05-13-2008, 02:20 PM
Spiritualism (Spiritism)
Founder
This is an ancient belief popularized by sisters Kate and Margaret Fox in 1848 in Hydesville, New York. No official headquarters.
Writings
Spiritualist Manual, Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ, the Bible (selected portions), and others.
Who is God?
God is infinite intelligence. Impersonal power controlling the universe.
Who is Jesus?
Jesus was a man, not God. While on earth, he was a prophet or an advanced medium (one believed to communicate with the spirit world). Jesus is now a spirit that one can communicate with in the spirit world.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is not part of this belief. However, some say it is the spirit of a holy person who once lived.
How to be saved.
Knowledge and good works enhance one’s status in the afterlife.
What happens after death?
After life on this earthly plane, life continues in the spirit world, where one’s spirit may progress from one level to another. Heaven and hell are states of the mind.
Other beliefs or practices.
Seances to contact the dead. Psychic demonstrations. Church services with singing, music, sermon, spirit messages from the dead, and prophecies. May use ouija boards. Often attracts grieving people who hope for contact with a deceased loved one.