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| Definitions | A Medium | A Healer | Phenomena of |
What is Spiritualism?
Spiritualism is a common sense religion, one of knowing and living. We accept all truths and endeavor to prove their validity. Truths are found in nature, both physical and spiritual, in other religions, in writings, in science, in philosophy, and in Divine Law. Truths are also received through spirit communication.
A number of the tenets of other religions are found in the beliefs of Modern Spiritualists, and are reflected in the Declaration of Principles which appears in this brochure. One constant in all religions is the Golden Rule, expressed in many ways, conveying the message of humanity and love in all interactions.
The Modern Spiritualist movement began in Hydesville, New
York in March, 1848. Two sisters in the Fox family began to hear rationally
unexplainable rappings in the house. With time, communication with a spirit
began first with “Yes” and “No” raps, and then with raps identifying letters
of the alphabet. The Fox sisters were invited to a number of public forums
in which they were asked to demonstrate their mediumistic abilities to a
skeptical audience. Their gifts, and those of a number of legitimate
psychics and mediums, spurred great public interest in Spiritualism into the
early 1900s when that interest lagged. In the present day, there appears to
be a renewal of spiritual awareness as people look for answers in troubled
times.
Definitions of Spiritualism
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 mold 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)