From A.B.C. of Spiritualism by B. F. Austin:
"Spiritualism is the Science which affirms the existence of Spirit and the Origin, Sustainer and Reality in all the forms of Nature and in all the expression of life. According to its teachings the Universe is spirit-built and constitutes a Divine Revelation of Spirit (God). Spirit manifests in all life, in all intelligence, in all power in all wisdom and in all that is True, Beautiful and Good. Spiritualism is the Philosophy which explains the manifold operations of the Spirit in nature, and in man. It is the Religion which demonstrates through Mediumship life's continuity after death, affirms man's divine origin and relationship, furnishes man with the true philosophy of prayer, gives the strongest possible motives to good conduct, inspires and aids in self development, and offers him the richest consolation in life's sorrows.
In Hydesville, New York on March 31, 1848. Now known as Lily Dale, it is a gated lakeside village of about 200 houses, in rural Chautauqua County.
Spiritualism is based upon the principles of Nature, facts of human experience (personal and external), and upon Mediumship (prophesy).
The proofs of truth are derived from divine manifestation, classified into various psychic phenomena. The proofs of which early Christianity were based on were called "Miracles." Now with modern day science, each phenomena is classified into different categories. Coming from the Spirit from whom all blessings flow, these are one in the same in contrast. In fact, religions like Christianity are based on Mediumship, or divine direct-connection with God, and both teach the continuity of life after death, salvation by knowledge, and obedience to the Truth as well as communication between the two worlds. The difference is that Spiritualism recognizes that Jesus was/is divine, AND that we all are divine. That all of us are one with our Creator, not necessarily "mere images." It teaches to not be afraid of a loving God and that there is a purpose for everything. We must strive to discern with our heart and mind what is right. God is everything (animate and inanimate). We also realize that wisdom can be possibly found in all Spiritual texts. But what resonates with the individual, makes the difference. The beauty of Spiritualism is that we focus on the SAMES not the DIFFERENCES.
Spiritualists do not deny that sickness, pain, sorrow, loss, trouble, and bereavement have a real, though temporary, existence. People have the right to choose what they surround themselves with in life. They can focus on the positive or negative: it is simply a choice. Negativity does not, however, exist in the same way that good in life exists. "Evil" or fear die-- and Good in life persists. Spiritualism removes the power of "evil" or fear to destroy peace and happiness. It strengthens all souls who are compelled for a time to dwell in the shadow or darkness. It shows how "evil" or fear, when rightly understood can fuse into Good and become a positive outcome. (Adapted from A.B.C. of Spiritualism by B. F. Austin)
Last updated:
June 15, 2006