Spiritualism; Modern Spiritualism; Modern Spiritualist Movement; Spiritualist Church

In addition to this, Modern Spiritualists - in order to affirm their religion - tended to attack other religions, especially Christianity and the Christian Church. Even to this day, there seems to be a rather strong anti-Christian or anti-Church sentiment amongst many Spiritualist organizations.

So, what is a Spiritualist Church?
A Spiritualist Church is a church which professes, as its faith and driving force, the religion of Spiritualism, as manifested through the Modern Spiritualist Movement. Such churches can be independent, or they can be affiliated with Spiritualist Church bodies such as this country's National Spiritualist Association of Churches or England's Spiritualists' National Union.

The degree of religiosity and Judaic-Christian teaching varies greatly amongst Spiritualist Churches. Some prefer not to be called Churches at all; rather, centers or societies. Others shy away from any sense of religiosity or theology. Regardless of how church-oriented each may be, most Spiritualist Churches have one thing in common: the focal point of their worship service or meeting is the demonstration of mediumship; claiming that mediumship represents the proof of their religion.
So, where does the First Spiritual Temple fall in all of this?

Our Church was founded, first and foremost, as a nondenominational Christian Church. As a Christian Church, we embrace the basic tenets of Spiritualism, rather than the Modern Spiritualist Movement. We embrace the wonder and mystery of Spiritualism, from ancient times, along with its modern advent, rather than the religion which emerged from this advent. Finally, we fully embrace the New Dispensation in Spiritualism, then and now.

To us, there is absolutely no conflict between our Christian faith and our open embrace of Spiritualism. Our founder believed that Spiritualism represents the missing link in Christ's Resurrection, and we agree.

Again, let us quote from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The New Revelation":

"As to other creeds, it must be admitted than an acceptance of the teachings brought to us from beyond would deeply modify conventional Christianity. But these modifications would be rather in the direction of explanation and development than in contradiction." Later, he says:

"There are many higher spirits with our departed. They vary in degree. Call them 'angels,' and you are in union with old religious thought. High above all these is the greatest spirit of whom they have cognizance -- not God, since God is so infinite that He is not within their ken -- but one who is nearer God and to that extent represents God. This is the Christ Spirit. His special care is the earth. He came down upon it at a time of great earthly depravity -- a time when the world was almost as wicked as it is now, in order to give the people the lesson of an ideal life. Then He returned to His own high station, having left an example which can still be followed."

As a Christian Church of Spiritualism, we share in the world's celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Modern Spiritualism, with as much joy and enthusiasm as should any Spiritualist Church. In this, we all stand together, each doing its part to help celebrate the Spirit of God and the work of Spirit.