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.

See also

• Religion
• Theology
• Philosophy of religion
• New Religious Movements

References

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