“Oh god, it’s a church, I hate church”. That is what James Wood thought. He saw the sign for the Church of Scientology in Vancouver. He was a young pothead at the time. Now, he is a devoted member.
The Church of Scientology in Vancouver has been at the corner of Hastings and Homer since 1980. It incorporated as a church in 1971. The Church of Scientology beckons passersby to drop in. They offer a free personality test. James Wood took the test.
Scientology was created by L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard was a world traveler and science fiction writer. He created it in the 1950s. Scientology is known for famous followers. John Travolta and Tom Cruise are two examples.
Let’s step inside the Church of Scientology. We can explore its beliefs and practices. Scientology considers man to be a spiritual being. They call this a “thetan”. Through counseling, a person can gain spiritual awareness. This is achieved through auditing sessions and seminars.
The goal of Scientology is to move up “The Bridge”. This takes you through stages of enlightenment. It leads to complete spiritual freedom. This is called OT or Operating Thetan. Scientology believes in a supreme being. But it does not dictate who that being is. It is up to the individual to decide.
One of the first steps is the Purification Rundown. This includes vitamins and exercise. It also includes sauna time. This program aims to rid the body of toxins. The Church of Scientology in Vancouver’s program costs over $1,600.
The Church of Scientology also offers courses. These range from $45 to $150. James Wood received free training. This was in exchange for his work. He talks to the public. He answers questions. He explains the personality test results.
The personality test includes questions like “Are you a slow eater?” Angela Ilasi is the church’s public relations officer. She says Scientology helps her see situations for what they are. It helps her to be more in control.
Inside the Church of Scientology are framed photos of L. Ron Hubbard. He often wears an ascot or captain’s hat. Everyone at the church calls him “Ron.” There is a chapel for Sunday sermons. It also hosts naming ceremonies and weddings.
Downstairs, there is a sauna and auditing rooms. There are also classrooms. One room has people practicing being able to confront others. The Church of Scientology also has an office as a tribute to Hubbard. It is a symbolic gesture. It represents that he always has a place to work.
The Church of Scientology publishes booklets. These booklets provide information on how to stay well. They offer tips to protect yourself and others. They also explain how to prevent the spread of illness. The Church aims to aid in ending the pandemic. It ensures everyone knows how to stay well.
The essential tenets of Scientology include that you are an immortal spiritual being, your experience extends well beyond a single lifetime and your capabilities are unlimited. Furthermore, Man is basically good. He is seeking to survive. And his survival depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.
Whether it’s the free personality tests that draw you in or the promise of spiritual enlightenment, the Church of Scientology in Vancouver stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of alternative spiritual paths. It offers a unique blend of self-help and spiritual exploration. The Church of Scientology in Vancouver invites you to explore its beliefs. It wants you to discover a new perspective on life.