Spiritualism

Spiritualism is a rational religion based on the proven knowledge that man’s spirit survives physical death.  This has led to a philosophical and scientific approach new to traditional religious faith.  Spiritualist philosophy contains neither dogma nor creed and it is discussed rather than preached.  It is a religion of reason for all those who see this as an age of reason.

At some time in life we all ask the question “What happens to me when I die?” Spiritualism claims to give the definite answer to this question.  It affirms that a person’s spirit survives physical death and enters a spirit world that surrounds and interpenetrates our material and physical life.  It asserts that the truth of this statement can be demonstrated under the right conditions when communication can and does take place between the worlds of spirit and earthly beings.  This communication is only possible through individuals who have what are known as mediumistic abilities and who are known as mediums.

Spiritualists stress that the right conditions must prevail for communication to take place and that the prime condition is that there is a spirit person willing to communicate.  It is not generally understood that communication cannot take place unless the spirits are willing to do so.  One of the greatest misapprehensions about Spiritualists is that they call up the dead.  Nothing could be further from the truth; if anything, it is the other way round; ample evidence exists throughout history that if and when they are willing the spirit people call us.

What is known as Modern Spiritualism began in 1848 when sensational happenings in Hydesville led to rapid developments throughout the United States and Canada, eventually reaching Europe including Britain.  Nowadays, the largest Spiritualist organization in Canada is the Spiritualist Church of Canada based in Toronto Ontario, and it is recognized by the federal government as the legally established religious body for Spiritualism.  It has an extensive education and training program and its philosophy is based on the Seven Principles, which do not lay down rules but encourage people to discuss and think about their attitude to life.  Influenced by these Principles as well as its scientific and philosophical ramifications, for many people Spiritualism has become more than just a religion; it has become a way of life.