SPIRITUALISM
DEFINING SPIRITUALISM
Adopted by the National Spiritualist Association of Churches
Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy, and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World. (1919)
Spiritualism Is a Science because it investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life.
Spiritualism Is a Philosophy because 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 of past ages and conclusions drawn therefrom, when sustained by reason and by results of observed facts of the present day.
Spiritualism Is a Religion because it strives to understand and to comply with the Physical, Mental and Spiritual Laws of Nature, which are the laws of God.
A Spiritualist is one who believes, as the basis of his or her religion, in the communication between this and the Spirit World by means of mediumship and who endeavors to mould his or her character and conduct in accordance with the highest teachings derived from such communication. (1914, Rev. 1938)
A Medium is one whose organism is sensitive to vibrations from the spirit world and through whose instrumentality, intelligences in that world are able to convey messages and produce the phenomena of Spiritualism. (1914)
A Spiritualist Healer is one who, either through one’s own inherent powers or through mediumship, is able to impart vital, curative force to pathologic conditions. (1930, 1993)
The Phenomena of Spiritualism consists of Prophecy, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Gift of Tongues, Laying on of Hands, Healing, Visions, Trance, Apports, Levitation, Raps, 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 man. (1950)
The objective of the organized movement of Spiritualism may be stated in part as follows:
- To teach the truths and principles expressed in the Declaration of Principles and in the Definitions of “Spiritualism,” “Spiritualist,” “Medium,” and “Spiritualist Healer” as adopted by the National Spiritualist Association of Churches;
- To teach and proclaim the Science, Philosophy, and Religion of Modern Spiritualism;
- To encourage lectures on all subjects pertaining to the spiritual and secular welfare of humanity;
- To protest against every attempt to compel humanity to worship God in any particular or prescribed manner;
- To advocate and promote spiritual healing, and to protect and encourage Spiritualist teachers and mediums in all laudable efforts in giving evidence of proof to humanity of a continued intercourse and relationship between the living and the so-called dead;
- To encourage every person in holding present beliefs always open to restatement as growing thought and investigation reveal understanding of new truths, thereby leaving every individual free to follow the dictates of reason and conscience in spiritual as in secular affairs.
NATURAL LAW
Spiritualists, through contact that is made with those that have passed to the other side of life, affirm the inter-relatedness of all life. One clue that a person is beginning to become further attuned and more cosmic, is when the egoistic, self-serving portion of the individual diminishes, and the universal consciousness comes to the forefront. Prominent in this consciousness is the awareness of the Universal Laws.
The religion of Spiritualism encourages all humankind to learn and practice living in accordance with God's Laws. What are these Universal Laws? How many of them are there and do they apply to everyone? (see below) Though many use some of the laws as guidelines, there is no record of how many laws exist. Just as Infinite Intelligence, the laws are not limited. Neither does the Law limit those who strive to follow it. Rather, it sets them free and shows them the way to grow, live in peace, and be happy.
The study of Natural Law is very beneficial to all. A few brief points to consider are that the laws are just, impartial, consistent, non-judgmental, automatic, immutable, impersonal, affects the physical, mental, and spiritual, is unchangeable and the underlying control of the universe, insuring progressive evolution.
Natural Law is the connecting link, providing constant order to the universe. It governs the visible and invisible, the animate and inanimate in the mortal and immortal worlds. Natural Law is like a strict teacher that understands we learn by doing. The law gently points out our mistakes that we may grow and use the insight to our benefit by correcting our errors. The law uses the reflecting ethers as a mirror to show us the way. It verifies personal responsibility and individualization.
All things in life interrelate and so it is with the laws. They are evident in mathematics, geometry, mechanics, plant life, seasons, etc. We can use the laws by choosing to live in love, light, peace, and joy and continued growth. The universe is propelled by law and impelled by love.
Just a few laws to demonstrate the totality of the Laws:
- The Law of Cause and Effect which is the basis of other natural laws:
- Law of Balance/Polarity
- Law of Compensation/Retribution
- Law of Continuity
- Law of Cooperation
- Law of Cycles/Periodicity
- Law of Desire
- Law of Evolution
- Law of Harmony
- The Law of Love
- The Law of Life/Light
- Law of Mind
- Law of Passivity
- Law of Supply and Demand
- The Law of Thought
- Law of Vibration
As well as the Golden Rule.
As the seeker strives to understand Natural Law, it is presented as truths of the Universe. God's Law is immutable, and we know of no instances that it has been set aside; therefore, there are no miracles for all is in accordance with the operation of the Spiritual and Physical Laws.
Infinite Intelligence has given us these constructive, progressive patterns to guide our existence now and forever more. The God of the Universe impregnates the Spirit of all, then leaves it alone to discover itself through light, love and law. As we learn to function within these laws, we learn more of its source --Infinite Intelligence. Emerson wrote, "The finite alone has wrought and suffered, the Infinite lies stretched in smiling repose." The Infinite Spirit within us shows us the way to shine.