcomes all visitors to explore and learn at their own pace.

Free Testing and Introductory Courses

Every Scientology Church offers free testing, providing individuals with insights into their personal strengths and areas for improvement. Alongside this, the Church provides introductory courses aimed at helping people better their lives and improve their overall conditions.

Auditing and Pastoral Counseling

Auditing, derived from the Latin audire, meaning to ‘hear or listen,’ is a core service in the Church. This range of Scientology procedures is designed to help individuals become aware of their spiritual nature and improve their life abilities. Auditing can be conducted in group settings, like at a Scientology Sunday service, or on a one-to-one basis. Additionally, individuals can engage in certain auditing sessions on their own.

Training and Religious Services

Scientology training is based on the writings and lectures of L. Ron Hubbard, which form the scripture of the religion. Through these teachings, Scientologists learn to apply the principles to help others. Half of the spiritual advancement in Scientology comes from studying and applying L. Ron Hubbard’s works. This includes books, lectures, films, and other written materials studied in specially designated study rooms.

The study follows a checksheet, a sequential guide that ensures students not only understand the theory but can apply the material in practical settings. Training is not only a regular activity for Scientologists but is a vital part of their spiritual progression.

Technical training films, in addition to L. Ron Hubbard’s writings and lectures, also form an essential part of the Scientology scripture and are studied for spiritual progress. These films cover various aspects of the Scientology religion, from basics to advanced topics.

Religious Services and Ceremonies

At the heart of any Scientology church is the Chapel, used for religious services and ceremonies. Every Sunday, the Chaplain conducts open services that newcomers can attend to gain an introduction to the religion and take their first step towards improved spiritual awareness. Scientologists use these services to reaffirm religious principles in communal worship.

Other ceremonies include weddings, naming, and funeral services, each with a distinct focus on individual spiritual awareness. Additionally, Friday night graduations are a tradition where community members acknowledge the completion of auditing or training steps from the previous week.

The Chapel also serves as a communal gathering place for various activities, such as listening to recorded lectures, congregational meetings, open houses for parishioners and community members, and interfaith services.

Community and Social Betterment Programs

Every Scientology Church functions as the central point for coordinating wide-ranging community and social betterment activities. These activities include anti-drug campaigns, human rights education initiatives, and social betterment programs using L. Ron Hubbard’s technologies for drug rehabilitation, literacy, criminal reform, and morality. Through the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, parishioners provide relief in times of disaster, and churches serve as gathering places for parishioners and like-minded community groups.

Scientology’s community engagement is a testament to its commitment to improvement and betterment both spiritually and materially.

In conclusion, the inner workings of a Scientology Church reveal a rich network of services and programs designed to promote spiritual growth, personal development, and social betterment. While some view Scientology as mind control, its members adhere to a defined set of beliefs and practices aimed at enhancing their lives and communities.