Is Scientology Right For You?

We've heard all the controversies surrounding Scientology that we end up making quick assumptions without taking the time to consider if they are rooted in facts or not. Try to look for information on the internet and I'm sure you're bound to get lost in the media circus. With that in mind, perhaps it's better if we ask the question, "Does Scientology work"?

The question is a fair one. Since Scientology is technically a religion, people should focus on its aims and ponder on whether it can improve spirituality and make people's lives better.

Before we proceed, keep in mind that this article is not an attempt to convince people to steer clear of Scientology. It's also not meant to convince members to join the fold. Rather, this is a discourse that aims to encourage a profound discussion that will help readers make an informed decision and discern how they can help themselves in regards to achieving spiritual fulfillment and happiness.

The Pros
One thing's for sure: majority of the organization's members are of the firm belief that the principles of Scientology have helped them achieve fulfillment in varying degrees. I don't doubt that for one second. The idea behind the process of "auditing" is sound and logical, after all. A two-way interview that promotes openness to the self and to others isn't a bad thing; it helps an individual come to terms with himself and in turn, pave the way to spiritual enlightenment. It's not really that different from the type of counseling done by psychologists and psychiatrists, and while that undermines the originality of the "auditing" process, it's also sound proof that it's far removed from being harmful.

The auditing process is very structured and can only be administered by trained auditors. An electronic device called the E-meter is also a requirement. This device it instrumental to the auditor in measuring the electric responses being emitted by the person being audited. The meter is believed to indicate whether or not a person is relieved from spiritual impediments brought about by past experiences. This proves that Scientology does not rely on pure guesswork, that it facilitates the rehabilitation of its members with an emphasis on standardized results. This, to me, is one of the most admirable aspects of Scientology.

One of the criticisms made on Dianetics is that its methods were just borrowed from several psychological practices. While that may be true up to a point, at least those "borrowed" elements have survived the test of time, thereby proving that they are universal in nature and can help Scientology members in dealing with their problems.

The Cons
There are a few cons that deter me from joining the Church of Scientology. What disillusioned me is the propensity of the religion to exalt itself from other schools of thought. As someone who values free inquiry, I don't want dogma to limit my perception about how I view myself in relation to other people. Spirituality is an ambivalent entity in itself, and since it can only be viewed in a human context, I believe that true enlightenment involves a more integrated approach when it comes to viewing the world.

An Addendum
Let me reiterate that the readers should only use this article as a guide. Really, it's all a matter of perception. In the long run, we choose our religion based on its compatibility with our experiences in life and how we view ourselves in relation to the totality of existence.