Chicago's Church of the Spirit

SPIRITUALISM

Definitions of Spiritualism
What Spiritualism Is and Is Not

Definitions of Spiritualism

Adopted by the National Spiritualist Association of Churches
October, 1914, 1919, 1930, 1951

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.

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 mould his or her character and conduct in accordance with the highest teachings derived from such communion.

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.

A Spiritualist Healer is one who, either through his own inherent powers or through his Mediumship, is able to impart vital, curative force to pathologic conditions.

The Phenomena of Spiritualism consists of Prophecy, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Gift of Tongues, Laying on of Hands, Healing, Visions, Trance, Apports, Revelation, Levitation, Raps, Automatic and Independent Writing and Painting, Photography, Materialization, Psychometry, Voice and any other manifestation proving the continuity of life as demonstrated through the Physical and Spiritual Senses and faculties of Humanity.

“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.”

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What Spiritualism Is and Is Not

It teaches personal responsibility.

It removes all fear of death, which is really the portal of the spirit world.

It teaches that death is not the cessation of life, but mere change of condition.

It teaches, not that a man has a soul, but that man and woman is a soul and has a body.

That man and woman is a spiritual being now, even while encased in flesh.

That as man and woman sow on earth, he and she reap in the life to come.

That those who have passed on are conscious – not asleep.

That communion between the living and the “dead” is scientifically proved.

It thus brings comfort to the bereaved, and alleviates sorrow.

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.

It brings to the surface man’s spiritual gifts, such as inspiration, clairvoyance, clairaudience and healing powers.

It teaches that the spark of divinity dwells in all.

That as a flower gradually unfolds in beauty, so the spirit of man unfolds and develops in the spirit spheres.

Spiritualism is God’s message to mortals, declaring that There Is No Death. That all who have passed on still live. That there is hope in the life beyond for the most sinful.

That every soul will progress through the ages to heights, sublime and glorious, where God Is Love and Love Is God.

It is a manifestation, a demonstration and a proof of the continuity of life and of the truth of the many Spirit manifestations recorded in the Christian Bible.

It demonstrates the many spiritual gifts with which mankind is endowed but which through want of knowledge have been allowed to lie dormant, or through prejudice have been violently and unjustly suppressed.

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A Member of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (N.S.A.C.)