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It is regrettable that, almost 160 years after Allan Kardec organized the principles of Spiritism with method and rigor, we still have to deny absurdities that could be avoided with a simple reading of What is Spiritism.
Frei Gilson, like so many other critics who speak without knowledge, insists on distorting the Spiritist Doctrine, mixing it with practices of divination, magic, and esotericism. His approach is not based on study, but on the repetition of old misconceptions that have long since been clarified. The effect of such irresponsible statements is always the same: to misinform and fuel prejudice against knowledge he has not even bothered to understand.
Spiritism: Science, Philosophy and Moral Consequences
Contrary to what its detractors preach, Spiritism is not based on rituals or mysticism. It relies on the rational investigation of spiritual phenomena and the search for understanding the nature of spirits and their relationship with the material world.
Kardec clearly defines this proposal in What is Spiritism (which you can download for free, clicking here):
“Spiritism is at the same time a science of observation and a philosophical doctrine.”
In other words, far from any superstitious practice, he proposes a serious study of spiritual reality, guided by logical reasoning and the experimental method.
Why doesn't Spiritism get involved with divination?
Divination is based on the belief that the future can be absolutely predicted. However, Spiritism teaches that the future depends on individual choices and circumstances that unfold over time.
Kardec addresses this issue in The Book of Spirits, question 868:
“If man knew the future, he would neglect the present and would not act with the same freedom.”
Therefore, Spiritism does not make deterministic predictions, as this would contradict the principle of free will and the very logic of spiritual evolution.
What about magic?
Magic, in the popular imagination, involves the manipulation of occult forces to obtain advantage. Spiritism opposes any such practice, as everything in it must be analyzed through the lens of reason and morality.
Kardec warns, in The Mediums' Book, about the existence of deceiving spirits who exploit human credulity. And in The Genesis, chapter II, he reinforces:
“Spiritism does not perform miracles or prodigies; it does not derogate the laws of Nature.”
In other words, it does not rely on rituals or magic formulas, but on the rational understanding of spiritual phenomena.
Ignorance or bad faith?
Those who insist on spreading misinformation about Spiritism do so either out of ignorance or deliberately. In both cases, the result is the same: perpetuation of prejudice and distancing from the truth.
Spiritism has always been open to rational debate, unlike dogmatic doctrines that condemn what they do not understand. Friar Gilson could at least have the intellectual honesty to read What is Spiritism before expressing his opinions. But, like so many others, he prefers to criticize without knowing.
The real reason for the attack on Spiritism
Frei Gilson's repeated statements about Spiritism, repeating the most absurd—and frivolous—ignorance, make clear the true motive behind these attacks. The Catholic Church, sustained by dogma and the subjugation of its faithful, has for centuries viewed with fear any idea capable of liberating consciences.
In the past, he burned at the stake those who dared to say they heard spirits, as this undermined the priestly monopoly on communication with the divine. Later, he persecuted heliocentrism and nearly condemned Galileo to the stake for stating the obvious. Later, he rejected fossil evidence, as evolution contradicted his dogmatic narrative. Now, his fight is against Spiritism, as it offers a rational Christianity, free from arbitrary impositions and based on freedom of conscience.
History repeats itself. And those who refuse to learn from it continue to spread the same old fallacies.
Do you want to know true Spiritism?
In addition to the works of Allan Kardec, an essential reading to understand how Spiritism was diverted from its original principles in Brazil is Autonomy – The Untold Story of Spiritism, by Paulo Henrique de Figueiredo. This work reveals how religious and ideological interests have distorted the Spiritist Doctrine over time, distancing it from its proposal for freedom of thought and rational inquiry.
Talking without knowledge is easy. But for those who truly wish to understand Spiritism, the path lies through serious study, not empty talk.
Reading Recommendations (Books)
- Free PDFs by Kardec – https://bit.ly/3sXXBxk
- Autonomy – The Untold History of Spiritism: https://amzn.to/3PIvbyy
- Allan Kardec's Legacy: https://amzn.to/3RIn2gv
- Final point – the reunion with spiritualism with Allan Kardec: https://amzn.to/48PLaE7
- Neither Heaven nor Hell – The Laws of the Soul According to Spiritism: https://amzn.to/3F2voYO
- Genesis – Miracles and Predictions According to Spiritism (unadulterated): Free PDF or https://amzn.to/3RM91hF
- Heaven and Hell: Or divine justice according to Spiritism (unadulterated): Free PDF or https://amzn.to/3ZGrcal
- Spiritist Revolution. Allan Kardec's forgotten theory: https://amzn.to/3t7HIUH
- Mesmer. The denied science of animal magnetism: https://amzn.to/3PYc1X2
- The Book of Mediums: https://amzn.to/3PDNTHK
- The Spirits' Book: https://amzn.to/3QkcFx9
- Spiritist Magazine – complete collection: https://amzn.to/48Uxh7s
- Practical Instructions on Spiritist Manifestations: https://amzn.to/3QiR8Gc
- Spiritism in its Simplest Expression: https://amzn.to/3M6fXT5
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