Can Anyone Be a Scientologist?

It's a question many have asked, and the answer has evolved over time. While anyone can technically join, the genuine adoption of Scientology principles carries stringent conditions that may exclude many. In this article, we'll explore the current landscape of Scientology membership and the challenges associated with it.

Current Challenges and Limitations

No, not until significant reforms take place. The current leadership stance and organizational ethos make it difficult for someone to fully embrace Scientology without extensive restrictions. Here's what these restrictions entail:

No external information: Members are required to avoid any external sources about Scientology, fostering a siloed information environment that limits transparency. No tolerance for transparency: Any demands for transparency, including inquiries about fund-raising and property scams, are met with zero tolerance. Restricting ethical inquiries: Any questions about Hubbard's war record or private life (such as his children and his wife) are discouraged.

These conditions suggest a heavily guarded and controlling community. Until significant reforms are implemented, prospective members may face considerable challenges.

Membership Requirements

Membership in Scientology is, in principle, open to everyone regardless of race, creed, or religion. However, the ethical standards are rigorous and unwavering. If an individual continually violates these ethical requirements, they will eventually lose the privilege of membership.

Chronic Ethical Lapses

A common pattern among former members seeking to reconnect with Scientology often involves those who were disconnected for ethical breaches. Despite the separation, these individuals still appear to maintain a connection to the organization, engaging in perpetual criticism.

These ethical lapses can manifest in various ways. Recreational drug use, infidelity, and unethical behavior are particularly significant barriers to membership. While occasional lapses might be forgivable, persistent and unrelenting unethical conduct disqualifies an individual from the group.

Personal Experience and Reevaluation

A personal anecdote from Roger, who initially joined Scientology and experienced significant positive changes, underscores these points. Roger, after coming across a drug temptation, was advised by a church minister to abstain from drugs if he truly wanted to continue his involvement in Scientology.

ldquo;I took a quick look at how much Irsquo;d gained and changed in such a short time and how drugs had been a ruin for me anyway, and that was it. Went home and flushed my last oz of pot down the toilet. No more drugs.rdquo;

This experience highlights the stark contrast between the transformative potential of Scientology and the challenges posed by unethical behavior.

Conclusion

While membership in Scientology can theoretically be open to anyone, the stringent conditions and ethical requirements make it a challenging path for many. The organization's need for reform and transparency remains a significant barrier. Future developments in this realm will undoubtedly shape the future of Scientology's membership policies.

Stay informed and tune in to Leah Remini’s “Scientology and The Aftermath” on AE this fall to get a deeper understanding of the current state of Scientology.