History of Spiritism - Spiritism and Christianity

Spiritism and Christianity

Christianity has traditionally been critical of Spiritism, mostly because Mosaic Law clearly forbade the Jewish people all forms of communication with the dead (Deut. 18: 10-14). Some Christians hold that the supposed spirits of the dead are actually fallen angels, while others claim that the clear rendering of scripture teaches they are demons (while some equate demons with fallen angels).

Most of the Christian opposition to Spiritism is found among Protestant Christians, who believe salvation is a free gift of God, which we are unworthy of. Contrary to this, Spiritism states that all spirits will eventually attain full illumination. Christian Fundamentalists also reject spiritism following the Mosaic Law on the subject of the dead. Unfortunately, reincarnation is also a subject for further criticism among many Christian denominations, since there are passages in the New Testament that are mistranslated and misinterpreted, giving the impression that it is incompatible with it (most notably Hb. 9:27).

The Catholic Church clearly forbids its members to take part in mediunic sessions, or any type of reunion concerning the evocation or the communication of spirits. Most religions have a similar position; however, depending on the country, there seems to be more tolerance. This is especially observable in Brazil.

In the United States, where Spiritism is not as widespread as Spiritualism, there are many Christian Spiritualist organizations and denominations, such as the Progressive Spiritualist Church and the Spiritual Church Movement.