The Use Of Spiritualism

In Supernatural Entertainments, Simone Natale vividly depicts spiritualism’s rise as a religious and cultural phenomenon and explores its strong connection to the growth of the media entertainment industry in the nineteenth century. He frames the spiritualist movement as part of a new commodity culture that changed how public entertainments were produced and consumed. Starting with the story of the Fox sisters, considered the first spiritualist mediums in history, Natale follows the trajectory of spiritualism in Great Britain and the United States from its foundation in 1848 to the beginning of the twentieth century. He demonstrates that spiritualist mediums and leaders adopted many of the promotional strategies and spectacular techniques that were being developed for the broader entertainment industry. Spiritualist mediums were indistinguishable from other professional performers, as they had managers and agents, advertised in the press, and used spectacularism to draw audiences. Addressing the overlap between spiritualism’s explosion and nineteenth-century show business, Natale provides an archaeology of how the supernatural became a powerful force in the media and popular culture of today.

Excerpt from The Use of Spiritualism I Printed this letter in 1863; in 1871 I reprinted it, with many additions. In 1876 I print it again; and I again add to it. My motive in referring to previous editions is to show that my belief in Spiritualism has undergone no change. I have as entire conviction of its truth as I had thirteen years ago. But I have far less joy in it now than I had then. It is, at this time, not only enveloped in mystery, not only confused, and conflicting, and contradictory; but many of its public professors subject it to the vilest influences, while some of the spiritual publications uphold the filthiest doctrines: taught to them, as they say - and probably say truly - by Spirits who have lived in earth-life. Spiritualism is none the less a fact - a solemn, impressive, and instructive fact. I attribute the decadence in spirit, while the number of "believers" is largely increasing, to this: Those who might guide it, and ought to guide it, keep aloof from it, and leave the workers for its propagation to their own often - wicked devices. They are not encountered, or are insufficiently encountered, by the good and able men who are public advocates of the Spiritualism that upholds the cause of God and promotes the welfare and happiness of man. There are comparatively few ministers of the Gospel who "take up" the cause: few who enquire, and the few who do lack the courage to avow belief. Yet Spiritualism progresses, and will progress. There are now millions where, twenty-five years ago, there were scores. To "stop" it is impossible: as easy would it be to stay the inflow of Ocean by a wall of shingles. Our pastors and teachers leave the mighty power for good - or for evil - in the hands of those who will use, to abuse, it - who do use, and do abuse, it. I solemnly warn, therefore, such as are enquirers, neophytes, or acolytes, to avoid, as they would contact with a plague-spot, fellowship and communing with mediums who, under the sway, influence, and dictation of spirits, low or base, or evil, inculcate principles repugnant to natures that are good, - and sometimes teach "Doctrines of Devils." The purpose of this letter is first to prove that Spiritualism is reasonably, rationally, and scripturally True; and next, that it is intended to be, and may be, a holy safeguard - a "whole armour" - a source of incalculable happiness, a powerful means of strengthening and disseminating the teachings of the New Testament - that is to say, Christianity. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

It has been suggested that 'spirituality' has become a word that 'can define an era'. Why? Because paradoxically, alongside a decline in traditional religious affiliations, the growing interest in spirituality and the use of the word in a variety of contexts is a striking aspect of contemporary western cultures. Indeed, spirituality is sometimes contrasted attractively with religion, although this is problematic and implies that religion is essentially dogma, moralism, institutions, buildings, and hierarchies. The notion of spirituality expresses the fact that many people are driven by goals that concern more than material satisfaction. Broadly, it refers to the deepest values and sense of meaning by which people seek to live. Sometimes these values are conventionally religious. Sometimes they are associated with what is understood as 'the sacred' in a broader sense - that is, of ultimate rather than merely instrumental importance. This Very Short Introduction, written by one of the most eminent scholars and writers on spirituality, explores the historical foundations of the thought and considers how it came to have the significance it is developing today. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Excerpt from The Use of Spiritualism I answer the question you have put to me, - What is the use of spiritualism? And your doubts as to whether it be good or evil in its origin and purpose. If it be of no use, religious thinkers and men of science are bound to enquiry concerning it. It is only of late years we have discovered the uses of a hundred things that our fathers considered either useless or obnoxious. The lever that moves the world - steam - was useless until within a comparatively recent period. Is it so long since an eminent Professor derided the idea of a ship, propelled by steam, conveying a cargo across the Atlantic? In 1843, the House of Representatives at Washington scorned Professor Morse and ridiculed his suggestion as a chimera. Yet, who now wonders when he receives a message by the electric telegraph, although he knows the sender, three thousand miles away, is waiting for his reply Dreams are admitted facts, yet of what use are they? Not one in a thousand can be recalled at all not one in a million is of any worth. Benjamin Franklin asked what was the use of an infant? He must have been strangely startled who first saw the magnet draw towards it a piece of iron. When telescopes and microscopes were invented, they were decried as atheistical inventions. Although Mesmerism is not yet an admitted fact, it is believed in by thousands who a few years ago treated its advocates with hostility and obloquy. These are the comments of Archbishop Whateley on iliat subject. They are as applicable to Spiritualism as they are to Mesmerism. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.