Video 5B Transcript: Preclear, the E-Meter, and Spiritual Charge

In Scientology, a person receiving auditing is called a preclear.

The term means that the person has not yet reached the state Scientology calls Clear. Through auditing, the preclear seeks greater understanding, ability, and spiritual freedom.

During many auditing sessions, the preclear holds two electrodes connected to an instrument called an E-Meter.

Scientology describes the E-Meter as a religious artifact used to help an auditor locate areas of spiritual upset or what Scientology calls charge.

Scientology teaches that painful or disturbing mental images contain harmful energy or force. This is called charge. Changes registered by the E-Meter are interpreted within the auditing process as helping identify areas that should be addressed.

Scientology’s official materials also state that the E-Meter is not intended or effective for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease.

Christians should describe this practice accurately without ridicule.

The deeper question is philosophical and theological.

Can an instrument reveal the spiritual condition of the human heart?

The E-Meter registers physical changes while Scientology gives those changes a particular spiritual interpretation. A Christian is not required to accept that interpretation.

The Bible teaches that God knows the human heart completely.

First Samuel 16:7 says:

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.”

Christian discernment does not depend upon an instrument that identifies spiritual charge.

Instead, Christians depend upon God’s revelation, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, honest self-examination, wise community, prayer, and the truth of Scripture.

Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s word is living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This does not mean Christian leaders should use Scripture to pressure people into disclosing private experiences.

Permission still matters.

Privacy still matters.

Safety still matters.

A Christian leader should not attempt to extract hidden memories, diagnose trauma, or claim supernatural knowledge about another person.

Human reactions may involve emotion, memory, bodily stress, fear, guilt, relationships, spiritual beliefs, or present circumstances. Wise Christian care considers the whole person.

When speaking with a Scientologist, you might ask:

“What do you believe the E-Meter reveals during auditing?”

After listening, you might say:

“Would you be open to hearing how Christians approach spiritual discernment without an instrument?”

Then explain that Christianity offers something more personal than spiritual measurement.

God knows us.

God speaks through Scripture.

The Holy Spirit convicts and comforts.

Christian brothers and sisters walk beside us.

And Jesus Christ provides forgiveness that does not depend upon locating and removing every hidden spiritual charge.

Our hope is not that we have perfectly examined ourselves.

Our hope is that Christ knows us completely and still calls us to receive his grace.


Last modified: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 1:35 PM