An article examining Modern Spiritualism as a Philosophy, Science, and Religion.

What Is Modern Spiritualism?

This is a question I am often asked when I say that I am a Modern Spiritualist. Let us begin with an answer to that question. My intent here is to give the reader a clear idea of how I personally understand and practice Modern Spiritualism as a way of life.

The fact that Modern Spiritualism is a way of life for its adherents is important. It is also a religion, philosophy and science that is to be studied not preached and is centred on the knowledge that there is continuous life after the change called death. Modern Spiritualists have proof of this afterlife because we (as are all of humanity) are able communicate with the disincarnate spirits of those who have crossed over to the spirit world through psychic gifts given by God and developed by the consistent practice of Mediumship. Modern Spiritualism combines Philosophy, Science, and Religion as a way of living in with God as the centre in every aspect of one’s life.

Philosophy:

Modern Spiritualists understand that life on this earth and in the spiritual realms is governed by specific, consistent unchanging Natural/ Spiritual Laws. We further understand that we must live in accordance with these laws if we are to maintain spiritual, mental, psychological, emotional and physical balance/ health in our lives. To that end, the Philosophy of Modern Spiritualism is specific principles that we understand as fundamental truths that build on each other. There is some variation in the wording of the Principles of Modern Spiritualism, as different groups establish their method of living as Modern Spiritualists, but the general message expressed, ideas shared are the same. Many Spiritualists (myself included) agree on 7 Principles as brought through the Spiritual Mediumship/ message work of Emma Hardinge Britten in the UK in 1871:

1. The Fatherhood of God
2. The Brotherhood of Man
3. The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
4. The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
5. Personal Responsibility
6. Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the Good or Evil Deeds done on Earth
7. Eternal Progress Open to every Human Soul

Through living according to these specific principles the Modern Spiritualist seeks spiritual connection to God, the world, and others that allows for balance on the spiritual, mental, psychological, emotional, and physical planes. The emphasis is on efforts to achieve personal growth and understanding of oneself and others through the life experiences one has while alive on earth.

Science:

As a Science, Modern Spiritualism attempts to "examine all theories according to known principles of examination and classifications as found in all scientific endeavours. With each new, proven idea in science, we find the ordered existence of life". Spiritualists generally respect mainstream science and do their best to use science to gather support for the "Spirit Hypothesis".1 This theory postulates that there is spirit agency manifesting all around us. It is further understood that this spirit agency is intelligent and communicative with humans on the earth plane because these spirits were once where we are now.

Religion:

As a religion, Modern Spiritualism puts God firmly as the central force in our lives as human beings. With God as our foundation, Modern Spiritualists find that "[a]ll life progresses from God in an ordered fashion" according to God’s design. While we have free will and choice as to the details of how we live our lives, we are here to experience life and learn and grow spiritually, mentally, psychologically, emotionally, and physically from the experience. To that end, the beliefs held within Modern Spiritualism "are a matter of Growth; [….] Reason appreciation and application to actual historical records found in the pages of [human] experience". Modern Spiritualism "did not [simply] spring up from the activities or teachings of any one individual or any group of banded followers, but [is rather] the composite of many approaches by philosophers, scientists and religionists" throughout humanity’s recorded, historical existence.2 It is a humanistic religion that sees humanity as having great potential for good rather than seeing humanity as doomed and evil. The understanding that this a way of life that finds balance between religion philosophy and science, will aid the reader in understanding what Modern Spiritualism at its very best is about.


1. Source: "Spiritualism Is…" Spiritual Wisdom Church and Learning Centre

2. Merrill, J. The Church of Spiritual Wisdom: Beginner’s Course in Modern Spiritualism Scarborough: n.p., n.d., N. pag.