Seven Principles of Spiritualism
The seven principles of spiritualism are what we as spiritulists use to try and lead our lives by. They are guidelines for us to follow and try acheive what we need to as we go through life and support those around us, as they support us. The seven principles are not words but part of our belief and religion, they are part of us.
The seven principles of spiritualism are
THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD – the essence of life
THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN – unity of life
THE COMMUNION OF SPIRIT AND THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS – possibility of contact
THE CONTINOUS EXSISTENCE OF THE HUMAN SOUL – spirit of life continues
PERSONAL RESPONSABILITY – obligation of life
COMPENSATION AND RETRIBUTION HEREAFTER FOR ALL THE GOOD AND EVIL DEEDS DONE ON EARTH – incentive to do well
ETERNAL PROGRESS OPEN TO EVERY HUMAN SOUL – progression assured
History of the seven principles.
Where did the seven principles come from? They were dictated through the work of Emma Hardinge Britten, a dedicated medium, speaker and teacher. Emma dedicated her life to moving the movement forward and refused to give messages from the world of spirit mostly, focusing on the philiosphy (teachings) that spirit gave to her to share. It is from Emma’s work that the seven principles were gathered and became the foundation of the spiritualist religion.
30th April, 1871 Emma was giving a lecture at Cleveland Hall in London. This lecture is where most of the substance of the principles comes from and four of the seven principles we have today were identified. The other principles were not idenitfied until Emma was at Oldham Spiritual Temple on April 9th, 1887 that an adapted verison of six principles were identified. However, between giving both lectures Emma had read a paper called ‘What has Spiritualism taught and what good has it done for humanity’. The paper developed Emma’s awareness and understanding which led to the six principles.
The six principles remained as the foundation of Spiritualism until 1901, when the a new limited company was formed called the Spiritualists’ National Union Ltd. Where the seventh principle (principle 3) was added, becoming the legal definition of Spiritualism.