Our Principles

· by · in Spiritualism. ·

Spiritualism as a religion does not follow a specific dogma or creed, but rather a set of nine guiding principles which reflect the philosophy and the science behind the religion.

[Note: The words in bold on this page have further definition below.]

Declaration of Principles

as adopted by The Swampscott Church of Spiritualism
April 8, 2001
  1. We believe in Infinite Spirit and that God is Infinite Spirit.
  2. We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Spirit.
  3. We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression, and living in accordance therewith, constitute true religion.
  4. We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death.
  5. We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proved by the phenomena of Spiritualism.
  6. We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye would that others should do unto you, do ye also unto them”.
  7. We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals, and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature’s physical and spiritual laws.
  8. We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against human soul, here or hereafter.
  9. We affirm that the precepts of Prophecy and Healing are Divine attributes proven through Mediumship.

Definitions

Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World. (1919)

“Spiritualism is a Science” because it investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life.

“Spiritualism is a Philosophy” because it studies the Laws of Nature both on the seen and unseen sides of life and bases its conclusions upon present observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts of past ages and conclusions drawn therefrom, when sustained by reason and by results of observed facts of the present day.

“Spiritualism is a Religion” because it strives to understand and to comply with the Physical, Mental and Spiritual Laws of Nature, which are the laws of God.

A Spiritualist is one who believes, as the basis of his or her religion, in the communication between this and the Spirit World by means of mediumship, and who endeavors to mould his or her character and conduct in accordance with the highest teachings derived from such communion. (1914, Rev. 1938)

A [Spiritualist] Medium is one whose organism is sensitive to vibrations from the Spirit World and through whose instrumentality, intelligences in that world is able to convey messages and produce the phenomena of Spiritualism. (1914)

A Spiritualist Healer is one who, either through one’s own inherent powers or through mediumship, is able to impart vital, curative force to pathologic conditions. (1930, 1993)

The Phenomena of Spiritualism consists of Prophecy, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Gift of Tongues, Laying on of Hands, Healing, Visions, Trance, Apports, Revelation, Levitation, Raps, Automatic and Independent Writing and Painting, Materialization, Psychometry, Voice and any other manifestation proving the continuity of life as demonstrated through the Physical and Spiritual senses and faculties of man. (1950)*Source: National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC)