The Philosophy of Spiritualism
As was said in our introduction to this "About" section, the philosophy of Spiritualism is at the heart of the Spiritualist Movement. Spiritualists have no fixed creed, but they are asked to adhere to seven guiding principles. "The Seven Principles", as they are known, form the cornerstone of Spiritualism. They are principles to guide us, not a creed, and different Spiritualists will interpret them differently. They are the bones of a philosophy of living and each individual Spiritualist will put different flesh on those bones, according to his or her understanding and level of spiritual development. Spiritualists realise that it is very important to allow freedom to everyone, because we are all at different levels in our understanding and practice of all the many spiritual virtues. If we look critically at ourselves, all of us will find that we are forward in some of the virtues and backward in others. For example a person might be very courageous, but prone to jealousy and possessiveness, while another might be very loving and compassionate but not very strong willed. For all of us, there are areas of our spiritual life that we need to pay more attention to and develop. It is presumptious in any case to try to control the spiritual destiny of another. We have enough to concern us in trying to fulfil our own responsibilities.
The only way one can enforce compliance with a particular set of beliefs is by inculcating fear. There are, sadly, sections of all the major religions that do this, but Spiritualism is very opposed to it. Forcing compliance by engendering fear is counter-productive, spiritually destructive and dangerous. Fear is a negative emotion, closely related to other negative emotions like anger and hatred. When fear, anger and hatred mix together, the result can be explosive. Fear drives out love. If there is one thing that our "communion" with evolved spirit beings has taught us, it is that God - The Divine Spirit - is infinitely loving and infinitely compassionate. When we experience this love and respond to it, fear is removed. We are then free to experiment, question, test things for ourselves, and learn by trial and error and experience, knowing that a loving, merciful God tolerates this, indeed expects it. This is why Spiritualism has no fixed creed, just guiding principles, which we try to relate to everything we do. Released from all fear of some stern, avenging deity, we are also free to try to live our lives with love. As everyone knows, this is not always easy, but as long as we try to the best of our ability, we will be moving forward, and will be a part of that "eternal progress" that is open to everyone.
Spiritualism declares that it is a philosophy as well as a religion and a science, and when you study it you begin to appreciate that it is a highly developed metaphysical system. For that we have to thank the many highly-evolved spirit beings who have patiently explained so much to us over the last 160+ years about the afterlife, and the meaning and purpose of the relatively short time that we spend here in a physical body in this material world. Their communications have been brought to us thanks to the dedicated service of many gifted mediums, whose talents have included mental mediumship, trance mediumship, physical mediumship, direct-voice mediumship, automatic writing and psychic art. Whether channelled from spirit, inspired by spirit, or thoughtfully composed by the author, Spiritualist writings have much to teach us about morality, spirituality, life's enduring values, the meaning and purpose of life, and what we might expect on our eventual arrival in the Spirit World.
The only way one can enforce compliance with a particular set of beliefs is by inculcating fear. There are, sadly, sections of all the major religions that do this, but Spiritualism is very opposed to it. Forcing compliance by engendering fear is counter-productive, spiritually destructive and dangerous. Fear is a negative emotion, closely related to other negative emotions like anger and hatred. When fear, anger and hatred mix together, the result can be explosive. Fear drives out love. If there is one thing that our "communion" with evolved spirit beings has taught us, it is that God - The Divine Spirit - is infinitely loving and infinitely compassionate. When we experience this love and respond to it, fear is removed. We are then free to experiment, question, test things for ourselves, and learn by trial and error and experience, knowing that a loving, merciful God tolerates this, indeed expects it. This is why Spiritualism has no fixed creed, just guiding principles, which we try to relate to everything we do. Released from all fear of some stern, avenging deity, we are also free to try to live our lives with love. As everyone knows, this is not always easy, but as long as we try to the best of our ability, we will be moving forward, and will be a part of that "eternal progress" that is open to everyone.
Spiritualism declares that it is a philosophy as well as a religion and a science, and when you study it you begin to appreciate that it is a highly developed metaphysical system. For that we have to thank the many highly-evolved spirit beings who have patiently explained so much to us over the last 160+ years about the afterlife, and the meaning and purpose of the relatively short time that we spend here in a physical body in this material world. Their communications have been brought to us thanks to the dedicated service of many gifted mediums, whose talents have included mental mediumship, trance mediumship, physical mediumship, direct-voice mediumship, automatic writing and psychic art. Whether channelled from spirit, inspired by spirit, or thoughtfully composed by the author, Spiritualist writings have much to teach us about morality, spirituality, life's enduring values, the meaning and purpose of life, and what we might expect on our eventual arrival in the Spirit World.
excerpt courtesy of http://www.yorkspiritualistcentre.co.uk
Our Seven Principles are legally accepted and a lawfully recognised definition of the religious philosophy of Spiritualism. A brief explanation of each one follows:
1.The Fatherhood of God
By the study of Nature - that is, by trying to understand the Laws of Cause & Effect which govern all that is happening around us - we recognise that there is a creative force in the universe. This force, or energy, not only created the whole universe, but also life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today. The effects of this eternal creation can be seen around us and this leads us to the evidence that 'God' - 'The Creative Force' - manifests directly, or indirectly, in all things. We know this power as God and as we are part of the Life created by God, we acknowledge God as our Father.
2.The Brotherhood of Man
Because we all come from the same universal life source we are, in effect, one large family, small individual offshoot from the whole. This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood. A brotherhood is a community for mutual support and comfort. We are all members of the same divine family. We need to share our joys as well as our burdens; we need to understand the needs of other individuals in order to assist them as part of our service to each other. As we learn to give so must we also learn to receive thereby achieving the necessary balance for our life. We must look not only to the material necessities of our fellow creatures but also to their spiritual needs and help those in need to become strong and worthy of their relationship in the Family of God.
3.Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels (This is the key Principle to our Religion)
All religions believe in life after death but only Spiritualism shows that it is true by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. Spiritualist Churches provide one of the venues where communication, through mediumship, is possible and many loved relatives and friends take advantage of this opportunity to continue to take an interest in our welfare. There are also spirit people/teachers who are dedicated to the welfare and service of mankind. Some (e.g. Silver Birch) bring inspiration and teachings whilst others work within the healing ministry.
4.Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
It is scientifically proven that matter (being part of the creative force, or energy) cannot be destroyed; it merely changes its form. Spirit, as part of the Creative Force is, therefore, indestructible. On the death of the physical body, the spirit continues as an integral part of a world, which interpenetrates our world but in a different dimension. This world is referred to as the SpiritWorld. In spirit life we have a spirit body, which until we progress far enough, is a replica of our earthly body. We are the same individuals in every way with the same personalities and characteristics and we change only by progression, or otherwise, as a result of our own efforts. Our personal responsibilities do not stop at death.
5.Personal Responsibility
This principle is the one which places responsibility for wrongful thoughts and deeds where it belongs - with the individual. It is the acceptance of responsibility for every aspect of our lives and the use to which we place our lives depends entirely upon ourselves. It is not possible for any other person, or outside influence, to interfere with our spiritual development, unless we are willing to allow this. No one can put right the wrongdoing except the offender. As we are given freedom of choice (freewill) so also are we given the ability to recognise what is right from what is wrong. We are totally, as well as personally, responsible.
6.Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth
As with all the other Principles, the natural laws apply and this one echoes the law of Cause and Effect (as you sow, so shall you reap). One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. It must be understood that the compensatory or retributive effects of this law operate now -on earth - they do not wait until we begin to live in the Spirit World.
7.Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul
In every heart there exists the desire for progress and to every human spirit belongs the power to progress in wisdom and love.
All who desire to tread the path that leads to perfection are able to pursue it. The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and spiritual understanding. If we do our best in earth life to follow our inward prompting or intuitions; we shall find progress very easy, on earth as in spirit; if not, every step in advancement will follow a struggle against imperfections, which we ourselves will have worked into our natures. Within the Family of God, with all the advantages that our realisation of that state can give us, we are all given the opportunity to be responsible for our own eternal progress.
As a final note to these principles, Spiritualism, through an intelligent and thorough investigation of its Seven Principles, reveals the understanding, the deepest significance of service to others and transforms life from selfishness to unselfishness, from individualism to social co-operation.Only on such a foundation can love and truth and all other spiritual values have any practical meaning or reality.
Maggie Brown (Author)
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By the study of Nature - that is, by trying to understand the Laws of Cause & Effect which govern all that is happening around us - we recognise that there is a creative force in the universe. This force, or energy, not only created the whole universe, but also life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today. The effects of this eternal creation can be seen around us and this leads us to the evidence that 'God' - 'The Creative Force' - manifests directly, or indirectly, in all things. We know this power as God and as we are part of the Life created by God, we acknowledge God as our Father.
2.The Brotherhood of Man
Because we all come from the same universal life source we are, in effect, one large family, small individual offshoot from the whole. This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood. A brotherhood is a community for mutual support and comfort. We are all members of the same divine family. We need to share our joys as well as our burdens; we need to understand the needs of other individuals in order to assist them as part of our service to each other. As we learn to give so must we also learn to receive thereby achieving the necessary balance for our life. We must look not only to the material necessities of our fellow creatures but also to their spiritual needs and help those in need to become strong and worthy of their relationship in the Family of God.
3.Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels (This is the key Principle to our Religion)
All religions believe in life after death but only Spiritualism shows that it is true by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. Spiritualist Churches provide one of the venues where communication, through mediumship, is possible and many loved relatives and friends take advantage of this opportunity to continue to take an interest in our welfare. There are also spirit people/teachers who are dedicated to the welfare and service of mankind. Some (e.g. Silver Birch) bring inspiration and teachings whilst others work within the healing ministry.
4.Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
It is scientifically proven that matter (being part of the creative force, or energy) cannot be destroyed; it merely changes its form. Spirit, as part of the Creative Force is, therefore, indestructible. On the death of the physical body, the spirit continues as an integral part of a world, which interpenetrates our world but in a different dimension. This world is referred to as the SpiritWorld. In spirit life we have a spirit body, which until we progress far enough, is a replica of our earthly body. We are the same individuals in every way with the same personalities and characteristics and we change only by progression, or otherwise, as a result of our own efforts. Our personal responsibilities do not stop at death.
5.Personal Responsibility
This principle is the one which places responsibility for wrongful thoughts and deeds where it belongs - with the individual. It is the acceptance of responsibility for every aspect of our lives and the use to which we place our lives depends entirely upon ourselves. It is not possible for any other person, or outside influence, to interfere with our spiritual development, unless we are willing to allow this. No one can put right the wrongdoing except the offender. As we are given freedom of choice (freewill) so also are we given the ability to recognise what is right from what is wrong. We are totally, as well as personally, responsible.
6.Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth
As with all the other Principles, the natural laws apply and this one echoes the law of Cause and Effect (as you sow, so shall you reap). One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. It must be understood that the compensatory or retributive effects of this law operate now -on earth - they do not wait until we begin to live in the Spirit World.
7.Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul
In every heart there exists the desire for progress and to every human spirit belongs the power to progress in wisdom and love.
All who desire to tread the path that leads to perfection are able to pursue it. The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and spiritual understanding. If we do our best in earth life to follow our inward prompting or intuitions; we shall find progress very easy, on earth as in spirit; if not, every step in advancement will follow a struggle against imperfections, which we ourselves will have worked into our natures. Within the Family of God, with all the advantages that our realisation of that state can give us, we are all given the opportunity to be responsible for our own eternal progress.
As a final note to these principles, Spiritualism, through an intelligent and thorough investigation of its Seven Principles, reveals the understanding, the deepest significance of service to others and transforms life from selfishness to unselfishness, from individualism to social co-operation.Only on such a foundation can love and truth and all other spiritual values have any practical meaning or reality.
Maggie Brown (Author)
Visit Amazon's Maggie Brown Page
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
Top Stories 
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