I have never been a religious person or took religion seriously but I was raised Roman Catholic and had to attend church whilst at school. But recently I have been seriously thinking about religion over the last few months and what religion I would like to follow and this has took me on a journey.
When I was looking for a religion I would like to follow I took the logical path in which religion makes more sense and sounded more believable. I looked at most major religions and narrowed my list down to either Christianity or Scientology.
Then I asked my self which sounded more plausible? The Christian belief that a Jewish zombie who was his own father can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master.
Or Xenu, who was the ruler of the Galactic Confederacy which has 26 stars and 76 planets including Teegeeack (Earth) and came here to dump his excess population 75 million years ago before being deposed. And brought billions of our ancestors in a spaceship that resembled a DC-8 and lined then up around volcanoes and killed them using hydrogen bombs lowered into volcano’s.
After debating with myself for some time I decided that the Xenu story seems more plausible than what the Bible, Qur’an, Mormons, Creationists etc have come up with. Hell, when I was researching Jesus I found that the story of Apollonius of Tyana has more credit than the story of Jesus. But I also found out that Xenu is the devil of Scientology, not the god of Scientology. Scientology doesn’t really have a god.
I know Scientology is a cult started by a science fiction writer that admitted to starting the church to make money. I also know that any criticism to the church is unwelcome and followed by methodical legal bullying but I have my own choice to what I follow.
Hubbard said that the modern-day science fiction genre of space opera is merely an unconscious recollection of real events that took place millions of years ago. These events include the story of Xenu, the ruler of the Galactic Confederacy who brought billions of frozen people to Earth 75 million years ago, stacked them around volcanoes and blew them up with hydrogen bombs, creating swarms of disembodied alien souls known as Body Thetans. Xenu is only one element of Scientologist beliefs in alien civilizations. Such doctrines have existed in Scientology virtually since its beginning.
In all perspectives though I realize that different religions are as ridiculous as others. All religions are based on supernatural events which explain an infinite power beyond our control, for the human conscience, we need such guidance to do good and to be stable in our own mind. As we are the only beings that know our own morality, we are then the only beings which need security on the matter, which is why religion exists in the first place.
But let’s carry on…
So after I chose Scientology as the religion I want to adopt I visited my nearest Church of Scientology, which was harder than I thought because I live in the UK and the nearest church was 38 miles away in Manchester. Regardless, I made the trip last Monday, the 12th. When I got there and announced my interest I was quickly ushered in and bombarded with leaflets and information and I was quite pleasantly surprised to hear what they could offer me.
I learned what I could and found out that Scientology is about neutralizing the reactive mind, effectively make your mind clear and that this is done through ‘dianetics’. After a lot of discussion and persuasion on their part I had a single auditing session which cost me £130 with a member of the church, he guided me because I am what they call ‘preclear’ and he looked into my mind and talked to me while I closed my eyes. I entered into a so-called weird state they called ‘dianetic reverie’ and my eyelashes were trembling.
During the session I was conscious of everything and could fully recall everything after for a short time. It was explained to me that if you have some kind of phobia or mental disorder, Dianetics helps you lose those problems and clear is when they never bother you again. I have to say it was amazing, I have some social anxiety and confidence issues and I felt really good after this session.
I am due to return to the church on Monday and the next step is to work to find my soul called ‘Operation Thetan’. I remember one of the Scientologists was telling me he believes humans are spiritual beings, that our bodies are not truly us.We are supposed to find our true self’s leading to spiritual growth and understanding of oneself and the world, it as really interesting and I will be study this religion even more.
When I visited the church I also noticed they also had courses that teach people basic grammar, communication skills, ethics, morals and they even had a sauna in their facility to cleanse your body of toxins called the ‘purification rundown’. After talking to some of the members they all have different ranks that determine how ‘clear’ or advanced you are according to their standards. They told me if I joined and worked my way up to the ‘special levels’ I can get my own spaceship.
I am still undecided whether I should just jump in with two feet or proceed with caution? I know most people believe Scientology to be a money cult, but you don’t need money since there is an option for those who cannot afford the programs. In reality every religion is a cult and has a personality, true or imaginary who is worshiped and rest assured when the collection plate comes, so does the pressure to put something in it.There are also libraries in the churches where you can read any of the books, listen to lectures and watch videos for free. I have also been studying some of their online courses which they offer for free.
All in all, I had some fun and I will have decide to continue with the next session. To be really honest I cant wait for next weeks Scientology adventure in finding my soul because of just how interesting and eye opening the first session was but then again I have also read the horror stories of the people who try to leave.
Am I really insane for considering adopting Scientology as my religion of choice?
I know all this may sound a little crazy to you all until you realize that millions of people think that they are drinking the blood of the son of God every Sunday while chanting ritualistically. Then Scientology kind of seems a little more normal, to me anyway.