SPIRITUALISM

Spiritualism is a religion that embodies the main ideas of all religions, that there is a life after death, immortality, and the existence of a God. "The aim of Spiritualism is to effect an at-one-ment and unison of Humanity with God until every action and thought of Humanity is in perfect harmony with the Divine Will." (Adapted from the SNU's Spiritualists' Lyceum Manual)

  One difference between Spiritualism and other religions is the acceptance of the ability, through mediumship, to offer evidence of spirit communication to a recipient and in doing so demonstrate that people survive physical death. The individual may decide if they have received sufficient evidence to give them personal proof that people survive death as individuals in Spirit. Where personally proven it provides conclusive evidence of the 4th Principle, 'The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul'. Mediumship and the evidence is just the key to a door to encourage further study and understanding, the message is not the goal of Spiritualism. It is what an individual chooses to do with that key once they have it, once they accept that we survive death and continue in the unbroken cycle of eternal life of spirit that forms the purpose of Spiritualism. Spiritualism becomes the study of this earthly life's purpose as Spirit here and now and as such empowers anyone to take charge of the development of their own Spirituality, continually aiming to progress and live life with a fuller understanding and a greater learning experience for the Spirit. Spiritualism is a universal religion, one focus of which is embodied in our 5th Principle, 'Personal Responsibility'. It is by our own free will, we may choose to live a better life here and now reflected by how we live. It is by our own will and choices in how we act react and interact with everyone and everything that we must each be solely responsible and accountable. In understanding and accepting this, we accept our 6th Principle of 'Compensation and Retribution' encompassing the universal and natural law of cause and effect. It is through personal experience and expression by the study, consideration, and application of the many aspects of the religion, philosophy, and science of Spiritualism that the Spiritualist gains understanding and Spiritual growth. No one person has all the answers and Spiritualism becomes a continual personal religion to be lived to nurture and enlighten the Spirit within us, here and now.
 

THE 7 PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUALISM  

1.THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
The core belief of the religious philosophy of Spiritualism is the acceptance of a Divine Energy. This force, whatever name given to it, 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: we are all children of God so are part of one family. We acknowledge God as our Father.  

2.THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
We are all part of the universal creative force and therefore one family in God. The operation of true Brotherhood throughout the word would create betterment to the lives of many, bringing equality, security, and peace. Spiritualists try to understand the needs of others and help all people regardless of race, colour, or creed  

3.THE COMMUNION OF SPIRITS AND THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
Communion with divine energy is a natural and essential part of existence. Communication between Spirit itself and its creations is an inbuilt ability. Spiritualists use this ability for communication directly, or via a medium, between those in the spirit world and us. This is not supernatural; it is a normal activity. The main purpose of communication with the spirit world is to provide the evidence which supports our philosophy. The Ministry of Angels brings enhanced wisdom to enlighten the individual, society, and the world in which we live. This includes those who are dedicated to the welfare and service of mankind bringing inspiration guidance and healing.  

4.THE CONTINOUS EXISTENCE OF THE HUMAN SOUL
Spirit is part of the ‘Creative Force’ and thus indestructible. Energy cannot be destroyed; it can only change its form. After death, the physical body is left behind whilst the soul continues to exist in a different dimension that we call the spirit world. The individual personality continues unchanged by the event we call ‘death’.  

5, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
In His wisdom, God has given us enormous potential; we can use that potential to improve our own lives and the lives of others. We can make decisions throughout our lives as we see fit. What each of us makes of our life is our Personal Responsibility no one can replace or override that right. No other person or influence can put right our wrong doings.  

6, COMPENSATION AND RETRIBUTION HEREAFTER OF ALL THE GOOD AND EVIL DEEDS DONE ON EARTH
This Principle expresses the natural law of ‘cause and effect’. This law operates now, on earth, as well as in the spirit world. 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 divine judgement. We will have the opportunity to reassess, take stock and decide what might have been done differently.  

7, ETERNAL PROGRESS OPEN TO EVERY HUMAN SOUL
Eternity does not begin at death; 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, no one is ever deprived of the all-embracing love of God.