The 7 SNU Principles
The 7 principles, as given to the Spiritualist National Union
The Fatherhood of God
By the study of Nature - that is, by trying to understand
the Laws of Cause & 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 also life itself in its many forms and
is continuing to create today. The effects of this eternal
creation can be seen around us and this leads us to the evidence
that 'God' - 'The Creative Force' - manifests directly, or
indirectly, in all things. We know this power as God and as
we are part of the Life created by God, we acknowledge God
as our Father.
The Brotherhood of Man
Because we all come from the same universal life source we
are, in effect, one large family, small individual offshoot
from the whole. 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 need to share
our joys as well as our burdens; we need 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 their spiritual needs
and help those in need to become strong and worthy of their
relationship in the Family of God.
Communion of Spirits and the
Ministry of Angels
All religions believe in life after death but only Spiritualism
shows that it is true by demonstrating that communication
with departed spirits can and does take place. Spiritualist
Churches provide one of the venues where communication, through
mediumship, is possible and many loved relatives and friends
take advantage of this opportunity to continue to take an
interest in our welfare. There are also spirit people/teachers
who are dedicated to the welfare and service of mankind. Some
(e.g. Silver Birch) bring inspiration and teachings whilst
others work within the healing ministry.
Continuous Existence of the
Human Soul
It is scientifically proven that matter (being part of the
creative force, or energy) cannot be destroyed; it merely
changes its form. Spirit, as part of the Creative Force is,
therefore, indestructible. On the death of the physical body,
the spirit continues as an integral part of a world, which
interpenetrates our world but in a different dimension. This
world is referred to as the SpiritWorld. In spirit life we
have a spirit body, which until we progress far enough, 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 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 place 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 from what is wrong. We are totally,
as well as personally, responsible.
Compensation and Retribution
hereafter for all Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth
As with all the other Principles, the natural laws apply
and this one echoes the law of Cause and Effect (as you sow,
so shall you reap). One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards
others and expect love and popularity in return. It must be
understood that the compensatory or retributive effects of
this law operate now - on earth - they do not wait until we
begin to live in the Spirit World.
Eternal Progress open to every
Human Soul
In every heart there exists the desire for progress and to
every human spirit belongs the power to progress 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 inward prompting or
intuitions; we shall find progress very easy, on earth as
in spirit; if not, every step in advancement will follow a
struggle against imperfections, which we ourselves will 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 all given the opportunity to be responsible for
our own eternal progress.
Books
on Spiritual Healing
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