“Modern Spiritualism - now usually just called ‘Spiritualism’ - is a legally constituted religion in the United Kingdom, one which does not expect faith or belief from those who follow its teaching.”
May I firstly apologise to those who do understand the above and who do understand that Spiritualism is not specially related to spirituality or to leading a spiritual life - however they might be defined. For anyone confused about the very-similar terms I offer the following few words.
As stated earlier, Spiritualism - and I personally use a capital ‘S’ - is a legally constituted religion here in the UK. Its adherents are usually called Spiritualists but this does not in any sense imply that they are individuals who think of themselves as ‘spiritual’. There’s no need for its practitioners to be ‘spiritual people’ or to lead ‘spiritual lives’ . Of course they may be spiritual, and may lead ‘spiritual lives’ but that is by-the-by. What defines Spiritualism and Spiritualists is pretty simple.
Spiritualism’s fundamental tenet is that of our survival beyond physical death and communication through mediums with those who live ‘in spirit’ - ‘discarnates’. Hence those who profess themselves to be Spiritualists are essentially individuals who understand and accept these simple facts. That’s not to say, though, that everyone who understands the above would necessarily call themselves Spiritualists. 😉
Beyond the fundamentals, however, understanding may readily be broadened into many other fields. For example, once it’s understood why life goes on beyond bodily death, then a very natural progression is to research how that happens, what people do, where they are, what came before their birth into this world. This is not, of course, the sole territory of Spiritualist philosophy and is not claimed to be so.
It’s often said that many harbour concerns, fears, dread about death. It’s irrefutable that bereavement brings many face-to-face with their fears along with great concern and upset about the passing of loved one. For such individuals, Spiritualism offers the chance of seeking answers by visiting evidential mediums.
These will act on their behalf to see if anyone associated with the bereaved wishes to make contact with them. This may not be the one who has passed and might be anyone from the family or simply friends.
Contact can never be guaranteed - it’s not a helpline staffed 24/7. Those who come do so voluntarily, because they wish to help. They can not be summoned although thoughts may be sent out in the hope they will choose to respond.
Perhaps all this may be done elsewhere, by other practitioners, adherents to another philosophy. That’s fine as any genuine contact they provide may bring relief to the bereaved in a similar way.
Spiritualism isn’t in competition with any other philosophy or with its adherents.
“Modern Spiritualism - now usually just called ‘Spiritualism’ - is a legally constituted religion in the United Kingdom, one which does not expect faith or belief from those who follow its teaching.”
May I firstly apologise to those who do understand the above and who do understand that Spiritualism is not specially related to spirituality or to leading a spiritual life - however they might be defined. For anyone confused about the very-similar terms I offer the following few words.
As stated earlier, Spiritualism - and I personally use a capital ‘S’ - is a legally constituted religion here in the UK. Its adherents are usually called Spiritualists but this does not in any sense imply that they are individuals who think of themselves as ‘spiritual’. There’s no need for its practitioners to be ‘spiritual people’ or to lead ‘spiritual lives’ . Of course they may be spiritual, and may lead ‘spiritual lives’ but that is by-the-by. What defines Spiritualism and Spiritualists is pretty simple.
Spiritualism’s fundamental tenet is that of our survival beyond physical death and communication through mediums with those who live ‘in spirit’ - ‘discarnates’. Hence those who profess themselves to be Spiritualists are essentially individuals who understand and accept these simple facts. That’s not to say, though, that everyone who understands the above would necessarily call themselves Spiritualists. 😉
Beyond the fundamentals, however, understanding may readily be broadened into many other fields. For example, once it’s understood why life goes on beyond bodily death, then a very natural progression is to research how that happens, what people do, where they are, what came before their birth into this world. This is not, of course, the sole territory of Spiritualist philosophy and is not claimed to be so.
It’s often said that many harbour concerns, fears, dread about death. It’s irrefutable that bereavement brings many face-to-face with their fears along with great concern and upset about the passing of loved one. For such individuals, Spiritualism offers the chance of seeking answers by visiting evidential mediums.
These will act on their behalf to see if anyone associated with the bereaved wishes to make contact with them. This may not be the one who has passed and might be anyone from the family or simply friends.
Contact can never be guaranteed - it’s not a helpline staffed 24/7. Those who come do so voluntarily, because they wish to help. They can not be summoned although thoughts may be sent out in the hope they will choose to respond.
Perhaps all this may be done elsewhere, by other practitioners, adherents to another philosophy. That’s fine as any genuine contact they provide may bring relief to the bereaved in a similar way.
Spiritualism isn’t in competition with any other philosophy or with its adherents.
Very well put,Mac and plain to understand!
Even for old folks like me!
😀
SHO