Spiritism is a philosophical, scientific, and religious doctrine that emerged in the 19th century, primarily through the work of Allan Kardec. It evolved in three key stages. The first stage is marked by physical phenomena like spirit manifestations, such as the well-known Fox Sisters and the table-turning craze, which captured public attention and suggested the existence of life beyond death.
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The second stage began with Kardec, who conducted a systematic study of these phenomena. He sought to understand the intelligent forces behind them and the messages they conveyed. Through his research, Kardec codified Spiritism in foundational works that laid the groundwork for the doctrine.
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The third stage encompasses the ongoing study, teachings, and application of Spiritism's principles. This includes efforts to apply its moral lessons in everyday life, aiming for personal and collective transformation. Spiritism’s central contributions include a rational explanation of spiritual phenomena, a clearer understanding of the nature and role of spirits, and a vision of the future after death, combining elements of science, philosophy, and religion.
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An essential aspect of Spiritism is its focus on Christian morality. The doctrine follows and disseminates the teachings of Jesus, but it does so through the lens of the deeper understanding of spiritual laws brought by the Spirits and then codified by Allan Kardec. The moral values promoted by Spiritism are rooted in love, charity, and the pursuit of spiritual evolution, aligning closely with the ethical teachings of Christ.
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In short, Spiritism offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the spiritual world and its impact on human life, emphasizing moral development and spiritual progress, always in accordance with the Christian principles as interpreted by the Spirits and systematized by Kardec.
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Allan Kardec, born Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail in 1804 in France, was a distinguished scholar and educator before becoming the codifier of Spiritism. With a background in law, philosophy, and science, he worked as a teacher and author, publishing educational works for schools. His academic training and methodical approach laid the foundation for his later work in Spiritism. It was this rigorous, logical mindset that he applied to his investigations of spirit phenomena, which began to capture public attention in the 1850s.
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In 1857, Kardec published The Spirits' Book, the cornerstone of Spiritism. This work was developed through direct interviews with spirits, facilitated by mediums. By rigorously analysing and compiling these communications, Kardec was able to systematise the teachings of the spirits and codify the doctrine. His rational and scientific approach sought to explain the nature of spirits, the laws governing the spiritual world, and the moral implications of reincarnation.
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Kardec's work also extended to publishing additional key texts, such as The Mediums' Book and The Gospel According to Spiritism, which expanded upon his earlier findings and explored the moral and ethical aspects of Spiritism. He made a significant contribution by presenting Spiritism not only as a religion but also as a philosophy and science.
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Throughout his life, Kardec remained committed to spreading the teachings of Spiritism, seeking to promote spiritual progress and moral transformation in humanity. He passed away in 1869, but his work continues to influence millions of people worldwide, serving as the foundation for the Spiritist movement.
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