The Seven Principles
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 and Evil Deeds done on Earth.
7. Eternal Progress open to Every Human Soul.
The Fatherhood of God
By a study of nature, that is, by trying to understand the laws of cause and effect which govern all that is happening around us, we recognise that there is a creative force in the universe. This force, or energy, not only created the whole universe but life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today, creating, not from nothing, but of itself, and the effects of this eternal creation can be seen around us today, even in the farthest reaches of outer space, as has been shown in its astounding grandeur by the remarkable photographs taken through the medium of the Hubble telescope. This leads us to acknowledge that God, the Creative Force, manifests directly or indirectly in all things. We know this power as God and as we are a part of the life created by god, we acknowledge God as our Father.
Brotherhood of Man
Because we all come from the same universal life force we are in effect, one large family. This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood. A Brotherhood is a community for mutual support and comfort; we are all members of the same divine family. We have to understand the needs of other individuals in order to assist them as part of our service to each other. As we learn to give, so must we also learn to receive, thereby achieving the necessary balance for our life. We must look not only to the material necessities of our fellow creatures but also to the spiritual needs and help those in need to become strong and worthy of their relationship in the family of God.
The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
Many Spiritualists consider this as the key Principle.All religions believe in life after death but only Spiritualism shows it is true by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can, and does, take place. Spiritualist churches and centers provide many of the venues where communication, through mediumship, is possible and many loved relations and friends take advantage of this opportunity to continue to show an interest in our welfare and us. There are spirit people who are dedicated to the welfare of mankind, like Silver Birch, channelled through the mediumship of Maurice Barbanell, who bring inspiration and teachings, whilst others work in the healing ministry.
The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
Matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed. This is an old scientific axiom which research continues to confirm. If we accept this, and there is no reason why we should not, we need to know what happens when the present form of energy reaches the end of its viability. The answer is, simply, that it changes its manifestation. Spirit is energy and is therefore indestructible. On the death of the physical body the spirit continues as an integral part of a world which interpenetrates our world in a different dimension: this other world is referred as the spirit world. In spirit life we have a spirit body which is a replica of our earthly body. We are the same individuals in every way, with the same personalities and characteristics, and we change only by progression, or otherwise, as a result of our own efforts.
Our personal responsibilities do not stop at physical death.
Personal Responsibility
This Principle is the one which places responsibility for wrongful thoughts and deeds where it belongs, with the individual. It is the acceptance of responsibility for every aspect of our lives, and the use to which we put our lives depends entirely upon ourselves.
It is not possible for any other person or outside influence to interfere with our spiritual development, unless we are willing to allow this. No one can put right the wrongdoing except the offender. As we are given freedom of choice (freewill), so also are we given the ability to recognise what is right and wrong.
We are totally, as well as personally, responsible for all our words, deeds and thoughts.
Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done of earth.
As with other Principles, natural laws apply; this one echoes the Laws of Cause and Effect ('as ye sow, so shall ye reap') One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. It must be understood that the compensatory or retribution effects of this law operate now, on earth: they do not wait until our lives in the spirit world.
Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul
In every human heart there exists the desire for progress and to every human spirit belongs the power to advance in wisdom and love. All who desire to tread the path that leads to perfection are able to pursue it. The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and spiritual understanding. If we do our best in earth life to follow our inner promptings or intuitions, we shall find progress very easy, on earth as in the spirit world; if not, every step in advancement will follow a struggle against imperfections which we ourselves have worked into our natures.
Within the Family of God, with all the advantages that our realisation of that state can give us, we are given the opportunity to be responsible for our own eternal progress.
Spiritualism, through an intelligent and thorough investigation of its Seven Principles, reveals to the understanding the deepest significance of service to others and transforms life from selfishness to unselfishness, from individualism to social co-operation.
Only on such a foundation can love and truth and all other spiritual values have a practical meaning or reality.
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