SSS 1 Systematic Study of Spiritism Welcome to New Classes! Copyright Bezerra de Menezes Kardecian Spiritist Center
Classes 2 and 3 The historical context of the nineteenth century in Europe. Mediumistic phenomena that preceded codification: Hydesville and Turning Tables Germany, in 1853.
When incarnated Spirits are able to receive new lessons, the Spirit World sends evolved Spirits in the two fields of knowledge (intellectual and moral) to help them progress.
The historical context of the nineteenth century in Europe
The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were one of those moments when humanity was blessed with a large number of enlightened Spirits who came to make profound changes in politics, in social life, science, culture and economy at the time.
The nineteenth unleashed a torrent of enlightening in the world, with every country making strides toward useful and invaluable reforms. Emmanuel: On the Way to the Light. Chap. 23 The nineteenth century is characterized by its many advances. Along with the significant phenomena of the scientific and industrial development that shook it, there were also highly important political events that renewed the social concepts of all the peoples of the white race. One of these great events is the abolition of slavery. Emmanuel: On the Way to the Light. Chap. 24
Enlightenment: general attitude of thought and action. The Enlightenment admits that humans are able to make this world a better world through introspection, the free exercise of human capabilities and socio-political commitment. (Immanuel Kant) Positivism: school of philosophy that states that the only authentic knowledge is scientific knowledge, and that such knowledge can only come from positive affirmation of theories through the scientific method. Protestantism: groups split from the Roman Catholic Church in the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation. http://es.wikipedia.org
Voltaire Rousseau Thinkers Montesquieu Quesnay Alembert Diderot Louis XVI Napoleon
Musicians Chopin Beethoven Wagner Bellini Rossini
Artists Monet Manet Renoir
Victor Hugo Goethe Writers Stendhal Lamartine Zola
Pierre e Marie Curie Louis Pasteur Scientists Darwin
The United States was the first country which absorbed the Enlightenment thought. Its proclamation of independence on 07/04/1776 resounded loudly in France, sparking the French people to start the French Revolution (1789). Thomas Jefferson La Liberté guidant le peuple Eugène Delacroix, 1833
Independence of the United States, French Revolution and Industrial revolution Great advancement in science and technology. The art and culture promote the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Philosophy becomes eminently positivist.
The Hydesville Phenomena Mediumistic phenomena that occurred in the USA and that preceded the codification.
Hydesville Village, located in Wayne County, State of New York.
On March 31, 1848, Margaret Fox (14 years old) and Kate Fox (11 years old) created a code to communicate with the Spirits.
In 1916, Benjamin F. Bartlett took the rest of the old shed and rebuilt it in the town of Lily Dale, NY, where it remains until today.
Communications are not limited to the Fox Sisters. They will spread very quickly to call the attention of men about the existence of the world of Spirits.
The Turning Tables Mediumistic phenomena that preceded the codification and started in Europe.
In the middle of the nineteenth century, Europe was involved with the phenomenon of turning tables. Under the action of the experimenters, the tables were rising by about a foot to answer questions, flying in all directions and sometimes staying in the air, without the experimenters being able to see the force that kept it suspended.
The phenomena of turning tables became part of the news and in many cases in an ironic way. Germany, in 1853. However, the fashion of Tables that Danced had the effect of causing many people to think and develop a substantially new idea.
General Conclusion: The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were times of profound change for mankind in different areas of knowledge and relations among men.
Independence of the United States (1776); French Revolution (1789-1799); Abolition of Slavery (1838/1863/1878/1888);
Hydesville phenomena (1848) had repercussions in Europe and awakened consciences. Together with the phenomenon of The Turning Tables (about 1850), prepared the world and people to the advent of Spiritism.
Thus, in the context of history, Spiritism surged; a set of laws and principles destined for mankind which was already matured to receive The Consoler Promised by Jesus.
Next Class: Basic Books of Spiritism