About -Spiritualism
Updated September 6, 2006
What is it ? Spiritualism is a Philosophy, Science and Religion. It has the belief of the continuous ongoing existence of a person's Spirit (or Soul) even after the death of the physical body, and the ability to communicate with other Spirits can be demonstrated. When did it begin ? Countless aspects of Spiritualist Philosophy date way back into the very early ages of mankind's history. Communication with spirits and harnessing the energies of nature are mentioned in many books of mankind's early history, including The Bible. The first example being the communication in the Garden of Eden between God and Adam. For early disbelievers this often led to the misguided concept that it had to be all Witchcraft and consequently many innocent Mediums were burned at the stake. All because the very big difference between Witchcraft and Spiritualism was not understood or recognised. Spiritualism in history suffered much under the suppressive actions of both Church and Law. In early years the authority of Church and State was often mixed and there were laws against witchcraft. The Church openly condemned all other beliefs without exception and it was easy to outlaw everyone else. The history of the Nicene Creed is a point in question. The Nicene Creed was the only Statement of Faith acceptable to the Church and State in those days and if you didn't agree with it there was no option but to put you to the water test or the rack. So the many "mediums" born into spiritualism had to learn to keep quiet in order to survive. Spiritualism went underground. Most of this history was in Europe. The United States of America had its own history of witchcraft in and around Salem. Most States of Australia had laws to outlaw witchcraft. Not one of our early Law Makers bothered to note that there was a difference between witchcraft and mediumship. Spiritualism as we know it today was thrust back into the public arena in a big way in the USA in 1848. The credit for this was given to the communication received by two sisters of the "Fox family" from what was found to be the spirit of a man who had been killed in their house before they moved in. Then suddenly out of public curiosity mixed with interest "séances" (French for sitting) were being arranged everywhere to contact other available Spirits. This became frequent and widely publicised around the world in every form of the media. As with everything when a dollar and publicity becomes involved many claims were made by Quacks, Charlatans and Magicians, that they could do it just as good if not better. Many claiming to disprove someone else's methods and results. It was about this time when the "Ouija Board" with all it's dangers became very popular as a way to talk to spirits. Even magicians were known to fabricate their actions just for publicity. So everyone suffered. And as usual the genuine are suppressed. Many small groups gathered together, spreading across America then quickly to England, Europe in 1852 and to the Australian goldfields in Victoria in the Gold Rush Era of the 1850's and 60's. Across the world today are many countless Churches, Centres and Groups that have been formed to encompass the philosophy. It has grown from the use of simple wall and table rappings. Modern Spiritualism is referred to today as more than a religion, it is a science and provides a "way of life" with meaning and purpose, not based on fear or uncertainty. Not based on punishment and hell. It is based on love and support from the family of humanity in a team effort. Because we are all in this together. We come here with nothing and go with nothing. What greater leveller of the individual can there be. What ever we do we leave behind a legacy of what we did and how we did it. It is these things that history will remember and from these things that we will be judged. Who are Spiritualists ? Many Spiritualists are people who at some time were part of one of the larger christian based denominations of religion and discovered that the knowledge and answers presented were very limited and left many more questions and confusion. People of all ages, races and creeds wish to have the freedom to explore their own values, self respect and understanding. To gain a better concept of their own life, its origin and purpose, without being restricted by the limited views of those that only bring fear, guilt, purgatory and ultimately subservience while being none the wiser. They are people, like you and I, encouraged to be responsible for their own actions and to take control of their own lives and live it to the full and respect themselves and other people. Those given the chance to seek out truth and beliefs as they apply to their own lives and circumstances and be happy about those decisions. Come the last Judgement you can't have a Solicitor at your side, you will have to answer for yourself. Excuses wont count because you have to answer for the choices you made and the actions you took. You will be on your own. Isn't it better to know that you did the right thing because it was the right thing to do and not just because someone promised you Hell or a hard time if you didn't. We have the right and responsibility to work it out for ourselves. The Bible even says - "Test everything", it gives no exceptions to this rule. It says to keep only that which seems right and lose everything that appears wrong. (not is wrong) Jesus said "Love your neighbour as you love yourself". He said nothing about fear. He also said to "give Caesar what is his due", doesn't that mean to live within the laws of the land and look after the welfare of the community.
Religious
leaders of other Religions have similar messages.
What do we believe in ? Spiritualism has no Dogma or Creed. Every person is seen as an individual looking to expand their own awareness and understanding about their place and purpose in life. Spiritualism in many parts of the world have taken on "Seven Principles" from what was inspired by Emma Hardinge-Britten, and given as guidelines that are open to interpretation to adapt and apply to your own particular circumstances. They are : 1. The Fatherhood of God; 2. The Brotherhood of Man; 3. The communication of spirit and the ministry of angels 4. The continuous existence of the human soul; 5. Personal Responsibility; 6. Compensation and Retribution for all good and evil deeds done on earth; 7. Eternal progress open to every human soul. We accept that there is a greater intelligence, a Life Force, an all knowing overseer of the universe, the greatest architect, an ever present life sustaining energy, and we call that intelligence and master craftsman - " GOD " The force that poured forth all life, leaving within each of us a spark of itself. A source of love and good, constantly available to each and every one of us to use. When you pray you communicate with the greatest Spirit of them all. We believe that we all follow our own path at our own pace, discovering the "Spark of God" within and bringing about a greater knowledge of this Divine Source. Our basic belief is in the continuation of Life and that Death is just a step or transition to leave this physical world and journey to another level of existence or consciousness. We see spiritual life as eternal. We are a Spirit or Soul linked to a physical body by means of chord, co-existing in or using that Physical Body for a time and for a purpose. After physical death and the releasing of the chord, our Spirit and Personality with our thoughts and emotions continue to live as a spirit on a different plane or level of existence. We recognise Spiritual and Psychic faculties as a natural ability, perhaps latent or suppressed in some people, but just another one of the senses or gifts given and made available for each to use as we are able. The Bible mentions these spiritual gifts given to us all to use as we need. Meditation is an important aspect used in the development and awareness of these areas and is a natural tool for progression towards spiritual unfoldment. It also assists us to be able to put aside the stresses that have become part of our daily routine called "life". Natural Therapies used for centuries are another means to assist in the balancing of our energies and bring about a wellness free of dis-ease. As we experience many things on our journey through life we find ourselves likening life to a classroom in which we learn many lessons, some easy some hard, a test at the end and perhaps even a repeat. And to get top marks means a big effort. What happens during a Service ? Our services are similar in purpose to the orthodox and christian system but different in format. Our service follows the agenda given to us from the new testament of the bible - to create a team energy and spirit, and share what ever messages are received. To do this in remembrance of someone special that showed us all what we could overcome if we really wanted to.
The demonstration of "Proof of Survival" comes in many forms and may include flower readings, psychometry or what is known as overheads. It depends on the guest medium and their experience. You are requested not to volunteer any information as it is the purpose of the medium to provide you with details without knowing you. When we sing, the harmony brings the gathering together and raises our thoughts and energies above everyday concerns, creating and combining the vibrations that help the links between the Physical life and the Spirits, joining the two energies for an easier flow of communication. Communication for the Medium in the Address and the Demonstration takes place through the Medium who acts as a channel - "a phone line" receiving messages from those in Spirit for the benefit of those that want to listen. What are our aims ? To provide various Guest Speakers and Mediums to share their knowledge, skills and experience of life; to demonstrate and "prove that life continues" and communication with caring loved ones who have already passed on is possible and does happen; To create a loving, nurturing atmosphere where one can discover their own divinity and values. A place where freedom of thought, self expression and confidence in one's uniqueness can grow. The very feature that makes us who we are is encouraged to blossom and "simply let be". A place where peace and true at-one-ment with all of life can be felt. This is Spiritualism through the eyes of one of its many members in 1993 and who kindly allowed us to enrich the lives of others by this print.
An Open Invitation - If you are looking for answers or an alternative or supplement to your own philosophy, why not take a closer look. Spiritualism does not seek conflict with other religions but rather it is the other religions that have problems coming to grips with Spiritualism. The Spiritualist Religion has an established Ministry that provides for all the usual religious and legal service of Marriage and Funeral, Naming and Dedication including Personal Development, Meditation and Healing groups and classes. If you wish to try, then try one, try more. Each is different and unique even though in principle they are the same. Check for a place in or around your area on our list http://www.spiritual.org.au/churches.htm and if your wish for more or information, please phone/fax 1300.880.675 write The Secretary, P.O. Box 273, PENRITH, NSW, 2751. email secretary@spiritual.org.au
History item - Originally 5 Principles were inspired by Emma Hardinge Britten from Robert Owen (in spirit). (provided by Barbara Hicks)
1. The Fatherhood of God 2. The Brotherhood of Man 3. The Immortality of the Soul and its Personal Characteristics 4. Personal Responsibility 5. Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done here, and a path of Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul that wills to tread it by the path of Eternal Good.
Later 6 Principles were printed by the UK Spiritualist's National Union (SNU) in the 1914 edition of the Lyceum Manual - (provided by Rev Ken Pearsall)
1. The Fatherhood of God, 2. The Brotherhood of Man, 3. The Immortality of the Soul and its personal characteristics, 4. The Proven Facts of Communion between departed Human Spirits and Mortals, 5. Personal Responsibility, with Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all good and evil deeds done here, 6. And a path of Eternal progress open to every human soul that wills to tread it by the path of eternal good.
Some years later the Spiritualist National Union of England submitted 7 Principles (shown above) in their Application to gain legal status. This legal status is for the benefit of SNU Spiritualist Churches in England. England has Laws that are different to Australia. The same goes for the USA, New Zealand, EU, etc. Every country has their own Laws and Sovereignty.
England had laws such as the Witchcraft Act and now has the Fraudulent Mediums Act. They have gone through changes over the years since modern Spiritualism first became hot news in the USA in 1848.
Australia also had Summary Offences Acts in a number of States. However something that is unique to Australia is it's Federal Constitution -
s116 Commonwealth not to legislate in respect of religion
The Commonwealth shall not make any law for
So things are very different in different countries. It is wise to become familiar with the applicable laws to ensure that inadvertently and/or unknowingly you don't say, do or imply the wrong thing. It may even be wise to seek legal advice about how things are or how different they are between countries.
Your thoughts on this are most welcome academy@spiritual.com.au
The aim of Spiritualism - The Lyceum Manual gives us the following information - (provided by Rev Barbara Moxham) The aim of Spiritualism is to effect a complete at-one-ment and unison of man with God, till every action and thought of man is in perfect harmony with the Divine Will.
And yes it takes a lifetime (if not more) of effort to achieve all this, if you can. What does Spiritualism do for you ? Spiritualism is like a set of street lights in the fog of confusion about what to believe or accept as real An interesting quote of old is "if there was no such thing as religion, man would create one" because people have a thirst and need to know what and why they are here, to find some purpose in the scheme of things and to fill in the big picture. Spiritualism is much more than a religion. It provides the "proof of survival" that the soul or spirit lives through the transition called death, the journey from a physical life to another level of life - leaving the mortal existence and continuing on with the next step and what there really is. The transition is planned for all of us at some point because nothing mortal can last forever no matter how good it is. The cycle of life continues, out of our own control.
Spiritualism is different to mainstream religion in that it doesn't expect you to do the right thing out of fear simply because there is some long term penalty, such as Purgatory or Hell if you don't. Yes, we believe in Karma, but that is not a replacement for fear. We expect the right thing to happen simply because it is the right thing to do. A easy explanation of Karma is "balancing the books or scales of justice". The early Egyptians show these scales as a balance of the weight of a feather on one side against the weight of your deeds on the other.
Spiritualism does not claim to be the only one true religion. Every element of truth about every religion is open to personal interpretation. The Bible one of our many sacred inspired books actually states to test everything from everyone and without exception, even family. This is true - always. Even spiritualism has had and will have those that misuse what they have got. Every side to life has those that misuse, twist, turn, disrupt and quote as if they have authority. Family provides guidance with the best of intentions and with love, but your life is meant for you to determine and to make decisions for your own pathway with their support and advice, not control. No one has control over what is in your heart. Come judgement, you cannot have your legal team - you have to justify what you did. No one else can be there for you or do it for you.
Every religion has an element of truth that has some relevance to you. But not every religion has an element of proof. Every religion is man made and follows its own particular direction for its own particular purpose. It is up to you to determine what that is and how it relates to your circumstances. The Bible states that you will be judged by the rules that you live by.
Spiritualism provides the means and freedom to find that truth for yourself. It is much more than a religion, it offers you a connection or link to prove for yourself that an afterlife exists for all of us and that this life is just the warm-up for the next. So the better you get this life organised the better the starting point for the next life. Food for thought. This type of proof is hard for someone else to understand because it is given at a very personal level. How could anyone else understand your deepest emotions when something so uniquely special to you and only known by you, is quoted back to you. Sometimes that something special being something that no one else that is now "alive" would know. Where does your own logic take you when you get given such information? There can only be one explanation - that the other person who once was "alive" and did know must still be "alive" somewhere, and must still be "around" to provide that information. How else could it happen? What other answer could there possibly be?? This is where Skeptics and some other major religions jump up and down and try to discredit this logic.
A retired Australian High Court Solicitor, Victor Zammit believes in this so much that he has a $1,000,000 Challenge open to anyone to disprove the afterlife. He has a website with interesting information http://www.victorzammit.com/
Various organisations have tried to discredit spiritualism for their own particular motives. The Roman Catholic Church in recent years stated in its edicts that linking directly with God is not good. It has to be done through them. Jesus did say that each of us can do what he did. If God is my Father, why do I need someone in the middle to talk to Him for me, unless there is another purpose. I thought that we are only ever answerable to God. Christ said that through him is the way to the Father, but that meant by his example of love, compassion, empathy and ethics. The known early history of some older churches is enough to tell you about that issue.
The Nicene Creed, the basis of Christian churches was put together by Constantine (about 340AD) and was agreed to by the then church leaders under duress - it was simple in those days, agree and sign or lose your head, no problem your choice, what's next.
The Nicean Creed became the only recognised Statement of Faith for many years. It is a very Interesting Document. It dictates the way that the Trinity of God shall be accepted.
Why are there some 40 different versions today of the same Bible? Only the original was inspired, not the modernised versions. Why were references to reincarnation removed? Why do modern versions "insert" words that were not even there, or use words with distinctly different meanings.
The Church of England went one step further than most and commissioned a group of "experts" to investigate Spiritualism and what they reported was not pleasing to them. It got buried for some years. But as things happen, a cover-up can only last so long. I invite you to read it for yourself.
The Church of England and Spiritualism
Spiritualism through the various ages had a very difficult time. Not that it is fully accepted these days.
Our Links Page has many Internet Links to sites that can provide more information on the History and Pioneers.
May your chosen journey through life be an interesting one.
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