Spiritualism! Fact or Fiction?

[Left Behind]

Originally Posted by Moonkissed ☽O☾ Wolf

I feel as though I am about to tread on some toes here.

I "identify" myself as Pagan, but I have just discovered the religion of Spiritualism, and was doing a bit of digging on the NSAC website, and realized I very much have the same views as Spiritists. I am enjoying the research and trying to figure out if the religion is right for me.

When I was younger, I HAD seen/heard/felt a few spirits. I didn't know these spirits, though. I was wondering if there was a belief in animal's having spirits as well? Anyway, I shall wander through more threads in the Spiritualism section. Thank you.

A Spiritualist is someone who believes that contact can be established between the world of those living in the flesh and the world of those living in spirit. You could be a Pagan or a Christian or have no religion at all, and still be a Spiritualist: and Spiritualism is also a religion unto itself.

Spiritism and Spiritualism are not exactly the same thing. All Spiritists believe in reincarnation. Some Spiritualists do, some don't. I'm a Spiritualist, and I don't. And I'm also a Christian.

Jim

[Moonkissed ☽O☾ Wolf]

Originally Posted by Left Behind

A Spiritualist is someone who believes that contact can be established between the world of those living in the flesh and the world of those living in spirit. You could be a Pagan or a Christian or have no religion at all, and still be a Spiritualist: and Spiritualism is also a religion unto itself.

Spiritism and Spiritualism are not exactly the same thing. All Spiritists believe in reincarnation. Some Spiritualists do, some don't. I'm a Spiritualist, and I don't. And I'm also a Christian.

Jim

Oh drats. I meant to type "Spiritualism," not "Spiritism." I was looking up Spiritism before I decided to research Spiritualism, so my brain keeps trying to use that one, when I mean the other. (I will edit that post).

And that's nice to hear. I was under the impression that to be a Spiritualist, you need to adhere to ONLY the beliefs listed on their association's website. Or would I have to do that to claim it as my religion? Ha! I feel as though I'm chasing my tail on this. [Again, only trying to see if this religion is right for me. I could go with Pagan Spiritualist though, if I feel connected to Spiritualism enough :)]

[Left Behind]

No, really the essence of Spiritualism is the belief in contact between the two worlds. That's really the cuttting point between Spiritualists and non-Spiritualists.

Spiritualist churches and denominations generally have more things - Principles, they would call them - that they believe in. But they wouldn't insist that you adhere to all of their beliefs, unless you wanted to be a minister in their denomination.

These other Principles would include such beliefs as every soul having to work out its own spiritual progress - as opposed to the vicarious atonement theory: and the idea that progress continues throughout spirit life - as opposed to the idea that your fate for eternity is determined solely by your life lived on earth.

You need not have mediumistic abilities yourself to be a Spiritualist. Most Spiritualists don't. A medium is to Spiritualists rather like a priest is to Catholics.

Animals? Some Spiritualists believe that animals have spirits that live on. Others doubt or deny this. I believe that they DO, and that's probably a majority opinion.

[Left Behind]

You mentioned NSAC. If you're in the US (like me), good luck at finding a local Spiritualist church: they are few and far between. In the UK, they are all over the place.

You might want to check out the Morris Pratt Institute. They are the educational wing of NSAC, and have a great correspondence course about Spiritualism.

[mac]

Originally Posted by Moonkissed ☽O☾ Wolf

I feel as though I am about to tread on some toes here.

I "identify" myself as Pagan, but I have just discovered the religion of Spiritualism, and was doing a bit of digging on the NSAC website, and realized I very much have the same views as Spiritualists. I am enjoying the research and trying to figure out if the religion is right for me.

When I was younger, I HAD seen/heard/felt a few spirits. I didn't know these spirits, though. I was wondering if there was a belief in animal's having spirits as well? Anyway, I shall wander through more threads in the Spiritualism section. Thank you.

I'm speaking as a Spiritualist of nearly three decades who has been writing in online forums on the subject for over nine years.

Firstly it's good to read that you're finding persuasion in Spiritualism's approach. Secondly - and sadly - this website is one where there hasn't been much discussion for quite some time. It didn't used to be like that. Threads found here are still relevant but most ran out of steam a long time back.

Thirdly being a Spiritualist - should anyone choose to use the name for oneself - is very simple. Spiritualism is fundamentally the understanding and acceptance that life goes on beyond corporeal death and communication through mediumship with those who have passed over.

Beyond those simple notions (simple but many struggle to accept them) there's a world of other issues which can be considered in light of ideas given by teachers and guides generally accepted as being spiritually-evolved.

Those related issues can be the most intriguing but understanding them is not necessary. One may take from the table whatever one wishes; as much or as little.

[deepsea]

Personally I don't care what title is given. To me it is and always will be 'life after death'.
The proof of 'life after death' of course.

deepsea

[Moonkissed ☽O☾ Wolf]

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to respond to my posts. :) I guess I kind of threadjacked, and I apologize!

If I had the money, I'd sign up for those courses LB had mentioned, but I don't have the funds for those, unfortunately. :(

Anyway, the information you all have provided was very helpful. And I will keep on researching :)

Thanks again!!!!

[mac]

Originally Posted by Moonkissed ☽O☾ Wolf

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to respond to my posts. :) I guess I kind of threadjacked, and I apologize!

If I had the money, I'd sign up for those courses LB had mentioned, but I don't have the funds for those, unfortunately. :(

Anyway, the information you all have provided was very helpful. And I will keep on researching :)

Thanks again!!!!

Thank you for your politeness but you didn't hijack this (nearly-dead) thread because you'd explained how you'd found similarities when comparing paganism and Spiritualism.

I hope you'll look further and maybe look more at how things are our side of the pond? As a regular US traveler I know how poorly served its Spiritualists are and there's a wealth of information to be found over here (where I presently am) compared with what I've seen over-there where you are.

good luck whichever way you go