Spiritism is a philosophical-religious system founded in the 19th century by French educator Allan Kardec (pen name of Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail). It’s based on the belief that:
"Spirits are the souls of humans who have left their bodies and continue to evolve in the afterlife."
Spiritism is not the same as Spiritualism, although they are related. Spiritism is more systematic and codified, with a strong ethical and reincarnationist foundation.
These five books form the basis of Spiritist philosophy:
The Spirits’ Book (1857) – Core Q&A on metaphysics, the soul, God, reincarnation, and morality.
The Mediums’ Book – How spirits communicate; guidance for mediums.
The Gospel According to Spiritism – Spiritual-moral teachings of Jesus reinterpreted through Spiritist lens.
Heaven and Hell – Case studies of spirits in different conditions after death.
The Genesis – On the origin of the universe and the future of humanity.
Souls are reborn in multiple lifetimes to learn and evolve morally.
Suffering is not punishment, but an opportunity for growth.
Spirits of the dead can communicate with the living, especially through mediums.
Messages can come to educate, comfort, or guide, but not all spirits are enlightened — discernment is essential.
The purpose of life is spiritual evolution through compassion, humility, and love.
Jesus is seen not as God, but as the most evolved spirit to incarnate on Earth — the ultimate moral guide.
Every action has consequences — not as punishment, but as a mechanism for balance and learning.
Spiritism teaches that life exists on other planets and in other dimensions, populated by beings at various spiritual levels.
Feature | Spiritism | Spiritualism | Traditional Christianity |
---|---|---|---|
Reincarnation | โ Yes | โ Not usually | โ Denied |
Spirit Communication | โ Central | โ Yes | โ ๏ธ Often forbidden |
Jesus' Role | Perfect moral model (not divine) | Often similar | Son of God/Savior |
Moral Evolution | โ Primary goal | Often included | Varies |
Scientific outlook | Encouraged | Less emphasized | Varies |
Brazil is the global center of Spiritism — millions follow it openly.
Many hospitals, schools, and charities in Brazil are based on Spiritist principles.
Popularized by Chico Xavier, a famous Brazilian medium who channeled over 400 books.
Also practiced in:
France (its birthplace)
Portugal
Some parts of Latin America
USA (to a smaller degree)
Study groups based on Kardec's books
Spiritist centers (not churches) — no clergy, hierarchy, or rituals
Mediumship development with ethical training
Magnetized healing (similar to Reiki or fluidotherapy)
Prayer and moral self-improvement as key to spiritual development
๐๏ธ You are an eternal soul, learning through lifetimes.
๐ฑ Reincarnation is your classroom.
๐ก Spirits are your teachers and fellow students.
โค๏ธ Love is the lesson.