The Religion of Spiritualism

Dear Friends,
Over the years, I have taught the ideologies of the Spiritualist Religion, to thousands of people. This information was taught to me by the National Spiritualists Association of Churches, the Morris Pratt Institute, and the tutelage of many wonderful mentors. In the coming weeks, I will be imparting a small amount of that same information here, so that you can gain an understanding of this beautiful religion, and determine if it might be for you. I would welcome your comments.

Understanding the Basics, A Simple Understanding, About Spirits, Good Spirit-Bad Spirit,
Who or What is God, Church Services, Declarations of Principles

Understanding The Basics

What we call "Spiritualism" is more than simply a religion. In truth, Spiritualism is a way of life, an ideology, and an understanding. The purpose of its teachings, is to help guide you to finding attunement with your God. Once you have reached attunement with the Infinite, you will gain control of your existence here in the physical realms, and better understand your purpose for being here.

Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continued life. Its principles are based on the demonstrated fact of communication with those beings, who live in the Spirit World, by the use of spirit mediumship.

Is Spiritualism a religion? Yes! Spiritualism is a religion because it strives to understand and comply with the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Laws of Nature. These are often referred to as, "the laws of God." Also, we recognize the presence of a supreme mind, which some of us call "Infinite Intelligence", and which others simply call God.

Spiritualism is also a science. It investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life, and draws conclusions based on these findings.

Lastly, Spiritualism is also a philosophy. It studies the laws of Nature both on the seen and unseen sides of life and bases its conclusions upon present and observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts from past ages and the conclusions drawn therefrom, provided that they are sustained by reason and by the results of observed facts. return to top

A Simple Understanding

Spiritualism is a belief in an eternal existence of the personal identity of the individual. Before we came into a physical existence, we existed in the spiritual world. When the day of our passing from this life finally comes, we will once again return to the existence we knew in the spiritual realms.

Spiritualism is a religion of personal responsibility. This means that we are held accountable for our acts and actions, and will be rewarded or punished based on the natural laws of the universe. We believe that we cannot be saved from atoning for our sins or misdeeds, by the intervention of a savior, or messiah. We must each atone for our actions in a personal manner. Spiritualism also understands that Heaven and Hell do not exist as physical places, but rather, are states of consciousness. Our feelings of heaven or hell result from our living in harmony or disharmony, with the physical and spiritual laws of the universe.

All people are given the opportunity to live in harmony with the highest levels of understanding. Those persons who choose to live outside the higher aspects of these laws, will find a life which reflects their choice. Unlike some orthodox understandings, Spiritualism believes that we are given all of eternity to reform and progress.

Of course, the longer we fail to recognize our proper path and remedy our behavior, the longer the concept of Hell will exist, and the deeper the anguish which we will face.

In keeping with that same thought, the sooner we find the correct path in life, and pursue God consciousness, the sooner we will know the joys of the concept of Heaven.

Our perception of God is not one of a man‑like creature, sitting on a throne, holding a book of judgement against all of mankind. Instead, we perceive God as an energy source, resident in all things, and from which we our existence was created. With this same thought, the power, which is God, resides in each and every one of us. Part of our task here on the earth is to find attunement with that loving energy, and allow it to guide our lives. We also believe that the perception of God is unique to the person seeking Him. My perception of God may be one way, yours may be another. God presents himself in a manner best suited for us to receive Him and to guide our personal life. return to top

About Spirits

Since the beginning of time, man has conducted some form of communication with spirits, gods, or entities who lived in some mysterious, unseen, land. It was believed that these entities had insights, or jurisdiction over the happiness, sadness, or well‑being of the people. These "gods" were held in high esteem, and/or worshiped.

As Christianity began to develop, man sought an explanation for these entities. Since only things with wings could fly, and since it appeared as though the spirits were moving about freely, Angels were given wings. Since their presence was often accompanied by the beautiful music of spirit, they were given harps. And, since they often appeared in the beautiful energy of spirit, they were given glowing raiments.

As we will cover a bit later on, these entities often emanated a glowing aura. Spirit visitors, or those (such as Jesus) who were perceived as spiritual, were often shown with auras (halos) over their heads. Because these spirits often foretold events, or offered cautions, they were given the name "Guardian Angels".

Spiritualism understands and accepts the continued existence of the spiritual identity. We also know that the freedom of flight, music, and energy projection, associated with the spirit world, are normal, and in harmony with the balance of the universe.

Through more than 100 years of experience, we have realized that what many organized religions believe are "Guardian Angels", are nothing more than our spirit guides and teachers entering our vibration, and helping us through life. Each of us have the blessing of a number of spirit guides. We have a guide for career, a guide for relationships, a guide for health, a guide for religious understanding, a guide for family, and what some people refer to as a joy, or recreational guide. These guides are drawn to us by one of the Natural Laws of the universe, the Law of Attraction. This law stipulates that like attracts like.

Each and every one of us possesses a unique spiritual vibration, like a spiritual fingerprint. There is only one of us in the universe. Those spirits who have chosen to be spirit guides will align themselves with someone who has a similar vibration pattern, and will assist us in dealing with our lives.

Some guides will be with us for life, others will change. I have found that as you develop different phases of mediumship, that you will be given a guide to assist in the development or utilization of that phase.

Generally speaking, spirit guides are not deceased family members, but rather objective entities who will provide non‑biased guidance in the conduct of your life. You may find your spirit guides through meditation or through the assistance of a knowledgeable spirit medium. return to top

Good Spirit ~ Bad Spirit

One of the most difficult things which I had to overcome when I became a Spiritualist was the concept of "EVIL" spirits. I have come to realize that what we call "evil" spirits are really nothing more than unhappy, frightened, or undeveloped spirit entities.

There are areas of our community which we avoid because of the class of people living there. Often times, these people are simply undeveloped. They have not had the education, or developed the understanding or maturity to conduct themselves properly or socially in life. Just as we have undeveloped people, so too, do we have undeveloped spirits.

In the case of undeveloped spirits, these are generally entities who have passed from a physical life without every having developed a consciousness of God, or of right and wrong. They may have passed from the physical existence without gaining an understanding of their purpose in life, or the opportunity of progression which spiritual awareness can bring.

Just as we avoid the undeveloped neighborhoods of our physical existence, so too, should the initiate avoid the lower echelons of the spirit realms.

As you gain knowledge and understanding of spirit, you may feel more comfortable shedding the fear of the unknown, and be able to help those entities seeking reformation or understanding.

Those of you who have seen the movie "The Sixth Sense", may recall the sense of peace which the young boy developed as he realized that those spirits who were contacting him only wanted help. From the moment of his realization, he recognized his purpose in life. This is an extremely valid reality, and one which will help eliminate the concept of fear often associated with "evil" spirits. After some interactions with these lost souls, you too, may wish to eliminate the word "evil" from your vocabulary. I find that people who continue to express this term, are really reflecting a fear of the unknown. return to top

Who, Or What, Is God?

One of the questions which I am most frequently asked is, do Spiritualists believe in God. Each time someone asks me this question, I get a bit of a chuckle.

You see, before I became a spiritualist, I practiced the religion of Christianity. . . actually, many different religions of Christianity. I thought I knew God. Wasn't God a man‑like being, sitting on a throne, with the book of life in His hand, keeping track of all my good deeds, and my misgivings? In truth, I really never knew God until I became a Spiritualist.

As arrogant humans, it is the nature of our consciousness to think that everything is like us. We think that we are the ONLY species in the universe, and we think that we look like God. Therefore, God must exhibit some of the same tendencies and personality traits, as we do. He must be angry. He must be vengeful, and He must be unforgiving. The reality is that none of it is true.

The energy which we call God, or Infinite Intelligence, is a loving energy. It exists in all things, animate and inanimate. It is a reflection of all that is good, and understands all that is not good. As you will see a bit later in our Declaration of Principles, we believe that the doorway to reformation (understanding) is never closed. This means that once a spirit understands the errors of their ways, they can reform and pursue a Godlike path. This path is available whether they are in the flesh or in spirit.

You might think that my thoughts are Christian bashing. Not true! While it is true that I have evolved beyond the dogmas of orthodox religious ideology, I recognize that no teaching here on the earth-plane contains ALL truth. Rather, I believe that there is some truth in ALL teachings. Wherever you find the spark which we call God, is where you belong, be it in Spiritualism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.

When you have made contact with your God self, your life will change. You will find God in everything, and everyone. You will look at your brothers and sisters as perfect spiritual creatures, AND you will find God wherever you look.

Do we need to stand in fear of God? NO! Must we fear an eternity in Hell for our misgivings while in this life? NO! Are our actions influenced by an evil entity known as Satan? NO! If we seek God‑consciousness, can we look forward to an existence of peace and happiness? CERTAINLY!

God is about love. Love comes from understanding. Each and every one of us have that spark of love and understanding within our heart. Finding it, is to touch happiness beyond comprehension.

Do Spiritualists believe in God? We believe in, appreciate, and have harmony with God, in ways which most other religions would envy if they could experience them.

The true blessing which Spiritualists can enjoy, is that we have found God, and as the apple is a reflection of the tree, so too, are we a reflection of Him, and His loving spirit.

A manlike being sitting on a throne? I think not. A loving, caring energy, which says LIFE, LOVE, HAPPINESS and FULFILLMENT. Absolutely! return to top

Come To Our Church Services

I always find it ironic that people don't know that Spiritualists have churches. As a matter of fact, The National Spiritualist Association of Churches has its headquarters in Lily Dale, New York. It's about 60 miles South of Buffalo, and is also home to one of the largest Spiritualist camps in the world. When I have been there, I have felt great energy. Every famous medium who has ever lived, has lived there or visited at one time or another. You can also check out their web site. Now, back to the churches.

If you were to walk into a Spiritualist church, you would find the church to be very similar to every other church you have been in. There are seats or pews, there is a piano or organ in most churches, there is a song agenda on the wall, and there are pictures of Jesus on the walls.

Our church services are also very similar to those of orthodoxy. We begin with singing, we have an invocation, we have a speaker, we say prayers, we take an offering, we have announcements, we have Sunday school. . ."why, it's just like a Christian church, Martha." So, what's the difference?

There are two primary differences between Spiritualism, and orthodox Christianity. First, you may remember that I told you that Spiritualism is a religion of personal responsibility. This means no savior, or messiah. When you hear discussions about Jesus, or sing songs of his praise, he will be referred to as the Master, the Master Teacher, or simply Teacher, but not "Savior". For example. In the song "How Great Thou Art", there is a line that says, "my savior, God to thee. . . ". In a Spiritualist Church, the melody, the music, and the song would be the same with one exception. We would sing "my Father (or Teacher), God to thee. . . " This again emphasizes our concept of personal responsibility.

The second, and most significant difference, is our spirit message service. At the end of each service, mediums are called to the platform to offer messages from spirit to the members of the congregation. This is our way of confirming the continuation of life after the change called death.

There are other things that you will notice. People will be happy. People will be friendly. Kids will be in attendance voluntarily. People give lots of hugs. In short, it will be a wonderful time. After all my experience in some of the most beautiful churches in the area, I never felt like I belonged until the day I walked into a little fieldstone church in Leslie, Michigan. It was the Flower Memorial Spiritualist Church. That was the day I came home. Why not come and join us? return to top

Our Declaration of Principles

The religion of Spiritualism is based on the concepts included in nine (9) specific principles which are contained in our "Declaration of Principles."

These principles express our belief and understanding in our purpose, our spirituality, and our oneness with God. Each principle has evolved over time to fit in with today's understanding of life. For your convenience, I have listed them below.

  1. We believe in Infinite Intelligence.
  2. We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence.
  3. We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression, and living in accordance therewith, constitute true religion.
  4. We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death.
  5. We affirm that communication with the so‑called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by the phenomena of Spiritualism.
  6. We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: "Whatsoever ye would, that others should do unto you, do ye also unto them."
  7. We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals, and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature's physical and spiritual laws.
  8. We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any human soul, here or hereafter.
    We affirm that the precepts of Prophesy and Healing contained in all sacred texts are Divine attributes, proven through Mediumship.

These principles are read at every church service as an affirmation of faith and understanding. Read through them. You'll find that they can help pattern your thinking toward a more spiritual lifestyle. return to top