The Emin Society, also known as the Emin or the Eminent Way, was founded in London in 1973 by Raymond Armin. Born in 1924 as Raymond Schirtenlieb, Armin had previously worked as a quartermaster in the Royal Air Force and later as a salesman. Within the movement, he became known as “Leo.” The group originated from a small circle of researchers, including his son John, who met in the early 1970s to explore what they described as “natural laws” and the principles underlying existence.
By the mid-1970s, the group had expanded and the name “Emin” was adopted as a Europeanized form of the Arabic word “Ameen,” meaning “trustworthy” or “faithful.” The organization also began to establish an international presence, with branches forming in Israel, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In 1986, members in Israel founded the village of Ma’ale Tzviya, which remains a central location for the movement’s activities.
The Emin developed as an experimental spiritual system based on the idea that the universe operates according to evolving laws. Armin’s teachings were recorded in a large collection of audio and written archives addressing subjects such as cosmology, psychology, and personal development. In 1992, he introduced a concept known as “The Template,” a hierarchical structure of 16 to 21 spheres representing different levels of consciousness. The movement places emphasis on individual responsibility and the idea that individuals must determine their role within a broader process of development.
Despite its expansion, the group has faced ongoing allegations of being a cult. Critics have referred to internal documents from the 1970s as evidence of controversial views. One document, titled “Standards of Behaviour,” reportedly included condemnations of homosexuality and stated that excommunication could result in “death by spontaneous combustion” or “electrical gangrene.” In the early 2000s, these documents became part of a political debate in the United Kingdom. Questions were raised about government funding provided to the Template Foundation, an associated group.
During the 1990s, Armin relocated to Florida, where he lived until his death from an aortic aneurysm in August 2002. After his death, the movement continued through the Template Network, which consists of independent groups. The network most recently reported between 1,600 and 1,700 active participants worldwide. These groups engage in activities including ecological projects, healing practices, and personal development courses, all based on the concepts developed by Armin.
Key Sources:
Barrett, David V. (2011). A Brief Guide to Secret Religions. Robinson.
Bowell, R. A. (2004). The Seven Steps of Spiritual intelligence: The Practical Pursuit of Purpose, Success, and Happiness.
Marmenout, A. (2002). A new template of human qualities for the future bound scientist.