Spiritualism
is a religious and spiritual belief, which blends
ancient wisdom with contemporary thought. References
to Spiritualism have been found for centuries in
religious, literary and historic writings. The understanding
that life continues after death and that communication
is possible between the Spirit World and the Earth
World is the foundation of present day Spiritualism.
Spiritualists recognize God as the Universal Source,
the Infinite Spirit. We believe that each of us
is an integral part of the God Power. Our philosophy,
drawn from this understanding, teaches that the
path to spiritual growth and positive living comes
from taking personal responsibility for ones own
behavior. We do not believe that anyone needs to
atone for another's transgressions.
With this firm underpinning for our belief, we are
able to dismiss the concepts of the reward of heaven
and the punishment of hell. We believe that following
"death" of the physical body, all souls progress
onward into the Spirit World where teachings for
spiritual advancement continue. In believing that
evil is human-made, we realize that souls entering
the Spirit World, who have lived negative lives,
must cleanse their own consciences before they can
experience the peace and beauty of the spirit environment.
An integral part of the understanding of Spiritualism
centers around the repeated evidences of communication
between our world and the Spirit World. The means
by which such intercommunication takes place is
called mediumship. The individuals who are able
to make contact with the Spirit World are known
as mediums. The descriptive information, which the
medium receives from Spirit, perhaps of a relative,
friend, teacher, neighbor or even an advanced spiritual
guide, identifies that the life force is intact,
that the Spirit is still alive. Frequently the communication
is accompanied by a message of encouragement or
direction. Such knowledge of continuous life can
bring needed support during periods of bereavement,
crisis or personal search.
Healing is another very important dimension of our
belief. We accept the healing power of God as the
ultimate healing force. While we recognize the importance
and value of medical treatment and other health
care services, we believe that the most effective
healing benefits are derived from combined spiritual
and physical inputs.
Spiritualism, as a religious and spiritual belief,
offers a realistic and dynamic path for positive
living.
