The Seven Principles of Spiritualism

The Seven Principles of Spiritualism are a legally accepted definition of the religious philosophy of Spiritualism. Below is a brief explanation of them.

1. The Great Spirit is the Source of Mankind
2. The Fellowship of all Mankind
3. The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
4. The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
5. Personal Responsibility
6. Compensation and Retribution for all Positive and Negative deeds done on Earth
7. Eternal Progress Open to every Human Soul
 

1. The Great Spirit is the Source of all Mankind
Looking at the world around us, and the universe, we cannot deny that there is a force which has created life in all its varying forms. This force keeps the whole of existence in a state of balance, giving room for expansion, transformation and creation. This creative force, some call God. We prefer to use the term “Great Spirit” or “Divine Spirit,” as "God” conjures up images of worshipping and this we don’t do. The Great Spirit has created life, so we speak of “Source." By acknowledging The Great Spirit as our source, we accept mankind's inherent divinity as Children of The Great Spirit, each individual person containing within them a spark of that eternal life force.

2. The Fellowship of all Mankind
It follows then that each of us are in the same relationship to that Source, just as we are in a human family. A Fellowship is a community for mutual support and comfort. As we learn to give to others in this relationship, so we must also learn to receive, so achieving the necessary balance for our lives. To live up to the principle 'The Fellowship of all Mankind', ensures that we look not just to the material needs of our fellow creatures, but also to the spiritual needs.
 

3. The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
The key principle of the religion of Spiritualism is the Communion of Spirit. When this principle is put into action, as it is constantly in Spiritualist Churches by mediums, Spiritualism gives substance to it's teaching of eternal life by demonstrating it's reality.
Energy does not die, it cannot be destroyed. It can only change it's form. Spirit, which is energy, cannot be destroyed either, but its manifestation can and does alter. The creative force, which is the source of all life, is eternal, and so the individual is eternal, and death cannot sever the bonds of love and friendship. It is natural then, that those who have 'died' would wish to come back and contact their family and friends through communication via a medium or sensitive.
 

4. Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
Spirit is indestructible. When the physical body dies, the spirit continues as an integral part of a world which interpenetrates ours, but which is in a different dimension. We refer to this world as the Spirit World. When living in the Spirit World we are the same individuals in every way, with the same personalities and characteristics. We change only by progression, or otherwise, as a result of our own efforts.
 

5. Personal Responsibility
Through acceptance of our immortality through the The Great Spirit as our source, and acknowledgement of our responsibilities to others through the Fellowship of Mankind, we are also asserting our individuality, and in that assertion must be the recognition of the effects created by everything we are responsible for - our words, our actions and even our unspoken thoughts.
Our spiritual progression is wholly dependent upon ourselves, and it is very important therefore, that as full an understanding as possible of all the implications of this principle is achieved. It is only by service to others that we can serve ourselves.
 

6. Compensation and Retribution
As with all the other principles, the natural laws apply, and this one echoes The Law of Cause and Effect - 'as you sow, so shall you reap'. You cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. Personal Responsibility asks you to 'do as you would be done by'. Compensation and Retribution says ' be done by as you did'.
 

7. Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul
Accepting Personal Responsibility implies that within the context of this principle, our spiritual progression is wholly within our hands, and it is only by developing our individual spiritual qualities that we can progress. Progress is never easy, and great progress demands sacrifice. Our spiritual blessings are in proportion to the efforts we make.
 

This is a lot to take in. If you have any questions about the Seven Principles, Spiritualism or you just want to find out more, then why not come to one of our Discussions Evenings.