Some information for newcomers to Spiritualism.
1. Religion & Philosophy.
Spiritualism is an offically recognised Religion. In the UK the Spiritualist National Union (SNU) possess a ministry recognised by the UK Government.
Spiritualism has no fixed creed or dogma, but the basis for membership is belief in seven principles .
Church services are conducted with reverence. An address is gicen on the philosophy of Spiritualism and is normally followed by a demonstration to prove the reality of survival.
The main difference between Spiritualism and other religions is that Spiritualism is founded on the demonstrated proof that there is life after death, and that there is a path of eternal progression open for all mankind, with an acceptance of responsibility for all ones own actions.
We are all spirit, here and now, and part of a divine plan involving the whole universe. Spiritualism teaches that we should live harmoniously, doing unto others as we would have others do unto us.
Spiritualism is a universal religion which recognises such leaders as Buddha, Mohammed, Moses, as well as Jesus. We consider them all as great healers and teachers who were inspired by God.
2. Mediumship and Spiritual Healing.
Mediumship and Spiritual Healing Spiritualist mediums are highly sensitive people who have developed their psychic awareness and are able to communicate with those in the Spirit World who may still wish to communicate with us, just as they would if they had moved to another part of this world. Just as we cannot force our friends or relatives on this world to communicate with us if they do not wish to, so we cannot compel those in the Spirit World to communicate either, in fact they are even less likely to communicate as they are not going to be persuaded by emotional blackmail or the like.
There are two forms of mediumship, mental and physical. the former is the type normally witnessed in the Spiritualist Church or public demonstration. The Spirit entity works through the medium's mind and he or she is able to see spirit forms (clairvoyance) or hear Spirit sounds (clairaudience). Physical mediumship includes materialisation or direct voice when Spirit present themselves in visible form or speak directly to those they wish to contact.
Some mediums occasionally work in a trance or controlled state. This ranges from a simple passive condition to a deep unconscious one. The entranced medium is used by a spirit to deliver an address or pass on certain ideas which are often far in advance of the medium's own knowledge.
Spiritual mediumship in no way involves fortune telling. The work of a medium is to prove the reality of survival after so called death, and to pass on practical help and understanding when needed. spiritualism is concerned with the way we live here and now, and the advice given should add meaning and a deeper sense of purpose to life.
Spiritual healing is practised in our churches and centres. It can assist treatment given by doctors and can often successfully cure illness which fails to respond to other forms of treatment. Spiritual healing is administered by laying on of hands, contact healinf, and should not be confused with faith healing.
Absent healing through thought and prayer can be offered to those who are unable to attend a healing session and often remarkable cures can result.
It must be remembered that in working with spirit, the results, like those of prayers, may not always be in the form we expect. Prayer is always answered and healing is always given, but the outcome is in the hands of God (Spirit) and HE (or they) know how best to use the power of prayer and healing.
3. Prominent Figures in Spiritualism.
Since the begining of Modern Spiritualism in 1848 when the Catherine and Margaretta Fox established communication with the spirit of a pedlar murdered by a previous occupant of their cottage in Hydesville, New York State in USA, there have been many famous and prominent people associated with Spiritualism. Amongst these are Andrew Jackson Davis, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir William Crooks, Sir Oliver Lodge, Lord Dowding and Arthur Findley MBE.
4. Quotes from two of these pioneers :
SPIRITUALISM is the greatest Revelation the world has ever known - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Spiritualism explains Life here and hereafter. It does not fall back on ancient tradition, it does not rest on Faith, and all its Asserts can be proved and vouched for Here and Now! - Arthur Findley MBE.
5. Summary. Spiritualism can :-
Remove the fear of Death.
Comfort the bereaved.
Demonstrate the truth of Survival and communication.
Give healing to the sick and hope to the lonely.
Reveal a new meaning and purpose to life.
Spiritualism teaches :-
Personal responsibility.
That man is a Spiritual Being here and now in a Physical Body.
That death is not the end of Life but just a change of condition. That what a man sows on Earth, he reaps in this life and the Life to come.
A science, philosophy and religion of Continuous Life based on the demonstrated facts of Communication.
God is not limited within the confines of any one religion.
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