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What is Spiritualism? 10/26/2006 12:40:36 PM
As a religion, philosophy, science, does Modern Spiritualism address the issues of a way of life? In addressing life issues, does Spiritualism lead a natural, defined life?
SPIRITUALISM IS....a way of life combining religion, philosophy, science to manifest love in living.
Spiritualism operates as a way of life from the basis of 7 principles for life.
The development of Spiritualism during the last hundred and fifty+ years as a new science, philosophy, religion as well as a social movement has far greater significance and importance for the entire future of humanity than even the majority of Spiritualists realize. It was not an accident that Spiritualism was inaugurated in 1848 when the Industrial Revolution was in the process of changing human lives forever, when science was rising triumphantly, when the rule of Orthodox Christianity was shaken to its foundations and when materialism was rapidly gaining a great influence over the outlook of humanity.
It was obviously a period of crisis in human history. The forces of materialism spread like a fire, sweeping away the errors and superstitions of orthodoxy from the minds of individuals. Reason supplanted belief.
Materialism alone, however, failed to fill the spiritual void created by the changing world. Gradually the inherent spiritual desires of humanity slowly re-asserted themselves and a conscious need for a new spiritual value slowly emerged.
The origins of the beliefs of Spiritualism are a matter of growth, a matter of reason, as well as an appreciation of and application to the actual historical records found in the pages of experience. It did not spring from the activities or teachings of any one individual or group of banded followers, but it is the composite of many approaches made by philosophers, scientists and religionists in the various ages of humanity's existence.
The main reason Spiritualism does not claim that the 7 principles are a creed is because they are not subservient to an already established form of worship. They are not approached through a particular religious book, but are studied through the channels of science and philosophy, as well as religion.
The value of their personal application is developed through the natural law, a force and power as eternal as time. Self-realization does not come through an outside channel, such as religious literature, nor a personalized God, but the through the combination of natural forces inside and outside of any individual. It is the result of EFFORT and the recognition of the law of cause and effect.
The mission of Spiritualism is to teach every person how to live, not how to die. It takes a deep thinker to apply the many facets of spiritual growth to fully comprehend our philosophy and our religion.
