A Short Discussion of the Meaning and Significance of Spiritualism

There is no Death!
What seems so is transition:
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suburb of the life Elysian
Whose portal we call death

Spiritualism is a way of life combining religion, philosophy and science: 

Religion because it teaches of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man, proclaims spiritual truths governing conduct and the development of character and enjoins a life of service to others in uplifting the fallen, helping the downtrodden and healing the sick as taught and practiced by the Master Himself.

Philosophy because it teaches of the continuity of life in other spheres after the transition called death – under conditions somewhat similar initially to those of this life, where the departed, still with the same personality and feelings as before, develop further in a new life of activity. This belief is based on the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the spirit world and leads to the study of the immutable laws of nature in both earth and spirit life, basing its conclusions on the knowledge obtained.

Science because of the investigation, analysis and classification of facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit world.

A Spiritualist is one who believes in the ability to establish communication between the two worlds and who endeavours to mould his or her character and conduct in life in accordance with the highest teachings received by this means.

There is No Death

It is in the nature of man to think, to wonder and to ponder over the mystery of his existence here and hereafter. Once the fact of communication between those who once lived on earth and ourselves is accepted, much that was relegated to the region of faith emerges into the clear light of knowledge.

Knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of life and death, based on sound evidence, make men and women free from fear – especially the fear of death. Fear and ignorance are the enemies of mankind.

That life is imperishable is the fundamental message which Spiritualism proclaims. “There is no death.” Survival is a law of nature which operates in the case of every person who dies. Death is as natural as birth and is unaffected by religious doctrines.

How Do We Know These Things?

We have proof through the psychic gift of mediumship. Mediums register the subtler and delicate vibrations of the spirit world around us, bringing us, through messages of advice and inspiration from friends and loved ones who have passed on.

Spiritualism Provides a Universal Approach to Religion

It considers all men to be in various stages of spiritual evolution: therefore contends that it is the duty of the good man to do all in his power to assist the less evolved and point the way up the mountain, which has as many paths as there are men, to God. It teaches that “as a man sows, so shall he reap.” This statement by the Apostle Paul signifies that man pays the penalty for all the evil done on earth and that he also is rewarded for all the good done during this transitory life – the law of cause and effect.

How Does This Law Operate?

The Master Jesus said “In my Father’s house there are many mansions …” This means that according to the measure of a man’s works and spiritual development at the transition called death, so does he project to one of those “mansions” in tune with his way of life and character. The Spiritualist does not believe in the hell fire feared by so many but contends that there are various planes of existence suitable for the spiritual advancement of all souls, good or evil.

Through the teachings of Spiritualism man will realise his divine origin and his ultimate destiny and will become convinced that his conduct on earth and the character he develops will determine his place hereafter. He will therefore strive to comply with the physical, mental and spiritual laws which are the laws of God.

If we have done our best to help others wherever possible; if we have made ourselves channels for the flow of spiritual power and truth; if we have tried to understand that in serving others unselfishly we are serving God, then we need have no fear of passing to the next life.

We shall have fitted ourselves for a better and a happier life where we can be with our family and friends and with those beloved ones, our “guardian angels” who, often unbeknown to us, have guided our footsteps in this life and who will help us further on the path of spiritual attainment.

These guides, as you will learn if you study the subject, are evolved souls who have also experienced the conditions of earth and have fitted themselves by their spiritual development for the role of teaching – of interpreting the laws of God for humanity and of providing humanity with a new way of life. One of the noblest of them – Silver Birch advises us that “Service is the coin of the spirit.”

Some of the greatest teachings ever given to mankind and information concerning life in the spirit world – to which we all shall go – come from such as he through the channel of mediumship.

As an old Chinese proverb says, “If you want to know the road ahead ask those who come back.” The answers will convince you that you need fear death no longer. You will realise that we are born into physical bodies to enable us to learn the lessons of earth life and to further our spiritual development. You will understand that the body is not “you” but that you are a spirit inhabiting a body for a short while and that the spirit, the real “you,” disengages itself from the body at the time of passing to the new life. Freed of the body you will remain with the same thoughts, feelings and wishes and the same tender concern for those whom you love, that you had on the earth plane, all greatly intensified.

The study of Spiritualism will bring the realisation that God in His infinite mercy has made it possible for our loved ones in the world of the spirit to return to us when they wish. The understanding of this truth will help to break down barriers which disbelief, sorrow, fear and ignorance raised between us and them and will make easier their task of helping us and ours of helping them with our prayers for their spiritual welfare.

Conclusion

You have now read something about Spiritualism. As a seeker, you will wish to enquire further. You can do so by becoming a member of an organised study group, church or society. The qualities needed are sincerity and perseverance which are essential if you are to succeed in your search for Truth. Remember – “Knock and it shall be opened unto you,” “Seek and ye shall find.”

Source – The National Spiritualist Federation of South Africa