Sympathies and antipathies
of Spirits 

We present in this issue the topic #73 from the Systematized Study of the Spiritist Doctrine, that is being presented weekly, according to the programme elaborated by the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB), structured in 6 modules and 147 topics.

If the reader uses this program for a study group, we suggest that questions proposed be discussed freely before the reading of the text that follows. If you would like to study alone, we ask you to try to answer the questions at first and only then read the text that follows. The answer key can be found at the end of the lesson.

Questions

1. Why is there a particular affection that unites two persons?

2. Does the affection which two spirits have felt for each other upon the earth always continue in the spirit-world?

3. Is it correct to say that disagreement is the origin of our shortcomings?

4. Is evil a permanent state or a transitional one in the mankind?

5. What can stop the vicious circle called hatred? 

Text

The affection that unites two persons still exist in the spirit-world

1. As intelligent beings of the Creation, Spirits cultivate among themselves general sympathy determined by their own similarities. Besides this general sympathy, there are still particular affections, just like the one among men.  

2. The sympathy which attracts one spirit to another is the result of the perfect concordance of their tendencies and instincts.

3. Hatreds only exist among impure spirits. It is they who sow hatreds and dissensions among men. This influence is very common in the human existence.  

4. The affection which two spirits have felt for each other upon the earth always continue in the spirit-world.  

Disagreement is the origin of our shortcomings

5. We know that Spirits to whom we harmed in this world can forgive us, as soon as we repent; if they are bad, they may retain resentment against us, and may even pursue us with their anger in another existence. This may be permitted by God as a chastisement.

6. Through good comportment it is possible to take away all pretexts for retaliation and, who knows, even make a friend out of an enemy, before and after death. It is needed, though, that we strive to live harmoniously with our relatives, colleagues and workmates. 

7. It is therefore up to the doctrine to offer a positive reason for this fact, together with a practical motive for forgiveness and for Christ's commandment: “Love your enemies”, because the vengeance which was seized on fails in its objective, as it has the contrary effect of causing even more irritation, which is capable of continuing on from one existence to another and delay his spiritual progress. 

Only love can stop the vicious circle called hatred

8. In the first place, we know that evil is not the permanent condition of mankind. This occurs due to the temporary state of imperfection, and just as children correct themselves of their defects, so the evil man or woman will one day recognize their errors and so gradually become good people.

9. Well, only the manifestation of love can stop the vicious circle called hatred, because this enemy can continue to pursue with hate even after leaving the Earth.

10. The most likely period for such an effort is, undoubtedly, when we are along with our enemies, living with them, in the condition of incarnated or disincarnating, so we have the best opportunities to witness our proposals to cultivate love with all, hence, replace the hate with love.

Answer Key 

1. Why is there a particular affection that unites two persons? A.: The sympathy which attracts one spirit to another is the result of the perfect concordance of their tendencies and instincts. 

2. Does the affection which two spirits have felt for each other upon the earth always continue in the spirit-world? A.: Yes. The affection which two spirits have felt for each other upon the earth always continue in the spirit-world.  

3. Is it correct to say that disagreement is the origin of our shortcomings? A.: Through good comportment it is possible to take away all pretexts for retaliation and, who knows, even make a friend out of an enemy, before and after death. It is needed, though, that we strive to live harmoniously with our relatives, colleagues and workmates. 

4. Is evil a permanent state or a transitional one in the mankind? A.: Evil is not the permanent condition of mankind. This occurs due to the temporary state of imperfection, and just as children correct themselves of their defects, so the evil man or woman will one day recognize their errors and so gradually become good people. 

5. What can stop the vicious circle called hatred? A.: Only the manifestation of love can stop the vicious circle called hatred, because this enemy can continue to pursue with hate even after leaving the Earth. The most likely period for such an effort is, undoubtedly, when we are along with our enemies, living with them, in the condition of incarnated or disincarnating, so we have the best opportunities to witness our proposals to cultivate love with all, hence, replace the hate with love. 

Bibliography: 

The Spirits’ Book, by Allan Kardec, items 298 and 301.    

The Gospel According to Spiritism, by Allan Kardec, chapter 12, items 5 and 6.