Spiritism

Spiritism
Family	Modern spiritual movement
Origin region	France and international communities
Founding period	19th century CE
Estimated adherents	Significant communities especially in Brazil and Latin America; numbers vary.

Spiritism is a belief system codified by Allan Kardec teaching communication with spirits, reincarnation, moral progress, and the existence of a spirit world.

Overview

Spiritism was founded by Allan Kardec in the mid-19th century. Britannica describes it as based on the idea that a spirit world exists alongside physical reality and can be accessed through mediums.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Key beliefs

Spirits survive bodily death
Reincarnation supports moral and intellectual progress
Mediumship can provide communication with spirits
Moral improvement and charity are central
Spiritist teachings often seek harmony with science, philosophy, and religion

Practices

Mediumistic meetings
Study groups
Prayer and moral instruction
Charitable service
Spiritual healing in some communities

Places of worship

Spiritist centers
Homes
Study halls
Charitable institutions

Sacred texts

The Spirits' Book
The Mediums' Book
The Gospel According to Spiritism
Allan Kardec's writings

Holidays and observances

Allan Kardec commemorations
Local Spiritist congress dates
Charitable and study events

Branches and related traditions

Spiritualism - Spiritism is related to but distinct from Anglophone Spiritualism.
Christianity - Some Spiritist communities interpret Jesus as a moral model.
New Religious Movements - Spiritism is a modern spiritual movement.

References