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And while it follows the oldest of all religious traditions, Scientology is, again, something very new. And it is not taken on faith. Nothing in Scientology is true for a person unless he or she has experienced it and observed it to be true. Scientology is something one does, something one can experience, observe, learn, know and practice oneself. Thus the Scientology religion elicits interest from people in all walks of life.
Scientology provides a carefully delineated, step-by-step path to complete spiritual freedom. Its central practice, and the primary means by which the basic truths of Scientology are applied to the rehabilitation of the human spirit, is known as auditing. Auditing is delivered by an auditor, from the Latin audire, "one who listens.
One of the fundamental principles of Scientology is that an individual can improve his condition only if he is allowed to find his own answers to lifes problems. Scientology ministers auditors help individuals to accomplish this goal by guiding them to examine their existence through a precise series of steps. By following this gradual process, individuals can improve their ability to face what they are and where they are peeling away past experiences that have weighed heavily upon them.
Another fundamental aspect of the religion is the study of Scientology principles. The overriding principle of all courses in Scientology is, again, application in ones life, with ones family, ones friends and neighbors, at work and in society.
The scriptures of the Scientology religion constitute more than 35 million words and thus represent the largest single body of work on the human mind and spirit. The precise and proven methods of Scientology improve life and bring about a resurgence of mans capabilities. There is no aspect of life that cannot be bettered through the application of Scientology principles.
Many different courses of training are available. The training delivered by Churches of Scientology could be likened to taking a course in a school or university.
And that, in broad strokes, describes the focus of what happens inside a Scientology church ministering to Scientology parishioners through auditing and training.
Los Angeles: Home to the Worlds
First Church of ScientologyThe Church of Scientology of Los Angeles was the very first Scientology church in the world. Opening its doors on February 18, 1954, the small group rapidly expanded as word spread about the miraculous results achieved through the Scientology religion.
By 1965, the Church had grown so large that it split into two organizations, with the Day organization operating weekdays, and the Foundation organization operating evenings and weekends.
One man who served on staff of the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles at that time told Freedom, People in L.A. back then were like they are now eager to find out about Scientology. A flood of people came in for introductory lectures, films and Sunday services. Sometimes it was standing room only.
In September 1977, after 12 more years of steady expansion, the Church moved to its present home in the North Wing of the Churchs offices on L. Ron Hubbard Way, between Sunset Boulevard and Fountain Avenue. (See A New Street Makes its Debut in the Land of Legends.)
On February 18, 1995, more than 4,000 gathered there to celebrate the churchs 41st anniversary at the opening of its new, completely renovated quarters.
This and other churches in the area deliver a full array of introductory and basic services including lectures, films, Dianetics workshops, auditing, the Success Through Communication Course, Life Improvement Courses and special courses for children.
Scientology in Los Angeles, continued ...
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