Alternative Spirituality

» sacred_insights - Spiritualist a personal definition

In response to Brian and Cat posted by pink101:
Wow Phil I thought I was disgruntled with people in my faith! Spiritualism has a lot of phonies too. But at its best a Spiritualist is someone who believes in spirit communication, the continuity of life after the change called death, as proven through mediumship, as well as healing of mind, body and spirit through Spiritual Healing.

Spiritualists live The Seven Principles of Spiritualism:

1. The Fatherhood of God
2. The Brotherhood of Man
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 Hereafter for all the Good or Evil Deeds done on Earth
7. Eternal Progress Open to every Human Soul

Now American Spiritualists have a more defined set of 11 principles but basically these are the simplest version.

In my view Spiritualists are not specifically Christians (although there are some who would say they are Christian Spiritualists a term that confuses me).To me a Christian is one who follows exclusively the teachings of Christ.

Spiritualists do not believe in reincarnation. Those that do are called Spiritists and this movement is popular in South America. Because Spiritists are fewer in North America they tend to join in to Spiritualism as the closest to a Spiritist fellowship they can find. Most may not even know the difference between a Spiritualist and a Spiritist so the question of reincarnation is a hot bed and can cause confusion when discussing aspects of the afterlife. Regardless, Spiritualist and Spiritists believe basically the same things with the exception of the belief in reincarnation.

Adherents see Spiritualism as a religion, philosophy and science that is practiced on its own and does not need to be tied to other faiths such as Christianity. Although, many find Spiritualism can complement other faiths. Spiritualists enjoy a wide range of philosophical and spiritual thinkers' ideas. We do not limit ourselves to one way of thinking or following on spiritual path but try to understand a variety of ideas and see how these can be applied as we strive to live a Spiritual life. Spiritualism is a faith that is practiced and lived daily. It is not preached as some other faiths might do.

-- posted by sacred_insights