Spiritualism: Philosophy

When philosophy is literally defined it means the love of wisdom. More broadly defined, philosophy is recognized as the knowledge capable of explaining all things by their ultimate causes. People who pursue wisdom through philosophy are called philosophers. A rich and natural habitat for philosophy can be found in the sister discipline of religion.

Philosophy was born and grew because our knowledge about self and the world increased. Knowledge became so vast that the human mind could not grasp its totality. The thousands of isolated facts that made up the body of knowledge began to replace the essence of wisdom, which is understanding. The gap between knowledge and understanding required a bridge, which became philosophy.

The philosopher not only attempts to describe certain facts and knowledge, but also uses and applies these facts and knowledge to life in general. This is how they arrive at the true worth and meaning of their efforts. Philosophers attempt to piece together all the various pieces of knowledge to make a more complete picture than there was previously.

The well known philosopher Aristotle described the ideal person as having the disposition to be of service to others, without the desire to be served. He states that to confer kindness is a mark of superiority. This person never feels malice and always forgives and forgets injuries. Nor does this person speak evil of others, unless it be directly to the person who commits such acts. Aristotle’s observations are essentially a broader definition of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Spiritualist Principle that is most like Aristotle’s description of the ideal individual is Principle 6, which the philosopher’s definition of the ideal person’s attributes are a deeper understanding of what the “highest morality” consists of.

We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Closely aligned with philosophy is the study of science. In fact, many philosophers are also scientists. The discovery of gravitation by Sir Isaac Newton precipitated the total commitment of science to the study of Natural Law. Gravity is the force that causes all objects to be pulled toward the center of the Earth and not to fly off the face of the planet. It’s also the force that determines the weight of physical things. Additionally, gravitational force even extends beyond the surface of the Earth to include all objects within its sphere of influence including the atmosphere, satellites, and the moon.

Natural Law is a constant order among the phenomena of nature, or simple statements of the orderly working of the universe and all that is in it.

To understand the full meaning of Natural Law, we must learn to apply it both to physical and spiritual.

Natural Law can be understood as a continuum in that it is the same law whether in the physical or spiritual realms of existence. Henry Drummond explained it well when he stated, “... [one] might see the great lines of religious truth as clearly and simply as the broad lines of science.” In other words, there is not a separate set of rules to govern the physical world and one to govern the spiritual. The rules are one and the same, thus is Natural Law. Henry Drummond’s interpretation of Natural Law can be summed up in the phrase, “As above, so below. As the universe, so the soul.” That which belongs to the spiritual realm becomes natural, and that which belongs to the natural becomes spiritual.

Some additional laws that are part of the greater body of Natural Law include the following:

The Law of Compensation is similar to the philosophy of Karma, in that we receive, sooner or later, exactly what we have earned for ourselves through our actions. If one renders service to others, the karma is good. If one does not, the karma is bad or needs further work. However, the Law of Compensation is usually used in a positive way where one is compensated for good works and efforts.

The Law of Continuity teaches us that there is no separation between physical and spiritual laws. The law covers the entire spectrum of being to include both matter and spirit.

The Law of Truth encompasses both the knowledge and understanding of right thinking, acting, and living. It encourages individuals to seek greater awareness and to know the truth in all things. It aids us in knowing right from wrong. This law is closely linked to the conscience of humans.

F.W.H. Myers discusses what he calls Cosmic Law.

Myers states that the three principles of Cosmic Law are uniformity, conservation, and evolution. All three operate under Natural Law, and all operations in the universe obey this unchanging law.

In addition to the thinking and reasoning capabilities of human beings is an unique characteristic known as self-consciousness, which indicates one is aware both of individuality and consciousness. It’s a distinction that one is separate from everyone and everything else in the universe. It gives each individual their uniqueness. Additionally, self-consciousness partnered with language make human beings distinctly superior to all other forms of organic life on Earth. It’s due to this distinction that mankind has both evolved and developed across the world to the magnitude that is present today.

Humanity is considered to have gone through three stages of intellectual growth throughout the ages.

The first stage is superstition and was indicative of a period when the gods were vast and attributed to all actions and forces of life. The majority of early humankind mixed intellectual quest with superstition, which is a practice that is still present today making this the longest phase of human intellectual growth. Superstition persisted until the intellectual growth of the individual began to surpass superstitious tendencies, which paved the way for science.

It’s generally accepted that the second stage, the age of science, began at the time of Copernicus, who dispelled the belief that the sun revolved around the Earth. Both mathematics and scientific reasoning replaced the dream and the supposition that the Earth was the center of the universe. As science advanced, the gods retreated from the skies.

Around the start of the 19th century, the third stage, the age of materialism, began when individuals discovered that the universe operated according to fixed laws. Reasoning, thinking individuals began to expand their understanding of all things, including their understanding of God.

One of the central issues throughout the intellectual growth and development of the individual has been the god concept. The god concept illustrates that in the nature of the individual is a need to believe in something greater than themselves, a larger-than-life being that could and would provide care in time of need. Perhaps the first god concept started with magic. However, the god concept most are familiar with today is the anthropomorphic god, or in the likeness of human beings.

As the mental and moral development of humanity continued, including distinct concepts of right and wrong, as well as reward and punishment, savior gods were introduced. For who better could “save” individuals from their personal struggles than a higher being with the power of intercession. The savior god led to the belief and worship of a single god, which is the concept of monotheism.

Because Spiritualism does not endorse the concept of an anthropomorphic god, many people often assume Spiritualists are atheists. However, the first Spiritualist principle repudiates such a claim as it states, We believe in Infinite Intelligence. It’s a belief in the existence of a purposeful, intelligent power immanent in and manifesting through the phenomena of nature both physical and spiritual.

Infinite Intelligence may be understood as an intelligence without any limits that far surpasses any concept or thought in the human mind. It’s an intelligence that cannot be defined by the finite understanding of mankind. And as stated above, it is a purposeful (and intelligent) power both seen and experienced in all the phenomena of nature both physical and spiritual.

People often ask, “How can I know God?” The answer lies not in sacred texts, or from a guru, nor solely in deep meditation. However, each of those pursuits may lead one in a direction to better know God. However, as stated in the second Spiritualist principle, one may come to a better understanding of God through all manifestations of the phenomena of nature both physical and spiritual. No limits. No boundaries. No one single way. Therefore, one can come to a better understanding of God through the experience of life.

Spiritualists believe it is confusing and inaccurate to attempt to define God. Why? It is impossible simply due to the fact that the finite mind cannot fully comprehend the infinite.

Major differences exist between the orthodox and the Spiritualist god concept. In the orthodox approach, the god concept is more personal and is regarded as an overseer of an individual’s entire material-spiritual existence, becoming both the final judge and decision maker in all things. Additionally, the orthodox views God in an anthropomorphic light with human attributes, personality, and actions akin to a king. God and humanity are linked in a personal relationship entirely dependent on the capricious will of its god. If one remains loyal to this god, then they are assured a place in a nebulous heaven, and if disloyal, an eternal damnation.

Consequently, in the Spiritualist approach, God is the constant, immutable force contained and expressed in all nature. God is a part of each of us, as we are a part of God. God is the perfection of nature, and the individual being is a part of this perfection, and given the opportunity to realize this perfection too. Any failure to attain self-realization is due to our own errors and is unrelated to punishment by a personal god. Spiritualism conceives God to be the Infinite Intelligence, the law of all nature, and the laws of God are constant, immutable, and ever present. Also, in Spiritualism the idea of God is not dogmatic. It leaves everyone the freedom to understand God in one’s own way. Spiritualism does not require everyone to think as the Spiritualist thinks. It’s god concept is both a light upon one’s journey and composed in the very essence of each individual.

Along with the god concept is the question of creation. Who or what created the universe?

Herbert Spencer’s hypotheses concerning the beginning of the universe included that it is either self-existent, self-created, or it was created by some external agency.

Science has its own theories on creation. One that is aligned to Spencer’s is that it is self-existent, or that it has always existed. Also aligned with Spencer’s thought is it’s self-created, also known as the Steady State universe, in that it had no moment of creation. Additionally, another theory that is very prevalent is the Big Bang. It suggests that between eight to thirteen billion years ago, a tremendous amount of matter was concentrated in an extremely small place resulting in a spectacular explosion and the universe was born. Lastly, the theory of evolution is generally accepted as the slow development over centuries of both the inorganic and organic. Once the formation of the sun and its accompanying planets was complete, the Earth prepared itself for life and thusly life appeared. Out of this auspicious beginning, life eventually evolved into the self-conscious being today known as the human being.

For Spiritualists, matter and energy are basic components of the physical world and creation. Spiritualism teaches that they are directed or motivated by a primal element, which is spirit. And spirit is, of course, part of Infinite Intelligence.

Reference: Morris Pratt Institute: Course on Modern Spiritualism, Lesson 6, Spiritualism as a Philosophy–Part 1

For further reading on Spiritualist philosophy, please visit:

https://nsac.org

http://www.morrispratt.org

Spiritualism: Making of an Organization

Prior to the NSAC, Spiritualism was organized under the National Association of Spiritualists, which primarily met at annual, national conventions. Spiritualists continued to meet in churches and camps as well. The first national convention assembled in Chicago, IL in 1864. The following year, the second national convention was held in Philadelphia, PA and chaired by John Pierpont. Two more conventions were held in subsequent years and eighty auxiliaries functioned until 1873; however, after nine years this association ceased to exist. No one knows exactly why the association failed, but it’s thought the association was ahead of its time and difficult to fund its operations.

However, Spiritualists needed to organize in order to promote the cause of mediumship and to protect mediums in exercising their God-given faculty of communication with the Spirit World through mediumship.

Therefore, The National Spiritualist Association reorganized on September 27, 1893 at #77, 31st Street in Chicago, IL. Some of the objectives of the new organization included those listed below.

1. The organization of Spiritualists in the United States into one working organization.
2. The building of all necessary temples and lecture halls.
3. For the better education of lecturers or speakers by instituting one General Conference of the same each year, that more uniform and effective methods of teaching may be secured.
4. The opening of a permanent business office by the General Secretary of such Association as a ready means for the collection and compilation of statistics of Spiritualism.

The NSA filed for incorporation on November 1, 1893 in Washington, D.C. On October 21, 1895 the incorporation papers were amended to specify the term of incorporation for “one thousand years”.

As Spiritualism is a progressive organization, its name was altered slightly over the years until it became what it is known as today. On November 20, 1920 the Association’s name was changed from “The National Spiritualist Association of the United States of America” to “The National Spiritualist Association”. The amendment was recorded in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 1922. It wasn’t until February 12, 1953 that a new amendment was filed to change the name from “The National Spiritualist Association” to “The National Spiritualist Association of Churches”, and was recorded in Washington, D.C. on April 27, 1953.

In addition to incorporating the organization of the NSAC and creating objectives for its purpose, it was also important to create a declaration of principles that clearly described what the NSAC both believed and practiced. The first six principles were adopted at the 7th Annual Convention in Chicago, IL, October, 1899. Over time, amendments were made to the original six principles. The following nine principles are the result of what is known today and recited at every NSAC affiliated church in the United States.

The Declaration of Principles

1.We believe in Infinite Intelligence.

Infinite Intelligence is all encompassing and holds no limits. It is the creative force of the universe and all that is. It is that which some term God, but is not limited by such terminology.

2.We believe that the phenomena of nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence.

All manifestations of phenomena, both in the physical and spiritual realms, come from, and through, Infinite Intelligence.

3.We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith constitute true religion.

Once one accepts that everything in both the physical and spiritual universes comes from Infinite Intelligence and is governed by Natural Law, this becomes the basis for true religion.

4.We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continues after the change called death.

Spiritualists know that we continue to exist and grow beyond death’s door through the wealth of knowledge gained in mediumship communication.

5.We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by the phenomena of Spiritualism.

Mediumship is not some New Age or charlatan practice, but a time and tested skill that anyone who puts in the practice and sincerely wishes to unfold their spiritual nature can achieve. Spirit wants to communicate with us. Their guidance and insights are an invaluable resource for those on the earth plane.

6.We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The universe works under a Natural Law consisting of correspondences and attractions. What one puts out, they will also receive. Spiritualist seek to live a life of the highest morality both to be an example to others and for their own well-being.

7.We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey Nature’s physical and spiritual laws.

Similar to #6 above, one can choose to live in accordance with the universe or not. How one aligns themselves will have a direct effect on the quality of their experience. As Spiritualists living by the Golden Rule, we have a responsibility to align ourselves with Nature’s physical and spiritual laws.

8.We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any soul here or hereafter.

Unlike some of the other world religions, Spiritualists do not believe in eternal damnation for the wrongs committed in a single life. Our souls are under infinite expansion and growth. Therefore, there is always the opportunity to make positive changes that will advance one’s soul.

9.We affirm that the Precepts of Prophecy and Healing are divine attributes proven through Mediumship.

Souls in the Spirit World have a different perspective and faculties than those in the physical, and our connection to them through mediumship and healing gives those of us in the physical access to their higher wisdom and helps us to unfold our spiritual natures and faculties.

Similar to the changes that the name of the organization went through in its early years, some of the principles have gone through some changes as well. Any proposed changes to the Declaration of Principles may be brought to the floor by a motion made by a person, an auxiliary, the NSAC Board of Trustees, or any committee on revision or amendment that submits a change to the office of the NSAC Secretary at least sixty days prior to the date of the annual convention.

Spiritualism is considered to be a Science, Religion, and a Philosophy. Spiritualism is a science because it investigates, analyzes, and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the Spirit World. Spiritualism is a philosophy because it studies the laws of nature both on the physical and spiritual planes and bases its conclusions on present observed facts. And Spiritualism is a religion because it strives to understand and to comply with the laws of nature, which are the laws of Infinite Intelligence.

In addition to the objectives of the NSAC, there are also objectives of Spiritualism itself. Some of these include the following:

1. To teach and proclaim the science, philosophy, and religion of Modern Spiritualism.
2. To encourage lecturers on all subjects pertaining to the spiritual and secular welfare of humanity.
3. To advocate and promote spiritual healing.
4. To protect and encourage spiritual teachers and mediums in all laudable efforts in giving evidence of proof to humanity of the continuity of life and a continued discourse between the living and so-called dead.
5. To teach the truths and principles expressed in the Declaration of Principles and definitions of Spiritualism, Spiritualist, Healer, and Medium as adopted by the NSAC.

Spiritualists believed both the teaching and those qualified to teach Spiritualism must be regulated under an organized school for just that purpose.

In July 1897, the Training School was incorporated at Mantua, OH. The instructors were Professor A.J. Weaver, Mrs. A. Jahnke, D.M. King, and Moses Hull. While this incarnation of the school did not last, on December 11, 1901, the Morris Pratt Institute was incorporated under the laws of the state of Wisconsin. It was to be led by nine trustees, two of whom were to be members of the NSA, and one to be the president of the Wisconsin State Spiritualist Association. The Morris Pratt Institute is still active today. The course on Modern Spiritualism consists of thirty lessons, in-depth questions and essays, proctored certification tests (if one chooses to pursue certification), and additional, optional workshops.

Certifications available from the NSAC include:

1. Ordained Minister
2. National Spiritualist Teacher
3. Licentiate Minister
4. Medium: Mental or Physical
5. Spiritualist Healer

The NSAC Board may confer the degree of National Spiritualist Teacher (NST) to candidates who meet certain requirements that include membership in a chartered church society for not less than three years preceding the date of application; they must have completed the educational course requirements of this Society for NST; they must complete and submit the application for NST to the board having immediate jurisdiction; and they must appear before the NSAC Board, or a qualified committee of three including at least one NSAC Board member appointed by the NSAC Board for oral and written examinations, and satisfactorily fulfill all requirements as to educational training, and special knowledge to teach the science, philosophy, and religion of Spiritualism.

Information on requirements for certification can be obtained from the office of the NSAC Secretary in Lily Dale, NY and from the NSAC Bylaws.

Spiritualists also sought a publication solely dedicated to the advancement of Spiritualism and

The National Spiritualist was announced at the 27th Annual Convention in 1919, and commenced issuance on Tuesday, January 18 of the same year. It’s object was to promote the teachings of Spiritualism and strengthen the influence of the NSA. The publication remain in print today.

The official banner of NSAC that hangs on the podium of every NSAC affiliated church can be described as follows:

The white banner (flag) has “National Spiritualist Association of Churches” printed across the top in brown lettering with a yellow sunflower in the center. On the lower third of the banner is written, “Under All Circumstances Keep an Even Mind” ~Andrew Jackson Davis.

The sunflower is the symbol of Spiritualism. The sunflower has been the accepted emblem of Spiritualism since at least 1892. The sunflower embodies a number of attributes that reflect primary elements of Spiritualism, which is why it was chosen as the representative symbol. While native to the soil of the United States, it has been transplanted to many other locations around the world. Likewise, in 1948, Spiritualism was recognized as a religion in thirty-eight nations.

The sunflower is similar to a magnet, but its attraction is selective. Similarly Spiritualism appeals not to the masses, but to the individual who seeks reason and the understanding of Spiritualism beyond mere faith. 

The sunflower is held up by a strong stalk, and Spiritualism demonstrates to humanity that peace and understanding, here and hereafter, depends upon a strong character.

Like the imposing height of the sunflower that protects smaller plants nearby from adverse conditions, Spiritualism protects people from superstition that prohibits spiritual growth, and provides them with a solid foundation on which to build a firm understanding of why they are here, what they must do, and where they are going. 

Lastly, the sunflower has great medicinal properties and contains a nearly complete balance of vitamins and minerals. Spiritualism stresses the importance both of physical and spiritual healing.

As the sunflower turns its face to the light of the sun, So Spiritualism turns the face of humanity to the light of Truth.

Spiritualism: People behind the Movement

The three families who lived in the Fox Cottage were the Bells, the Weekmans, and the Fox family. The Bells, in a sense, set the stage for events that would later introduce the Fox sisters to spirit communication. During the Bells residence in the cottage, a peddler came to visit and sell his wares. While the peddler was greeted as an old friend by the family, latter evidence would reveal that Mr. Bell murdered the peddler and buried him in the cellar. The family stole the peddler’s goods and claimed to others that they had purchased the items. The Bells also employed a housekeeper whom they let go of on the eve of the murder, but then rehired three days latter. After the murder, the cottage became noticeably haunted and mysterious rappings were first heard by the housekeeper, Lucretia, and latter by the Bells as well. Lucretia would soon leave the Bell family’s employment due to the haunting. Mrs. Bell’s health quickly deteriorated and the Bells departed the cottage forever. There was a movie loosely based on this haunting called An American Haunting, but the film’s story behind the haunting is completely fictitious.

The Weekmans stayed at the cottage from 1843-1846. They had two young daughters and a housekeeper, Jane. After a quiet year had passed, the haunting returned first with the rapping, then other phenomena occurred as well. One of the daughters felt a cold hand touch her in her bed, and the housekeeper saw a materialization of a young man in trousers and a jacket, presumably the peddler. The Weekmans also left the cottage. The cottage remained vacant until December of 1847.

The Fox family moved into the cottage while construction on their own home was taking place in Hydesville. Soon after the family settled, the haunting returned again and was more pronounced than ever before. At first, the phenomena freightened the family, but latter they would learn to communicate with the spirit through various methods, such as mimicking the raps which the spirit followed in kind. Through this experiment, the family realized the spirit had consciousness and could communicate. Over time, the family devised a system of raps to correspond with letters of the alphabet and/or numbers. It was in this way that the family learned of the murdered peddler and his unfortunate fate at the hands of the Bells. However, it would take many more years for all to be revealed, but it did not stop the birth of Modern Spiritualism and the absolute proof of the continuity of life after the change called death. The Fox sisters would go on to become noted mediums of their era and worked tirelessly for the cause of Modern Spiritualism.

The Fox family began their life together in 1812. John Fox married Margaret Smith and they lived comfortably off Mr. Fox’s blacksmith business in Rockland County, NY. They had five children early in their marriage, one of whom passed in infancy. Margaret would separate from John due to his alcoholism. However, they would reunite approximately fourteen years later with John in sobriety. At this point both Margaret and Catherine were born bringing the family to six children, including Ann-Leah, Maria, Elizabeth, and David. The family lived for a brief time in Rochester with Leah, but would soon desire a more rural setting and relocate to Hydesville.

Spiritualists owe a debt of gratitude to the murdered peddler for working so ardently from the Spirit World to gain the attention of the living and ultimately both prove the continuity of life and ignite the movement toward Modern Spiritualism.

Communication with the spirit of the peddler was initiated by Cathie, the youngest, through instructing the spirit to imitate her clapping with his rapping.

Once communication was established, Margaret learned the spirit could mimic counting through rapping, and Mrs. Fox learned the spirit could answer questions of the children’s ages through rapping. Mrs. Fox would next establish a system of raps for “yes” and “no” responses from the spirit, and later attributing letters of the alphabet to the number of raps.

It was discovered from the spirit that he was a thirty-one year old father of five children who had been murdered in the house and his remains were buried in the cellar.

On November 23, 1904 and article appeared in The Boston Journal that revealed the skeleton of a man had been found in the walls of the house once occupied by the Fox family. The remains were discovered by children playing in the cellar of the cottage which came to be known as the “Spook House”. William H. Hyde, who owned the house, made an investigation and found a nearly whole human skeleton between the earth and crumbling cellar walls.

At one point, the Fox family did attempt to stop the continuing haunting phenomena at the cottage. They discovered that the spirit was more prevalent in the presence of the girls, particularly Kate. Therefore, the family decided to relocate Kate to live with her sister Leah in Rochester. However, the presence continued to assert itself in the presence of Margaret soon thereafter.

After Margaret also experienced the continuing spirit occurrences, she also relocated to Rochester to be with her sisters. In Leah’s home the phenomena continued and the girls consulted with Isaac and Amy Post, who were friends, about it. It was decided that they should employ the alphabet method again to determine what the spirit was trying to tell them. A profound message was received that stated, “Dear Friends, you must proclaim these truths to the world. This is the dawning of a new era; you must not try to conceal it any longer. When you do your duty, God will protect you and the good spirit will watch over you.”

Following the spirit’s communication, the foundation of Modern Spiritualism was established before the world in an organized, public meeting at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, NY on November 14, 1849.

Additionally, there were numerous pioneers who both aided the Fox sisters, and in their own right, helped cement the truth of Spiritualism’s place in the world including such notables as D. D. Home, Isaac and Amy Post, Horace Greeley, Emma Hardinge Britten, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and others. Indeed, the writer of Sherlock Holmes, who was also a practicing physician, became a staunch advocate of the movement and even gained the moniker of the “St. Paul of Spiritualism”. D.D. Home became known as the greatest physical medium for his miraculous levitations of not only himself, but of objects around him.

Futhermore, many organizations, camps, and publications of the era, at least one of which is still in print today, proliferated. Perhaps most notably were the New York Circle that provided Spiritualism with its first experimental organization, and, of course, the NSAC (National Association of Spiritualist Churches), which was incorporated in November of 1893 in Washington, D.C. Also, the American Society for Psychical Research, which is still active, was founded in Boston in 1885 by Professor Barrett. The organization was dedicated to researching psychical phenomena. While the original organization did dissolve in 1905, it was reestablished under Dr. James H. Hyslop in 1906 and explored the fields of psychical research and abnormal psychology. Of the many Spiritualist camps of the era, the first was held in tents at Pierpont Grove, Malden, Massachusetts, in 1866. The Cassadaga Free Lake Assembly would later become what is known today as Lily Dale today.