In most religions, activities that are deemed dangerous, taboo, or antithetical to the central principles of the faith are either prohibited or highly regulated. The same is true for members of the Church of Scientology. In their book “Hidden References in the Churches of Scientology: An Introduction to Understanding Verified Para-Scientology” authors David Pendergast and Jesse Introvigne explain that, unlike other churches where rules and regulations are spelled out clearly and explicitly, in the Church of Scientology many of these things are left as an “implicit code of conduct” which members must discover for themselves. Below you will find a list of things that Scientologists may not do if they want to remain a member in good standing.
What Are Scientologists Not Allowed To Do?
No sex in the Church of Scientology
One of the hardest things for people to get used to in the Church of Scientology is no sexual relations between a member and a staff member, another member, or between members. These restrictions also apply among members of the Sea Organization. Couples who are Scientologists are expected to save their relations for after they have reached what they term “the marriage state”. This means that they are “clear” and “OT”. It is recommended that you wait at least a year before you decide to get married. It is important to note though that these rules are rarely strictly enforced. In fact, it is believed that the Church of Scientology does not want to lose members because of these rules; especially since these people have already forked over a lot of money to be a member.
Do not criticize or speak ill of Scientology and its leaders
Scientologists are expected to avoid any criticism or negative statements about the Church of Scientology or its leaders. When a Scientologist criticizes the Church or any of its leaders, they are often criticized themselves by others. It is also considered a violation of the Church’s rules to speak ill of other religions, which Scientologists are also not allowed to do. Scientologists are required to have what they term a “positive attitude” towards all other religions. In fact, Scientologists are even prohibited from reading critical material about the Church.
Do not participate in any action that may be perceived as criticizing Scientology or its leaders
While some activities may not be strict “criticism”, they may still be viewed as criticism by Scientologists. This includes “picketing” the Church, writing “letters to the editor” about the Church, writing or publishing books about the Church, or taking part in a demonstration against the Church or its leaders. This also includes joining organizations that are against the Church of Scientology.
Do not join or support any organization that is against the Church of Scientology
It is an explicit violation of Church rules to join or support any organization that is against the Church of Scientology. This includes joining political parties or groups, such as the Democratic or Republican parties in the United States, or the Labor Party in the United Kingdom. It also includes joining or supporting any labor or trade union.
Never use the Church of Scientology or any Scientologist; Ever!
If a Scientologist sues the Church of Scientology (or another Scientologist), they are breaking one of the most important rules of the Church and could face disciplinary action or expulsion. If a member is planning to sue the Church, they should never inform their Church supervisor, as it will be reported to Church management.
Do not practice or promote a separate faith, religion, or belief system outside of Scientology.
Scientologists are not allowed to practice or promote a separate faith, religion, or belief system outside of Scientology. This includes not practicing any type of “magic”, including astrology, palmistry, hypnosis, fortune-telling, and so on. Even if a practice is “non-religious”, it may still be a violation of Church rules. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or herbal medicine is not religious, but it is still against Church rules.
No writing, speaking, blogging, or verbal communications
Scientologists are not allowed to write, speak, blog, or verbally communicate anything that criticizes the Church or its practices. This includes no criticism through innuendo. For example, it would be a violation of Church rules to tell a joke that is critical of the Church. All verbal communications, including jokes and innuendo, must be consistent with Scientology principles. While Scientologists are allowed to write non-fiction books about their beliefs, the books may not criticize other faiths or use derogatory language.
Never participate in an audit session for a non-Scientologist without permission to do so from your Church supervisor.
Most Scientologists are expected to offer free services to others who are in need of help. In fact, Scientologists may assist other people with the basics of their beliefs for free. However, Scientologists are not allowed to give free “audit” sessions (spiritual counseling sessions) to non-Scientologists without permission to do so from their Church supervisor.
Conclusion
While some of these rules may seem harsh and excessive, they are designed to protect members of the Church of Scientology. These rules will help the Church to protect its members and promote the goals, beliefs, and practices of the Church. The Church of Scientology is a large and complex religion with millions of members. As with any religion, there are certain rules and guidelines that members must follow. These guidelines are designed to help members stay safe, protect themselves from unwanted influences, and remain true to the core beliefs of the organization.
FAQs:
Q. Is the Church of Scientology a cult?
- No, the Church of Scientology is not a cult. The Church does not practice any type of religious ritual or ceremony, nor does it require its members to adopt any particular set of beliefs or practices. However, Scientology is an organized religion with a well-defined set of beliefs and practices. Scientologists believe that these beliefs and practices are the only true path to spiritual freedom and happiness in this life.
Q. What is the purpose of auditing?
- Auditing is designed to help people discover their true spiritual nature or “thetans” that are trapped in their bodies by past lives, experiences, or negative emotions like hate and fear. The goal of auditing is to free these stuck “tans” so they can move on to higher spiritual levels where they can experience greater happiness and freedom from pain and suffering in this life and in future lives as well.
Q. How long does it take to complete an auditing session?
- It depends on how much information a person needs during each session, but most sessions last between one hour up to several hours depending on how much information a person needs from their past lives and experiences as well as their current emotional issues and concerns about the future (elements).
