The Seven Principles
The Seven Principles form the basis of SNU Spiritualism, and help Spiritualists to navigate and combine their spiritual and human journeys. They were given to us through the mediumship of Emma Hardinge Britten, and are adopted by those who choose Spiritualism as their religion.
The Fatherhood of God
Through the study of nature and an understanding of the laws of cause and effect that shape the world around us, we come to recognise a creative force at work in the universe. This energy not only brought the cosmos and life into existence in all its diverse forms, but continues to create-drawing from itself rather than from nothing.
The evidence of this ongoing creation is visible in the natural world and even in the vast reaches of outer space, revealed in breathtaking detail by the Hubble telescope. Such grandeur leads us to acknowledge that this Creative Force, which we know as God, is present in all things-manifesting both directly and indirectly. As beings formed by this divine power, we honour God as our Father and recognise our place within the unfolding expression of life.
The Brotherhood of Man
We are all threads in the same divine tapestry. Originating from a single, universal source of Life, humanity is bound together as one vast family. This shared origin forms a sacred brotherhood – a community built on mutual care, understanding, and support. As members of this spiritual kinship, it is our calling to recognise and respond to the needs of others, offering help not as charity, but as service to the whole.
Giving and receiving are twin expressions of love. To live in harmony, we must embrace both: the grace of offering and the humility of accepting. In doing so, we cultivate the balance that nourishes our souls and sustains the unity of our shared human journey.
The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels
Many Spiritualists regard this as a central principle: while most religions affirm the existence of life after death, Spiritualism uniquely demonstrates its reality through direct communication with departed spirits. This connection is made possible through mediumship, often practiced in Spiritualist churches and centres, where departed loved ones continue to express care and concern for those still living.
Among the spirit communicators are those devoted to the upliftment and healing of humanity—figures like Silver Birch, channelled through Maurice Barbanell, whose teachings offered profound inspiration, while others serve quietly in the spiritual healing ministry.
The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul
Matter and energy are neither created nor destroyed, a timeless scientific truth continually affirmed by research. Accepting this, we must consider what becomes of energy when its current form ceases to function. The answer lies in transformation: energy simply shifts its expression. Spirit, being a form of energy, is therefore eternal. When the physical body dies, the spirit persists, entering a realm that coexists with ours across different dimensions-commonly known as the spirit world. There, we inhabit a spirit body, mirroring our earthly form but composed of a finer substance. Our essence remains unchanged: the same personality, the same character. Growth or decline in this realm depends solely on our own choices and efforts.
Personal Responsibility
This Principle affirms that responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions rests solely with the individual. It calls us to embrace full accountability for every aspect of our lives, recognising that the path we choose is ours alone to shape. No external force can hinder our spiritual growth unless we permit it. With the gift of free will comes the inner wisdom to discern what nurtures or diminishes our spiritual well-being. Ultimately, we are the architects of our own evolution, responsible for the intentions we hold and the choices we make.
Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth
Like all spiritual Principles, this one is governed by natural law-specifically, the Law of Cause and Effect, often summed up as “what goes around, comes around.” We cannot sow cruelty and expect to reap kindness or admiration in return. The consequences of our actions are not deferred to some distant afterlife; they unfold here and now, shaping our earthly experience. With this awareness, we are given the opportunity to make amends for the harm we’ve caused, choosing to restore balance before we transition from this life.
Eternal Progress Open to every Human Soul
Within each human soul lies an innate longing for growth, and with it, the power to evolve in wisdom and love. Those who seek spiritual understanding will find the path to spiritual wisdom and understanding is open to them. The pace at which we advance mirrors the depth of our desire to learn and awaken. When we recognise that our soul is eternal, and that the journey toward enlightenment begins the moment we choose it, it can help us come to terms with the challenges of this world.
FAQs
Your first step might be to investigate the religion further to increase your insight and understanding. You can attend a service or group at a Spiritualist church near you. You’ll be able to ask questions, and experience it for yourself. You could also take our “Introduction to Spiritualism” course, to find out about our practice and history.
Once you have decided that you wish to be a Spiritualist, you will be taking on or changing to a new religion. If you decide to become a member of your local church, or an individual member of the SNU, you are declaring that your religion is now Spiritualism.
Many Spiritualists choose to have a Naming Ceremony. This publicly affirms their acceptance of Spiritualism as their religion, and they are given a spiritual name inspired by the Spirit World.
Whatever your route into Spiritualism we hope that, like so many people before you, your journey of discovery is a rewarding one.
Each religion expresses its faith in a unique way, but most religions will have some things in common. If you attend a Spiritualist service there will be things that you may be familiar with. For example, prayer, hymns or appropriate songs, and quiet reflection. You may also hear a reading with thought provoking content, often taken from a diverse range of sources.
One feature that is different is the inspirational address, which is usually unprepared and inspired by the Spirit at that moment. Its purpose is to encourage thinking about our lives through the lens of Spiritualist philosophy (based on our Seven Principles).
Also common in a Spiritualist service is time given to Healing. This may simply be quiet time for the congregation to send out healing thoughts (absent healing), or a demonstration of healing by a healing medium. Healing has always been a vital part of the Spiritualist religion.
Many services also include a demonstration of evidential mediumship. This involves the medium relaying messages from the Spirit World to members of the congregation. This is not a form of entertainment, but a way of demonstrating the Spiritualist principle of the continuous existence of the human soul. It supports our philosophy, and encourages contemplation about the bigger Spiritual picture that God has provided for us.
There is also a growing interest in Spiritualism of services becoming more interactive, with the congregation taking an active part in worship. This reflects the religion’s desire to inspire thought, growth, and positive action.
Yes. Our first principle, “The Fatherhood of God” refers to our acknowledgement that God is a universal presence and central to all things. Spiritualists may personally use different names for this, such as the God Force, the Divine Spirit or the Great Spirit. However, all have their understanding that God is the source of all life and all things.
Yes. Spiritualism is a religion in its own right. A commonly accepted definition of a religion refers to the worship of a deity. For Spiritualists this involves the worship God.
The Spiritualists’ National Union is a religious charity that supports the training of spiritual healers, spirit mediums, public speakers and teachers throughout the United Kingdom, supporting Spiritualist Churches all across the United Kingdom.
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