Dictionary
(theology) any doctrine that asserts the separate existence of God the belief that the spirits of dead people can communicate with people who are still alive (especially via a medium) concern with things of the spirit
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Wikipedia
mergefrom Spiritualist Church cleanup-dateJune 2005 Spiritualism may refer to a variety of modern religionreligious ideologyideologies, primarily active in the United States and Europe. Central tenets of Spiritualist liturgy and dogma are the beliefs and practices of Medium (spirituality)mediumship which purports to be evidence of the continued existence of an individual's spirit or soul after death. The origin of Spiritualism is commonly considered to be the Modern Spiritualist movement of the 19th century United States.
Background - Spiritualism in its modern incarnation started in the mid-19th century in the United States, a syncreticismsyncretic adjunct of largely Christian population. It is often described as Christian due to an essentially Christian moral system, a perceived belief in the Judeo-Christian God and an afterlife similar to the concept of Heaven. Liturgical practices such as Sunday services and the singing of hymns are also evidence of a largely Christian influence. Traditional Spiritualists state that they are not necessarily Christians. While they view Jesus as a great teacher and likely a medium, they do not see belief in his teachings as required in order to enter the afterlife. Traditional Spiritualist 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. However, Spiritualism is distinct from Spiritism and its offshoots, New Age movements that practise otherwise similar mediumship as Channeling (mediumistic)channeling, and the broader concept of spirituality.Spiritualism also draws from the spiritual sects of Islam (Sufi), Judaism (Kabbalah) and Buddism. Some Spiritualists follow one distinct religion's practices while others pull elements from any or all three major religions plus Buddism to formulate their beliefs. Some Spiritualist believe in the idea of the universe as the creator, and don't necessarily follow any specific religion. In any case, meditation usually play a large role in practices' of Spiritualists.Another major belief is that of spiritual guides that help the Spiritualist live a more moral life as well as to make everyday decisions. The guides are not necessarily angels though sometimes angels may be consulted, generally the guide is believed to be someone that was once human at least once and is now on the other side. The Kabbalists use the term ''maggid'' which means "teacher."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
Meditation - Meditation is used to calm the "voices" of modern, hectic life so that the practitioner can better hear his or her guide. Meditation often includes the breathing practices of Buddist mediation (anapanaānāpānasati) and may also include the idea of chakras.The Spiritualist may also focus on the tenets of their chosen religion to help them attain a higher existence. These may include standard prayers (Hail Mary, Shema Yisrael or Salah etc.), focusing on the name of God (Jesus, YHWH or Allah etc.) or other aspects of a holy nature.Like most meditation techniques, imaging (intensely imagining a place or situation) is common. There are specific imagings used to "meet" one's guide, connect with those who have died, receive protection or support from God or simply calming the mind.
Organizations - nsac.org - National Spiritualist Association of Churches The center of mainstream American Spiritualist activity.fst.org - First Spiritualist Templecassadega.org - Cassadega Spiritualist Camp, Cassadega, Floridacampchesterfield.net - Indiana Association of Spiritualists, Camp Chesterfield, near Anderson, Indianalilydaleassembly.com - The Lily Dale Assembly, Lily Dale, New YorkSpiritualist Association of Great BritainSociety for Psychical ResearchTheosophical Society
Specific Religions and Thought Currents - Cao DaiSpiritism
Theorists and Proponents - Fox sistersMercy Cadwallader Spiritualist missionaryEmma Hardinge Britten Spiritualist medium and researcher, 1823-1899E.W. and M.H. Wallis Authors of spiritwritings.com - A Guide To Mediumship and Psychic Unfoldment, pragmatic guide for beginnersAllan Kardec
Well-known Believers - Frances Hodgson Burnett H.D.Alexandra David-Néel (unconfirmed)Alfred Deakin Arthur Conan DoyleJonny KennedyJoseph KonyAbraham LincolnEdythe Morahan de LauzonKarl Ludwig MicheletHenry MoreQueen VictoriaRobert OwenRudolph Valentino
Critics and Exposers - Michel Eugène ChevreulFox sistersMargaret FoxRené GuénonHarry HoudiniJames Randi
Exposed Frauds - Davenport Brothers Fox sisters Lobsang Rampa Lu Sheng-yen (undetermined)
Miscellaneous - Anomalous phenomenonBurned-over districtCassadaga, FloridaList of occultistsLove and Mr LewishamNecromancyWitchcraft Act
See also - ''FaraonPharaoh'' (historical novel by Boleslaw PrusBolesław Prus, incorporating scenes inspired by Spiritualism).''Spiritualist Church
External links - rootboot.net - Rootboot.netGood vs Evilacadine.org - Spiritualism - From the Acadine Archive!religiousmovements.lib.virgini a.edu - Spiritualism Religious Movements Homepagenewadvent.org - Spiritism, The Catholic Encyclopedia.groups-beta.google.com - Spiritualism Google groupsgeocities.com - Dunedin Spiritualist Centre, formerly Dunedin Spiritualist Church. Information, Links and Articles relating to Spiritualism.fst.org - First Spiritualist Temple, Boston. A Christian Spiritualist organization.Spirituality Category:New religious !movementsCategory:Spirituality bg:Спиритуализъмd e:Spiritualismushe:ספירי ואליזםja:心霊主義pl :Spirytualizmpt:Espiritualismo
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Websites
Understanding Sikhism - The Research Journal
Guru Nanak (1469-1539) founded a scientifically and logically sound religion, Sikhism, for the welfare of the mankind. Guru Nanak challenged the ancient philosophy, mythology, and rituals in which people of South Asia were shackled for centuries. Sikhism is based on the philosophy perceived by Guru Nanak that was further strengthened and preached by the Sikh Gurus who succeeded to the House of Nanak. His philosophy is termed as Nanakian Philosophy, which is embodied in the Gurbani, incorporated in the Aad Guru Granth Sahib (AGGS). The irony is that Sikhism has been wrapped in a cocoon woven with mythology and unauthentic writings. Consequently, it was represented as a mythic and ritualistic religion. Through this web-site Gurbani (Nanakian Philosophy) and Sikhism are represented in their real perspective. You are most welcome to participate in discussions through this homepage for a new dimension of Understanding Sikhism at http://www.iuscanada.com
http://www.iuscanada.com/
The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World
A place to share ideas, opinions, experience on a wide variety of topics with the intention of choosing and creating a positive future.
http://www.niquahanam.com/
Universal Spiritualist Association
The Universal Institute has educated Spiritualists for the Ministry of the Universal Spiritualist Association since 1956. Churches and clergy throughout the USA and Canada.
http://www.spiritualism.org
The Tipperary Stairs Company
Design and manufacturing of extremely high quality staircases and handrailing systems in glass steel and wood.
http://www.geocities.com/tipp.stairs
The Skeptic's Dictionary
Skeptical definitions and essays on occult, paranormal, pseudoscientific ideas and practices with references to skeptical literature.
http://skepdic.com/
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