[The following article was written when I was studying Modern Spiritualism with the Morris Pratt Institute.]
The responsibility of the sitter and the medium are really important for any successful reading or even the giving of short messages. It is one of our major principles of Spiritualism, in short, is “Personal Responsibility.” It places the responsibility of what happen in our life totally on our shoulders. It is not the responsibility of others to take care of us. If we go into a reading with a chip on our shoulders, we are for sure going to have no reading at all, or a very poor one. I can vouch for this in that I tried to give a reading to a woman in Florida. She had the type of personality that says, “it really doesn’t matter what you say or try to say to me, I will make sure its bad and WILL get my money back.” She did. This type of personality in a person is what gives Spiritualism a bad name among the friends of a person with that type of personality. The lesson really emphasizes the true responsibility of all individuals involved in mediumship. I am glad to be able to express what this lesson has to say to those I work with at the Church I attend here in Montreal. It seems to me that we just don’t take enough time to really understand what is involved in giving readings and messages and, often, get ourselves into trouble on a personal basis.
I was glad to read the section that expresses continuing need for education. I have been told that I read too much and practice what I preach too little. That may be so in the eyes of some, but I believe that the more I know about the beliefs and principles of Spiritualism and its teachings, the better. These lessons have been a real eye opener for me in many respects, especially this lesson twenty. I have thought about the things this lesson has to say, but I think that I really needed to see it in writing so that I am able to truly bring to the surface of my mind, daily, my responsibility towards Spiritualism and other people.
The real benefits of mediumship, when we are able to practice it properly bring to the sitter, and ourselves, a better understanding of our roll in life. Mediumship is for those who really need a little direction in their life and not for that person who is looking for some one to do their work for them. We are really just individuals in the greater scheme of life. It is quite satisfying to be able to help some one who really needs it, and for the person who is able to take advice and use it for their personal greater good. I think that it is a good to give to others and to reap the benefits of the work. It is also one of the goals of mediumship.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Becoming a Minister
Pastoral Skills and the new minister
All ministers whether they are the church’s pastor or one of the associate ministers will be called upon to visit the sick and dying in the hospital, comfort the widows, and orphans, and other love ones of the sick and dying. As such, the minister has to have some knowledge of what will be expected of him/her by a grieving person. The more the minister knows about how to approach a grieving person, the better he/she will be able to render assistance.
In most cases the minister has more knowledge and expertise than they may believe that they have. This being said, one must realize that they have a number of years of life experiences to call upon at all times. Our parents, friends and life situations taught us most of what we learn in life. However, in this course you will be given some tools to work with that will make your job a little easier. I have a friend that told me that he counsels people through the readings that he gives. Readings? My friend is a certified medium, and believes that when he encounters any kind of situation, he only has to call upon spirit to take over and counsel the person before him. What he is really saying is that he has never had to give counsel to any one in the hospital, a person who has lost a love one, or even a person who was dying. This may not be entirely true, because every minister of Spiritualism has been ask the question, “Why did God take my son, my daughter, cousin or friend at such a young age?” Ministers are expected to have the answer this very important question. It is not just a question of whether or not the person asking the question believes in life after the change called death, or not, the question is still not answered for them. You could tell them that their love one had full filled their purpose on earth and it was time for them to go. Or you could tell them that you just don’t know why God some times takes some people in the prime of their life. This of course will not answer the question and you could be looked upon as a minister who just doesn’t know any thing about life.
As you read through the various books assigned to you at this time, you will learn many possible ways in which you can help people. Not all answers, of course, to question from people in general can be gotten from a book. Some time the minister has to go to an older experienced minister and ask for help. NEVER feel that you cannot ask another for help. That is what they are there for. It is the well being of the patient that is of the greatest concern. Not yours, or mine.
All ministers whether they are the church’s pastor or one of the associate ministers will be called upon to visit the sick and dying in the hospital, comfort the widows, and orphans, and other love ones of the sick and dying. As such, the minister has to have some knowledge of what will be expected of him/her by a grieving person. The more the minister knows about how to approach a grieving person, the better he/she will be able to render assistance.
In most cases the minister has more knowledge and expertise than they may believe that they have. This being said, one must realize that they have a number of years of life experiences to call upon at all times. Our parents, friends and life situations taught us most of what we learn in life. However, in this course you will be given some tools to work with that will make your job a little easier. I have a friend that told me that he counsels people through the readings that he gives. Readings? My friend is a certified medium, and believes that when he encounters any kind of situation, he only has to call upon spirit to take over and counsel the person before him. What he is really saying is that he has never had to give counsel to any one in the hospital, a person who has lost a love one, or even a person who was dying. This may not be entirely true, because every minister of Spiritualism has been ask the question, “Why did God take my son, my daughter, cousin or friend at such a young age?” Ministers are expected to have the answer this very important question. It is not just a question of whether or not the person asking the question believes in life after the change called death, or not, the question is still not answered for them. You could tell them that their love one had full filled their purpose on earth and it was time for them to go. Or you could tell them that you just don’t know why God some times takes some people in the prime of their life. This of course will not answer the question and you could be looked upon as a minister who just doesn’t know any thing about life.
As you read through the various books assigned to you at this time, you will learn many possible ways in which you can help people. Not all answers, of course, to question from people in general can be gotten from a book. Some time the minister has to go to an older experienced minister and ask for help. NEVER feel that you cannot ask another for help. That is what they are there for. It is the well being of the patient that is of the greatest concern. Not yours, or mine.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Practice of Healing
Understanding the part that the healer plays in a healing session is as serious and important part of the process. The most important thing for a healer is to tune himself or herself to the divine within. The divine or Infinite Spirit within is the true source of all healing. When the healer attunes to Infinite Spirit, they become a channel for healing and healing can then be channeled to the recipient.
It is well known that for the healer to be effective they must be properly prepared for the healing session. This is accomplished when the healer takes time to go to their place of comfort--to quiet the body and mind for the healing energies to flow through them. The more that a healer is attuned to Infinite Spirit, the stronger the healing energy flows. However, the healer MUST believe that the healing will take place, according to God’s will, for the healing to be truly effective.
The healer should adhere to two basic rules of healing that are helpful and important to remember, especially in the case of any serious disorder, the healer should advise the one in recipient to see a physician in addition to receiving spiritual healing. And unless specifically qualified and certified to do so, the healer must refrain from giving medical opinions. In Quebec, there is a law that says that the healer is not permitted to give any kind of medical diagnoses. Even the professional healer like Oral Roberts, always told the recipient of his healing to see their doctor before claiming that they are healed. Good advice for all healers.
As the healer prepares himself or herself for the healing session, the recipients should also prepare themselves for the healing session as well. The recipients should be looking forward to the healing session. It is the responsibility of the recipient to sit with expectation entering into the session as calm and serene as possible. When a person is stressed or sitting just because a friend pushed them into the healing session, healing may not take place at all. However, even if the recipient enters into the healing session stressed and unprepared for the healing, the healing can take place. When the healing session is completed; the healer should washing their hands or performing some other form of cleansing after a healing session.
Many times, a friend or relative of a sick person will ask a healer to send healing to their friend or love one. The healer prepares to send healing to the needy in the same way that they prepare for touch healing when the needy are in their presents. Remote healing is a special healing process that works, and is performed more often than hands-on healing. The recipients of remote healing may not even be aware of the healer sending healing to them. It doesn’t matter whether the recipient is experiencing great distress or they are sleeping at the time that remotely healing is taking place; healing takes place. Again, it is Infinite Spirit who does the healing, not the healer.
Even before a person asks for healing, Infinite Spirit is already providing healing. Healing once started continues until the recipient is healed. However, one must be aware of the fact, that even if a person dies, the person has received healing… This is, of course, not always easy for a person’s family to accept…
To reiterate, those who provide healing must be properly trained and certified in order to work as a healer in a Spiritualist church, hospital or their neighborhood. It is the responsibility of the local church to provide training classes and assure that the healer is properly trained and competent before they are allowed to work.
It is well known that for the healer to be effective they must be properly prepared for the healing session. This is accomplished when the healer takes time to go to their place of comfort--to quiet the body and mind for the healing energies to flow through them. The more that a healer is attuned to Infinite Spirit, the stronger the healing energy flows. However, the healer MUST believe that the healing will take place, according to God’s will, for the healing to be truly effective.
The healer should adhere to two basic rules of healing that are helpful and important to remember, especially in the case of any serious disorder, the healer should advise the one in recipient to see a physician in addition to receiving spiritual healing. And unless specifically qualified and certified to do so, the healer must refrain from giving medical opinions. In Quebec, there is a law that says that the healer is not permitted to give any kind of medical diagnoses. Even the professional healer like Oral Roberts, always told the recipient of his healing to see their doctor before claiming that they are healed. Good advice for all healers.
As the healer prepares himself or herself for the healing session, the recipients should also prepare themselves for the healing session as well. The recipients should be looking forward to the healing session. It is the responsibility of the recipient to sit with expectation entering into the session as calm and serene as possible. When a person is stressed or sitting just because a friend pushed them into the healing session, healing may not take place at all. However, even if the recipient enters into the healing session stressed and unprepared for the healing, the healing can take place. When the healing session is completed; the healer should washing their hands or performing some other form of cleansing after a healing session.
Many times, a friend or relative of a sick person will ask a healer to send healing to their friend or love one. The healer prepares to send healing to the needy in the same way that they prepare for touch healing when the needy are in their presents. Remote healing is a special healing process that works, and is performed more often than hands-on healing. The recipients of remote healing may not even be aware of the healer sending healing to them. It doesn’t matter whether the recipient is experiencing great distress or they are sleeping at the time that remotely healing is taking place; healing takes place. Again, it is Infinite Spirit who does the healing, not the healer.
Even before a person asks for healing, Infinite Spirit is already providing healing. Healing once started continues until the recipient is healed. However, one must be aware of the fact, that even if a person dies, the person has received healing… This is, of course, not always easy for a person’s family to accept…
To reiterate, those who provide healing must be properly trained and certified in order to work as a healer in a Spiritualist church, hospital or their neighborhood. It is the responsibility of the local church to provide training classes and assure that the healer is properly trained and competent before they are allowed to work.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Truth or Not
Truth is a subject in which every one has an opinion. Webster’s Dictionary says that truth is (1) the true or actual state of a matter. (2) Conformity with fact, or reality.
A person often expresses their truth in many ways. For example in a conversation, and even though the person is sincere doesn’t mean that it was taken that way by the recipient.
Far too often we are misunderstood and this causes problems that can end a friendship, or even break up families.
It is sometimes is big problem getting ones truth across to another person especially when that person has little or no respect for the person presenting their truth. It doesn’t matter whether the person presenting his/her truth has graduated from high school or even has a PhD. No amount of respect can be garnered. So what is a person to do?
There is no real answer to this question but to say – forget it. Don’t waste any more time or energy on trying to get your truth across to that person or persons.
I believe that a thing like this happens to countless million of people everyday. I wish that I had an easy answer for them, but I don’t.
As a minister, I am supposed to have all the answers – especially when it happens to me. I could quote the Bible, the Koran or some other spiritual book, but little will come from my quotations no matter what I do. You may say that I have a problem – between my left and right ear. I don’t thing so. I have dealt with people of all ages, personalities and faiths. I enjoy getting along with all of them. But sometime a person will come “out of the woodwork” that has taken something I may have said all wrong. We need to sit down and clear the air.
For example, when person (B) says to you that they don’t remember something that took place some time ago, doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. Some people will simply denigrate the truth and often start a campaign to discredit person (A). Just because a person forgets something, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. When a person tries to right a wrong, it is the responsibility of both parties to either let “bygones-be-bygones, or just walk away. Maybe that is the best thing to do… Some friendships are over and just cannot be reestablished no matter what.
All of us want to be understood and express ourselves so that others understand us, and that we are not misunderstood. We want to be understood and not lose a friendship over something that should have never happened in the first place.
I believe that we are all in the same boat. We just don’t ask enough questions and far too often we don’t try to understand the other person. Sometimes we have judged that other person and no matter what it just doesn’t matter. We MUST be ready to get to the truth by talking it over and be willing to give other the benefit of the doubt.
I hope that this short article will make you think a little and take the time to make calls, emails or even write a letter to the person you may have misunderstood in order that the truth can come out. Maybe a friendship can be saved because the individuals involved can come to an understanding and all will be well. The truth must always be expressed and understood.
A person often expresses their truth in many ways. For example in a conversation, and even though the person is sincere doesn’t mean that it was taken that way by the recipient.
Far too often we are misunderstood and this causes problems that can end a friendship, or even break up families.
It is sometimes is big problem getting ones truth across to another person especially when that person has little or no respect for the person presenting their truth. It doesn’t matter whether the person presenting his/her truth has graduated from high school or even has a PhD. No amount of respect can be garnered. So what is a person to do?
There is no real answer to this question but to say – forget it. Don’t waste any more time or energy on trying to get your truth across to that person or persons.
I believe that a thing like this happens to countless million of people everyday. I wish that I had an easy answer for them, but I don’t.
As a minister, I am supposed to have all the answers – especially when it happens to me. I could quote the Bible, the Koran or some other spiritual book, but little will come from my quotations no matter what I do. You may say that I have a problem – between my left and right ear. I don’t thing so. I have dealt with people of all ages, personalities and faiths. I enjoy getting along with all of them. But sometime a person will come “out of the woodwork” that has taken something I may have said all wrong. We need to sit down and clear the air.
For example, when person (B) says to you that they don’t remember something that took place some time ago, doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. Some people will simply denigrate the truth and often start a campaign to discredit person (A). Just because a person forgets something, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. When a person tries to right a wrong, it is the responsibility of both parties to either let “bygones-be-bygones, or just walk away. Maybe that is the best thing to do… Some friendships are over and just cannot be reestablished no matter what.
All of us want to be understood and express ourselves so that others understand us, and that we are not misunderstood. We want to be understood and not lose a friendship over something that should have never happened in the first place.
I believe that we are all in the same boat. We just don’t ask enough questions and far too often we don’t try to understand the other person. Sometimes we have judged that other person and no matter what it just doesn’t matter. We MUST be ready to get to the truth by talking it over and be willing to give other the benefit of the doubt.
I hope that this short article will make you think a little and take the time to make calls, emails or even write a letter to the person you may have misunderstood in order that the truth can come out. Maybe a friendship can be saved because the individuals involved can come to an understanding and all will be well. The truth must always be expressed and understood.
The Religion of Spiritualism can be No Greater
The Religion of Spiritualism can be no greater than those who are in it, and represent it. This is a very profound statement because it really gets down to the core of the beliefs and practices of individual Spiritualists. For the Spiritualists who have educated themselves in the Science, Philosophy and Religion of Spiritualism is a person who knows how to live their life. Spiritualism gives them the tools to deal with everything that comes their way from problem solving in general to solving problems at work and with family and friends. Spiritualists are happy, on the most part, and they enjoy life; with a song in there heart that is uplifting to them and all who know them. They know that when they make their transition, the life continues on and that they are going to a beautiful and happy place. For a person to know that physical death is a new beginning is something that gives them peace of mind and makes everything in their life worthwhile.
For those in Spiritualism who have not taken the time to study and learn anything about its Science, Philosophy and Religion are people who have very little idea of what it truly represents, and they fall short of knowing just what Spiritualism can do for them. Far too often, these people attend church only for the message that the churches medium(s) may give them. People in general, it seems, only exist in a world that demands their attention, and robs them of the knowledge of how to live life to its fullest.
The question might be asked, why attend a Spiritualist church, or any church for that matter? Attending a Spiritualist church is a good choice for the fact that its ministers don’t preach to their members like many of the ministers of denominational churches do. Many denominational church ministers have for centuries instilled fear in the hearts of their members. Fear that they must abide by the teachings of the church or suffer the consequences of being judged by a hostile God. The fear of judgment has had divesting results on the psychic of people. They don’t want to be told that they will be judged, or how to live in this world; they want to be told that they are OK, and that they are doing well in this life. Spiritualist churches do that and a lot more. But not all Spiritualists remember their teachings.
Far too many people who claim to be Spiritualists don’t have a clue as to what Spiritualism is all about and really believe that the churches’ mediums are their, just for them. Even Spiritualist ministers are guilty of practicing their religion with little knowledge of how they affect the psychic of church members. The minister/medium is one who is supposed to have studied Spiritualism and is truly practicing its principles. But far too often this is just not so.
It is a shame that so many Spiritualist ministers have forgotten the basic principles taught by the church. It seems that they have become so involved in their mediumship, and the money they make from it, that they have forgotten what Spiritualism is really all about. They forget that Spiritualism teaches one to love thy neighbor as thyself and to do unto others as they would have them do unto them. The Golden Rule seems to have been forgotten with the years. A minister must have respect for their congregants and their support for the churches well being.
I have seen far too many Spiritualist ministers/mediums that have such a great prejudice towards developing mediums that they look down their noses at their attempts to learn and develop. Why? Didn’t it take years for a developed medium and minister to get where they are now? Didn’t it take years for them to be respected as a gifted medium? Then why are they doing what they are doing to developing mediums? These are questions that I would really like to know the answers to. There may be a right way and a wrong way to develop mediumship according to some Spiritualist, but if a developing medium needs a crutch such as special cards to help them develop, why not? After a while the cards are discarded as they learn that true mediumship is communication between the medium and spirit only. I have seen this for myself. I know it happens. So you may ask, why have I included these remarks about older mediums? Older mediums represent Spiritualism and its teachings and if they cannot abide by those teachings, they are not serving Spiritualism as it should be served. It takes internal fortitude and patience to learn all that Spiritualism has to offer people, and if the older Spiritualists do not remember what it took for them to get where they are, maybe spirit should remind them in a more profound way with gentle persuasion. I think that some of them have given Spiritualism a bad name, especially to those of us who are learning and developing.
Spiritualism is the only church that teaches that it is a science and a religion. What does that mean? It means that a Spiritualist investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life. The science of Spiritualism contained in the demonstrated facts of Mediumship and Healing, and the study of such phenomena. People of the scientific community have long established these facts and demonstrations in past years. In the late 1800s there were many renowned scientists who studied spiritual phenomena demonstrated by some of the most gifted mediums of their time. The scientists braved the sarcasm of their peers and the potential loss of their careers and reputations to study (research) the phenomena that other scientists could not bring themselves to study. These scientists found that the mediums they worked with were able to perform repeatedly the phenomena of Spiritualism thus fulfilling the scientific requirement for repeatability that is required in order for science to accept research as fact.
Spiritualism is a philosophy because it studies the Laws of Nature both on the seen and unseen side of life and bases its conclusions upon present observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts of past ages and conclusions drawn there from, when sustained by reason and by results of observed facts of the present day.
Through out the ages, we find philosophers who have made studies of human nature, human conduct and the laws that govern them. Ages ago, these philosophers had formed various theories for the harmonization of life, which we later find still prevalent in the teachings of the worlds great religions. A philosopher always starts with a theory and tests it, makes a study of it, and writes a record of the results, which have been obtained. It is in these records that we find many of the facts that harmonized with the teachings of Spiritualism. All spiritualist are recommended to make a study of these philosophers from the past and the present because of their existing harmony with the natural laws, and because many of their teachings are found in our own religious beliefs (Rev. Sharon L. Snowman, NST). Spiritualists have been writing about the philosophy of Spiritualism for years and have not been able to provide all the information that it represents. Even like the Spiritualists investigators of old, the modern day Spiritualists, (like the Rev. Sharon L. Snowman), a Spiritualist who has studied and written numerous books and pamphlets for the National Association of Churches on Spiritualism has not even scratched the surface in her writings of the philosophy of Spiritualism. It takes years to study a philosophy in order to be able to understand it and tell others about it. Especially for Spiritualists, who want to know.
Spiritualists are people who want to know that when they make a statement, that it is correct and backed up by observable facts and that they are scientifically proven by educated people.
For those in Spiritualism who have not taken the time to study and learn anything about its Science, Philosophy and Religion are people who have very little idea of what it truly represents, and they fall short of knowing just what Spiritualism can do for them. Far too often, these people attend church only for the message that the churches medium(s) may give them. People in general, it seems, only exist in a world that demands their attention, and robs them of the knowledge of how to live life to its fullest.
The question might be asked, why attend a Spiritualist church, or any church for that matter? Attending a Spiritualist church is a good choice for the fact that its ministers don’t preach to their members like many of the ministers of denominational churches do. Many denominational church ministers have for centuries instilled fear in the hearts of their members. Fear that they must abide by the teachings of the church or suffer the consequences of being judged by a hostile God. The fear of judgment has had divesting results on the psychic of people. They don’t want to be told that they will be judged, or how to live in this world; they want to be told that they are OK, and that they are doing well in this life. Spiritualist churches do that and a lot more. But not all Spiritualists remember their teachings.
Far too many people who claim to be Spiritualists don’t have a clue as to what Spiritualism is all about and really believe that the churches’ mediums are their, just for them. Even Spiritualist ministers are guilty of practicing their religion with little knowledge of how they affect the psychic of church members. The minister/medium is one who is supposed to have studied Spiritualism and is truly practicing its principles. But far too often this is just not so.
It is a shame that so many Spiritualist ministers have forgotten the basic principles taught by the church. It seems that they have become so involved in their mediumship, and the money they make from it, that they have forgotten what Spiritualism is really all about. They forget that Spiritualism teaches one to love thy neighbor as thyself and to do unto others as they would have them do unto them. The Golden Rule seems to have been forgotten with the years. A minister must have respect for their congregants and their support for the churches well being.
I have seen far too many Spiritualist ministers/mediums that have such a great prejudice towards developing mediums that they look down their noses at their attempts to learn and develop. Why? Didn’t it take years for a developed medium and minister to get where they are now? Didn’t it take years for them to be respected as a gifted medium? Then why are they doing what they are doing to developing mediums? These are questions that I would really like to know the answers to. There may be a right way and a wrong way to develop mediumship according to some Spiritualist, but if a developing medium needs a crutch such as special cards to help them develop, why not? After a while the cards are discarded as they learn that true mediumship is communication between the medium and spirit only. I have seen this for myself. I know it happens. So you may ask, why have I included these remarks about older mediums? Older mediums represent Spiritualism and its teachings and if they cannot abide by those teachings, they are not serving Spiritualism as it should be served. It takes internal fortitude and patience to learn all that Spiritualism has to offer people, and if the older Spiritualists do not remember what it took for them to get where they are, maybe spirit should remind them in a more profound way with gentle persuasion. I think that some of them have given Spiritualism a bad name, especially to those of us who are learning and developing.
Spiritualism is the only church that teaches that it is a science and a religion. What does that mean? It means that a Spiritualist investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life. The science of Spiritualism contained in the demonstrated facts of Mediumship and Healing, and the study of such phenomena. People of the scientific community have long established these facts and demonstrations in past years. In the late 1800s there were many renowned scientists who studied spiritual phenomena demonstrated by some of the most gifted mediums of their time. The scientists braved the sarcasm of their peers and the potential loss of their careers and reputations to study (research) the phenomena that other scientists could not bring themselves to study. These scientists found that the mediums they worked with were able to perform repeatedly the phenomena of Spiritualism thus fulfilling the scientific requirement for repeatability that is required in order for science to accept research as fact.
Spiritualism is a philosophy because it studies the Laws of Nature both on the seen and unseen side of life and bases its conclusions upon present observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts of past ages and conclusions drawn there from, when sustained by reason and by results of observed facts of the present day.
Through out the ages, we find philosophers who have made studies of human nature, human conduct and the laws that govern them. Ages ago, these philosophers had formed various theories for the harmonization of life, which we later find still prevalent in the teachings of the worlds great religions. A philosopher always starts with a theory and tests it, makes a study of it, and writes a record of the results, which have been obtained. It is in these records that we find many of the facts that harmonized with the teachings of Spiritualism. All spiritualist are recommended to make a study of these philosophers from the past and the present because of their existing harmony with the natural laws, and because many of their teachings are found in our own religious beliefs (Rev. Sharon L. Snowman, NST). Spiritualists have been writing about the philosophy of Spiritualism for years and have not been able to provide all the information that it represents. Even like the Spiritualists investigators of old, the modern day Spiritualists, (like the Rev. Sharon L. Snowman), a Spiritualist who has studied and written numerous books and pamphlets for the National Association of Churches on Spiritualism has not even scratched the surface in her writings of the philosophy of Spiritualism. It takes years to study a philosophy in order to be able to understand it and tell others about it. Especially for Spiritualists, who want to know.
Spiritualists are people who want to know that when they make a statement, that it is correct and backed up by observable facts and that they are scientifically proven by educated people.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Image that Spiritualism Presents to the Public
Image is one of the most important things of any religion. Even ones personal image can make the difference between the person who has just attends a church or to one who lives its teachings. It tells about our beliefs and how we regard life in general. As one looks at their life, they are reminded constantly that they are only one of the billions that inhabit this world and that they are an important part of it. The very way one lives is a constant reminder of what is expected of them and where they stand in society. If one has no religion and they have no real beliefs, they have no real concept of how they should live their lives. They think that they are OK; they don't need religion in their life, or do they?
The teachings of one's parents form their personal image that stays with them throughout their lives. For some, just the way they walk, the way they dress, and the look on their face tells all. To others, it's only when they open their mouth that they can be known. And yet, everybody has, what is known as, "off days." For some reason they just keep saying the wrong things or talking when they should be quiet, this can even happen for many days. And yet, one's image changes from day to day and minute to minute.
We are told in the Bible and by our parents not to judge others "lest ye be judged." And yet, we can't help judging everyone we meet. It seems that we are taught to judge others from the time of our birth in order to be able to survive in a "hostel" world. This is seen in every walk of life from the poorest to the richest. We judge others and the question may come up, "how can we change that image? "Can going to church change one's image?" I believe that the answer is yes. Going to church and studying their belief system and teachings can change a person's image and very outlook on life. I have known criminals who became "born again Christians" and developed an image that presents to everyone they meet an image of humbleness and loving care and respect. These people have discovered within themselves their true nature - the real person. It does not matter how it happened - the fact is it did. Did the church give this to them? The true image of a person is within. Church is only one place where one's image can be developed.
In the Spiritualist church, we teach personal responsibility. This teaching goes beyond anything that is taught in the school of life and produces an image of our teachings that is reflected in our very lives. We are taught from an early age that life is the "pits" and "we are to do them before they can do us" - what ever that means. The church has its own image. The church represents God, a way of life, a way of looking at things that reflect one's true beliefs.
Can the church help people develop a new image for themselves? I believe so. The Spiritualist church through their teaching of the "Principle of Personal Responsibility" provides the most effective means of changing one's personal image. It is the "Golden Rule" in action. One man wrote about his work as a psychologist in Hawaii and how he took personal responsibility to a new level. He took personal responsibility to mean that he was responsible for the criminally insane men that he worked with and through his understanding, brought sanity to those men. Through his work on himself, the men were rehabilitated and moved to prisons where they were no longer a threat to themselves and the lives of others. He understood that it was him that caused those men to be insane in the first place. So he simply worked on himself. He went within to correct the source of the insanity and cure the illness. As you can see, one man's personal image of himself and practicing personal responsibility made the difference. He changed the image that others had of themselves to become who they really were. A lesson we can all learn.
I had never thought about personal responsibility in the terms that this psychologists did, and it made me think of just how important my own image is and how as a Spiritualist my image is reflected in the lives of others. We have the truth about life through personal responsibility. A responsibility, that presents an image of our selves and our teachings. What a difference we could make in this world.
The teachings of one's parents form their personal image that stays with them throughout their lives. For some, just the way they walk, the way they dress, and the look on their face tells all. To others, it's only when they open their mouth that they can be known. And yet, everybody has, what is known as, "off days." For some reason they just keep saying the wrong things or talking when they should be quiet, this can even happen for many days. And yet, one's image changes from day to day and minute to minute.
We are told in the Bible and by our parents not to judge others "lest ye be judged." And yet, we can't help judging everyone we meet. It seems that we are taught to judge others from the time of our birth in order to be able to survive in a "hostel" world. This is seen in every walk of life from the poorest to the richest. We judge others and the question may come up, "how can we change that image? "Can going to church change one's image?" I believe that the answer is yes. Going to church and studying their belief system and teachings can change a person's image and very outlook on life. I have known criminals who became "born again Christians" and developed an image that presents to everyone they meet an image of humbleness and loving care and respect. These people have discovered within themselves their true nature - the real person. It does not matter how it happened - the fact is it did. Did the church give this to them? The true image of a person is within. Church is only one place where one's image can be developed.
In the Spiritualist church, we teach personal responsibility. This teaching goes beyond anything that is taught in the school of life and produces an image of our teachings that is reflected in our very lives. We are taught from an early age that life is the "pits" and "we are to do them before they can do us" - what ever that means. The church has its own image. The church represents God, a way of life, a way of looking at things that reflect one's true beliefs.
Can the church help people develop a new image for themselves? I believe so. The Spiritualist church through their teaching of the "Principle of Personal Responsibility" provides the most effective means of changing one's personal image. It is the "Golden Rule" in action. One man wrote about his work as a psychologist in Hawaii and how he took personal responsibility to a new level. He took personal responsibility to mean that he was responsible for the criminally insane men that he worked with and through his understanding, brought sanity to those men. Through his work on himself, the men were rehabilitated and moved to prisons where they were no longer a threat to themselves and the lives of others. He understood that it was him that caused those men to be insane in the first place. So he simply worked on himself. He went within to correct the source of the insanity and cure the illness. As you can see, one man's personal image of himself and practicing personal responsibility made the difference. He changed the image that others had of themselves to become who they really were. A lesson we can all learn.
I had never thought about personal responsibility in the terms that this psychologists did, and it made me think of just how important my own image is and how as a Spiritualist my image is reflected in the lives of others. We have the truth about life through personal responsibility. A responsibility, that presents an image of our selves and our teachings. What a difference we could make in this world.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Something to think about
THOUGHTS
Thought has the same relation to the mind as the wind has to the process of setting the mind into action.
Thought are the links between invisible substance and the visible form. For thought is a tangible substance and, united with will, is a projectile.
TELEPATHY
It is some times erroneously believed that psychic senses are extensions of the physical ones. They are in reality, soul senses, for the spiritual body has faculties analogous to its physical counterpart.
Clairvoyant people can easily see across oceans and continents, into closed boxes, sealed packets, etc. Clairvoyant persons can hear at any distance, and also hear thoughts as distinct as if spoken audibly. These faculties enable one to see and hear what is positively obscure, unseen and unheard by the physical senses. Some people exercise their psychic power naturally and freely, while others their activity is entirely dormant. By means of telepathy that we can communicate with the dwellers on the Other side.
TRUTH
What is truth? Truth is an emanation of the deity. Truth is the accurate verity and reality. It is the understanding by the mind of that which actually is. It is the unchangeable amid the unchangeable, the substance behind the shadow, the permanent within the transient form. Truth is a constant, not a variant. It cannot be added to or diminished from its sum total.
Each mind sees the truth, distorted through its own medium. Since men are in diverse stages of unfoldment and their minds enshrouded in various degrees of ignorance, it is necessary to have different aspects of truth. Hence, the importance of being tolerant with those who choose to worship God different than we do. All truth leads to the same goals, and all religions and philosophies which have stood the test of time contain some element of truth, otherwise they would have perished.
FREE WILL
It is true that all which happens to man is in accordance with law, as there is no such thing as chance or accident; every event is adamantly linked to a preceding cause and to a subsequent effect. But that man is devoid of volition and a puppet in the hands of a higher power is contrary to logic and contradictory to Divine Nature. It is debasing the Deity to think that we are enmeshed in the web of life, futilely trying to extricate ourselves like flies entangled in a spider's weaving. This implies that our efforts for progression and advancement are amusing to the Ruler of the Universe. Such a concept makes God a lower creature than man; for no earthly father would hold his children in bondage when he had the power to free them.
What is the will? Is it a primary or secondary urge? Will is the self in action. Wherever there is true volition, there the ego is expressing itself.
Some assume that, because God is omniscient and knows what men will do, there is no possibility of free will. God's omniscience does not preclude men's exercise of choice any more than children are deprived of freedom because their parents usually know quite well how they will react under different circumstances.
And this is certain, if only God's will prevailed on earth, it would be a paradise. But, simultaneously with men's exercise of their will began the existence of evil. For evil is not a person, but a force created for good, but which can be used for malevolent purposes. Man's perverted use of this force has brought into the world suffering, sorrow, misery, disease, war, pestilence and all manner of ungodly conditions. And these creations of man's volition will exist as long as he persists in blindly pursuing his erring way.
No perspicacity is required to realize that absolute free will without absolute wisdom would be an unmitigated curse; the worst conceivable calamity which God could impose upon man. When we consider what man in his ignorance has done with limited will and power, just the thought of what would happen had he absolute free will fills one with apprehension and terror. But God is merciful and, in His infinite love and wisdom, limits and controls man's freedom of action.
As men grow in spiritual stature, they gradually see the folly of independent action and submit to Divine guidance. And, in relinquishing their will, they are directed by the influence of that Higher Wisdom and molded and guided into the path of true happiness.
The soul is perfect in its pure essence. It is from its union with matter alone that all the imperfections, error and evil arise; but these do not affect its inner germ essence, for they are not its cause, which is the Absolute and Supreme Intelligence, which is God. The soul is responsible for its desires and for its choice of actions, and for this reason God established causes and effects. The soul, being immortal, came from God and must return to that Great Soul from which it issued. But as it was given to man pure and undefiled, free from all stain and error, it cannot ascend to that Celestial Abode until it shall have been refined and purified from all the evil it has wrought and all the errors and faults committed through its union with matter.
MIRACLES
although the circumstances of the occurrence or miracles may appear unusual, they are never contrary to nature, but only contrary to nature as known to us, for everything that happens, or has happened, or will happen, can happen only through law. Also lack of knowledge creates a belief in miracles.
Intelligence or mind is master of natural law. A higher law can be employed to overrule and direct a lower one. Intelligence can override it, vary it, and use it however it will, and can make it work. Christ more than once hinted that, by an increase of power, ascendancy is gained over the lower and physical laws; that by faith, knowledge and power men may control things that are around them, just as the body can be made subservient to the mind power. Indications of it also pervade the history of the race down to our time.
EQUALITY
From whence arise the vast disparities seen among men—the tremendous differences in ability, intelligence and morality? The answer is soul age. Men are on different rungs of life's evolutionary ladder, manifesting diverse degrees of unfoldment, and never on earth or elsewhere will all men be on the same level of mental, moral and spiritual development.
Nature's Author being no respecter of persons, creates all men equal and unlike, and men's differences date from the time of their involutionary pilgrimage into matter, not from the time of physical birth. At this time souls already are endowed with definite personalities, marked characteristics, developed talents and pronounced sympathies and antipathies. Moreover, immense gulfs often separate their moral, mental and spiritual acquirements. As all men are dissimilar but equally endowed, what is possible for one is possible for all; not contemporaneously, but eventually. Inasmuch as human nature is constant, no two men will ever be, or can be exactly alike.
AFFINITY
Affinity is the force which keeps bodies together without any visible bonds and is inherent in all existing things. Affinity is the mind's law of attraction, and that we gravitate to where we belong is a truth recognized by proverbs of every country. "Like attracts like," "Birds of a feather flock together," "Water finds its own level," "Show me your company and I'll tell you what you are," all have reference to this universal law, for the mind is a magnet and draws to itself all things of like nature. We cannot attract that for which we have no inner response, no more than the needle of the compass can point in any direction except north.
Affinity is the cohesive force of all associations, and on the mental plane draws together people with similar ideas, ideals, interests and ambitions.
INDIVIDUALITY
Individuality is the mental stamp we give our actions; we label everything with it. Every one of us has his own particular way of doing things; it is always unconsciously present and connected with everything we do.
Each individual will differ everlastingly from every other individual. There is no one type proper to all mankind. Human nature is organized and equipped for progression throughout the ages. Each faculty and quality of one's being is replete with an irresistible tendency to unfold in the direction of an endless career. Each individual will be developed in the likeness of its own interior character bequeathed by Father God and Mother Nature. There will be greater differences than we now have any idea of; we never have been the same and we shall be more different with the centuries.
REALITY
"All reality exists in the mind. The outer phenomenon, that which appears, is only its outer expression. The visible universe is the reflection of the invisible," says Plato.
Thought has the same relation to the mind as the wind has to the process of setting the mind into action.
Thought are the links between invisible substance and the visible form. For thought is a tangible substance and, united with will, is a projectile.
TELEPATHY
It is some times erroneously believed that psychic senses are extensions of the physical ones. They are in reality, soul senses, for the spiritual body has faculties analogous to its physical counterpart.
Clairvoyant people can easily see across oceans and continents, into closed boxes, sealed packets, etc. Clairvoyant persons can hear at any distance, and also hear thoughts as distinct as if spoken audibly. These faculties enable one to see and hear what is positively obscure, unseen and unheard by the physical senses. Some people exercise their psychic power naturally and freely, while others their activity is entirely dormant. By means of telepathy that we can communicate with the dwellers on the Other side.
TRUTH
What is truth? Truth is an emanation of the deity. Truth is the accurate verity and reality. It is the understanding by the mind of that which actually is. It is the unchangeable amid the unchangeable, the substance behind the shadow, the permanent within the transient form. Truth is a constant, not a variant. It cannot be added to or diminished from its sum total.
Each mind sees the truth, distorted through its own medium. Since men are in diverse stages of unfoldment and their minds enshrouded in various degrees of ignorance, it is necessary to have different aspects of truth. Hence, the importance of being tolerant with those who choose to worship God different than we do. All truth leads to the same goals, and all religions and philosophies which have stood the test of time contain some element of truth, otherwise they would have perished.
FREE WILL
It is true that all which happens to man is in accordance with law, as there is no such thing as chance or accident; every event is adamantly linked to a preceding cause and to a subsequent effect. But that man is devoid of volition and a puppet in the hands of a higher power is contrary to logic and contradictory to Divine Nature. It is debasing the Deity to think that we are enmeshed in the web of life, futilely trying to extricate ourselves like flies entangled in a spider's weaving. This implies that our efforts for progression and advancement are amusing to the Ruler of the Universe. Such a concept makes God a lower creature than man; for no earthly father would hold his children in bondage when he had the power to free them.
What is the will? Is it a primary or secondary urge? Will is the self in action. Wherever there is true volition, there the ego is expressing itself.
Some assume that, because God is omniscient and knows what men will do, there is no possibility of free will. God's omniscience does not preclude men's exercise of choice any more than children are deprived of freedom because their parents usually know quite well how they will react under different circumstances.
And this is certain, if only God's will prevailed on earth, it would be a paradise. But, simultaneously with men's exercise of their will began the existence of evil. For evil is not a person, but a force created for good, but which can be used for malevolent purposes. Man's perverted use of this force has brought into the world suffering, sorrow, misery, disease, war, pestilence and all manner of ungodly conditions. And these creations of man's volition will exist as long as he persists in blindly pursuing his erring way.
No perspicacity is required to realize that absolute free will without absolute wisdom would be an unmitigated curse; the worst conceivable calamity which God could impose upon man. When we consider what man in his ignorance has done with limited will and power, just the thought of what would happen had he absolute free will fills one with apprehension and terror. But God is merciful and, in His infinite love and wisdom, limits and controls man's freedom of action.
As men grow in spiritual stature, they gradually see the folly of independent action and submit to Divine guidance. And, in relinquishing their will, they are directed by the influence of that Higher Wisdom and molded and guided into the path of true happiness.
The soul is perfect in its pure essence. It is from its union with matter alone that all the imperfections, error and evil arise; but these do not affect its inner germ essence, for they are not its cause, which is the Absolute and Supreme Intelligence, which is God. The soul is responsible for its desires and for its choice of actions, and for this reason God established causes and effects. The soul, being immortal, came from God and must return to that Great Soul from which it issued. But as it was given to man pure and undefiled, free from all stain and error, it cannot ascend to that Celestial Abode until it shall have been refined and purified from all the evil it has wrought and all the errors and faults committed through its union with matter.
MIRACLES
although the circumstances of the occurrence or miracles may appear unusual, they are never contrary to nature, but only contrary to nature as known to us, for everything that happens, or has happened, or will happen, can happen only through law. Also lack of knowledge creates a belief in miracles.
Intelligence or mind is master of natural law. A higher law can be employed to overrule and direct a lower one. Intelligence can override it, vary it, and use it however it will, and can make it work. Christ more than once hinted that, by an increase of power, ascendancy is gained over the lower and physical laws; that by faith, knowledge and power men may control things that are around them, just as the body can be made subservient to the mind power. Indications of it also pervade the history of the race down to our time.
EQUALITY
From whence arise the vast disparities seen among men—the tremendous differences in ability, intelligence and morality? The answer is soul age. Men are on different rungs of life's evolutionary ladder, manifesting diverse degrees of unfoldment, and never on earth or elsewhere will all men be on the same level of mental, moral and spiritual development.
Nature's Author being no respecter of persons, creates all men equal and unlike, and men's differences date from the time of their involutionary pilgrimage into matter, not from the time of physical birth. At this time souls already are endowed with definite personalities, marked characteristics, developed talents and pronounced sympathies and antipathies. Moreover, immense gulfs often separate their moral, mental and spiritual acquirements. As all men are dissimilar but equally endowed, what is possible for one is possible for all; not contemporaneously, but eventually. Inasmuch as human nature is constant, no two men will ever be, or can be exactly alike.
AFFINITY
Affinity is the force which keeps bodies together without any visible bonds and is inherent in all existing things. Affinity is the mind's law of attraction, and that we gravitate to where we belong is a truth recognized by proverbs of every country. "Like attracts like," "Birds of a feather flock together," "Water finds its own level," "Show me your company and I'll tell you what you are," all have reference to this universal law, for the mind is a magnet and draws to itself all things of like nature. We cannot attract that for which we have no inner response, no more than the needle of the compass can point in any direction except north.
Affinity is the cohesive force of all associations, and on the mental plane draws together people with similar ideas, ideals, interests and ambitions.
INDIVIDUALITY
Individuality is the mental stamp we give our actions; we label everything with it. Every one of us has his own particular way of doing things; it is always unconsciously present and connected with everything we do.
Each individual will differ everlastingly from every other individual. There is no one type proper to all mankind. Human nature is organized and equipped for progression throughout the ages. Each faculty and quality of one's being is replete with an irresistible tendency to unfold in the direction of an endless career. Each individual will be developed in the likeness of its own interior character bequeathed by Father God and Mother Nature. There will be greater differences than we now have any idea of; we never have been the same and we shall be more different with the centuries.
REALITY
"All reality exists in the mind. The outer phenomenon, that which appears, is only its outer expression. The visible universe is the reflection of the invisible," says Plato.
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