THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUALISM
The Fatherhood of God
By a study of nature, that is, by trying to understand the laws of cause and 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 life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today,. We understand from Spirit teachings that this energy is Love, the power of which is flowing from the Creator.
The Brotherhood of Man
Because we all come from the same universal Life source we are, in effect, one large family, a small individual offshoot from the whole. This means that all of humankind is related whatever their colour or ethnicity, and as a vast community for mutual support and comfort. 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 of our life. We must look not only to the material necessities of others, but also to their spiritual needs. Our loving care should also extend to all other sentient creatures.
The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
Many religions believe in life after death but only Spiritualism provides evidence of this truth by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. Through mediumship, demonstrated in Spiritualist Churches, this is possible and many loved relatives and friends take advantage of this opportunity to continue to their interest in our welfare. There are also Spirit people/teachers, known as Guides who are dedicated to the welfare and service of humankind.
The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
It is scientifically proven that matter(being the 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 in different a dimension. This other world is referred to as the Spirit World. In spirit life we have a spirit body whic until we progress far enough, is a replica of our earthly body but it is a much finer form. 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.
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 put our actions. Our lives depend 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 and wrong for our own spirituality. We are personally responsible for all our thoughts, words and deeds.
Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth
As with all other Principles, natural laws apply; this one echoes the Law of Cause and Effect ('what goes around, comes around' ). One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. It should be understood that the compensatory or retributive effects of this law operate now, on earth: they do not wait until we begin to live our lives in the spirit world. With this understanding we can try to put right wrongs that we know we have done before we pass from this life.
Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul
In most humans 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 spiritual wisdom and understanding are able to do so. The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and spiritual understanding. It is the realisation that our soul is a part of eternity and the road to progress is open any time we choose to walk it that can help us come to terms with the challenges of this world.
The Fatherhood of God
By a study of nature, that is, by trying to understand the laws of cause and 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 life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today,. We understand from Spirit teachings that this energy is Love, the power of which is flowing from the Creator.
The Brotherhood of Man
Because we all come from the same universal Life source we are, in effect, one large family, a small individual offshoot from the whole. This means that all of humankind is related whatever their colour or ethnicity, and as a vast community for mutual support and comfort. 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 of our life. We must look not only to the material necessities of others, but also to their spiritual needs. Our loving care should also extend to all other sentient creatures.
The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
Many religions believe in life after death but only Spiritualism provides evidence of this truth by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. Through mediumship, demonstrated in Spiritualist Churches, this is possible and many loved relatives and friends take advantage of this opportunity to continue to their interest in our welfare. There are also Spirit people/teachers, known as Guides who are dedicated to the welfare and service of humankind.
The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
It is scientifically proven that matter(being the 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 in different a dimension. This other world is referred to as the Spirit World. In spirit life we have a spirit body whic until we progress far enough, is a replica of our earthly body but it is a much finer form. 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.
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 put our actions. Our lives depend 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 and wrong for our own spirituality. We are personally responsible for all our thoughts, words and deeds.
Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth
As with all other Principles, natural laws apply; this one echoes the Law of Cause and Effect ('what goes around, comes around' ). One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. It should be understood that the compensatory or retributive effects of this law operate now, on earth: they do not wait until we begin to live our lives in the spirit world. With this understanding we can try to put right wrongs that we know we have done before we pass from this life.
Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul
In most humans 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 spiritual wisdom and understanding are able to do so. The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and spiritual understanding. It is the realisation that our soul is a part of eternity and the road to progress is open any time we choose to walk it that can help us come to terms with the challenges of this world.