Our Seven Principles
are legally accepted and a lawfully recognised definition of the religious
philosophy of Spiritualism. A brief explanation of each one follows:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 realisation of that state can
give us, we are all given the opportunity to be responsible for our own eternal
progress.
Spiritualist
Resources
Most spiritualists are fond of meditation in some form or other. It should
be said though that there is much controversy over
Meditation and Meditating Techniques.
Whilst it is common in many circles to meditate before or during attempting to
connect to spirit, many believe that meditation slows down the vibrations when
we need a fast vibration to connect to the other side.
