ABC of Spiritualism 61 & 62/100

61. Are there other reasons for the Silence of the Clergy on Spiritualism?

Doubtless there are many other reasons and among them we may mention:

1. Many ministers actually believe in the truth of Spirit Return, but fear to take a stand that may possibly mean the loss of their pulpit and salary. Many ministers are good for very little in this practical age except ministerial work. They fear to launch their bark upon an unknown sea.

2. Many clergymen who suspect the truth of Spiritualism are afraid to voice the silent belief of their hearts openly, and content themselves with preaching many distinctive teachings of Spiritualism under the cloak of their own religion. Nearly every funeral sermon by orthodox ministers today contains more or less of the distinctive teachings of Spiritualism.

62. Are the clergy of today justified in being silent on the subject of Spiritualism?

No. A subject that is so much in the thoughts of the people today, upon which so many enquiries are being made, one so vitally connected with the happiness of the people, one so closely related to the teachings and practices of the early Christians, ought to receive full and fair treatment in the pulpit. Ministers are “watchmen on the walls of Zion” and should not be “dumb dogs that bark not,” on the approach of a foe, but courageous and faithful watchmen, sounding an alarm against a foe, or opening the gates to a friend. A cowardly minister is a disgrace to his profession Let the clergy get off the fence, and if Spiritualism is, in their opinion false and misleading, let them denounce it. If they find it true, let them endorse it boldly to the world.