With this issue, we complete the study of The Spirits' Book, by Allan Kardec, presented by this journal in 42 modules.
The answers to the questions presented, founded in the 2th edition published by FEB, based on translation of Anna Blackwell, are at the end of the text below.
Questions
A. The real progress of mankind has its origin in the application of natural laws. What law is this?
B. Kardec says that the development of spiritist ideas present three distinct periods. What are they?
C. The strength of Spiritualism stemming from the practice of physical manifestations?
D. Spiritualism is presented under three different aspects: the manifestations of the principles and philosophy deriving from them and the application of these principles. Result that three classes of Spiritualists. What are they?
E. Three effects occur in the lives of people who come to understand the philosophy and spiritualism see in him something else and not just more or less curious phenomena. What are these effects?
Text for reading
648. In good logic, the criticism has value only when the critic is cognizant of what you speak. Mock something you do not know, is not to criticize, is to give proof of frivolity and lack of judgment. (Conclusion, item I)
649. Spiritualism is the most terrible antagonist of materialism. There is therefore no wonder it has for opponents materialists. (Conclusion, Item II)
650. The religion is based on revelation and miracles. However, it is the disclosure, but a number of communications extraterrestrial? All the sacred writers, from Moses, have spoken of this kind of communication. (Conclusion, Item II)
651. Spiritism says and proves that the phenomena, on which it relies, have only a supernatural appearance. (...) All Spiritist phenomena, without exception, the result of general laws. (Conclusion, Item II)
652. Why is assign the relaxation of family ties and most of the disorders that undermine society, but the absence of all belief? Demonstrating the existence and immortality of the soul, Spiritism revives faith in the future, raises the spirits cast down, do bear with resignation the vicissitudes of life. Would call this an evil? (Conclusion, Part III)
653. The fraternity requires unselfishness, abnegation of personality. Where there is true brotherhood, pride is an anomaly. (Conclusion, Part III)
654. Spiritualism is strong because it rests on the very foundations of religion: God, the soul, future rewards and punishments, mainly because it shows that these punishments and rewards are natural corollaries of terrestrial life, and also because, in the table presents the future, there is nothing more demanding reason to refuse. (Conclusion, item V)
655. Very false idea would form of Spiritualism who judged that his strength comes from her practice of physical manifestations and, therefore, hindering to such events, if you have undermined the foundation. Its strength lies in its philosophy, which directs the appeal to reason, common sense. (Conclusion, item VI)
656. Spiritualism is not the work of a man. No one can instill as their creator, for he is as old as creation. We find it everywhere, in all religions, especially in the Catholic religion and then with more authority than any other, because it confronts us the principle of everything in it: the spirits of all degrees of elevation, their overt and hidden relationships with men, the guardian angels, reincarnation, the emancipation of the soul during life, second-sight, all kinds of events, appearances and even tangible apparitions. (Conclusion, item VI)
657. Communication with beings from beyond the grave as a result gave us to understand the future life, to make us see it, start in the knowledge of the penalties and pleasures that we are reserved, according to our merits, and thus, forward to spiritualism in the man who only saw the matter. Reason, therefore, had to say that Spiritualism, with the facts, killed materialism. Were this only result he has produced and gratitude to him should the social order. But he does more: it shows the inevitable effects of evil and, consequently, the need of good. Much bigger than you think it is, and grows every day, the number of those he's improved the sentiments, neutralized the evil tendencies and turned away from evil. (Conclusion, item VIII)
658. The good spirits just preach unity and love of neighbor, and never a thought contrary to charity or evil may come from pure source. (Conclusion, Item IX)
659. For good long time, men have been shattered and anathematized each other in the name of a God of peace and mercy, insulting him with such a sacrilege. Spiritualism is the bond that will unite one day, because they show where the truth lies, where the error. For a long time, but there will still be scribes and Pharisees who deny, as denied Christ. Would you know under the influence of spirits that are the various sects that have made each other division of the world? Judge him by his works and their principles. Never good spirits were the instigators of evil, never counseled or legitimized the murder and violence, never fueled the hatred of the parties, neither the seat of wealth and honors, or the greed of the goods of the earth. Those who are good, humanitarian and benevolent to all these and your favorite beloved of Jesus, because they follow the road that told them to come to him. (Conclusion, item IX, message of St. Augustine)
Answers to questions
A. The real progress of mankind has its origin in the application of natural laws. What law is this?
It is the law of justice, love and charity law is founded on the certainty of the future. This law derive all others because it contains all the conditions of human happiness. Only she can heal the wounds of society. Comparing the ages and peoples, we can assess how your condition improves as the law will be better understood and practiced. Now if, applying the partial and incompletely, the man receives so much good when you can not do it the basis of all social institutions! Is that possible? Right, because, since he already has ten steps, it is possible to give twenty, and so on. (The Spirits' Book, Conclusion, item IV.)
B. Kardec says that the development of spiritist ideas present three distinct periods. What are they?
First, the curiosity, the uniqueness of the phenomena produced awakens. Second, the reasoning and philosophy. Third, the application and the consequences. The period of curiosity now, the curious little stiff. Once satisfied, the object changes. Not so with what defies serious meditation and reasoning. He started the second period, the third will come inevitably. Spiritualism has progressed especially after being better understood in their core, then you realize the scope because plucks the string more sensitive man: his happiness, even in this world. Therein lies the cause of its spread, the secret of strength that will triumph. While his influence does not reach the masses, he will congratulate those who understand. Even those who have witnessed the phenomenon say no: "Apart from these phenomena, there is a philosophy that tells me what I had explained NO OTHER. Against it, only by means of reasoning, a rational solution to the problems in the highest degree of interest in my future. She gives me a calm, firm, trust, deliver me from the torment of uncertainty. "Beside all this, becomes a secondary issue of material fact. (Ibid., Conclusion, item V.)
C. The strength of Spiritualism stemming from the practice of physical manifestations?
No. Your strength lies in its philosophy, which directs the appeal to reason, common sense. In ancient times, mysterious was the object of study, which was carefully concealed from the vulgar. Today, anyone have secrets. Speaking a language clear and unambiguous. There is nothing mystical in it, no allegories susceptible to misinterpretation. Want to be understood by all, because the times of arrivals are making sure that men know the truth. Spiritualism is not the work of a man. No one can instill as their creator, for he is as old as creation. We find it everywhere, in all religions, especially in the Catholic religion and then with more authority than any other, because it confronts us the principle of everything in it: the spirits of all degrees of elevation, their overt and hidden relationships with men, the guardian angels, reincarnation, the emancipation of the soul during life, second-sight, all kinds of events, appearances and even tangible apparitions. (Ibid., Conclusion, item VI.)
D. Spiritualism is presented fewer than three different aspects: the manifestations of the principles and philosophy deriving from them and the application of these principles. Result that three classes of Spiritualists. What are they?
They are: 1st. those who believe in demonstrations and limit themselves to prove them, for these, Spiritualism is an experimental science; 2nd. those who will realize the moral consequences, 3rd. those who strive to practice or practicing this morality. (Ibid., Conclusion, item VII.)
E. Three effects occur in the lives of people who come to understand the philosophy and spiritualism see in him something else and not just more or less curious phenomena. What are these effects?
The first and most general purpose is to develop the religious feeling that even without being a materialist, looks with complete indifference to spiritual matters. Then comes his contempt for death. Do not tell the wish to die, far from it, because the spirit will defend his life like any other, but an indifference that leads him to accept without complaint or regret, inevitable death, as something more to cheer than fear, by sure you have the state that follows it.
The second effect, almost as general as the first is resignation in the vicissitudes of life. Spiritualism gives see things so high, losing the life of this three-quarters of its importance, the man does not fret so much about the tribulations that accompany it. Hence, more courage in distress, more moderation in desires. Hence also the banishment of the idea of shortening the days of existence, because science teaches that spirit, by suicide, always loses what it wanted to win. The certainty of a future, we have the power to make happy, the possibility of establishing relationships with entities that are dear to us, the spirit offer supreme comfort.
The third effect is to stimulate the man's indulgence for the faults of others. However, it should say it, the principle selfish and all that follows it are what's most tenacious in man and therefore more difficult to uproot. Everyone makes sacrifices voluntarily, provided they cost nothing and nothing to deprive. For most men, the money has yet irresistible attractive and very few understand the word superfluous when it comes to their people. Therefore, the denial of personality is very great sign of progress. (Ibid., Conclusion, item VII.)
THE END
