SPIRITUALISTS' NATIONAL UNION (SNU)
Spiritualism is a registered religion, and further information can be obtained at the website of the SNU.
The
Seven Principles
The Fatherhood
of God
The Brotherhood
of Man
The Communion
of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
The Continuous
Existence of the Human Soul
Personal
Responsibility
Compensation
and Retribution hereafter for all
the good and evil deeds done on earth
Eternal
Progress open to every Human Soul
1 - The Fatherhood of God
By the study of Nature - that is, by
trying to understand the Laws of Cause & Effect which govern all that is
happening around us - we recognise that there is a creative force in the
universe. This force, or energy, not only created the whole universe, but also
life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today. The effects of
this eternal creation can be seen around us and this leads us to the evidence
that 'God' - 'The Creative Force' - manifests directly, or indirectly, in all
things. We know this power as God and as we are part of the Life created by God,
we acknowledge God as our Father.
2 -The Brotherhood of Man
Because we all come from the same
universal life source we are, in effect, one large family, small individual
offshoot from the whole. This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood. A
brotherhood is a community for mutual support and comfort. We are all members of
the same divine family. We need to share our joys as well as our burdens; we
need to understand the needs of other individuals in order to assist them as
part of our service to each other. As we learn to give so must we also learn to
receive thereby achieving the necessary balance for our life. We must look not
only to the material necessities of our fellow creatures but also to their
spiritual needs and help those in need to become strong and worthy of their
relationship in the Family of God.
3- Communion of Spirits and the Ministry
of Angels
All religions believe in life after
death but only Spiritualism shows that it is true by demonstrating that
communication with departed spirits can and does take place. Spiritualist
Churches provide one of the venues where communication, through mediumship, is
possible and many loved relatives and friends take advantage of this opportunity
to continue to take an interest in our welfare. There are also spirit
people/teachers who are dedicated to the welfare and service of mankind. Some
(e.g. Silver Birch) bring inspiration and teachings whilst others work within
the healing ministry.
4- Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
It is scientifically proven that matter
(being part of the creative force, or energy) cannot be destroyed; it merely
changes its form. Spirit, as part of the Creative Force is, therefore,
indestructible. On the death of the physical body, the spirit continues as an
integral part of a world, which interpenetrates our world but in a different
dimension. This world is referred to as the Spirit World. In spirit life we have
a spirit body, which until we progress far enough, is a replica of our earthly
body. We are the same individuals in every way with the same personalities and
characteristics and we change only by progression, or otherwise, as a result of
our own efforts. Our personal responsibilities do not stop at death.
5 - Personal Responsibility
This principle is the one which places
responsibility for wrongful thoughts and deeds where it belongs - with the
individual. It is the acceptance of responsibility for every aspect of our lives
and the use to which we place our lives depends entirely upon ourselves. It is
not possible for any other person, or outside influence, to interfere with our
spiritual development, unless we are willing to allow this. No one can put right
the wrongdoing except the offender. As we are given freedom of choice (freewill)
so also are we given the ability to recognise what is right from what is wrong.
We are totally, as well as personally, responsible.
6 - Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all Good
and Evil Deeds done on Earth
As with all the other Principles, the natural laws
apply and this one echoes the law of Cause and Effect (as you sow, so shall you
reap). One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and
popularity in return. It must be understood that the compensatory or retributive
effects of this law operate now - on earth - they do not wait until we
begin to live in the Spirit World.
7 - Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul
In every heart there exists the desire for progress
and to every human spirit belongs the power to progress in wisdom and love.
All who desire to tread the path that leads to perfection are able to pursue it.
The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and
spiritual understanding. If we do our best in earth life to follow our inward
prompting or intuitions; we shall find progress very easy, on earth as in
spirit; if not, every step in advancement will follow a struggle against
imperfections, which we ourselves will have worked into our natures. Within the
Family of God, with all the advantages that our realization of that state can
give us, we are all given the opportunity to be responsible for our own eternal
progress.
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