Losing faith in Spiritualism.

I am losing my faith in Spiritualism.
I still believe but I am now becoming very disappointed in the spiritualist religion itself.

I find it is becoming very 'hard core'.
Spiritualists themselves seem to belong to a closed section of religion.
I am on quite a few spiritual sites,some are friendly and some are not.

There are discussions on PM (Physical Mediumship) which are great but never seem to hit rock bottom.
PM started back in the Victorian age but seems to have lapsed since then.
Closed circles are very rare now,and trying to get into one is like trying to enrol in some secret society.

I haven't been to a spiritualist church for some years now but have decided to give it another go.
i am attending a service tomorrow evening so will see how it progresses.
Wish me luck that faith returns.
Deepsea

[God-Like]

Hi D.S.

I do see from where your coming..

There definitely seems a regimental approach more than ever, certain spiritual governing bodies are having there hands tied by red tape, and spiritual common sense seems to be falling short for sure.

Money and power seems to have Infiltrated Into spiritual organizations also, “where has the love gone”? Where has the spirituality In spiritualism gone?

Perhaps you could start up your own circle? I know how difficult It Is to find one.

x daz x

You are so right,believe me.
Where has the spirituality gone?
I remember visiting spiritual churches many years ago and the atmosphere was friendly and members were welcomed in.

What I don't like is the heirarchy surrounding spiritualism today.
The arguments that abound,the scramble to get into the highest position and oh,mustn't forget,the money that must be involved.
Open circles and Closed circles seemed to have disappeared or are being run under deep secrecy. Trying to get into one is like trying to visit Buckingham palace!

Thank you for your imput.God-Light.
Greatly appreciated.

deepsea

For me Spiritualist churchs have always been clique and unfriendly. Im afriad some of the congregation have lost the plot and developed huge egos and thus tight nit groups etc. However if you actually met most of the mediums they are as loving, and kind as ever. When you get a large group of mediums and fledglings together (ie Arthur Findlay College), it is a complete blast, very laid back but hard working.

I agree the religion itself is undergoing changes, but it is needed.

The closed circles have always been hard to get into, because they need to protect the mediums in question. It took me a good 4 years to find the one I attended for years, but now due to illness I find it impossible to attend one. The closed circles are by INVITATION only, so you simply wont know of its exsistence until they wont you to join. There are plenty still about.

Due to the Uk (at least) attitude to development and closed circles, with the likes of the law being changed and in the past the likes of Helen Duncan happening, we have to protect ourselves from anyone who would wish the attendees harm.

As always you dont really need to attend Church to be a Spiritualist, you just need to practice it every day.

Lastly, it is a known phenomena that during peace times Spiritualistism subsides but becomes extremely popular once war breaks out.

quote: "As always you dont really need to attend Church to be a Spiritualist, you just need to practice it every day."

The first piece is accurate, the second should be wholly disregarded - exactly what would one practise? By the way, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool, 100% Modern Spiritualist if you don't know me....

quote: Lastly, it is a known phenomena that during peace times Spiritualistism subsides but becomes extremely popular once war breaks out."

I wouldn't describe it as a "known phenomenon" but understandably during times of great stress and the desperate loss of many lives, a greater interest in Modern Spiritualism than there is at present was evident....

The war in the Falklands, however, didn't result in a resurgence of interest and the ongoing campaign in Afghanistan doesn't appear to have triggered any significant interest in knowing about Spiritualist teaching.

Incidentally the SNU erected a memorial to the Spiritualist fallen last year. It had taken many years to commemorate those for whom it was their chosen religion.

[Emmalevine]

I agree with Mac. My local spiritualist church was a major disappointment with at least two unimpressive mediums and a very cliquey congregation. I recently went to a different area which couldn't be more welcoming. They were more than happy to accept people into their development circles too. Sadly, due to my ill health I had to decline but I got a very good feeling about the place and people. There are still good churches out there but it depends on who runs it, who goes and the mediums they get. That will vary everywhere.

I really don't feel your going to get your faith back through a spiritual church... I went for a few weeks and I have never seen so much ego and back biting in all my life... There were so many people fighting over who should run it... And others that thought they had better gifts that other gees it was a nightmare, if anything I almost thought about forgetting ever being able to explore my faith in peace, like you for sometime my faith was weak... But then I started reading about bits and bobs and discovered that my faith was just that mine, no one has the right to tell you what to believe , and you can choose not to take onboard Anyones opinion that dose not site right with you... Keeping your faith strong is sticking to your own values and beliefs. By all means value other opinions, and maybe take a part of it for yourself, but only if it sits right with you... That way your under no pressure...

Originally Posted by spirit72

I really don't feel your going to get your faith back through a spiritual church... I went for a few weeks and I have never seen so much ego and back biting in all my life... There were so many people fighting over who should run it... And others that thought they had better gifts that other gees it was a nightmare, if anything I almost thought about forgetting ever being able to explore my faith in peace, like you for sometime my faith was weak... But then I started reading about bits and bobs and discovered that my faith was just that mine, no one has the right to tell you what to believe , and you can choose not to take onboard Anyones opinion that dose not site right with you... Keeping your faith strong is sticking to your own values and beliefs. By all means value other opinions, and maybe take a part of it for yourself, but only if it sits right with you... That way your under no pressure...

Yuh know the one thing I've never needed is 'faith' since learning the message of survival, and from reading the words of guides and teachers closely associated with Spiritualism's philosophy.

I didn't need the church, others do. And the message can be found elsewhere without needing to visit a building. The church is a meeting point for like-minded individuals. If you find you don't share the approach of the individuals or congregation, so what? You don't have to. Doesn't mean you're wrong and they're right or vice versa.

You just see things differently but the message of survival is never different - and that's what really matters.

Originally Posted by mac

Yuh know the one thing I've never needed is 'faith' since learning the message of survival, and from reading the words of guides and teachers closely associated with Spiritualism's philosophy.

I didn't need the church, others do. And the message can be found elsewhere without needing to visit a building. The church is a meeting point for like-minded individuals. If you find you don't share the approach of the individuals or congregation, so what? You don't have to. Doesn't mean you're wrong and they're right or vice versa.

You just see things differently but the message of survival is never different - and that's what really matters .

How very very true is that mac.

Certainly recently, there seems to be so much discord within the movement, ego getting in the way, the backbiting, jealousy etc it's time for one and all to realise it's what's inside your own heart body and soul that counts. One's own truth, belief, and trust is what matters.

Yes it's good to hear differing opinions, getting what you need form every one you come into contact with. But ultimately it's down to the individual and if the new wave seems to be letting go of ego, disillusionment, judgement and fear then the way forward is to teach by example. Don't just walk the walk or talk the talk. Walk the talk and light a spark of light where you can.

People just need to recognise everybody is on their OWN journey, working from a different vibration. No right, no wrong way. It just is. Perfect in the moment.

Acknowledgement, acceptance and trust in self AND Spirit is what's important. Listening to your gut instinct with what resonates and what doesn't all helps to achieve your own sense of Nirvana.

Love light and laughter
Namaste
Jue
x

I have recently become interested in the Spiritualism beliefs. I have a strong apprehension about attending a church or organization for many of the reasons mentioned here.

I would appreciate your input on resources such as books, websites, etc. to explore this belief further on my own.

I do not mean to hijack this thread with my own intentions, but thought perhaps those struggling with the complications of practicing Spiritualism with others might benefit from more access to information that we could obtain to pursue our interest privately.

Thank You.