ABC of Spiritualism 79 & 80 & 81/100

79. What will be the Spirit of the Future Religion?

It will be expressed in Lincoln’s immortal words: “Charity for all and malice toward none.” In Stead’s noble aphorism: “The union of all who love and serve in the interests of all who suffer.” In the Wisdom of the Brahmins:

“It is not blessedness to know

That thou thyself art blest:

True happiness is not by one

Nor yet by two possessed;

Not to the many is it given

But only to the all;

The joy that leaves one soul unblest

Would be for mine too small;

And he that has this ardent hope

Will strive with earnest soul,

To work out his own proper good,

By working for the whole.”

80. What must be the main Characteristics of any future religion for humanity? It must be built on facts and demonstration not on traditional teaching. It must be in harmony with nature, human life and reason. It must be eclectic accepting demonstrated truth from every quarter. It must be simple, natural, practical and lead to health, happiness and success. It must tend in spirit and teaching to bring the world into peace and brotherhood.

81. What attitude does Spiritualism take toward War and Peace?

War is regarded with horror by all true Spiritualists all of whom believe in peace and brotherhood between men and man, and world-wide peace among the nations. All aggressive wars, wars of conquest, wars of extension of territory or commercial privilege or trade, or colonization, are absolutely condemned by the ethics of Spiritualism. Wars of self-defense, wars of liberation for the oppressed, wars for privileges vital to human life and happiness are justified reluctantly on the ground that a nation has the same right to fight in defense of its national life and in defense of human liberty as an individual has to fight in defense of his life and liberty under attack.