The philosophy of Spiritualism is contained within the Seven Principles of Spiritualism which were given by Robert Owen, through the mediumship of Emma Hardinge Britten, to give mankind an understanding of Eternal life. These principles became the seven principles of spiritualism and formed the cornerstone of its memorandum of association. The seven principles of spiritualism are:
Study and observation of the world of nature on the planet on which we live and of the Universe, lead to the inescapable conclusion that there is a force which has created life in all its forms and the Universe itself, and this force also keeps existence in a state of balance, allowing expansion, transformation and creation to take place. This force we term, for want of a more explicit word “GOD”.
Acknowledgement of the Fatherhood of God implies acceptance of mankind’s inherent divinity as Children of God, each person containing within, a spark of that eternal and everlasting life force.
“One interior life
In which all beings live with God,
Themselves are God,
Existing in the mighty Whole.” Wordsworth=
It therefore follows that each one of us is in the same relationship to that Fatherhood, just as we are in the human family. A Brotherhood is a community of mutual support and comfort and, as people learn to give to others in this relationship, so must they also learn to receive, thereby achieving the necessary balance for their lives. To live up to this Principle, The Brotherhood of Man ensures that mankind looks not only to the material needs of his fellow creatures, but also to their spiritual needs.
“Oh let my eyes be open wide
That I may clearly see
How Often in another’s guise
God walks the road with me.” – R H Renville
The Communion of Spirit is the key principle of the religion of Spiritualism, as it not only teaches life eternal, but also, through the working of this principle, gives substance to those teachings.
Energy cannot be destroyed, it can only disperse and/or change its form. Equally, Spirit cannot be destroyed though its manifestation, and does alter. The creative force is eternal and so the individual is eternal, and death cannot sever the bonds of love and friendship. It is natural, therefore, that those who have “died” should wish to come back and minister to their families and friends.
“Hand in hand with Angels, through the world we go;
Brighter eyes are on us than we blind ones know;
Tenderer voices cheer us than we deaf will own;
Never, walking heavenward, can we walk alone.” – Lyceum Manual
Spirit, as part of the Creative Force, is indestructible. Once the death of the physical body, the Spirit continues as an integral part of the world which penetrates the physical world, but which is in a different dimension. This world is referred to as the Spirit World. When living in the Spirit World people are the same individuals in every way with the same personalities and characteristics and can only evolve by progression, or otherwise, as a result of their own efforts.
“Never the spirit was born; the spirit shall cease to be never;
Never was time is was not; End and Beginning are dreams;
Birthless and deathless and changeless, abideth the spirit forever
Death hath not touched it at all,
Death though the house of it seems!”
“Song Celestial” from The Bhagavad Gita
By the acceptance of immortality through the Fatherhood of God and by acknowledging their Responsibilities to others through the Brotherhood of Man, Spiritualists are also accepting Responsibility for their own words, actions and even unspoken thoughts.
Spiritualists accept that their spiritual progression is wholly dependent upon themselves, and is very important therefore, as full of an understanding as it is possible of all the implications of this principle is achieved. It is only be service to others that individuals can serve themselves.
“We all might be good,
When we often do ill,
There is always the way,
If there be but the Will.” – Anon
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.
Personal Responsibility asks that people should “do as you would be done by”. Compensation and Retribution says “Be done by as you did.”
“Sow truth, if thou the truth wouldst reap;
Who sows the false shall reap the vain;
Erect and sound thy conscience keep
From hollow words and deeds refrain.” – Anon
Accepting Personal Responsibility implies that within the context of this Principle, Spiritual Progress is wholly within the hands of each individual, and it is only by developing individual Spiritual qualities that progress can be made.
Progress is never easy and great Progress demands sacrifice, but Spiritual Blessings are in proportion to the efforts made, stimulating finer vibrations within each Soul, which raises it even higher in the great divine spiral of Spiritual Progression in this life, and that other life to come.
“life is real, life is earnest,
and the grave is not its goal;
“Dust thou art, to dust returnest’
Was not spoken of the soul.
Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate,
Still achieving, still pursuing
Learn to labour and to wait.” – Longfellow
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