Spiritualism is a movement that encompasses science, philosophy, and religion. It originated in 1848 in western New York. Many credit the Fox sisters for its origins.
The Fox Sisters as Spritualism's Founders
Kate and Margaretta Fox began to hear rappings on the wall of their house in Hydesville, New York. Neighbors came to hear the rappings and soon, word spread of the sisters' ability to communicate with the dead.
Through a series of questions, the girls were able to determine that the spirit was of a man who was buried under the house. In time, the girls became famous and toured the United States demonstrating their mediumship abilities.
Hard times fell on the Fox sisters. Their popularity declined due to the increase of popularity of other mediums. They both lost their husbands and both became alcoholics. In 1888, Margaretta announced to the public that the sisters were frauds. Margaretta later recanted her confession stating that she had been bribed $1,500 to make the confession. However, the damage had already been done and along with the exposure of several fraudulent mediums, Spiritualism was on the decline.
Spiritualist Beliefs
Spiritualist have a strong belief in God. They believe in survival after death and view the human body as a temporary vehicle in which the soul resides.
Spiritualists also believe in the ability to communicate with spirits and feel that spirit communication is a gift.
Famous Spiritualists
There are many famous spiritualists. Camille Flammarion was a noted French astronomer who became a famed psychical researcher. Daniel Douglas Home was a physical medium who astounded people with his ability to levitate. Andrew Jackson Davis was an uneducated seer who wrote books on a variety of topics including astronomy, physics, and philosophy. One of his most noted publications is The Principles of Nature.
Other famous spiritualists include escape artist, Harry Houdini, Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, Horace Greely, editor of the New York Tribune, and Supreme Court Justice John Worth Edmonds.
Spiritualist Church Services
Church service usually lasts between one and one and a half hours. It is run by a minister who also is trained in mediumship. Service usually consists of healing, prayer, and hymns. The highlight of the service are the brief, psychic readings. These are usually done by the Minister, however, sometimes members of the congregation will give a small reading as well.
Most Spiritualist churches offer classes and workshops. These would include training in meditation, mediumship, yoga, healing, and psychic development. Although at times it's been a bumpy road, the Spiritualist church continues to grow and spread the word that there is life after death. From its humble beginnings in the U.S., Spiritualist Churches can be found around the world including England, Pakistan, Switzerland, Australia, and South Africa.
Source:
Parapsychology The Controversial Science, Richard S. Broughton, (Ballentine Books,) 1991
Janis Masyk-Jackson - I'm here to seek out the truth about some of life's mysteries. There is nothing new about New Age beliefs. These are beliefs that have ...
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