I really need help

I am new here so if this has already been asked i am sorry. I have been looking into spiritualism recently. I was raised catholic and ended up not believing in their way of thinking. I will share with you what I believe. I believe in Spirits and Entities( demons, etc..) I believe in hell as a balance factor but not as a place of punishment. I believe in different realms. I believe in God. I have has several experiences with God and with spirits. What I am looking for is some answers. I cannot seem to find what I am looking for. Every site is centered on the belief of mediums (which i believe in) not so much other things. Other sites make it sound like spiritualist "worship" mediums. So here is what I need help with.
1. Do you believe that when you die you will be punished in "hell"
2. Do you believe in hell at all?
3. Do you believe that you will be with God when you Die?
4. Do you believe that you can experience heaven?
5. Do you believe that their are other realms and entities?
6. Do you believe that demons exist?
7. Are you free to have other beliefs within your "religion"
8. Do I need to become a medium to be part of your "religion"
If you could add any other basic information i would really appreciate it.

1. No
2. No.
3. God is omni-present - therefore.....
4. Of course, but heaven (and hell) are states of mind and not biblical locations
5. Yes.
6. Don't know - the Law of Attraction applies.
7. Of course, as many as you think you need.
8. No. What is your understanding of mediumship?

I'd suggest a period of general reading and discussion, plus a meditation group would be a great help at this stage.
It took me around five years to rid myself of Catholic indoctrination, which tends to put your mind out of focus - metaphorically speaking. Reach out to the greatest power in the Universe and ask for help with your search. You will be heard.

hiorta wrote:1. No
2. No.
3. God is omni-present - therefore.....
4. Of course, but heaven (and hell) are states of mind and not biblical locations
5. Yes.
6. Don't know - the Law of Attraction applies.
7. Of course, as many as you think you need.
8. No. What is your understanding of mediumship?

I'd suggest a period of general reading and discussion, plus a meditation group would be a great help at this stage.
It took me around five years to rid myself of Catholic indoctrination, which tends to put your mind out of focus - metaphorically speaking. Reach out to the greatest power in the Universe and ask for help with your search. You will be heard.

A Medium to me is someone who can communicate with someone who has passed on. They are open enough and have achieved a higher understanding of "who they are" and can use that to communicate with the dead. I have had experiences but i am not a medium, though people think I am.
Also, what do you think about the conversations with god books? Those books seems to follow your way of thinking/beliefs

If 'communicating with those who have passed on' was the sole criteria, we are all mediums. The 'next world' is always round and about us and our thoughts are always known and heard. It is us who do not/ cannot always hear the reply.
A 'higher understanding' is the result of their own Spiritual endeavours and is very useful in mediumship, but not the result of it.
Mediumistic communication happens in may ways, usually involving the intuitive mind and may not be psychically audible or visual. Mediumship for evidential purposes is one among many forms of it.
I haven't read any of the 'conversation with god books' as this is not my understanding of the Great Spirit - Perfect Intelligence, Love, Compassion, the Source of all.
However, all books are useful and read what appeals to you. (Books are the opinion of the author at the time of writing)

hiorta wrote:If 'communicating with those who have passed on' was the sole criteria, we are all mediums. The 'next world' is always round and about us and our thoughts are always known and heard. It is us who do not/ cannot always hear the reply.
A 'higher understanding' is the result of their own Spiritual endeavours and is very useful in mediumship, but not the result of it.
Mediumistic communication happens in may ways, usually involving the intuitive mind and may not be psychically audible or visual. Mediumship for evidential purposes is one among many forms of it.
I haven't read any of the 'conversation with god books' as this is not my understanding of the Great Spirit - Perfect Intelligence, Love, Compassion, the Source of all.
However, all books are useful and read what appeals to you. (Books are the opinion of the author at the time they were written)

So what I am asking (and thank you so much for your help) is can i believe what is in those books and follow spiritualism? Is spiritualism an open religion or can i only do it your way? I am an extremely open minded person. I am just trying to get my bearings.

Your questions are excellent and any way that I can assist your quest I'd be happy to try.
So, any point that I can offer is in the realm of an assessment of your current understanding, like all points, a step on the way and never meant as an absolute.

If books are helpful then take all that seems reasonable (to you) from them and use it to help to build your understanding. As you grow, you may wish to discard whatever no longer 'fits' your ever-developing growth. If something does not sit well with you, just leave it aside for the time being - it may well fit later. Your own reason is the monitor.
The 'openness' of Spiritualism was the main attraction for me and is the most natural of approaches. (Minds have a way of letting you know when/ if they're ready to move on) If you can get evidence of loved ones of your own having survived their physical deaths, then this is a great benefit in the early days of searching.
Spiritualists are not from the same mould, nor should they be and I'd suggest they 'adhere' rather than 'follow', usually because they have had evidence of survival. They all remain individuals following their growing personal inner conviction as to the understanding of Life and how best to live it.
As you grow, your capacity for growth increases so really we are our own limitations.

how long have you been a spiritualist and how has it helped you, hiorta?

hiorta wrote:Your questions are excellent and any way that I can assist your quest I'd be happy to try.
So, any point that I can offer is in the realm of an assessment of your current understanding, like all points, a step on the way and never meant as an absolute.

If books are helpful then take all that seems reasonable (to you) from them and use it to help to build your understanding. As you grow, you may wish to discard whatever no longer 'fits' your ever-developing growth. If something does not sit well with you, just leave it aside for the time being - it may well fit later. Your own reason is the monitor.
The 'openness' of Spiritualism was the main attraction for me and is the most natural of approaches. (Minds have a way of letting you know when/ if they're ready to move on) If you can get evidence of loved ones of your own having survived their physical deaths, then this is a great benefit in the early days of searching.
Spiritualists are not from the same mould, nor should they be and I'd suggest they 'adhere' rather than 'follow', usually because they have had evidence of survival. They all remain individuals following their growing personal inner conviction as to the understanding of Life and how best to live it.
As you grow, your capacity for growth increases so really we are our own limitations.

How long have you been a spiritualist and how has it helped you?
Also, what if you don't believe the bible? I believe it was written by man and has been changed to many time that the real truth written doesn't exist anymore.

I met this idea first when around 8 years old. Due to the rigid Catholicism of that day, I dare not ask about it, but now realise that the initial knowledge somehow grew. The length of time is really irrelevant - over 70 years, and I still regard myself as a human being on a journey. These labels do not matter.
The bible is like any other book, if it helps you to make sense of Life, then, why not?

Life, like the bible is for you to decide about.
Two points, if I may - you must reap as was sown - no exceptions.
The 'kingdom of heaven' is within.

These, and the 'golden rule' - do as you would be done by - are sure signposts.

respect, hiorta - excellent guidance for our new member.

Welcome to the forum Aerostone65, I don't think there's any need to add to what has already been said, as hiorta has answered your questions perfectly... Enjoy the forum

hiorta wrote:I met this idea first when around 8 years old. Due to the rigid Catholicism of that day, I dare not ask about it, but now realise that the initial knowledge somehow grew. The length of time is really irrelevant - over 70 years, and I still regard myself as a human being on a journey. These labels do not matter.
The bible is like any other book, if it helps you to make sense of Life, then, why not?

Life, like the bible is for you to decide about.
Two points, if I may - you must reap as was sown - no exceptions.
The 'kingdom of heaven' is within.

These, and the 'golden rule' - do as you would be done by - are sure signposts.

Well I definitely have a better understanding of your religion. Another thing and I am so sorry to keep asking questions, but I am one of those people that question everything lol. I personally am not a fan of religion. Is spiritualism really a religion? Is it more of a way of life or a label to explain what you believe?

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me! I appreciate it!

"Is spiritualism really a religion? Is it more of a way of life or a label to explain what you believe?"

yes, yes, no....

yes - It is a religion although a recent survey in PN shows that a large majority of those who replied think of it less of a religion and more of a way of life. (paraphrasing the results)

yes - It's more of a way of life for some others, myself included. But I don't feel constrained by acknowledging it as a religion.

no - It's not a way of explaining what I believe because I don't believe anything in connection with Spiritualism and Spiritualism doesn't require that I do!

Works for me....

mac wrote:"Is spiritualism really a religion? Is it more of a way of life or a label to explain what you believe?"

yes, yes, no....

yes - It is a religion although a recent survey in PN shows that a large majority of those who replied think of it less of a religion and more of a way of life. (paraphrasing the results)

yes - It's more of a way of life for some others, myself included. But I don't feel constrained by acknowledging it as a religion.

no - It's not a way of explaining what I believe because I don't believe anything in connection with Spiritualism and Spiritualism doesn't require that I do!

Works for me....

What do you mean ?
no - It's not a way of explaining what I believe because I don't believe anything in connection with Spiritualism and Spiritualism doesn't require that I do!

Modern Spiritualism's teachings don't require me, or anyone, to believe anything. There's abundant evidence of the message of survival and transdimensional communication via mediumship, its fundamental issues.

There's more for those who wish to understand more but those two issues underpin the movement as a religion and a philosophy.

mac wrote: Modern Spiritualism's teachings don't require me, or anyone, to believe anything. There's abundant evidence of the message of survival and transdimensional communication via mediumship, its fundamental issues.

There's more for those who wish to understand more but those two issues underpin the movement as a religion and a philosophy.

i am sorry i am not completely understanding what you are saying

If I understand mac correctly he is saying

1) since the basis of spiritualism is supposed to be evidence for survival, there's no need to 'believe' since it is (so spiritualists say) possible to know survival is a fact.

2) unlike most mainstream religions, there is no need to adhere to a set creed - though there are certain principles. One can be a spiritualist and still hold on to other religious beliefs, associations and practices (provided you can reconcile them in your own mind).

Was I close Mac?


ps I am not a Spiritualist

obiwan wrote:If I understand mac correctly he is saying

1) since the basis of spiritualism is supposed to be evidence for survival, there's no need to 'believe' since it is (so spiritualists say) possible to know survival is a fact.

2) unlike most mainstream religions, there is no need to adhere to a set creed - though there are certain principles. One can be a spiritualist and still hold on to other religious beliefs, associations and practices (provided you can reconcile them in your own mind).

Was I close Mac?


ps I am not a Spiritualist

What are your beliefs obiwan?

Good question Kavon! I don't have any religious beliefs really (any more). I do think there is definitely evidence to support that fact that we survive physical death. I do like the teachings of Silver Birch, but I don't have a religious affiliation of any kind.

obiwan wrote:Good question Kavon! I don't have any religious beliefs really. I do think there is definitely evidence to support that fact that we survive physical death. I do like the teachings of Silver Birch, but I don't have a religious affiliation of any kind.

Ive seen that name Silver Birch before, what does she/he teach?
I am new to the spirtualism thing so i am trying to get as much help as I can.

There is quite a bit about Silver Birch on this site, and also on the internet. I'd just have a good read - you can use the 'search' function on this forum.

I like his teachings because they are simple and sound sensible to me.

This is a good forum to use to learn more.

Kavon85 wrote:

obiwan wrote:Good question Kavon! I don't have any religious beliefs really. I do think there is definitely evidence to support that fact that we survive physical death. I do like the teachings of Silver Birch, but I don't have a religious affiliation of any kind.

Ive seen that name Silver Birch before, what does she/he teach?
I am new to the spirtualism thing so i am trying to get as much help as I can.

Some things that Silver Birch was fond of saying would be useful here:

"It's good to have an open mind, but not an empty one" (having an open mind is useful but remember, your logic and reason are there to be used!)

"Service is the coin of Spirit" (material wealth has no value in the next world. Helping others is what counts, and through helping others, you are helping yourself)

I'll parapahrase another of his sayings as "If anything you're told doesn't seem right to you, or offends you - then feel free to reject it"
In other words, just because a "guru" is telling you something, you are not required to believe it or hold it to be true.
Use your own logic and reason to assess what you are told, then make a judgement on its value to you.

Really good comments from everyone on here.

Kavon85 wrote:

mac wrote: Modern Spiritualism's teachings don't require me, or anyone, to believe anything. There's abundant evidence of the message of survival and transdimensional communication via mediumship, its fundamental issues.

There's more for those who wish to understand more but those two issues underpin the movement as a religion and a philosophy.

i am sorry i am not completely understanding what you are saying

My duck-friend obiwan has also explained what I was getting at.

At this point I'm gonna make the point that Modern Spiritualism in the UK is often thought to be the same as 'spiritualism', meaning to do with spirituality or any spiritual matters. From my experience over the last few years this has been particularly the case with folk I've 'met' online from the USA - and I note you're in PA..... I constantly push the use of the term 'Modern Spiritualism' in an attempt to signify our UK version and to differentiate it from spirituality.

Even when we all mean the same thing, the US version of Spiritualism can be markedly different from that of the UK. And mediumship in the USA is often seen simply as having contact with discarnates.

obiwan wrote:If I understand mac correctly he is saying

1) since the basis of spiritualism is supposed to be evidence for survival, there's no need to 'believe' since it is (so spiritualists say) possible to know survival is a fact.

2) unlike most mainstream religions, there is no need to adhere to a set creed - though there are certain principles. One can be a spiritualist and still hold on to other religious beliefs, associations and practices (provided you can reconcile them in your own mind).

Was I close Mac?


ps I am not a Spiritualist

You're close obiwan And closer than some who say they are Spiritualists!