mandag 5.mars kl 21- 22filosofi
Discussion - Spiritualism - A Philosophy of Life - W H Evans -SNUI
SPIRITUALISM A PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE
W H EVANS
In presenting my thoughts on the philosophical aspects of Spiritualism, I
wish it to be distinctly understood that I speak for myself alone.
Each individual who comes into what is known as ‘the Spiritualist
movement’ brings with him something from the particular school of
thought which he has left. Each assimilates that which appeals to him,
and while all agree on the basic facts of man’s survival of bodily death
and the communion of spirit people with the folk of this realm, there
is yet a wide divergence of opinion on many other matters. Such opinion
ranges from an atheistic Spiritualism on the one hand to a pantheistic
or theistic Spiritualism on the other; and while none are, perhaps
perfectly right, it cannot be said that all are wrong.
The great difficulty with many persons is to keep an even mind, and to
recognise that the other side has often as much logic and reason for its
position as they have. “In things essential unity; in things doubtful,
liberty; in all things charity,” is the golden rule of intellectual life
– a rule full obedience to which, though at times difficult, becomes
with advancing thought and rising spirituality easier of achievement
every day.
To the deep thinker and student all dogma is anathema. Yet he himself
will quite unconsciously speak and write dogmatically. He cannot escape
from it, save by adopting a boneless attitude. We all feel some things
more keenly than others. We all hold some thoughts more closely and more
dearly than others; and on everything that we feel keenly about and
hold dearly we dogmatise. We do it with all good feeling, but the very
tenacity with which we hold an opinion often prevents us from seeing the
reasons that may be urged on behalf of the views of our fellow-man.
That being so, I shall doubtless commit the sin of dogmatising many
times before I have finished my task. I shall not apologise for what is
unavoidable.
One may well be amiably anxious to please all parties, but as my sole
desire is to write what appeals to me as truth – though doubtless much
of it will be considered mere opinion – I shall go straight on with my
task and face all issues frankly and honestly.
