I wrote recently about Spiritual literacy and that December was Spiritual Literacy month. So I thought I would talk a little more about Spiritualism and the ideas and philosophies behind it.
The Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU) is a Spiritualist organisation, founded in the United Kingdom in 1901. According to the SNU, spiritualism is based upon seven principles. These Principles are not hard and fast rules or dogma, but rather a framework of ideas and ethics to base your life upon. It’s a way to find your own path of beliefs within a culture of likeminded people. As Tom DeLonge (vocalist, and guitarist of the rock band Blink-182) put it like this, “Angels and Airwaves is a complete, pure reflection of who I am. The philosophy, the spiritualism, the esotericism, the idea of hope and space and the themes about life and grandeur… that’s all me”.
The Fatherhood of God. The core belief of Spiritualism is the acceptance of a Divine Energy. This force, whatever name you give it (Source, the Light or God), has created all there is and sustains all its creation. The ‘Spirit of God’ exists within and around everything, it is within all of us.
The Brotherhood of Man. We are all part of the universal creative force and therefore one family. True Unity throughout the world would create betterment to the lives of many, bringing equality, security and peace. Spiritualists should try to understand the needs of others and help them regardless of race, colour or creed.
The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels. Communion with divine energy is a natural and essential part of existence. Spiritualists use this ability for communication directly between those in the spirit world and ourselves. This is not regarded as supernatural; it is a normal activity. The main purpose of communication with the spirit world is to provide the guidance in this world.
The Continuous Existence of the human soul. Spirit is part of the ‘Creative Force’ and thus indestructible. This energy cannot be destroyed; it can only change its form. So, for example, after death the physical body is left behind while the soul continues to exist in the spirit world. The individual personality continues unchanged by death.
Personal Responsibility. We all have enormous potential and we can use that potential to improve our lives and those of others. We make decisions throughout our lives as we see fit. What each of us do in our life is our responsibility and no one can override that right. No other person or influence can put right our wrongdoings.
Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done on earth. As we move through life making choices, the outcome of those choices affects our soul growth. When we leave this earthly life there will be no judgement. We will have the opportunity to reassess, take stock and decide what might have been done differently.
Eternal Progress open to every human soul. Eternity does not begin at death, instead progress is open to all now. Any action, or intent to change, to promote soul growth and progression, creates a positive reaction. There will always be the opportunity to develop and move forward.
These principles are based on the summary of faith of Emma Hardinge Britten, a pioneer for the UK’s Spiritualist Movement and have been adopted by the SNU.