Spiritualism
Spiritualism is a religion - primarily of Europe and the USA - with a broadly Christian stance and a central focus on mediumship to demonstrate the continued existence of the soul.
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Background
Spiritualism in its modern incarnation started in the mid-19th century in the United States and essentially grew out of Christianity. It is still perceived as largely Christian in its broadest sense. Aside from differences such as the demonstration of mediumship central to its services, it has beliefs in common such as an essentially Christian moral system, the Fatherhood of God and an afterlife similar to the Christian Heaven, as well as similar practical formats such as Sunday services and the singing of hymns.
However, its beliefs are not generally viewed as orthodox Christian, and many people from other traditions and religions take the title Spiritualist. In the United Kingdom there are many Spiritualist Churches that are non-denominational and welcome anyone from any religion. Spiritualism as a church is, however, is distinct from Kardecist Spiritism and its offshoots, and from New Age movements that practise otherwise similar mediumship as channeling.
Spiritualism as a religion is also distinct from the broader concept of spirituality.
The related word "Spiritism" has various usages:
- Kardecist Spiritism - the specific body of spiritualist beliefs, especially significant in Brazil, originated by Allan Kardec
- a pejorative synonym for Spiritualism used by its opponents such as some Christian churches
- a largely archaic general term for belief systems involving spirits
Organizations
- Indiana Association of Spiritualists, (Camp Chesterfield)
- Spiritualist Association of Great Britain
- Society for Psychical Research
- Theosophical Society
Specific Religions and Thought Currents
Theorists and Proponents
Well-known Believers
- Frances Hodgson Burnett
- H.D.
- Alexandra David-Néel (unconfirmed)
- Alfred Deakin
- Arthur Conan Doyle
- Joseph Kony
- Edythe Morahan de Lauzon
- Karl Ludwig Michelet
- Henry More
- Robert Owen
Critics and Exposers
Exposed Frauds
Miscellaneous
- Anomalous phenomenon
- Burned-over district
- Cassadaga, Florida
- List of occultists
- Love and Mr Lewisham
- Necromancy
- Witchcraft Act
See also
- Pharaoh (historical novel by Bolesław Prus, incorporating scenes inspired by Spiritualism).
External links
- Spiritualism Religious Movements Homepage
- Spiritism, The Catholic Encyclopedia.
- Spiritualism Google groups
- Dunedin Spiritualist Centre, formerly Dunedin Spiritualist Church. Information, Links and Articles relating to Spiritualism.