Spiritualism
Spiritualist Philosophy
Spiritualism is a
philosophical way of life, rather than a religion. The
spiritualist's objective is to offer proof, through
mediumship, of the survival of the human personality after
physical death. Most religions teach that there is an
afterlife. Spiritualists experience evidence of the
afterlife through mediumship and discover that death is
the gateway to a greater expression of life.
Spiritualism encourages
each of us to think for ourselves on our path to a fuller
understanding of life and life's purpose. There is no
ritual, creed, or dogma. The philosophy is not based on
any particular book. There are seven principles that are
offered to aid us in living a good life. It is up to each
person to interpret the principles in a way that makes
sense to him or her.
Spiritualists are in
countries all over the world. Spiritualism is particularly
well known in the United Kingdom, Europe, the USA, and
Canada.
The Seven Principles
The seven principles were
given in 1871, through the mediumship of Emma Hardinge
Britten, in a message from the social activist Robert Owen
(1771-1858). They are generally used by spiritualists
throughout the world. A number of spiritualist centres
have altered the original principles somewhat by using
more modern language.
The principles are
guidelines only, and people are encouraged to interpret
them for themselves.
- The fatherhood of God
- The brotherhood of man
- The communion of spirits
and the ministry of angels
- The continuous existence
of the human soul*
- Personal responsibility
- Compensation and
retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds
done on earth
- Eternal progress open to
every human soul*
* Many spiritualists
believe that all life - animals and plants, etc. - should
be included in
the 4th and 7th principles
