What is Spiritualism
Spiritualism is a fascinating, deeply personal religion. Get to know us. The following are the accepted definitions of the Spiritualist religion that will answer many questions. If you still need answers, come to one of our services, and talk to one of our members.
Spiritualism is the religion, philosophy, and science of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World.
Spiritualism is a Religion. It strives to understand and to comply with the Physical, Mental and Spiritual Laws of Nature, which are the laws of God.
Spiritualism is a Philosophy. It studies the Laws of Nature both on the seen and unseen sides of life and bases its conclusions upon present observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts and conclusions of past ages, and it is sustained by the facts observed from present day.
Spiritualism is a Science. It investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from spirit.
A Spiritualist is one who believes in the communication between our day-to-day existence and the spirit world by means of mediumship and who strives to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest teachings derived from communication with spirit.
A Medium is one whose energy is sensitive to vibrations from the Spirit World and through whom, intelligences are able to convey messages and produce the phenomena of Spiritualism.
A Spiritualist Healer is one who, either through one's own powers or through mediumship, is able to impart vital, curative force to pathologic conditions.
The Phenomena of Spiritualism consists of prophecy, clairvoyance, clairaudience, gift of tongues, laying on of hands, healing, visions, trance, apports, levitation, automatic and independent writings and paintings, voice, materialization, photography, psychometry and any other manifestation proving the continuity of life as demonstrated through the physical and spiritual senses and faculties of humanity.
Adapted by the National Association of Spiritualist Churches
Declaration of Principles
Spiritualism does not conflict with other religions; in fact many find it enriches one's religious studies and beliefs. Spiritualism is about community, it is a coming together with others to learn from, honor, and share messages from Spirit.
Below are the basic Spiritualist Principles stated in three versions: 1) in Long form, 2) Simplified form, and 3) the NSAC accepted interpretation.
Long Form
1.We believe in Infinite Intelligence.
2.We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence.
3.We believe that understanding and living in accordance with the Laws of Nature constitute true religion.
4.We believe the existence and identity of the individual continue after death.
5.We believe that communication with those that have passed is a fact, as demonstrated by the phenomena of Spiritualism.
6. We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
7. We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals, and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature's physical and spiritual laws.
8. We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any soul here or hereafter.
9. We affirm that the precepts of Prophecy and Healing are Divine attributes proven through Mediumship.
Simplified Form
1.We believe in God.
2.We believe that God is expressed through Nature.
3.True religion is living in accordance to Nature's Laws.
4. We never die.
5. Spiritualism shows us we can talk with people in Spirit World.
6. Be kind, do good, and others will do likewise.
7. We bring unhappiness to ourselves by the errors we make and we will be happy if we obey the laws of life.
8. Everyday is a new beginning.
9. Prophecy and healing are expressions of God.
Interpretation
1. We believe in a supreme Impersonal Power, present everywhere, manifesting as life, called by some, God, by others, Spirit and by Spiritualists, Infinite Intelligence.
2. In this manner we express our belief in the immanence of Spirit and that all forms of life are manifestations of Spirit or Infinite Intelligence, and thus that all men are children of God.
3. A correct understanding of the laws of nature on the physical, mental and spiritual planes of life and living in accordance therewith will unfold the highest aspirations and attributes of the Soul, which is the correct function of True Religion.
4. "Life here and life hereafter is all one life whose continuity of consciousness is unbroken by that mere change in form whose process we call death." Lilian Whiting.
5. Spirit communication has been in evidence in all ages of the world and is amply recorded in both sacred and profane literature of all ages. Orthodoxy has accepted these manifestations and has interpreted them in dogma and creed in terms of the supernatural. Spiritualism accepts and recognizes these manifestations and interprets them in the understanding and light of Natural Law.
6. The Golden Rule points the way to harmony, peace and happiness. Wherever tried it has proven successful and when fully understood and practiced, will bring peace and happiness to man on earth.
7. Man himself is responsible for the welfare of the world in which he lives; and for its happiness or unhappiness if he is to obtain Heaven upon Earth. Individually, man is responsible for his own spiritual growth and welfare. Wrong-doing must be outgrown and overcome. Virtue and love of good must take their place. Spiritual growth and advancement must be attained by aspiration and personal striving. Vicarious atonement has no place in the philosophy of Spiritualism.
8. We discard entirely the illogical teachings of eternal damnation and in place we accept and present for consideration the thought of the continuity of life beyond the change called death. A natural life, where the opportunity for growth and progress to better, higher and more spiritual conditions are open to all, even as they are here on the earth plane of life. We accept no such teaching as a "Hell Fire," but we do teach that wrong-doing will necessarily bring remorse and suffering that would be difficult to describe in words and which can only be relieved by the individual's own efforts if not here, then in the hereafter. If we make our own lives better while here and that of our neighbors happier we shall unfold that happiness, which we shall carry with us into the Spirit World.
9. We thus affirm our belief in and acceptance of the truths and assertions that Prophecy and Mediumship are not unique nor of recent occurrence alone, but they are universal everlasting and have been witnessed and observed in all ages of the world.
*Interpretation is by Joseph P. WhitweIl, Third NSAC President
