The Aim of Spiritualism

In all my experience, no-one has encapsulated the true aim of Spiritualism better than the 19th century American, Rev Theodore Parker. Despite the language being slightly archaic in parts, it sets out aims which any reasonable person could support.

Many modern Spiritualists are at best uncertain as to the true aim of Spiritualism and do not always understand fully the Principles on which it is based, either in Britain or the United States. At worst they attend their church just in case they receive a "message". It would be well for us all to read Parker's words regularly and in view of the current attitude towards 'messages', especially to note "It does not make the means the end."

Here is the complete text:

The Aim of Spiritualism
By Rev. Theodore Parker


The aim of Spiritualism is to effect a complete at-one-ment and unison of man with God,‘til every action and thought of man is in perfect harmony with the Divine Will. It makes absolute religion the point where man’s will and God’s will are one and the same.

It lays down no creed, asks no symbol and reverences no time or place exclusively. It cheerfully lives out its religion in all times and places, acts, words and thoughts. It considers forms and ceremonies as not essential it only reckons them as useful to those who need them.

It does not make the means the end. It prizes the sign only for the sake of the signification. Its temple is all space; its shrine, the good heart; its creed, all truth; its ritual, works of good and use; its profession of faith; a divine life, good works without, spiritual beauty and purity within and deeds of love to God through His creatures.

It does good for goodness’ sake. It asks no pardon for its sins but only seeks the opportunity to atone for them. It bows to no idols, whether made of wood or of metal; of flesh or of parchment; or even of authorities or of books. It is reverent to truth only and rejects all falsehood, though upheld by antiquity or the power of the church. It counts no good word profane because a heathen spoke it, nor a lie sacred though uttered by those the world calls sacred.

Its watchwords are, “Be ye perfect, as God is perfect”. It makes each man his own redeemer and his own priest; but gladly accepts of every true word, every earnest exhortation to good, or wise counsel spoken by others. It calls God, Father, not king; Jesus Brother, not redeemer; the heavens, the Summer-land, not a golden heaven.

Its sum of prayer is “Thy will be done”; its church that of nature and all holy souls wherever gathered together.

Oh come let us worship in this holy temple. Let us worship the Father in spirit and in truth. All true aspiration, all noble effort, is worship.