When delving into any subject, we are encouraged to research and ask questions. This process is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the world around us. Within Spiritualism, this methodology is actively embraced inviting people to explore various disciplines and practices from multiple perspectives and arrive at their own truths.
Spiritualism has its foundation in the Seven Principles and can be understood as a science, a philosophy, and a religion. Each perspective offers unique insights and expands our understanding of a Spiritualists way of life.
Spiritualism as a Science
Science is the pursuit of truth through research, experimentation, and discovery. It operates on a principle of a perpetual search for deepening truth, discarding outdated concepts as new evidence emerges. Spiritualism embraces this search for understanding, particularly in its exploration of phenomena such as mediumship, trance or spirit art.
Mental Mediumship
A cornerstone of Spiritualism, mental mediumship bridges the gap between our world and the spirit world or energies from the unseen world. Its primary aim is to provide evidence of life after death, affirming the immortality of the soul. The process of mediumship is where mediums attune themselves to higher vibrational frequencies. Through this attunement, they receive messages, impressions and insights from spiritual energies or departed souls.
Albert Einstein’s observation that “everything in life is a vibration” aligns with the mechanics of mediumship. Everything vibrates at different frequencies whether a solid, liquid or gas. The spirit world exists at a different vibrational frequency, accessible through attunement and heightened sensory perception.
Places like the Arthur Findlay College and the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU) have conducted extensive studies to validate mediumship. These efforts underscore Spiritualism’s commitment to proving its core belief in life after death, this is one fundamental difference to other religious traditions, a constant search for proof and deeper understanding. Mediumship as a scientific endeavour continues to evolve, providing both evidence and profound insights into the nature of existence.
Spiritualism as a Philosophy
The philosophy of Spiritualism is encapsulated in its Seven Principles:
- The Fatherhood of God
- The Brotherhood of Man
- The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
- The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
- Personal Responsibility
- Compensation and Retribution for all Good and Evil deeds done on Earth
- Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul
Each principle offers guidance, personal interpretation and a moral framework and a meaningful way of life. Taken as a whole the principles provide structure and clarity in navigating the complexities of human existence.
The principles encourage respect for others, accountability for our personal actions and an awareness of the eternal progression of the soul. They promote a belief in something greater than ourselves while putting the focus on personal responsibility and moral integrity in this life. Taken together the principles create a philosophy that offers confidence, promotes love and instils a sense of purpose for this life and the next.
Spiritualism as a Religion
Spiritualism as a religion acknowledges the existence of a higher power, this is reflected in the principle “The Fatherhood of God.” This belief offers comfort and meaning, offering the idea that we are not alone and there is a greater intelligence in the universe.
The religious aspect of Spiritualism promotes free thinking and personal exploration, encouraging people to question everything and arrive at their own conclusions. It highlights the power of prayer, the importance of love and the transformative potential of energy. As a result, practitioners become more mindful of their actions and more attuned to the ongoing evolution of their souls.
As a science, Spiritualism seeks evidence and understanding. As a philosophy it provides moral guidance and purpose. As a religion it nurtures belief, connection and communion. Together, these perspectives create a holistic approach to the mysteries of life, the afterlife and the eternal nature of the soul.
A Lifelong Journey
Each aspect of Spiritualism encourages us to expand our understanding, embrace accountability and recognise the interconnected nature of all life. Spiritualism is a call to evolve not just as individuals but as eternal souls. It challenges us to explore the depths of our emotions and the greatest feeling of all… love.
Written by Richard Stuttle