ISC – International Spiritist Council | Revue Spirite – April 2021

This volume contains just some of the articles (in blue) that comprise The Spiritist Review, 165, n.3, April 2021. It does not correspond to the full version of this publication.

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Revue Spirite Journal d`Études Psychologiques Fondée par ALLAN KARDEC le 1er janvier 1858 Propriedade do Conselho Espírita Internacional (CEI) Logo et Marque Européenne enregistrée à l'EUIPO (Office de l'Union Européenne pour la propriété intellectuelle) ® Trade mark 018291313 Marque française déposée à l'INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Intellectuelle ) sur le numéro ® 093686835.

ISSN 2184-8068 Depósito Legal 403263/15 © copyright 2021 Ano 164 Nº3 CEI | Trimestral | abril 2021 Distribuição gratuita

Direção (CEI) Jussara Korngold Coordenação (FEP) Vitor Mora Féria Edição Conselho Espírita Internacional Coordenação e Montagem Editorial Helena Basílio Tradução Barbara Hawksley Camila Farah Lopes Carina De Micheli Clezio Eustáquio Pinto de Freitas Jussara Korngold Rossana Pena Da Silva

[email protected] www.cei-spiritistcouncil.com

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CONTENTS

Editorial Jussara Korngold Spiritism and Science Arismar Léon Pereira Spiritism and Philosophy André Peixinho Spiritism and Religion Laudelino Risso Revisiting the Review Raul Teixeira and Alessandro de Paula Historical Plan Luciano Klein Easter dossier – Zaccheus Samuel Nunes Easter dossier – The Calvary Aluízio Ferreira Elias The New Generation Cristiane Lenzi Beira Conversations from beyond the Grave Espírito Aura Celeste Spiritism and Society Humbert Schubert Coelho Interview Suely Caldas Schubert Spiritism Social Media Ismael Moura Costa and André Siqueira Mailing Francisco de Almeida

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This is how Spiritism, with its moralizing power, comes to fertilize a movement of renewal, inspiring us to modify our thoughts and inviting us to light in us Jussara Korngold higher aspirations and work on the General earth of our soul. Secretary CEI United States of Aligned to this proposal, the Spirit America Guillon Ribeiro says: “Spiritism, above all, brings the glorious mission of renewing the “Self”, giving us the EDITORIAL blessed desire for our redemption”. 2 In reference to the time when many We must therefore feed on new ideals celebrate Easter, we consider and goals, always nobler, in order to important to highlight that, in our view, consolidate new habits and we’ve been living a new Pentecost1, automatisms. The Creator “ignites, in where the truths of Christ are being the heaven of our ideals, new spread more widely worldwide. The convictions and higher aspirations, so voices are resonating all over the that our spirit does not get lost in the planet through the effort of the journey to the superior life” 3, and invites dedicated workers of the good who did us to apply all these in the not settle as they saw the material consolidation of a new Earth, bringing doors of their respective spiritist to the world the era of regeneration. centers close and opened virtual study For this, let us remember Christ, who and support rooms, through the calls us to be faithful workers of the channels that technology allows us nowadays. We see thus a fertile field of Father’s harvest. Spiritist diffusion, through writing and “Our motto nowadays is to gather and speaking, inviting us all to the reunite to better serve Jesus” 4. awakening. The new era recommends it, it is time to listen to the words from Let us stick together and united in the Paul, The Apostle (Ephesians 5:14), ideal of Christ! “"Awake you who sleep!"

Translated by Camila Farah Lopes (United States Spiritist Federation)

1 Religious holiday that is celebrated fifty days after November, 1976 and in the work Word to the Easter, in which Christians celebrate the coming of Spiritists, lesson 43 (FEB). the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. 3 XAVIER, Francisco C. (E 2 Message from the Spirit Guillon Ribeiro, mmanuel, Spirit). 1995. Fonte Viva. Rio de Janeiro: psycographed by the medium Julio Cezar Grandi lesson 41 FEB. (p.98) Ribeiro, published in the magazine Reformador, in 4 Idem (note 2).

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THE TEAM Revue Spirite

As it was presented in the previous issue of this publication, for Note: The Spiritist the First Year of The Spiritist Review (Revue Spirite) we chose Review team is GOD as general theme of the main articles. Four subthemes responsible for were chosen for it, all taken from the Spiritist Codification: every text and Primary Cause; Supreme Intelligence; Axis of the Universal complies with the Edifice and, Providence, Wisdom and Harmony. standards of Portugal’s As students and scholars of the Spiritist Doctrine certainly Portuguese writing recognized, the first two subthemes, come to us through the definition of God provided by the Spirits, right in the first answer aligned in the founding work of Spiritism – The Spirits’ Book. This issue’s subtitle comes to us through the work Genesis, at the point where Allan Kardec focuses on the Divine Nature, beginning to offer us a definition of God, enunciating the attributes that cannot fail when characterizing God. Kardec comes to a conclusion that, in this definition and attributes, human beings will find the axis on which the universal edifice reposes – a beacon-light able to guide them safely on the adventure of the search for truth, whatever the realm of human thought they are devoted to. 5 The Spirits’ Book is the first work of the Codification, Genesis, the last. Between one and the other, we find the perfect exposure of a brilliant thought, which evolves and completes itself, at each new reasoning, at each new enunciated concept, from the information gathered from Life beyond life. A new cycle that begins and ends, without closing. In its continuity, in the present day, among many others, the editors of this publication appear. They have helped and will help us to think of GOD, guiding us in this cycle – which will also end but not close – getting closer to the truth.

Translated by Camila Farah Lopes (USSF) .

5 Cf. Kardec, Allan. 1988. Genesis. Rio de Janeiro: FEB. (Chapter. II, item 19)

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COVER

“ (...) weep When looking carefully at nature, we find the divine geometry in the design and construction of the world surrounding us; its perfection, but hope; atone, organized around a creator axis, generator of but take uninterrupted life. From micro cell structures to macro structures comfort in the of the Universe, there is always this axis, which bears weight, pressure, distributes and balances thought of a itself, in its heart, that irradiates and expands; guides and organizes. The range of our understanding, in the plane we loving God find ourselves, located in a quadrant determined by the moral and spiritual position we are now, who is establishes our point of view, factor determined by our own actions. absolutely The experience of looking, seeing and enjoying, elevates our soul, and leads it to the reunion of the creature with its Creator! powerful For the cover of this issue of the Revue we created an interpretation of our “window” to the and essentially Universe; an attempt of aesthetic experience of the encounter with the supreme Beauty, the reunion with God – axis of the building of just! creation, around which humanity gravitates 6 PLATO* toward perfection.

Translated by Camila Farah Lopes (USSF)

*Allan Kardec, The Spirits’ Book, question 1009.

6 The objective of humankind is to gravitate toward divine unity.” - PAUL, The Apostle. Alan Kardec. The Spirits’ Book, issue 1009.

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SPIRITISM AND PHILOSOPHY From Kardec to Denis – a philosophical approach to God

André Luiz Peixinho

Current President of the Spiritist Federation of the State of Bahia (FEEB), Brazil.

Abstract

This article aims to describe the development of the idea of God, from the first writings of Allan Kardec to the publications of Léon Denis, using the contextual influences of traditional and contemporary philosophy found in nascent Spiritism. It reveals Denis' speech as a philosophical deepening of the Kardecian ideas, especially regarding sacred matters. Based on this and on the study of other thinkers, this work drafts a methodology for personal Keywords: God, access to God through direct perception. In the context of philosophical epistemological reanalysis, the article concludes by evidence, proposing a self-assessment by the Spiritist Movement epistemology, after more than 150 years of Kardec's writings and 100 gnoseology, cultural years of Denis' publications, with respect to the methods spheres. of producing Spiritist knowledge, asking to what extent we as a community have continued to carry out the ambitious project of the reintegration of cultural spheres.

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1. The nature of Spiritist knowledge according to their level of evolution, and its production methodology in initiating an era of collective Kardec's work knowledge production on an inter- existential basis.

These considerations lead us to the Since the beginning of Spiritism, Allan understanding that the thorough study Kardec proposed the alliance of of some themes can be carried out science and religion, when publishing using methodologies from different the genetic text of Spiritism - The Spirits' cultural spheres. Reincarnation, for Book, presenting it as a spiritualist example, can be studied through philosophy. He also made incursions in scientific investigation, as Albert de the interpretation of Art, working with Rochas did, publishing As Vidas Spirits7 who were dedicated to it while Sucessivas (Successive Lives) (2002); incarnate. This method made him a through philosophical inquiries, as we pioneer in the reintegration of cultural find in the chapter “Multiple Lives”, of spheres that had been separated in The Spirits' Book; through the Modern times, spheres that had palingenetic perceptions, revealed and distanced from one another to the described by Léon Denis in The Big point of becoming true opponents, Enigma: God and the Universe (2019); culminating with the hegemony of through the poetic narratives of Poetry Science in the 19th century. from Beyond the Grave (Xavier 2013), Both the project of building Spiritist and it can also count on the knowledge, interconnecting science, contributions of numerous mediumistic philosophy, religion and art, and the accounts in the form of romance, like in constant presence of concepts that Two Thousand Years Ago (Xavier 2011b), oppose materialism and the followed by Fifty Years Later (Xavier hegemonic worldview in the 19th 2011a), dictated by Emmanuel and century allow us to affirm, in psycographed by the medium Chico contemporary terms, that Spiritism, Xavier. This way of building knowledge epistemologically, is a paradigm or is much more fruitful than any other worldview that intends to overcome production resulting from a single the materialist doctrine, previously cultural sphere. adopted as valid in practically all fields It’s understandable that each object of of knowledge. study may be better investigated within This original approach in the creation of one particular cultural sphere, due both Spiritist knowledge is made even more to its characteristics and to the singular by the acceptance of the analytical abilities of human beings at revelation coming from the Spirits as a their current level of progress, as it source of information, duly classified happens to God. For the study of God, the contributions of Science are still

7 Following what can be inferred from the case s for spirit when meaning the universal special use that Allan Kardec makes of the spelling intelligent element - except in direct quotations, and of the initial letter of the word spirit [compare, for capital S to designate individualized spiritual beings. example, question 23 and the note to question 76 of The Spirits' Book (Kardec 2020)], we will utilize lower

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indirect, through the analyses of the than the sentence: “Spiritism is a Universe, and thus of little relevance as science that deals with the nature, a whole. origin and destiny of spirits, and their relation with the corporeal world.” In our recent Western history, the (Kardec 2011c, 48) subject is covered by Philosophy, most of the times incorporated into Religion. But in his choice Kardec makes a Therefore, it isn’t surprising that Kardec distinction between intelligent and the Spirits emphasized this cultural manifestations and their cultural sphere in order to make the Spiritist content; the latter is consecrated as the knowledge available, within the means philosophical part of Spiritism and of of those times, especially in the search paramount importance for the for answers to the great philosophical clarification of human destiny. Hence problem: God. The Spirit’s Book starting with the designation of Spiritualist Philosophy. An examination of philosophical trends indicates that there isn’t a consensus We can see that this is a philosophy between them as to their method of based in reason, similar to Occam’s investigation. Most of them make use razor8 regarding the experiences of of the faculty of reason as a basic faith, and which was marked by the requirement for the execution of this aphorism: “unshakable faith is the kind enterprise. But reason itself became an that can stand face to face with reason object of study, and different in all human epochs” (Kardec 2011b, understandings have emerged about 315). its ability to produce valid knowledge. Since reason is a polysemic word, we Kardec's predecessors - philosophers like Descartes, Kant, Leibniz, attributed may inquire as to which of its meanings different importance and functions to it. Kardec is referring. According to Souza Pascal and the romantic philosophers (2003, 110-111), ates them from animals, the capacity for self-examination, for preferred the reasons of the heart, the feelings, le esprit de finesse. And his reflecting on oneselthere are three successors, like Bergson, adopted basic meanings for the word: a) it is the faculty of humans that differentif; b) it is intuition as the faculty par excellence for equivalent to fundamentals, that is, the philosophical research. faculty to explain why something By studying the texts of the so called occurs in a certain way, and not in Spiritist Codification, all of them edited another; c) it is like a saying (logos). And by Allan Kardec, we can find some this intellectual adds: epistemological characteristics. For example: when defining Spiritism, we “What we can infer from what he can recognize a clear choice for a exposes in the passages indicated both in The Gospel According to Spiritism positivist, empirical, experimental and, therefore, scientific perspective. (Kardec 2011b) and in Obras Póstumas Nothing summarizes this choice better (Kardec 1993), Kardec makes use of the

8 Economic principle of the scientific method explanation when deciding between two or more used as a criterion to evaluate the quality of scientific theoretical formulations. theories, which consists in choosing the simplest

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word reason as a principle to explain - that Spiritism as knowledge is a realities, the logical way of thinking cosmic view, a universalist about facts, of discovering the paradigm that includes and connections between cause and transcends materialism and effect.” reintegrates cultural spheres; - that some subjects of study are This concept resembles the notion more identified with particular defined as sufficient reason by Leibniz, cultural spheres, such as God with and it can be found in The Spirit’s Book. Philosophy; Here is an example of this use of - that Kardec used reason - sufficient reason, as explained by Souza: reason, in particular - to validate “The three arguments that originate Spiritist knowledge; from sufficient reason were - that Kardec also considered that approached in The Spirits' Book: a) the divine revelation allowed by faith existence of something beyond was a source of knowledge. nothing, because there is a superiority of being over non-being (comment on question 35); b) inexistence of a 2. The existence of God; God’s vacuum in the Universe, as it is attributes; God’s relation with impossible to explain why there should Creation according to the Spiritist be parts that are occupied and others Codification. that are not (question 36); c) matter cannot be just an extension, because there would be no way to justify it if it 2.1 Philosophical evidences of the could be concentrated more in one existence of God. place than in another (question 22).” (Souza 2003, 211). The first question of The Spirits’ Book asks: “What is God?”. The way the In conclusion, we understand that question was posed suggests that it’s Kardec proposed a type of faith based possible to conceive of God differently on facts (empiricism) and logic than from the anthropomorphic (rationalism), which produces a faith concept. whose results are verifiable, free from dogmas, religious absolutism, the The stated answer employs an hegemony of external rituals over true assumption of scientific enterprises: inner sentiment, guidelines that the principle of causality, a creation of encourage blind acceptance, and reason. There is a cause to every effect, generating fanaticism. These are basic and every intelligent effect has an needs in order to rescue the role of intelligent cause. Obviously, in order religion in the cultural scenario, whose not to go searching for the cause of the reputation was shaken by the criticism cause in an endless process, it is of the Illuminists, by the philosophical necessary to admit the existence of the materialistic wave and by the emergent original Cause, a Cause that explains scientism. itself and that does not depend on anything else. From this introduction we can infer:

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The answer from the Spiritist are not to be confused with God: “They Revelation is not original. The [Pure Spirits] are God’s messengers and philosophical argument, from Aristotle ministers, the executors of God’s will in through Thomas Aquinas, took into maintaining universal harmony.” consideration several arguments (Kardec 2020, 75) regarding the existence of God. Thomas Aquinas, in his Aristotelian- Thomistic synthesis, referred to five 2.2 Attributes of God logical expressions (Five Ways) favorable to the existence of God, The Spirits explain to us, in the namely: Unmoved Mover, The First Codification, that we are not yet Cause, the Necessary Being, the capable to understand the essential Absolute Being, and the Grand nature of God, as we have not Designer (Sciacca 1967). developed the necessary senses or faculties to do so, and that this will only The Fifth Way, the Grand Designer, is take place when we reach complete also present in the proofs of the purification. They point out that we existence of God in The Spirits’ Book, as should not waste our time with matters we can conclude from the statement: we can’t comprehend, affirming that it “The harmony that regulates the would be far more useful if we universe can only result from dedicated ourselves to our self- predetermined combinations and improvement, utilizing the knowledge ends, thereby revealing the existence we already possess, which will lead us of an intelligent power [...].” (Kardec to be in a better condition to 2020, 40).Another argument presented understand God. Applying this as proof of God’s existence is the knowledge along with reason, one can acknowledgment that God is present in deduce what God may be and what the all human faiths and beliefs. (Kardec Divine Being absolutely must not be. 2020, 39-40). Thus, in The Spirits’ Book (Kardec 2020, When asked if God is a distinct being or 41) and in Genesis (Kardec 2011a, 63-65), the result of all the forces and Kardec lists these as being attributes of intelligences of the universe combined, God: the Spirits clearly affirm that God has a distinctive nature, which opposes the God is the supreme and sovereign pantheist concept, that believed God to intelligence. be a part of Nature itself, or even the God is eternal. Cosmos in its totality and infinity. And Kardec adds: “God’s intelligence is God is immutable. revealed in the work of creation, as an God is immaterial. artist in his or her canvas. God’s works are no more part of God than the God is omnipotent. canvas is the artist who painted it.” God is supremely just and good. (Kardec 2020, 43) God is infinitely perfect. Even the Pure Spirits, who belong to the First Order of the Spiritist Hierarchy, God is unique.

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In order to get to this list of attributes, God just as God is in us, according to Kardec works with the impossibility of what Christ said.” (Kardec 2011a, 68-69) not being. Hence, for example, God must not be mutable, because if it was the case the universal laws would not 2.4 The humans-God relationship be consistent. In addition, we should add that any changes in this regard It’s by an innate sentiment that humans (changes from what God is to what God know and recognize the existence of is yet to be) would mean that God isn’t God, and perceiving the superiority of perfect. Divine Being over the creation makes them worship their Creator. Of all the Yet according to Kardec, these ways to worship, the most advanced attributes are a secure measure to form is the one that starts in our hearts. judge the truthful nature of any Prayer is recognized as an act of theories, beliefs or practices. Any worship; through it we can praise, affirmation that contradicts or request and thank. diminishes any of these Divine attributes cannot be true. Hence: “In In spite of the fact that prayer does not philosophy, psychology, ethics and change the laws of God, and the fact religion there is nothing true except that the Creator knows what’s best for that which does not wander one iota us, prayer operates in those events that from the essential qualities of the result from free will, not predetermined Divinity.” (Kardec 2011a, 66). ones, and thus can be changed without alteration of the eternal laws. Moreover, the act of praying changes the psychic pattern of those who pray, 2.3 God’s relationship with Creation allowing them to access higher Utilizing a spiritual communication spiritual regions and entities that inspire from the Spirit Quinemant, from 1867, them, assisting in the decision-making published in Genesis (Kardec 2011a, 69- process of all situations. 70), Allan Kardec admits that God is everywhere, including Nature. All the elements of creation are in constant *** relationship with the Divine being, as if the entire creation were immersed in From this set of information, we the divine fluid. conclude that, although Kardec made use of elements of his time, such as And he explains: reason and empirical research, he didn’t limit himself to merely “Hence, we are constantly in the reproducing what already existed. If, on presence of the Divinity. There is not the one hand, he retrieved old one of our actions that we may hide philosophical hypotheses, on the other from its gaze. Our thought is in constant hand he validated them by using contact with its thought, and it is selective inter-existential information, correct to say that God reads the choosing spiritual sources who proved deepest folds of our mind. We are in to be wise; sources that brought messages of similar content. Evidently,

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choosing reason as the supreme divided, will join in the light, and will instance for defining the truth creates become life, the splendor of the spirit, boundaries that can’t be crossed. Thus, the reign of Knowledge. In this in order to present the idea of God magnificent agreement, the sciences through a rational approach, Kardec will provide precision and method in used the concept of supreme the order of facts; the philosophies, intelligence, not the idea of ultimate rigor in their logical deductions; poetry, sentiment or infinite beauty. the irradiation of its lights and the magic of its colors. Religion will add the qualities of feeling and the notion of 3. Denis, the reconnection of high esthetics. [...]” (Denis 2018, 33) knowledge fields and the expansion Now this is an aspiration that reveals of the methodology of knowledge Denis' interest in continuing the work of about God. reconnecting fields of knowledge, which nowadays seems to be a tendency followed by materialistic Considered by many Spiritists of his fields as well. Thus, an integrative kind time and of today to be the successor of knowledge is conceived, an organic of Kardec, Léon Denis, who met the structure, without hegemony of any master of Lyon in his youth, affirmed to particular area, integrating methods be his follower, as was asserted in his and sources of information, making use book: of different contributions and cultural “That is why we proposed to adopt spheres. herein the terms, the views, the Because he lived in a different time, methods used by Allan Kardec as received different cultural influences being the safest, while reserving the and was guided by Superior Spirits who right to add to my work all his had been through particular developments resulting from fifty years experiences, Denis, fulfilling his of research and experimentation that promise, identified other possibilities have passed since the releasing of his for acquiring knowledge: intuition, inner books.” (Denis 2018, 40). sense and contemplation. Although he We should note that he enunciates the makes rational analyzes of the Spiritist possibility for progress within the thinking and deals with inter-existential Spiritist ideas, also predicted by intellectual concepts, he expands the Kardec, without however promoting possibilities of Spiritist gnosis. changes in the foundation and In the field of philosophical studies, he structural thinking of Spiritism. He also shares with his contemporary Henri proclaims what seems to us as his Bergson the view that it’s impossible vision of the future: that intelligence alone may be able to “A day will come when all the small, understand life and evolution. narrow and old systems will merge into Referring to the Bergsonian approach, a vast synthesis embracing all the he states: “What did he [Bergson] do? realms of the idea. Sciences, He replaced intelligence with intuition, philosophies, religions which are today and this is an event of the highest

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importance in Psychology.” (Dennis appears triple: soul, mind and body. 2011, 138). This conception has given birth to the Trinitarian religions of India and to As to the inner senses, in addition to Christianity. Perceived by the will.... God choosing introspection as the best is Unique and Absolute. In God the method to find transcendental truths, three fundamental principles of the he says: “It is through their inner senses universe combine to compose one that human beings perceive living unity.” (Denis 2017, 116) transcendental facts and truths. (...) It is this deep, unknown sense, unused by In summary, what is perceived most humans, that some depends on the evolutionary level in experimenters have referred to as the which the subjects find themselves. subliminal consciousness.” (Denis 2018, The faculties of knowledge on the 381) subjects also evolve. In this case, he expands the French The proofs of the existence of God as a philosophical tradition, that tends to result of the expansion of Gnostic favor inner observation, over English possibilities has various origins. In the empiricism. In the 19th century, before author’s writings we find acceptance of Bergson, his circle was greatly the principle of causality and ordering influenced by the writings of Maine de intelligence brought to Kardec by the Biran, later popularized in the Spirits as evidence of God’s existence. eclecticism of Victor Cousin. (Sciacca Denis also brings back Aristotle’s idea 1967, 97). of the need for the unmoved mover, and adds evidence that results from the In regard to contemplation, Denis study of the laws of Nature, the became a master in this Gnostic principle that generates moral truths activity, having written beautiful texts revealed by our consciences, and the about Nature, especially when he ideal beauty that inspires all arts. He intended to ‘study’ God. These lessons recognizes that, in the heart of these are included in The Big Enigma. searches, there is the idea of a During his time, evolutionism in its necessary, perfect Being, superior various forms had created deeper source of Good, Beauty, Truth and roots in general culture. He made use Justice. of this structuring idea, present in The There is thus a methodological Spirits’ Book, to show that our ways of expansion to find the philosophical perception and hence our ideas also evidence about God. The role of beauty evolved. In a masterful synthesis about in the search for the Divine Presence the evolution of the perception of God, calls our attention. In a certain sense, he commented: there is a resumption of the great “Viewed through the prism of his Platonic ideas and a Kantian influence senses, God is multiple: all of nature’s in his description of the moral forces are gods, thus polytheism was conscience, placing the contributions born. Considered by the intellect, God of these predecessors in a wider is manifold, spirit and matter: hence Spiritist context. arises duality. To pure reason He

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3.1 The attributes of God “God is infinite and cannot be individualized – that is to say, separated In the work of Denis, we perceive the from the world.” (Denis 2017, 104) affirmation of the attributes of God taught by the Spiritist Codification, in a “The Supreme Being does not exist literary language, and with outside of the world, of which God is complementary inclusions, like for the essential and integral part.” (Denis instance the emergence of love as a 2017, 112) divine attribute. The following sentences, taken from The Big Enigma “God is in us, or at least there is a (Denis 2019) provide an idea of this reflection of God in us.” (Denis 2017, 115) view: “...the infinite and absolute being by itself becomes relative and finite with

its creatures...” (Denis 2017, 117-118). “Creator! Source of all wisdom and In The Big Enigma (2019, 34), Denis love...” (Denis 2019, 36) asserts: “To pray is to turn ourselves toward the “This universe, which God has eternal Being...” (Denis 2019, 75-76) peopled with intelligences, so that they “...source of eternal justice...” (Denis may know It, love It and fulfill Its law, 2019, 60) while filling themselves with Its presence, and suffusing themselves “...the supreme Cause brings with Its light warmed by Its endless everything back to order and harmony.” love.” (Denis 2019, 34). (Denis 2019, 60) Initially, Denis addresses the “God hovers above everything.” (Denis relationship between God and the 2019, 51) Divine creation in a slightly different “God is the spirit of wisdom, love and way from Kardec’s. In the Codifier's life, the infinite power that governs the comment to the Spirits' answer for world.” (Denis 2019, 27) question 16 of The Spirits’ Book (Kardec 2020, 43), Kardec makes an analogy “God, being perfection itself, cannot be between a painter and his/her painting, limited.” (Denis 2019, 88) pointing out that there’s a difference, a separation between them. Later he considers that God is in all Nature, and 3.2 God and the Creation the whole of nature is immersed in the In a different literary garment, Denis divine fluid (Kardec 2011a, 68). This idea (2017) reaffirms the presence of God in of God as the soul or the self of the the world as its creator and sustaining universe is closer to Denis’ view, who essence, and states: also rejects the idea of Pantheism. “The self of the universe is God: the For both authors, prayer is depicted as the way to connect with God, Supreme Unity...” (Denis 2017, 353) described practically in an identical manner in its purposes of praise and request. Extending the concept of

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prayer to creative work, Denis says: with God.” (Denis 2019, 35). “To work “The life of a good individual is a with a lofty feeling, by pursuing a useful continual prayer, a perpetual and generous goal, is still to pray.” communion with fellow beings and (Denis 2019, 35).

4. Conclusion As conclusive reflections, we must answer the following questions: As Kardec predicted, Spiritist knowledge progressed. Obviously, problems and their solutions are registered according to the time and maturity level of the people. Thus, more than 150 years after Kardec's writings and 100 years after Denis' publications, it is worth asking how we are doing regarding the method of producing knowledge, and to what extent we are continuing to carry out the ambitious project of reintegrating cultural spheres. The importance we place on God also deserves our reflection. Our quoted authors, inspired by luminaries of the spirit, in different languages, point to the zenith of our evolution: the full communion with God. We can carry out a beautiful study of our personal lives by observing our awareness of the Supreme Being and its reverberation in our daily experiences. Finally, we remember that we, Spiritists, who intend to revive the teachings of the Gospel as a corollary of the mission of Spiritism, in accordance to Kardec and the Spirits of the Codification, may recall, in order to encourage ourselves to experience the divine presence in the world, the prayer of Jesus, in benefit of those who believe in him: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23 NIV).

Translated by: Barbara Hawksley (United States Spiritist Federation)

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Bibliography

Denis, Léon. After Death. Translated by George G. Fleurot (1909) and Jussara Korngold (2017). New York: United States Spiritist Council, 2017, Kindle.

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Kardec, Allan. Genesis - Miracles and Predictions According to Spiritism. Translated by Darrel W. Kimble and Ily Reis. Brasilia: International Spiritist Council, 2011a.

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—————— Obras Póstumas [Posthumous Works]. Translated to Portuguese by Elias Barbosa -1st. ed. Araras: IDE, 1993.

—————— The Spirits’ Book: The Principles of Spiritism. Translated by USSF [Nicole Alves]. – 3rd rev. ed. – New York: United States Spiritist Council / United States Spiritist Federation, 2020, Kindle Edition.

—————— What is Spiritism? Translated by Darrel Kimble, Marcia Saiz and Ily Reis - 2nd ed. - Brasilia: International Spiritist Council, 2011c.

Rochas, Albert de. As Vidas Sucessivas [Successive Lives]. Bragança Paulista: Lachâtre, 2002.

Sciacca, Michele F. História da Filosofia, Vol II [History of Philosophy, Vol. II] São Paulo: Mestre Jou, 1967.

Souza, Elzio F., from the Spirit Yogashririshnam. Divina Presença [Divine Presence]. Salvador: Circulus, 2003.

Xavier, Francisco C., from Various Spirits. Poetry from Beyond the Grave. Translated by Vitor Pequeno and Jeremy Fernando. Tielt: Uitgeverij, 2013.

————————— from the Spirit Emmanuel. Fifty Years Later. Translated by Amy Duncan, Darrel Kimble and Ily Reis. Brasilia: International Spiritist Council, 2011.

————————— from the Spirit Emmanuel. Two Thousand Years Ago. Translated by Amy Duncan, Darrel Kimble and Ily Reis - 2nd ed. - Brasilia: International Spiritist Council, 2011.

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SPIRITISM AND RELIGION God, Principle of Eternity

Laudelino Risso

Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Trained in Mind and Body Medicine, Trained in Evaluation and treatment of pain: principles and practice of pain medicine. Specialist in manual therapy. Podoposturology Training. Abstract

In the early days of humanity, the figure of one God or multiple gods has always been present in the history of the human being. Beliefs that formed faith often crystallized knowledge and concepts that the advancement of science could break in relation to the connection of human beings with God, created and formed to meet the desires, apparent and real needs of the being itself, as well as of the institutions that claimed to be God's representatives on earth. Philosophers, scientists and so many others, could see their theses and researches being rejected because they were out of harmony with an important set of books, namely the Bible, presenting the Old and New Testaments, which have been modified several times, as studied in the history of the Ecumenical Councils. These same people, tried and convicted, would face death if they did not reject their own theses which, according to the Keywords: God, Court - considered the voice of God on Earth, condemned them Spiritism, as heretics. The ruptures in the domain of the religious state, Philosophers, formed a large number of nihilists and atheists, but noble Science, Faith scholars began to enlighten minds through reason, presenting irrefutable evidence of the existence of God, showing God as a reality.

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How to define the indefinable? How to “So is the universal mechanism, God limit the unlimited, find cause in does not show Itself, but affirms Itself primary causes? How to search for by Its works.” (Kardec 2003, 51). origin in the Eternal? In a materialist's view, the The concepts of understanding God agglutination of the masses that change with the advancement of generated the Big Bang happened by humanity, but that does not mean that gravitational, magnetic, and electrical God changes. forces present in the Universe itself. As "Human language is powerless to say Stephen Hawking states, “Because it, because there is no point of there is a law such as gravity, the comparison for us to give us an idea of universe can and will create itself from such a thing. We are like the blind from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the birth to those who uselessly sought to reason there is something rather than make us understand the brightness of nothing, why the universe exists, why the Sun." (Kardec 2013, 61) we exist,” (Hawking 2010, 97), The intellectual, emotional, and indicating that it would not be spiritual maturation of the human necessary to have a God for such a creature awakens the indelible phenomenon. We perceive the conscience according to the limitation of a narrow analysis, achievements of self-individuality and because it judges the effect by the self-effort. Which each new cause, and if there are forces achievement comes a new responsible for the movement of the understanding on the same subject. molecules, these forces must have When we think about love and try to their causal agent. Therefore, if the define it, we do it in accordance with movement is an intelligent effect, it our own experiences, which occur at came from a cause equally smart. different times of maturation, causing In order to provide safe bases at the the response and understanding to start of reflections on the change dramatically. understanding of what God is, this The same is true of our understanding article invites the reader to dive into of God. the safe bases of religion, science and "Beloved, let us love one another, for also philosophy. love comes from God. Everyone who "In Nature, everything vibrates in loves is born of God and knows God. harmonic chords, in conditions Whoever does not love does not know determined by an intelligence. God, because God is love." (John 1 - However, the laws from which this 7,8,9) harmony results are superior to it, "God is, in principle, an elementary because the cause is always greater who thinks of a cause by its effects, than the effect. even if the cause is not seen. Science It is because of God that the universes goes further: it calculates the power of are formed, that the heavenly masses the cause by the power of the effect, present their dazzling splendors in the and can even determine the nature." immensities of the infinite. It is because of God that the planets gravitate in the

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spaces around luminous foci, forming reasoning of the creature's evolution, brilliant halos of suns. God is the but mainly in the conception of a just eternal, immense, indefinable life, the and loving God. Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Later, in the work Man and Evolution, the Omega. It is God who, in the abyss Wallace argues that: "natural selection of time, wanted the universe to exist cannot justify mathematical, artistic or and the cosmic dust began to move. It musical genius, nor metaphysical is by God’s will that the admirable laws contemplations, reason or humor, and of matter develop the infinite that something in the invisible universe wonderful combinations that produce of the Spirit had interceded at least what exists.” (Bodier & Regnauld 2001, three times in history: 1 - The creation 78). of life from inorganic matter, 2 - The It is not a question of defining, because introduction of consciousness in it would be impossible to limit superior animals, 3 - The generation of something unlimited, but of somehow faculties in the human spirit.” (Smith reflecting on the facts and also on 1922, 159). history, in order to approach the In 1865, Alfred Wallace had the understanding of God. opportunity to investigate the turning The Theory of Evolution presented by tables, in the mediumship of Marshall, Charles Darwin (1859) comes to Cuppy, among others, later claiming intimidate the faith built on volatile that communications with spirits "are bases, refuting absurd beliefs of a God, fully proven as well as any facts that who until then was justified through are proven in other sciences". (Smith myths, where it was believed that the 1922, 131). origin of the woman had occurred In 1857, when The Spirits' Book was through a man's rib, in a vision of the launched in France, its author, reproduction of the species without Professor Rivail, through the logic and unable to sustain the sieve of pseudonym Allan Kardec, reason. When presenting the natural disregarding God in an anthropo- evolution of the species, he came to be socio-psychological way, questions held responsible for the death of God, the Spirits about “what is” and not “who when he defended the idea that, in the is” God, demonstrating the magnitude natural laws of evolution, the species of his reasoning in this question, evolves. enabling the clarity of the answer that Simultaneously and in conjunction brought us closer to understanding with Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace God, as we read: "What is God? God is presents his views on the theory of the supreme intelligence, the primary evolution. Quoted numerous times by cause of all things." (Kardec 2001, 51) Charles Darwin in his work, Wallace Unable to update the thinking of has the opportunity, through his Kardec and the Superior Spirits who theory, to enlighten minds trapped in contributed to the masterful work of the darkness of ignorance, researching The Spirits' Book, despite the limitation and writing about the spirit and its of the language and morality of the immortality, presenting it as a real and human being, we observed in the fundamental part in the logical answer to question number 13 of that

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book, the compression of the subject to the transformations of attributes of Divinity described by the matter. Lyonnais master, allowing us to get God is one. If there were several gods, even closer to the understanding of then there would be no unity of design the Creator. or power in the organization of the “When we state that God is eternal, universe. infinite, immutable, immaterial, one, God is all-powerful because God is all-powerful, and supremely just and one. If God were not powerful above good, don’t we have a complete idea all else, it would mean that there was of God’s attributes? From your own something more powerful or at least point of view, yes, because you believe as powerful. It would mean that God that in so stating them you therefore might not have created all things, and have named all of them. Nevertheless, those that God did not create would you should understand that there are have had to have been the work of things that transcend the intelligence some other god. of the most intelligent person, things God is supremely just and good. The your language cannot define, because providential wisdom in the divine laws it is limited to your ideas and is revealed in the smallest things as sensations. Your reason tells you that well as in the largest, and this wisdom God must be perfect in those makes it impossible for us to doubt attributes to the nth degree, for if God either God’s justice or goodness." lacked any of them or was not perfect (Kardec 2001, 54-55) to the nth degree, God would not be Despite recognizing all the attributes superior to everything else, and thus of the Godhead as a reality, the human would not be God. In order to be being finds great difficulty in superior to everything else, God must understanding the Eternal, an not be subject to any change and must explanation that we find in the work, not be imperfect in any way Genesis, in which the Spirit Quinemant imaginable.” says: God is eternal. If God had had a “The human being is a tiny world, beginning, then either God would have where the director is the Spirit and the had to have sprung from nothing or directed principle is the body. In this would have had to have been created world, the body represents a creation, by a being that existed previously. of which the Spirit represents God Reasoning in this way, we arrive little (keep in mind that this refers only to a by little at the idea of eternity and the question of similarity and not of infinite. identity). The parts of this body, the God is immutable. If God were subject different organs comprising it – to change, then the laws that govern muscles, nerves and joints – are other the universe would have no stability. material individualities, if you will, God is immaterial. This means that located at special points of the body. God’s nature differs from everything Although the number of these we call matter; otherwise, God would constituent parts, so varied and not be immutable but would be different in nature, is considerable, no one questions the fact that no

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movement may be produced or that Humanity that we find on the roof of any one impression may occur at any the Sistine chapel, The creation of particular point without the Spirit being Adam (fig.1), authored by aware of it. Are there different Michelangelo, we can observe that the sensations at many points hands (of man and of God) approach, simultaneously? but still do not meet, bringing us an The Spirit senses, discerns and important reflection. The image analyzes all of them, and assigns to suggests a deep analysis of our own each one its cause and location, all existence. We find that the figure of through the intermediary of the God is projected with Its body perispiritual fluid. extended to reach Adam, who, in turn, An analogous phenomenon occurs remains in a relaxed posture, with his between God and the creation. God is body, wrists and fingers semi-flexed. everywhere in nature, in the same way Their fingers get very close and almost that the spirit is everywhere in the touch, indicating that, for man to find body. All the elements of creation are and feel God, the simple movement of in constant relation with God, in the a phalanx of the fingers is enough. same way that all the cells of the However, the effort must come from human body are in immediate contact the creature and not from the Creator. with the spiritual being. Thus, there is no reason why phenomena of the same order would not be produced in In the 17th century, the emerging an identical manner in both cases. Enlightenment projected light into the A limb moves: the Spirit senses it; a dark abyss of ignorance, breaking the creature thinks: God knows about it. All ties of the dominant Church that limbs are in movement; the various maintained control of the State, of organs are in motion; the spirit senses science and of the consciousness of each manifestation, distinguishes it those who placed their faith in God, and locates it. The different creations, and those who, in order to have any the different creatures move, think and link with the Entity Divine, should act in diverse ways, and God knows strictly follow the rules imposed and about everything that happens and so misunderstood. assigns to each one what is particular Voltaire tells us that “God exists as the to it. most credible thing that men can think One can also deduce the solidarity of and in contrast as one of the most between matter and intelligence, the absurd. I exist, so something exists. If solidarity among all the beings of one there is anything, it has existed since world and of all worlds, and, finally, of all eternity, because that which is, is all creations and the Creator. (Kardec either by itself or received its being 2013, 57-58) from another. If it is by itself, it is In the intimacy of each being, there is necessarily, it has always been the search for God, the need to find necessarily, and it is God. I don't God, feel God and perceive God. In this believe in the god that men created, sense of purpose, in a work of art but in the God that created men.” considered of high relevance for (Voltaire 1978, 278)

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In scientific struggles, from Copernicus more fills the gaps of the lack of to Galileo Galilei, the confrontation of understanding. That terms such as scientists and philosophers with the spirituality, religiosity, feeling of religious domain gained fuel when gratitude, compassion, and Friedrich Nietzsche, in the book The transcendence, gain strength and Gay Science, presented: “God is dead! understanding, as well as therapeutic God remains dead! And we have killed applicability, due to their scientifically him!” (Nietzsche 1882, 137). The proven effectiveness. pessimistic philosopher presents a In the work The God Gene, authored by rupture that great scholars defended Harvard Medical School geneticist and through deism, understanding God by scientist Dr. Dean Hamer, we found reason, freedom of thought, and that an individual’s greatest ability to science, with the goals of breaking transcend is linked to genetic with the religious State, controller of inheritance, which can also be the sciences on philosophical bases developed through the process of full of dogmas, rituals and a faith self-discovery. without reason. Such a break In the results of his research, the happened in relation to the dominant scientist presented the discovery of a religion. With the shackles broken, it gene named VMAT2, of numerical allowed science to advance in its order 33050, present on chromosome multiple discoveries, without the need 10, that every time we actively for state approval, or better saying, of transcend matter and link to the divine the dominant religion. work, such as to nature, service in In contemporary academy, we still solidarity, charity, among others, four perceive vestiges of this oppression brain monoamines are produced, experienced for so many years. being that normal production is at Specialties that study the Soul, such as most two. Among these monoamines psychology, psychiatry, among other are present hormones essential for a branches of the scientific tree, such as harmonious organic life (dopamine, physics and chemistry, timidly present serotonin, oxytocin, etc.). the term "God" or "Divine psyche", not To disregard the divine reality is to understanding that the old science judge an effect without considering freed itself from the dominating the cause. In academia as in life, God's religious state that imposed the idea of presence is reality. Spiritist science a vengeful and castrating God, to provides us with tools to build a secure subjugate humanity, but that the idea basis for understanding Its reality. To defended by many thinkers and reconnect the individual to the Creator, philosophers regarding our through the arms of science and connection with the Divine, with the philosophy, but especially through Creator, with God, remains intact. love: this is true religion, this is God. We realize, nowadays, that the universality of the teachings more and

Translated by: Carina De Micheli / Rossana Pena Da Silva

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Bibliography

The Bible. BODIER, Paul e Henri Regnauld. 2001. Gabriel Delanne, Sua Vida, seu apostolado e sua obra. Rio de Janeiro: Editora CELD. HAMMER, Dean. 2005. The God Gene. HAWKING, Stephen e Leonard Mlodinov. 2011. The Grand Design: New answers to the ultimate questions of life. KARDEC, Allan. 2013. Genesis.: CEI. KARDEC, Allan. 1999. Instruções Práticas sobre as manifestações espíritas. [Tradução Júlio Abreu Filho]. São Paulo: Editora Pensamento. Disponível em http://www.autoresespiritasclassicos.com/Allan%20Kardec/Allan%20kardec%20Instrucoes%20Praticas/Allan% 20Kardec%20- %20Instru%C3%A7%C3%B5es%20Pr%C3%A1ticas%20Sobre%20as%20Manifesta%C3%A7%C3%B5es%20Esp%C3%A Dritas%20-%20Ano%201858.pdf

[consultado em 16/07/2020]. KARDEC, Allan, 2001. The Spirits’ Book.: CEI. KARDEC, Allan. 2004. The Spiritist Review: USSF. NIETSCHE, Fiedrich. 1882. A Gaia e a Ciência. [Tradução Antonio Carlos Braga]. Disponível em https://www.netmundi.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Nietzsche-Friedrich-A-gaia-ciencia.pdf. [consultado em 12/05/2020]. SMITH, Charles H. 1992. Alfred Russel Wallace on Spiritualism, Man & Evolution: Analytical Essay. Torrington. Disponível em https://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/essays/ARWPAMPH.htm [consultado em 25/04/2020]. VOLTAIRE. 1978. Tratado de Metafísica 2. São Paulo: Editora São Paulo. Figura 1 – The Creation of Adam, https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Cria%C3%A7%C3%A3o_de_Ad%C3%A3o.

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REVISITING THE REVUE Timely Guidance to the Spiritist Movement

José Raul Teixeira | Alessandro Vieira de Paula

José Raul Teixeira - Educator, speaker and medium, co-founder of the Alessandro Viana Vieira de Spiritist Society Fraternidade (Niterói) and of the Spiritist Social Paula, member of the Allan Assistance work "Remanso Fraterno". Master and Doctor in Education Kardec Spiritist Center, in and graduated in Physics from Universidade Federal Fluminense, where Itapetininga SP (Brazil) he is currently a retired professor.

The Spiritist Review, while kept by Allan made by Allan Kardec, delivered when Kardec, from January 1858 to April the Parisian Society of Spiritist Studies 1869, holds a diversity of doctrinal completed its first year, published in subjects divided in articles, spiritual the issue of July, 1859. messages, speeches etc., that reveal At the very beginning, Kardec says he the greatness of the noble Codifier, created the society because the group highlighting the relevance of the of people, who gathered in intimate themes that are covered. soirees at his house, was increasing, In this article that aims to revisit The requiring “methodical and uniform Spiritist Review, especially in face of the direction” to the works. (Kardec, n.d., challenges and difficulties still existing 187) in the spiritist movement and spiritist Therefore, we realize that the Spiritist centers, it seems timely to bring up one Centers should have a board of of the most remarkable speeches directors that are on the same page

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and it is structured in doctrinal This note seems obvious, however, we methods, which are suggested by the have noticed that the Spiritist municipal, regional, state or national Movement is still formed by many administrations, expecting they are people who are not fond of reading or based on Allan Kardec and Jesus’ lines haven’t even read the five works of of thinking. Kardec’s Pentateuch. It becomes clear that a Spiritist Center The lack of serious study gives room to where its board is divided by groups, the sprout of new ideas and theses that with different doctrinal ideals, will be are not supported by the base of the doomed to failure, disunity and doctrine, fostering further divisions, obsession, compromising, not discussions and bewilderment, infrequently, the quality and compromising a healthy and seriousness of what is offered in the homogeneous growth of the groups religious core (studies, mediumistic and Spiritist Centers. meetings, fraternal assistance, spiritual Currently, there is a flood of so-called passes etc.). mediumistic publications, whose Considering the possible divergences content, or part of them, are of poor in the board, respect and brotherly quality and with some doctrinal dialogue are expected, which will deviations. enable members and workers to Another crucial point that has mature, providing a consensus with generated a state of alert is the loyalty to the guidelines of the increasing and exaggerated approach Spiritism, without speculation and to self-help topics in lectures, in studies personal points of view. and books. In this line of reasoning, in the same Evidently self-help lessons that are speech, further on, Allan Kardec grounded in the inner transformation asserts that: “The communion of and good feelings are welcome, thoughts and feelings to the good is, however what is most concerning is thus, a condition of first need and it is the excess at the expense of doctrinal not possible to find it in a reflections and studies that could be heterogeneous environment, where more connected to Allan Kardec and they could have access to baser his subsidiary works of well-known passions such as pride, envy and quality and loyalty. jealousy, which are always revealed by the malevolence and the acrimony of It is noteworthy mentioning that the language, no matter how thick the veil fewer studies of eminently doctrinal you try to cover them is. [...]”. (Kardec, topics, the poorer the Spiritist n.d., 196) Movement gets in terms of knowledge, Allan Kardec also states that the which consequently weakens, Society was created for study and becoming more prone to divisions and research purposes. strife.

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Furthermore, the excess of self-help spirits, which, according to Allan does not develop in the spiritist a deep Kardec in his speech, will act to doctrinal reasoning and the eager to promote disunity. study more, causing them to remain, In the Spiritist Center, the unwary for an indefinite time, in the spiritist can be greatly influenced by shallowness of information, therefore, obsessors, who will try to cause or more likely to doctrinal strengthen disunity, fostering gossip, misunderstanding and uninterested in quarrel, squeamishness, disorder and studying. fight, compromising the first We must bring Allan Kardec back into highlighted point in this article the group studies, lectures and (methodical and uniform direction). congresses, without concerning about Many neophytes or more experienced the number of participants and and sensible workers notice the current financial income, but with the quality disunity in the Spiritist Centers, some of that will be delivered. them choose to seek other spiritist We are in a period when spiritists prefer religious centers, where they can find more superficial studying, reading and more balance, homogeneity and lectures, some even say that studying organized tasks, which attract the Kardec is either too dense or boring. assistance of good spirits. There are also those who prefer When a Spiritist Center does not lectures that provide more laughter properly and evenly fulfill its functions, than reflections. the disunity and current deviations of Allan Kardec adds to his speech that morality tend to extend in the the goal of the Parisian Society of relationship with other Spiritist Centers, Spiritist Studies is not only the study of that is why Allan Kardec makes sure to the spiritist science, he goes further, it highlight the existing rivalry among shall cover its moral consequences. spiritist nuclei. For this reason, we realize that a deep Unfortunately, we have identified and serious study of Spiritism should rivalry or the lack of unity among provide spiritists a moral improvement, Spiritist Centers in some cities, causing grounded in Jesus and Allan Kardec. clear damage to the local Spiritist Movement. Spiritists should evaluate themselves regularly, in terms of the quantity of There are Spiritist Centers that hold acquired knowledge, or in the aspects their doctrinal events and do not of their moral transformation, disclose in other spiritist nuclei; there establishing what Paul of Tarsus called are some that establish a competition “a good fight”. (Paul, 2 Timothy 4:7-8) in order to check which one draws more public; there are those that do not The more moral and intellectually even know the activities developed in fragile, the more susceptible to being other Spiritist Houses of their area. obsessed the spiritist is, becoming an easy target in the hands of inferior

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More experienced leaders should act try to set an example and show that, for to solve rivalry or detachment, making us, the doctrine is not empty words. In their presence noticed in other Spiritist one word, let us be worthy of good Centers, sending out invitations of their Spirits, if we want them to assist us.” events and trying to make personal (Kardec, n.d., 202) contact to strengthen bonds of It is up to the spiritists the deep and affection, even if they do not achieve constant study of Allan Kardec works, the expected outcomes. with the scope and challenge of better Allan Kardec clarifies that: “[...] the other living and understanding what is societies are to be considered our proposed by Jesus, so they can be the partners and not competitors” (Kardec, loyal leader or worker to the good n.d., 201), hence, a lot still needs to be Spirits in the Spiritist Centers. They done for the Spiritist Houses to unite should strive to establish unity and and work in alignment for the common fraternity among the fellows of that ideal of enlightening consciences and group and, consequently, promote consoling troubled and restless hearts. peaceful coexistence with other Spiritist Houses, as if they were a single Some divergences among Spiritist family. Centers are possible because it is unlikely that one is identical to the Let us search in The Spiritist Review other, as long as these differences do Allan Kardec’s extraordinary speeches, not concern crucial issues of Spiritism, which are true guidelines to the spiritist there must me mutual respect, that is that is part of the Spiritist Movement, so why Allan Kardec predicts this this movement, aligned with the hypothesis and says that they shouldn’t guidelines of Jesus, can fulfill its role of bite or throw rocks at each other. fully adjusting to Spiritism, whose lessons came pure by the minds of Finally, the distinguished Codifier selfless Spirits and were codified by the warns that: “The goal of Spiritism is to great KARDEC. improve those that understand it. Let us

Translated by Camila Farah Lopes (USSF)

Bibliography

KARDEC, Allan. [n.d.}. “Parisian Society of Spiritist Studies /closing speech of the social year (1858-1859)”, The Spiritist Review. Year II, nº 7, (July 1859): 157-202. São Paulo: EDICEL.

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HISTORICAL PLAN Bezerra de Menezes, the most scientific Brazilian Spiritist of the nighteenth century

Luciano Klein Filho

Luciano is a historian and President of the Spiritist Federation of the State of Ceará. Postgraduate in Theory and Methodology of Research in History. He is a professor at the Military College of Fortaleza and a member of the Ceará-Historical, Geographic and Anthropological Institute. Abstract

Best known for his love for the neighbor or for his constant commitment in uniting the Brazilian spiritist family, Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes' role as a spiritist researcher is still little known. Author of a remarkable scientific treatise, corollary of his obstinate search to understand, in the light of the psychological sciences and Spiritism, the problem of mental alienations, the book A Loucura sob Novo Prisma (Madness under a New Prism) will, in the future, be recognized as groundbreaking in the History of Medicine. The research carried out by the Ceará physician on mediumistic phenomenology, published in large part in the weekly column “Estudos Filosóficos” (Philosophical Studies), a Keywords: Bezerra de column that would enshrine him as a great Menezes, Madness and disseminator of Spiritism in Brazil in the 19th century, Obsession, Scientific shows us much of his effort to contribute to the Spiritism, Bicorporeality in understanding of the transcendence of the being and Brazil, Mediumistic the immortality of the soul. Phenomenology.

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Bezerra de Menezes was, among his theme of madness. The reason that led contemporaries, the one who went him to it was the worsening of his son deeper and invested in scientific Adolfo Júnior’s (1860-1899) health, analysis around mediumistic diagnosed by conventional medicine phenomenology in Brazil. Some of his as having a psychiatric illness. Adolfo experiences, duly cataloged and mobilized special paternal attention, recorded in minutes, were published starting to focus on everything that was by the weekly column Estudos most current in the sphere of sciences Filosóficos (Philosophical Studies), by that existed on psychiatric disorders. the Reformador magazine (Reformer), The boy, endowed with a brilliant or in the pages of A Loucura Sob Novo intelligence, with an affable Prisma (Madness under a New Prism), temperament, who attended spiritist his book posthumously published. I am meetings, became aggressive and currently unaware of records of withdrawn. equivalent work carried out in Brazil Bezerra's research would undergo during that period. His research continuous adaptations, as he matched that of leading European deepened his studies around the researchers in the 19th century. The psychological sciences and carrying main object of study outlined by him, in out mediumistic experiments, that his experimental vanguard of psychic intensified in the second lustrum of the phenomena, was the problem of 1880s. We presume he intended to madness, showing that science, until dedicate the research to his firstborn then, had no way of discerning the son, offering to the world the results of differential diagnosis of madness his investigations, through the caused by obsessions by the Spirits. explanation of Adolfo Júnior’s problem Thence, he proposes to the scholars to and similar cases, observed in a seek the necessary resources, in order different perspective from that to ascertain whether “there was presented until then by the nineteenth obsession in scientific Spiritism” century alienists. Bezerra looked (Menezes 1996, 175). forward to the publication of this research, which unfortunately did not Madness under a New Prism happen, since he would discarnate in Madness under a New Prism was his April 1900.9 life's work. Through this work he The delay in its edition was possibly intended (as a scientist and spiritist) to due to his intention to present it at the leave it as a relevant legacy to the International Spiritist and Spiritualist History of Medicine. Since 1886, when Congress of Paris, which would take he publicly adhered to Spiritism, he place between September 15 and 27, began to work obstinately on the 190010, in the French capital. The

9 It was only in 1920 that the first edition of A considering the scientific value of the research and Loucura sob Novo Prisma (Madness under a New its importance for Medicine, the work would finally Prism) was published. Thanks to the extreme be published. dedication of Bezerra's sons and sons-in-law, 10 In the Reformador (Reformer) of April 1, 1922, incarnated at the time, and willing to pay homage to (151) Manuel Quintão (1874-1955) stated that the paternal memory, in view of the celebration of Bezerra's posthumous work was written “for a the twentieth anniversary of his death - and spiritualist congress in Paris”.

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meeting was chaired by Léon Denis, indeed one, and that his name was who wanted to meet the current José Pereira do Amaral. When inquiring president of the Brazilian Spiritist about it, we learned from Mr. José Federation (FEB). Previously appointed Augusto Ramos da Silveira, from Faial, as a representative of FEB by Bezerra who met in his land a priest of that himself, when president of the name, that died twenty years ago, and institution, Denis had been tasked with was known as Father Caridade reading, to the congressmen, a report (Charity), for being very charitable. The sent by the FEB’s directive, presenting medium spoke of Theology, as one the situation of the Brazilian Spiritist could only do it if one had vast Movement. knowledge of the subject, and yet, Bezerra de Menezes, most likely, being a young man in his early aspired to present his research at that twenties, and employed in commerce, historic convention, which included he knew nothing about Theology (...)”. names such as Victorien Sardou, Alfred (Menezes 1996, 73-75) Russel Wallace, Gabriel Delanne and Apparently, Bezerra's studies and Alexandre Aksakof. Delanne, in research, in the area of “Scientific addition to serving on the Spiritism”, began in the first five years of Congressional organizing committee, the 1880s. What perhaps contributed to delivered the opening presentation. this was the impressive cure of a nervous dyspepsia that he had Experiences on the communicability obtained through João Gonçalves do of spirits Nascimento's mediumistic In the first chapter of A Loucura Sob prescription; the healing of his wife Novo Prisma (Madness Under a New Cândida Augusta, also by the same Prism), when trying to situate the medium; the obsession problem of his reader as to the “decisive evidence” of eldest son and the discarnation of the Spirits’ manifestations, after the many loved ones, including his mother studies he called “Facts authenticated (1882), his brother Manoel Soares (1888) by the greatest figures of science” (item and four of his children (between 1887 “Facts of our observation”), Bezerra and 1889). analyzes archived accounts of his experiences. To illustrate, let us Spirits' communicability cases within consider a case in which, aiming to the family prove the immortality of the soul, he Two important cases related to the concluded: communicability of the Spirits, “(....) In one of our experience sessions, witnessed by their family members the medium José Inácio da Silveira got were published in the Reformador into a deep somnambulist trance (...) under the abbreviation “A.B”. and, in that state, he argued with us, With the title “Pre-Spiritism”, using the supporting the doctrine of the Roman initials “AB” (Adolfo Bezerra), the doctor church against Spiritism. We from Ceará narrated, through the understood that a priest was speaking, Reformador11, the first unusual fact that and in the end he declared that he was occurred with a relative in the interior of

11 Reformador, July 18, 1890.

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Rio Grande do Norte, named "The Kiss Caluca's parents, who lived in the of the Dead". He introduces the village, used to - like all the inhabitants narrative, commenting that, long of the place - gather in the afternoons, before experimenting with talking as a family, under a leafy farmhouse tables and the emergence of Spiritism, tree, to enjoy the fresh air in that Brazilians already mentioned, in scorching climate. evening gatherings, facts related to the Bezerra narrates that "a brother from apparitions of Spirits. Raised up to the Caluca, an unbeliever, unabashed and age of 18 among the backcountry brave" named José Rodrigues da Silva, people, he says that he kept the most had come to visit, coming from the vivid memories of those times and hinterlands of Ceará. He will be an places. important character in this story. One In preparing to tell the case, he afternoon, when the family was comments that events similar to those gathered in the yard, behind the house, he would share with his readers were, at dusk, almost at night, Caluca left the in his youth, a subject that was much crowd and went to the living room, appreciated in family gatherings and a which was supposed to be empty at healthy pastime on the Northeastern the time. When she got there, she cried hinterland, “since the hour, full of poetic with anguish, showing great fear. charms, when the bell of the poor Everyone who were talking in the yard campanile sounds languidly, inviting immediately got up and ran to where the faithful to the angelic greeting: Hail the girl was, but before they reached Mary, until the family gathers to pray the door of the house, the girl, like an the rosary, after which, supper and arrow, came to meet them. “A.B.” states rest”. that it was no longer possible, because The described event occurred around of darkness, to notice the distress in her 1838 in the village of Santa Cruz, Ribeira face; however, one could see that she de Trairi, province of Rio Grande do had both hands covering her eyes, Norte12. running and screaming like crazy. An Bezerra mentions the name of Clara, uncle of Caluca present at that the daughter of a cousin of his who was moment (unfortunately Bezerra does raised by a maternal aunt, who died not disclose his name), grabbed her when the young woman was in her firmly and asked her why she was teens13. behaving like that. Clara then returned to her parents’ Then the girl replied: “- It is auntie (the house, “keeping the love that she deceased) who was there in the room devoted for her foster mother in her and who called me waving her hand." heart”. Two years had passed since that José Rodrigues, Caluca's skeptical death, without the girl, known in the brother, the unabashed who didn't family by the nickname "Caluca", believe in spirits, thought his sister had "having but the memory and the gone mad. He tried to convince her that longing" of the aunt who had adopted it was all an illusion and forcibly took her. her hands from her eyes, saying: "See,

12 It is located 111 kilometers from the city of 13 We believe that Caluca's adoptive mother Natal. was Viscôncia, Bezerra's maternal aunt.

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you didn't see, nor could you see and, after three or four days of the spirit auntie, she is nothing more and cannot being present in the house, nurtured be anything else." the idea of encouraging his uncle of The girl opened her eyes, but, abruptly, forcing his niece to ask what the soul with a sudden movement, she wanted. snatched her hands from the hands of Caluga trembled just thinking about the uncle who was holding her, raising the possibility of talking to her dead them again to her eyes, cried out in aunt, but at dusk, when the apparition convulsion: happened again, the young woman "There she is, there she is, dressed in was compelled by her uncle, who had white and waving to me". her in his arms, by the priest and by all The whole village became aware of the the people gathered there, to ask the episode, and many people flocked to question. the house. During that night, no one Caluga asked the question, but no one was able to sleep, including the priest, heard the answer. However, she said considered “a holy and revered man by that her aunt asked for a mass for Our his people, who uselessly spent all the Lady of Conceição or of Sufferers. “And psalms and holy water”. with that, the vision disappeared all Bezerra says regardless of how many night. Very early in the morning, times the disbelieving uncle of Caluca everyone went to the mass. At the end plucked her hands from his niece's of the mass Caluga shouted: “Oh! She eyes to make her look and prove to be comes, here she comes; but she soon all illusion, she pointed to a point in the opened her eyes and said: she kissed room, shouting: “There she is, there she my forehead.” is, doing some hand signals to me”. Bezerra concludes his text, At daybreak, the vision disappeared commenting that everyone smelled a and Caluca was able to open her eyes very pleasant scent and the spirit never without seeing anything else; however, appeared again. she was extremely nervous, unable to Another impressive fact, narrated by sleep or ingest any food. She, however, him, is found in A Loucura sob Novo spoke and reasoned, remembering Prisma (Madness under New Prism) everything, showing that she was in full and involves his mother-in-law, Maria use of her mental faculties. What put Machado, and her son Francisco de her in complete dismay, however, was Mattos Prego. Let's examine it: the young man José Rodrigues, who "D. Maria Cândida de Lacerda had no more arguments to explain the Machado, a lady as distinguished by fact but as being a sign of madness. her intelligence as by her virtues, The next night, the scene was belonging to the good society of Rio de repeated, so that the girl was almost Janeiro, had the son of her first fainting from not having slept or eaten. marriage14 living in São Paulo, studying “A.B.” ponders that in view of this, José Law in college. One day, she received a Rodrigues compromised with his ideas letter from the boy, who was in perfect

14 It was the young Francisco Gomes Alves de marriage, widow of the father who had the same Mattos Prego, who disincarnated in 1855. He was the name. To check this information, we leafed through son of Maria Cândida de Lacerda Machado's first the Correio Paulistano of February 23 and 24, 1855,

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health, and on the night of that same night, which she kept mourning her day, when she blew out the candle to son, nor the next day, when friendly sleep, she distinctly heard the sound of families came to try to convince her a heavy silver candlestick falling, lying that her judgment was unfounded in on a table, some distance away from view of the recent letter attesting that her bed. the boy was in perfect health. Among Believing that cats or rats threw down those who went to visit her, there were the esteemed object, she woke up her Dr. Mariano José Machado and Dr. husband, who, lighting the candle, saw, Joaquim Pinto Neto Machado, with her, that the candlestick was in its respectable doctors, who gave us the place. news of the fact, on the same day. "It was a dream," he said. - No, I was Two or three days later, the steam from awake, replied the lady, and after a Santos arrived, the only speedy way, long discussion, they blew out the then, between the Court and the candle again and went back to bed. province of São Paulo, and, through it, The sound of the candlestick falling came the news of the death of the immediately hurt their ears, to which young man, caught by a disease, the man shouted: - Now, yes: I exactly on the day when his letter was guarantee it fell. received. ” (Menezes 1996, 49-51) With the candle lit, they were surprised to see that the candlestick was still in The Experimental Meetings at Chalé its place! da Estrada Velha da Tijuca It took them a long time to conjecture, Zêus Wantuil de Freitas (1924-1911), until they decided to rest. one of the most important researchers A singular fact for the lady, still awake, in the History of Spiritism, published in while her husband was already asleep, the Reformer of December 1991, an happened. article entitled “One Hundred Years A hand slid sweetly and gently over ago”. He states in the article that, on Mrs. Maria's forehead, and, taking her March 20, 1891, Bezerra being at his long and voluminous hair, it went residence, on Estrada Velha da Tijuca, through them to the tips. nº 27, in conversation with the medium - It is my son, who came to give me a Brito Sarmento about certain obscure sign he has died! The anguished lady points of Spiritism, he would have exclaimed, - I recognized his hand, suggested the idea of organizing, playing with my hair like we always did. there, “A small group of studies in order It's him! to receive clarifications from the Spirits There was no way to dissuade her from about some doctrinal issues.” that idea, neither during the rest of the

which brought an invitation to the seventh-day mass, from the port of Santos, on January 28. The Jornal do promoted by his colleagues at the Faculty of Law, in Comércio, of March 8, 1855, published this note: São Paulo, and scheduled for the 26th of that month. “Mariano José Machado Filho invites all relatives and Looking at Rio de Janeiro’s newspapers, we found friends to attend a mass to be celebrated tomorrow, out that he had been traveling between Rio and São March 9, at 8 am, in the Church of São Francisco de Paulo since 1853, in order to study, arriving there Paula, for the eternal rest of his stepson Francisco through the port of Santos. The Correio Mercantil Gomes Alves de Mattos Prego, who died in the city (RJ) of January 29, 1855, registered his last departure of São Paulo. ”

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The idea, according to Zêus, would in addition to those previously have received immediate approval mentioned (Mello Moraes and Allan from the spirituality. On the occasion, Kardec). Unfortunately, not all of them some spirits manifested themselves were accurately identified, with only through the medium Brito; among the first or last name mentioned. others, the medium received Among them, we highlight the communications from the presence of the girl Cristiana (daughter Homeopathic Doctor Alexandre José of Bezerra, disincarnated in 1889), de Mello Moraes and even from Allan Cândido Fortes, Leonardo (identified Kardec himself. only by the first name), Cônego Zêus Wantuil points out that the Nunes15, Father Antônio José Bezerra nucleus of experimental sessions had (identified as born in Pernambuco), been constituted that same day, under Cândido Pamplona (mentioned as a the presidency of Bezerra. The naturalist), Umbelino Alberto de foundation minutes were signed by Campo Limpo16 and a Lacerda Bezerra de Menezes, Brito Sarmento, (possibly related to Bezerra). We also Thiago Beviláqua, Severo da Cunha noted the presence of Romualdo (Spirit Machado, Joaquim Thomaz Alves and who communicated in meetings at João Mendes, Bezerra’s son-in-law. FEB)17 and Vicente de Paulo (1581- The first session of the experimental 1660), the charitable French saint, works took place on March 25 of that member of the Promised Consoler year. Bezerra was responsible for the team. dialogue with the communicating spirits and for the writing of the Report of a session sessions’ minutes. According to the In A Loucura sob Novo Prisma, Bezerra research methodology adopted, he narrates a fact cataloged in this insisted on formulating new questions, laboratory, located on the premises of when the answers of the Spirits were the Chalet Estrada Velha da Tijuca. not clear to him. Once again, before narrating the Zêus reports knowing the record of episode that allows us to understand nine sessions (until June 6, 1891), how these experimental meetings took recorded on strips of paper, with place, Bezerra emphasizes the Bezerra's own handwriting. We importance of cultivating Spiritist recently had access to these Science in Brazil: “(...) perhaps because documents, which are still today of the desire to show that, in this corner preserved by FEB. of the world, we are also working on Leafing through the few pages of the the development of Science, we are minutes of Bezerra’s chalet sessions, going to report on a valuable fact (...) seen by Zêus Wantuil de Freitas, we that we were observers.” (Menezes observe the record of messages from 1996, 116) some communicating spiritual entities,

15 Cônego Antônio Pereira Nunes. Renowned worker in the last years of his existence. He Catholic speaker, born in Campos (RJ), where for discarnated on September 21, 1885, in Rio de Janeiro, years he served. He died in 1889. where he was born. 16 Umbelino Alberto de Campo Limpo (1824- 17 Dom Romualdo Antônio de Seixas (1787- 1885) was Colonel of the Army and an active spiritist 1860), Archbishop of Bahia.

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“(...) We organize a weekly spiritualist The first case of bicorporeality session of experimental studies in our registered in Brazil home, in this city of Rio de Janeiro, in The pioneering nature of Bezerra's which we are accompanied by research in cases related to national engineers Dr. Maia Lacerda, Dr. Abel mediumistic phenomenology can be Matos, the dentist Tiago Beviláqua and well illustrated through an article the distinguished industrialist published in the Reformer on Drummond Júnior. November 15, 1890. One year after his The first and the last of these first experience at the head of the FEB gentlemen are mediums of and using pseudonyms or psychography and trance, and also abbreviations as he used to do, he present other mediumistic abilities. On brought, for this article, data on a case one of our sessions Maia Lacerda could of bicorporeality that happened in Rio not attend because he was traveling to de Janeiro. Signing the text with the the State of Minas Gerais, to a place initials “A.B” (Adolfo Bezerra) - at that about 600 kilometers away from our time he was reading, in French, the residence. A spirit who fought with us originals of Posthumous Works -, he on certain points of Spiritualism in refers to the phenomenon of general, and particularly of Spiritism, bicorporeality, analyzed by Kardec, manifested through the remaining and to many cases verified worldwide. medium, expressing his He points out that, until then, he was discontentment with the absence of not aware of any other case of the other companion, with whom he bicorporeality and also of direct writing maintained, from previous observed in our country, something manifestations, a particular attrition. that, incidentally, bewilder him. Then, Minutes later, and already arguing with he reports an episode that would have us, he stops his argumentation, been, perhaps, the first recorded in surprised to see that the one that was Brazil: “a well-investigated case of supposedly absent was there, present. bicorporeality”. We were in doubt, because that could “AB” says that an “esteemed friend”, be a way of deceiving us, but in another identified as Commander Macedo, who session, one that Dr. Maia Lacerda also enjoyed deserved local consideration, could not attend, we were sure of the told him that, after the passing of his presence of his Spirit, for having given wife, he decided to retire at a farm of an us the proof by talking directly to us. acquaintance, in the company of his We have had many other facts of this sister and ex-mother-in-law. order in our private works (emphasis Entertained in readings to alleviate the added), so that no doubt reinforces the pain of separation from his partner, he belief in the detachment of the Spirit witnessed an unusual phenomenon. during bodily life, especially during One day, at around 5 pm, when he was sleep.” (Menezes 116-117) alone in the drawing room, he stopped reading, due to tiredness, and looked for a window to relax, sitting with his back facing the outside. While meditating on the reading, he saw his

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sister's maid enter the room, open the from the outside and placing it inside, door that led to his sister's bedroom, and in view of this, he was unable to while his sister was busy in the dining accept that hypothesis”. Bezerra room, and, taking out a key, entered the comments that his friend, being room, locking it up. Then, when he unaware of the phenomenon, had a entered the said dining room where his “great moral shock”; nevertheless, after sister was, he came across the maid the explanation of the fact by Spiritism, who, minutes before, had locked everything fell into place. “Great, herself in the bedroom, which had no therefore, was his satisfaction, when exit door, except for the very room now, after many years, hearing about where he had been a little while ago. the cases of bicorporeality (...)” that Perplexed, he questioned the maid if it were narrated in Posthumous Works, was not her who had entered the he identified the episode as being one bedroom. Answering him, the young of those. Bezerra asked the woman said that she had not “left the commander for authorization to lady's side; what was confirmed by his publish it, making it appear on the list of sister.” “A.B.” comments that the his research. Commander “wanted to suppose that Through this article we see the what he had seemed to see was historical importance of Dr. Adolfo nothing more than a creation of his Bezerra de Menezes in Spiritism in imagination; but he remembered Brazil and in the world, in an particular circumstances, like hearing incomparable work that made him, the creaking of the key in the lock, even in his time and justly, to receive having the maid removing that key the title of “Brazilian Kardec”.

Translated by: J. Korngold (United States Spiritist Federation)

Bibliography

MENEZES, Adolfo B. 1996. A Loucura Sob Novo Prisma (Madness under a New Light). Brasília: FEB

MENEZES, Adolfo B. 1890. “Bicorporeidade” (Bicorporeality). Reformador, November 15, 1890

MENEZES, Adolfo B. 1890. “Pré-Espiritismo” (Pre-Spiritism). Reformador, July 18, 1890

QUINTÃO, Manuel. 1922. “A Lição dos Factos” (The Lesson of the Facts). Reformador, April 1, 1922,

WANTUIL, Zêus. Wantuail. 1991. “Há 100 anos” (The Lesson of the Facts) Reformador, December 1991.

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EASTER DOSSIER - Zacchaeus From the Sycamore-fig tree to the table with Jesus

Samuel Nunes Magalhães

Writer and responsible for the FEB's archive and museum areas. Founder of the Spiritist Documentation Centers in Amazonas and Pernambuco

Abstract

Zacchaeus, the Publican of Jericho, is a little-known figure to most Christians. This article aims to lift him from the evangelical pages, to fetch him from the oldest traditions, and highlight his spiritual renewal from his encounter with Jesus. For its production, we made use of Luke 19: 1-10 (the only canonical Gospel to mention Zacchaeus), Jewish customs, information on the early Church, mediumistic messages and some studies of history and Roman laws. From the analysis of these writings, Zacchaeus emerges as someone who learned to overcome the enormous distance that separated him from the Light of the World, Christ the Redeemer, at the price of renunciation and sacrifice. At the end of this article, we conclude that Zacchaeus no longer needs to come back to the stage of our afflictions, having made himself chosen of God. Zacchaeus, from the Sycamore-fig tree to the Keywords: Spiritism, table with Jesus, in addition to showing us the Jesus, Zacchaeus, regeneration of the former publican chief, it also shows Christianity, Parable of us, in particular, the paternal concern of God for the Talents. humankind, mirrored in the loving assistance of Jesus of Nazareth.

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“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” - Rev 3:20 (ESV)

Jesus was walking the paths of Israel was under Roman rule at that Palestine for the last time. Leaving time, subject to the dictates of the great Galilee, he headed for Judean territory, empire. Like all the nations conquered beyond the Jordan river. During this by the Caesars, Israel paid heavy trip, when Golgotha's extreme time was tributes to Rome, intended to maintain approaching, he met Zacchaeus at the the luxurious lifestyles of the Patricians gates of Jericho. and to support the government Described in the Old Testament as the machine, whose expenses for their City of Palm Trees, Jericho was built in growing armies were always one of the richest agricultural areas in increasing. the Middle East.18 A true oasis in the The Jews, although oppressed, did not desert, surrounded by miles of arid and change their beliefs, cultivating them rocky land, it displays - contrasting its with intense fervor. Supporting the faith surroundings - flowering fields, balsam of their patriarchs, consolidated over fir, almond, pomegranate and the centuries, they kept united as a sycamore trees; date palms, and above nation, even when they were in exile, all, palm trees. It became a celebrated living in foreign lands. The Roman place in Jesus’ times. The presence of government of that time had adopted a aqueducts that mitigated the weather, policy of religious tolerance towards splendid gardens and beautiful their conquered peoples. constructions made Jericho a winter In those days, the Israelites were resort, favored by Herod the Great.19 preparing for the Passover, to As a vital thoroughfare for caravans of commemorate their liberation from the merchants and religious pilgrims, Egyptian oppression. Numerous Jericho achieved great economic travelers crossed the country's roads, importance with its banks, shops and headed to Jerusalem. Jericho, even warehouses that provided all kinds of more than other places, was goods. Every day, starting in the early overflowing with people. hours of the morning, traders, farmers, Jesus, along with the Twelve, was also owners, agents and money changers on his way to the capital of Judea. thronged its streets, amidst feverish Having traversed almost the entire way discussions, purchases, sales and between Capernaum and Jerusalem - contract signings. Only with the first bypassing the Samaritan territory to the shadows of the evening would the east, he reached the outskirts of hustle and bustle begin to decrease in Jericho20. Along the way, he preached the City of Palms. the Good News, comforted the

18 Jordan Valley. Located almost three hundred 19 Herod and his son Archelaus embellished meters below sea level, in Earth’s lowest elevation Jericho. The city's amphitheater and the Kypros on land, Jericho is considered to be the oldest city in castle were among its famous buildings. The latter the world. Archeological finds established its was built and named after Herod’s mother. foundation between nine and ten thousand years 20 Finding no sanctuary in one of the villages in ago. Samaria, Jesus decided to take the longest way

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afflicted and healed the sick; a Zacchaeus was a wealthy publican, the substantial crowd followed him from chief-tax collector in Jericho. Galilee. Zacchaeus acquired the right to collect Jericho, as previously described, was a taxes in the famous city through public vital thoroughfare for merchants and auction as was the custom of that time. pilgrims. The busy local commerce and In addition to his custom duties, he ran elevated circulation of wealth within its other very profitable private borders ensured high tax collections; it businesses. Some say he was a banker stirred the interest of government and had many employees. The Jews officials and the ambition of publicans. regarded him with disdain, as they did According to the laws enforced at that all publicans, considering him to be a time, the publicans would collect the traitor to his people for having taxes. Gaius Gracchus, Tribune of the cooperated with the Roman invaders. People in the years 123-122 B.C., They rarely spoke to him, and when established a new form of concession they did, they did it because they had for tax collection in the Asian provinces, no other choice, never hiding the which would later be applied to other contempt they felt for him. Roman possessions. Taxes began to be He had heard of Jesus! collected by way of a signed five-year The news that reached him spoke of contract between the winner of the Jesus' loving message, full of faith and public auction and the Roman treasury, hope. From the mouths of the people, who was then responsible for making he heard reference to his many the payment of said taxes to the State miracles, and understood that he in advance. Those involved in these disapproved of the conduct of the auctions were evidently very wealthy Pharisees and Sadducees, urging them men, with a minimum net worth of four to follow a righteous path. He knew that hundred thousand sesterces, Jesus was accompanied mainly by according to some historians21. simple and disinherited people, that he The adoption of this tax collection did not despise anyone, and system, while efficient, had serious considered everyone as his siblings. He consequences. Publicans, free to had even heard that among his closest charge as much as they liked, followers there was one who had been exceeded the required taxes, a known publican: Levi, son of increasing their wealth very quickly. Alphaeus, of the Capernaum customs. Driven by their undisguised avarice, He wanted to see the Divine Messiah, they became symbols of greed and and who knows, perhaps even to speak dishonesty, being despised by the with the Nazarene Master! population in general. between the two cities. He possibly headed towards Order in the Roman social class, as French Historian Decapolis and crossed through Perea before Jerome Carcopino explained in his book Daily Life in reaching Jericho. From there he proceeded to Ancient Rome. Bethany and Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51-56) 21 Somewhere around fifteen million Brazilian Reais or two and a half million Euros today, a very large amount in those times. This was the minimum wealth that the citizens had to possess in order to become knights and to belong to the Equestrian

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For a long time, without realizing it at unspeakable peace. Attracted by the first, he fostered a secret desire to loving magnetism of Jesus, Zacchaeus know the one about whom so many followed his smallest movements and wonders were spoken. Tired of the tuned his ears to better hear the profane, he dreamed of new horizons ... Master. and it seemed that the Heavens had What kind of thoughts were running answered his prayers! through the mind of Zacchaeus at that It was dusk in the old Jordan Valley city. moment? What feelings dominated his Its commercial establishments were heart? What visions were being closing for the day, its residents were contemplated by his Spirit? Perhaps he returning to their homes and pilgrims was reviewing his existence, were looking for overnight lodging. An reassessing the values that had been unusual movement stirred Jericho. In guiding his decisions, or catching a the prior few days, the local flow of small glimpse of his spiritual path. He caravans heading to the Holy City had was certainly experiencing unusual increased greatly. inner restlessness; the glorious Zacchaeus’s work day had come to an moment of his encounter with the Truth end and he was heading home. had finally arrived. Pilgrims of various origins announced Approaching the tree in which the tax the arrival of the Galilean Rabbi. collector had positioned himself, Jesus Excited, they gesticulated a lot, looked up and addressed him saying: claiming that He had cured the “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I blindness of Bartimaeus22. must stay at your house today.”23 Not far from there, a thick human wall Zacchaeus came down quickly, surrounded the Carpenter of Galilee. receiving the Master with unbelievable Zacchaeus quickly approached the contentment. In view of what crowd, excited by the possibility of happened, the sacred author noted, all making his ambitious encounter a the people began to mutter: “He has reality. Because he was small, gone to be the guest of a sinner.” however, no matter how hard he tried, Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood up and he could not see Jesus. Fearing he said to the Lord: “Look, Lord! Here and would miss the opportunity, Zacchaeus now, I give half of my possessions to ran with determination ahead of the the poor, and if I have cheated anybody crowd, climbed into an old sycamore- out of anything, I will pay back four fig tree and waited for the passage of times the amount.”. Then, Jesus said to the Master. him: “Today salvation has come to this Soon after, he spotted that august house, because this man, too, is a son figure, and was filled with a sense of of Abraham. For the Son of Man came

22 Patronymic translated by son of Timaeus, 23 Jesus visited a few homes during his according to Mark 10: 46-52. The other evangelists - messianic work. The gospels reveal that he visited Matthew 20: 29-34 and Luke 18: 35-43 - do not the houses of Peter, Levi, Jairus, Simon, Lazarus, mention the name of the blind man from Jericho. Zacchaeus and attended the wedding at Cana. It Unlike Luke, who situated this episode at the seems to us that, with the exception of the event entrance to the city, Mark and Matthew described it with the publican of Jericho, all his other visits took as having occurred outside Jericho, with the latter place at the invitation of those who were visited. pointing out that there were two blind men there healed by Jesus.

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to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19: this emptiness will cause it crises 1-10 NIV) periodically. Zacchaeus was overjoyed, feeling on Pessimistic German philosopher Arthur the threshold of other spheres. Until Schopenhauer, observing the daily life that point, he had lived like the ordinary of ordinary people, said that life people of his time, concerned with oscillates, like a pendulum, between material acquisitions, being a slave to pain and boredom. We suffer until we illusory affairs. What would be the path get what we want, and once we get it, to his spiritual awakening? What would we feel bored, if the achievements are be the obstacles barring his efforts to not of an eternal nature. It is then that ascend? What steps would have to be we choose a new object of desire, to taken in order to receive the gift of once again oscillate between pain and hosting the Celestial Savior? boredom, in an infinite repetition. Following Zacchaeus’ ascending Zacchaeus lived this oscillation, march, taking into account what we alternating between pain and could assess, we assume that he boredom. wandered at length in the shadows of Tired of the transitory, he began to mistakes and doubts before entering experience an unassailable fascination through the narrow door toward the with the transcendent, driven by what Higher Spiritual Realms. we might call divine affinity. It was the The first years of Zacchaeus’ life were beginning of his spiritual search, ending dedicated to acquiring temporary his alienation from God. possessions - wealth, prominence, Perhaps no one had noticed the power and status, subject to the change, not even those closest to him, demands of selfish pleasures, although very much entangled in the affairs of he had been longing to breathe matter. Jesus, however, attentive to the different air for some time. Human most inconspicuous manifestations of souls at this stage of evolution, if not our souls, identifies the first flashes of denying the divine paternity altogether, inner light and comes looking for it. “Let tend to purposefully ignore it, fearing your light shine”, said the Voice on the the consequences of such an mountain. (Mt 5:16 NIV). acknowledgement. They secretly Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus; Jesus sense the responsibilities that come was seeking Zacchaeus. from this recognition and, like a Between them was a crowd, sensitive plant, they retreat into symbolizing the obstacles that the themselves, choosing to remain publican had to overcome to reach the disaffected regarding the existence of Master. From the branches of the fig God. tree, Zacchaeus observed Jesus. He The feeling of fullness provided by had found what he was looking for, his achievements of a lower order, mind confided to him. Here was the however, lacks continuity, having only Light, the Peace, and the Love! a fleeting existence. Soon the soul feels Suddenly, with his soul submerged in an indescribable emptiness, victim of an ocean of crystalline light - the gaze the ephemeral nature of worldly things. of Christ - he heard: “Zacchaeus, come Until it acquires eternal possessions,

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down immediately. I must stay at your delightful wave of love, he enjoyed the house today.” (Lk 19: 5 NIV) company of the Master for the first How long had he hoped for such time. It was then that he decided to grace? What had he done to deserve donate half of his assets to the poor, such a blessing? Was he delirious? and to repay those he might have Humbled, he feels unworthy to host the deceived four times what he had taken Messiah. However, he quickly climbed from them. Like the merchant in the down and rushed home to prepare parable, he disposed of his belongings Jesus a magnificent supper and the to acquire the priceless pearl. And like best possible accommodations. the straying sheep, he returned to the The scene proposes timely reflections. flock, in the arms of our Good The sycamore fig-tree, with its deep Shepherd, Jesus. roots, rough leaves and its inferior It’s the moment of surrender! The time quality fruits, offers a singular for consecration! metaphor for material wealth, as its Overcoming his alienation from God appearance of vigor, sturdiness and and having begun his spiritual search, constancy deceives the less attentive Zacchaeus surrendered to Him who is observer. Zacchaeus among the upper the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He branches of the fig tree, above the divested himself of what is earthly, crowd, symbolizes the man raised to willing to replace material matters with the highest positions in society, as well heavenly ones. as our need to elevate our Spirits above He gave up his wealth... earthly cares. The “rush to come down” ...donated his possessions to the poor... indicates urgency to abandon merely ...reimbursed those he had harmed... human conventions and seek Christ. ...surrendered his social position! Zacchaeus was overflowing with He recognized that, even without happiness. His Spirit was lightened by knowing it, he had always sought the clear ideas; awakened, he took the first Christ of God. Delighted, he bared his steps along the pathway. Material soul, washing away the memories of his possessions and the privileges of his imperfections with tears, and heard lofty position had not prevented him from the Lord: “Today salvation has from reaching Jesus. He was aware, come to this house, because this man, however, of how far he was from too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of complete emancipation. He knew that Man came to seek and to save the it was necessary to keep moving. He lost.”24 (Lk 19:9-10 NIV). understood that the zenith was located That night, at the house of Zacchaeus, far higher, and there, in the beyond, is Jesus told the Parable of the Ten Minas the Full Life! - to many interpreters of the Gospel, a At the table with his sublime visitor, he version of the Parable of the Talents, listened to Jesus with delight, despite the textual differences reflecting on how far removed from the between the two narratives.25 true path he had been. Wrapped in a

24 The expression son of Abraham, in the Jewish 25 Luke 19: 11-27 (The Parable of the Ten Minas) tradition, means heir of Heaven. and Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Bags of Gold).

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We can only imagine how beautiful wrote. Clearly, this is an unjustifiable those minutes were. opinion, that cannot withstand the Imagine how much brightness must slightest analysis when consulting the have washed over Zacchaeus, in those testimonial texts of those events. moments. The Acts of the Apostles registered: “In What worldly celebrations could those days Peter stood up among the possibly compare to that spiritual believers (a group numbering about a encounter? hundred and twenty) and said, Zacchaeus is one of those biblical ‘Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had characters about whom very little is to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit known. Apart from the episode spoke long ago through David reported by Luke, there are no other concerning Judas, who served as guide references to him in the Gospel. for those who arrested Jesus. (...) However, scholars of the New Therefore, it is necessary to choose Testament affirm that he left one of the men who have been with us everything behind in order to follow the whole time the Lord Jesus was Jesus. living among us, beginning from John’s Clement of Rome claimed that baptism to the time when Jesus was Zacchaeus became Simon Peter’s taken up from us. For one of these must traveling companion, and was later become a witness with us of his named Bishop of Caesarea by the resurrection.’” Capernaum Fisherman.26 Clement of So they nominated two men: Joseph Alexandria also asserted that he took called Barsabbas (also known as part in the ranks of the early Christian Justus) and Matthias. (...) Then they cast Church, and suggested that he lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he adopted the name of Matthias, leading was added to the eleven apostles.” many to falsely conclude that he (Acts 1:15-26 NIV) replaced Judas Iscariot in the Twelve.27 The reading above does not require And medieval legend identified him as much meditation to contest the idea Santo Amador, considered to be the that Zacchaeus was the 13th Apostle. It founder of the French sanctuary of assures us that, from the beginning, Rocamadour. both Joseph and Matthias took an Modern Historians of Christianity (some active part in Jesus' messianic life. of whom had devoted themselves to Zacchaeus, as we have seen, would studying the subject for decades) only meet Jesus during the Master's agree with many of these traditions. last trip to Jerusalem.28 These late traditions are of smaller Additionally, following this same line, historical value however, and we must Caesarea asserted: “Matthias, also, who disregard them if they don’t pass the was numbered with the apostles in the most rigorous of tests. place of Judas, and the one who was Today, some claim that Zacchaeus is honored by being made a candidate Matthias, the 13th Apostle based with him, are like-wise said to have entirely on what Clement of Alexandria been deemed worthy of the same

26 Homily III, 59 to 72. 28 Luke 19: 1-10. 27 Stromata IV, Cap. 6, § 35

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calling with the seventy.” And further The Spirit Humberto de Campos, in his on, he says: “First, then, in the place of remarkable book Boa Nova [Good Judas, the betrayer, Matthias, who, as News], psychographed by Francisco has been shown was also one of the Cândido Xavier, emphasizes that, at seventy-two, was chosen to the that time, Zacchaeus sought to use the apostolate.” (Caesarea, 60 and 66). money on behalf of all the people in his According to the excerpt transcribed life, pledging himself voluntarily to the above, Joseph and Matthias belonged Nazarene Master. to the group of the seventy disciples29, It is said that the former publican, that took place before Jesus and recognizing the needs of many families Zacchaeus met. Therefore, we must in his city, established multiple conclude: Zacchaeus is not Matthias, livestock and farming activities, the 13th Apostle. assisting many people in Jerusalem. And he is believed to have said to Although referenced as the source that Jesus: “The servants in my house never favored this interpretation, Clement of found me without the sincere Alexandria, far from making such willingness to serve them.” And the affirmation, simply declared: “It is said, Lord would have replied: “I’m pleased therefore, that Zacchaeus, or, with you, because we are all servants according to some, Matthew, the chief of our Father.” (Xavier 1984, 56). of the publicans, on hearing that the Humberto de Campos tells us that Lord had deigned to come to him, said Zacchaeus, delighted, introduced his ‘Lord, and if I have taken anything by children to Jesus at dinner time. Then, false accusation, I restore him fourfold’; after recounting the Parable of the on which the Savior said: ‘The Son of Talents, resting his generous gaze on man, on coming today, has found that the collector of Jericho, the Master of which was lost.’”30 Love proclaimed: “Blessed are you, Some adventurous scholars, however, good and faithful servant!” claim that Nathanael was the one who The Spirit Amelia Rodrigues, in her took the place of Judas Iscariot. It’s beautiful work Primícias do Reino important to note that, for most [Prelude to the Divine Kingdom], Christians, whether they are amateurs psychographed by the medium or scholars, Nathanael31 is identified as Divaldo Pereira Franco, tells us that the apostle Bartholomew32, an opinion Zacchaeus enjoyed helping to alleviate shared by us. the suffering of other people and Apart from these valid, but non- soothing their pain, and that he often essential historical disagreements, we helped the blind Bartimaeus. She also remain convinced that covenant adds, corroborating the tradition, that between Zacchaeus and Jesus Christ later on Zacchaeus “lead a flourishing took place then. Multiple spiritual Christian church in the lands of messages, brought through reliable Caesarea” - Caesarea Maritima. (Franco mediums, support this point of view. 1987, 144-5 and 149).

29 The Mission of the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:1-13) 31 Referred to in John 1: 45-51 and 21: 1-2. 30 Stromata IV, Cap. 6, § 35. 32 McKenzie 1965, 81.

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In a book narrated to Yvonne do Amaral And during the short time he still lived Pereira, Ressurreição e Vida thereafter, I followed in his footsteps, to [Resurrection and Life], Leo Tolstoy, in listen to and admire him. I did not hide a reverent tone, described his from the authorities, fearing censorship impressions when faced with or imprisonment, nor did I foster any Zacchaeus in the Spiritual world: “One prejudices, nor was I bother by the would say that I found myself in the vigilance of the Roman tyrants, or the presence of one of those disciples of spite of the followers of the Temple of the Nazarene; one of those who, Jerusalem (...) I knew, of course, of the anonymously, followed him in his resurrection that invigorated comings and goings through the everyone’s hopes... But I wasn’t able to foothills of Judea and the wheat plains see or listen to the Master again.” of Galilee.” And further ahead he (Pereira 2009, 19-20). presented a singular portrait of the The Gospels tell us that many shared a publican chief of Jericho: Serene, kind, meal with Jesus. And it’s well known tender countenance, still young. that many of those, were unable to Sparkling and searching eyes, as if fed seize such sacred opportunity. From by an invincible resolution ...” that point on, and at the price of The author of the classics War and renunciations and sacrifices, Peace, Anna Karenina, and Resurrection Zacchaeus learned how to overcome further stated that Zacchaeus, very the huge distance that separated him moved, spoke to a group of candidates from the Divine Guest. for reincarnation, narrating to them his Afonso Soares, friend and confidante of meeting with Jesus: “The goodness of Mrs. Yvonne do Amaral Pereira, told me the Galilean Master, while honoring me that the remarkable medium always with his visit and sharing a meal at my repeated that Zacchaeus, in his last home, even though I was an outcast earthly life, was the venerable Bezerra from society for being a tax collector, de Menezes.33 touched my heart forever, beloved Today, as a redeemed soul, he no ones, as you know. He acknowledged longer needs to come down to the my moral needs in order to encourage stage of our afflictions; he is a chosen me to do the Good. He penetrated, with of God. Coming down from the his unforgettable solicitude, the most Sycamore tree, home of human remote depths of my moral being; with illusions and vanities, Zacchaeus, the love of an Archangel, he defined all fearless, arm-in-arm with charity, the aspirations of my Spirit, me, a Son followed in the footsteps of he who is of God who was eager for something the Light of the World: Christ the sublime that would clarify his actions... Redeemer. And that’s how he won my heart for all the centuries to come... (...) No, I have Translated by: Barbara Hawksley (United States never abandoned him since that day he Spiritist Federation) passed through Jericho! I followed him.

33 Affonso Borges Gallego Soares is a former Pereira - Uma Heroína Silenciosa [Yvonne Pereira: a director of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation. Pedro Silent Heroine]. Camilo brings this revelation in his work: Yvonne

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Bibliography

Bauckham Richard. Jesus e as testemunhas oculares [Jesus and the eyewitnesses]. São Paulo: Paulus, 2011.

Caesarea, Eusebius of. Church History. https://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/03d/0265- 0339,_Eusebius_Caesariensis,_Church_History,_EN.pdf. Accessed on 02/01/2021.

Corassin, Maria Luiza. A Reforma Agrária na Roma Antiga. [Land Reform in Ancient Rome]. São Paulo: Brasiliense. 1988. Franco, Divaldo Pereira, from the Spirit Amélia Rodrigues. Primícias do Reino [Prelude to the Divine Kingdom - Leal Publisher, 2018]. Salvador: LEAL, 1987.

Gama, Ramiro. Lindos Casos de Bezerra de Menezes [Beautiful stories of Bezerra de Menezes]. São Paulo: LAKE, 2001.

McKenzie, John L. Dictionary of The Bible. The Bruce Publishing Company, New York: 1965.

Nicolet, Claude. “Un Ensayo de Historia Social: el Orden Ecuestre en las postrimerias de la Republica Romana”. Ordenes, Estamentos y classes: Coloquio de historia social Saint-Cloud [An Essay in Social History: the Equestrian Order in the Late Roman Republic. Orders, Estates and Classes: Saint-Cloud Social History Colloquium]. Madrid: Siglo Veintiuno. (24-25 de mayo de 1967: 36-51), 1978.

Pereira, Yvonne do Amaral, from the Spirit Leo Tolstoy. Ressurreição e Vida. [Ressurrection and Life]. Rio de Janeiro: FEB, 2009.

Salgado, Plínio. Vida de Jesus [Life of Jesus]. São Paulo: Voz do Oeste, 1978.

Xavier, Francisco Cândido, from the Spirit Humberto de Campos. Boa Nova [Good News]. Rio de Janeiro: FEB, 1984.

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EASTER DOSSIER The Calvary

Aluízio Ferreira Elias

Collaborator of the Spiritist Group Eurípedes Barsanulfo of Uberaba / Minas Gerais / Brazil.

Abstract

This text praises the lights of Christian Easter. It is a tragic poem inspired by the short story “The last temptation” by Humberto de Campos (Brother X), psychographed by Francisco Cândido Xavier. The verses recall Jesus' moral courage, his integral fidelity to God and his unconditional love for humanity. Everything expressed vividly, when [in an extreme gesture] he forgave the tormentors of the ordeal and the disciples that had abandoned him. The Calvary, in this way, remains a sign of Keywords Easter, spiritual bliss when the fire of the Gospel became more Calvary, Jesus, potent. To sing it today through poetry is to celebrate once Forgiveness. again the glory of love across the centuries.

Men's Choir

Free Barabbas! We want the warrior What good is the fight for the young pacifist More useful is the sword of the vigilante zealot That values brute force, war and conquest.

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The one who speaks of the kingdom but wears filthy cloak Despise gold and purple, refuse the good salary He doesn't know what fortune is, he will shrink the purse He seems not to care if the grain thrives and silver abounds.

To the carpenter the cross, the infamous wood For whoever does not wield the spear of victory And do not believe that all hunger is vexatious Deserves slow death and the piercing thorn.

Choir of Angels And so, raised to the cross in the lurid wood Christ, puffing out his chest in the extreme hour Seeks for the look of a companion Between grief and struggle [Lugubrious dilemma!]

Austere he contemplates the hysterical mob And before the vital force runs out of him He searches for a brother, a faithful disciple To the four winds he sends his final prayer

Christ Listen, Lord, to my most heartfelt weeping In the vile valley of men, where they delight I gave my peace to the world and, therefore, moved I plea: Forgive them! They don't know what they do! ...

But he only sees the rabble’s stampede The chaotic dispersal of the cowed troops And he suffers loneliness: that is the cruelest nail!

He was left with only John, esteemed disciple With him, his mother [Ah, candid lady!] But he recognizes a dog and its hostile growl That soon became a verb in tricky temptation Against the just victim who bleeds, sweats and cries Fingering the four fangs in the sublime heart.

Mephistopheles See, Shepherd, how witty the goat fold is Stray and frightened, oblivious to your sermon The one who denies you is your beloved on the morning stage The warning comes from a rooster: "Awaken, Simon!"

Beyond, contemplate the dead won by the weight From the tiny bag, containing three pennies Your Judas, so dear, is the one bouncing in stiffness And there are those who pass by, denying him prayers

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James, the Alpheus, we already lost sight of him Bartholomew, Philip: two hidden men And Matthew there is no clue of his whereabouts There are twelve boasters; just sad shapes They forget your name, the word spoken And they watch, but from a distance, the pain of your departure

Accept, Emmanuel, that you are now alone You have no friend here; you don't have the bread of affection Where are they, your most beloved group?! Yeah, come on! I'll give you comfort on my way.

Choir of Angels The ninth hour and the king is still captive to torture Is he succumbing?! Is he fainting?! But behold, he raises his forehead and exudes his bravery

Choir of Angels Mephistopheles, embarrassed, retreated He could not endure the glory of that heart Who tolerated the disturbed mob And resisted the lethal dart of temptation

Afterwards, the body lay in a deep cave The Being, however, returned to the deserved throne After having passed the last step From the pre-established harsh itinerary

And today, we inherit the fire of his courage That transmuted the cross of death into poetry

Translated by J. Korngold (United States Spiritist Federation)

Bibliography

XAVIER, Francisco C. (Brother X, Spirit). 2011. Contos e Apólogos. Rio de Janeiro: FEB.

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THE NEW GENERATION Spiritism with Children and young people

Cristiane Lenzi Beira

Cristiane Lenzi Beira - Writer and Speaker. Coordinator of the Study Group of the Psychological Series of Joanna de Ângelis and of the Spiritist Education of Children and Youth of the Sociedade Espírita Esperança (Spiritist Society Hope), in Amparo-SP. Abstract

Allan Kardec discusses education as the main factor of social transformation, particularly for ensuring that the biggest conflict-generating addictions - selfishness and pride - are eliminated. The Spiritist Codifier, however, highlights that he does not refer to formal education, received in the form of transmission of knowledge and information, but to moral education, that consists in the art of forming character. Planet Earth is approaching a new era, called regeneration, when a new society will emerge, built by what Spiritism called a “new generation” of spirits who reincarnate with the task of spreading charity, fraternity, benevolence towards everyone, tolerance for all beliefs and the innate feeling of good. For this, however, they rely on the guidance of the adults who are responsible for them, offering them, in addition to cognitive education, also (and perhaps predominantly) ethical and moral education, in order to prepare them, not to meet only the demands of the ego Keywords: family, and social projections, but mainly to experience the values moral education, new of Christ, building a more fraternal society, which prioritizes generation, the values of the spirit over those of matter. regeneration

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When analyzing the situation in which This corroborates Kardec's thinking human society was at the time, Allan about moral education as a means of Kardec, from the Spiritist point of view, building a more humanitarian society. defended the opinion that social For this process of changing values to balance and collective harmony will happen, however, it is essential that only be achieved through adequate obstacles such as “old-fashioned attention to education. While the institutions, reminiscences of another majority of thinkers of the time age, good for a certain time” (when it emphasized the role of the economy was believed, for example, that only as the main social balancing factor, intellectual intelligence would be the master of Lyon stated that this sufficient to guarantee general regulation – production x progress) be transposed, offering consumption – was not sufficient, with conditions for new forms of mentality, education being the real promoter of more ethical and conscious, to the changes required for collective emerge, with the purpose of harmony. But he stressed that the “elevating the feeling”, destroying education he was referring to was not “everything that overexcites them [in the one that sought only to human beings] selfishness and pride ”. disseminate information and ensure That is why, currently, the preparation the transmission of content. Kardec of new models of education has been referred to “moral education”, which considered a ruling factor for social transforms, awakens conscience, transformation and, in fact, in addition prepares the individual for the to cognitive teaching, there is a balanced and conscious use of free growing offer of projects to will, enables him or her to deal with complement the didactic ones, which emotions, restraining instincts and seek to develop socio-emotional skills atavisms and which, finally, “It and expand citizen awareness generates order” and “the habits of through reflections and ethical and order and forethought for themselves moral experiences. Schools are and their dependents. ” (KARDEC, preparing and equipping themselves 2002a, question 685a). to include this area of human development in their curriculum. With regard to the necessary social The OECD, when launching the Future transformation which generates a new of Education and Skills 2030 project, world, that of regeneration, Spiritism explains that it is essential that today's explains that this process develops education provides conditions for through the installation of a new children to “abandon the notion that generation which will be responsible resources are limitless and are there for an enormous progress: “that of to be exploited”. They also need to making charity, fraternity and understand the value of “common solidarity reign among themselves to prosperity, sustainability and well- ensure their moral well-being being”, and be prepared to take ”(KARDEC, 2002b, chap. XVIII, item 5). responsibility for collaborating rather

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than competing, thus ensuring “the their children through education. It is a sustainability for people, planet and task for them. They will become guilty peace, through partnership”1. if they fail in their performance.” Beyond the school environment, and (KARDEC, 2002a, question 208). Are perhaps even more important, it is the parents, especially Spiritists, facing attention to the family context, where, the current globalized situation, in in fact, most of a child’s psychological which values such as possession, development takes place, emotional status, appearance, power and ego education comes to life, and are prioritized, aware of their true important factors that influence a mission? Would they have the more humanized and ethical world strength to “swim against the current” develops. It is because of this that the and guarantee their children a moral spiritual benefactors, in our time, warn education, even if this attitude is us about greater care for families. contrary to the standards established Joanna de Ângelis warns us about the by the collective mass? It seems that situation in which we find ourselves: modern society prefers to see “the family fell apart, the domestic children grow up to conquer the communion was upset, the collective world, in terms of social projection, shadow came to dominate the meeting the demands of the ego, sanctuary of the home and other than to prepare them to carry disintegration replaced the union” out the task that they have as spirits, (FRANCO, 2014, p 63). How would it be responsible for collaborating with possible, then, in face of this collective and altruistic transfor- observation, to create a new mations, attributed to the new regenerated society, if its foundation - generation. Therefore, it is important the families - are unstructured and, that adults - references in the consequently, relatively inadequate children's world - become aware of for the formation of the new their participation and responsibility generation? while there is time, so that they will not regret, in the future, when they come Spiritism affirms that parents exercise to terms with what really matters in “great influence” on their children and life: “the treasures of heaven” that “their mission is to develop [...] (Matthew, 6:20).

Translated by: Carina De Micheli / Clezio Eustáquio Pinto de Freitas

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Bibliography

1 OECD. The future of education and skills - Education 2030. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/education/2030/E2030%20Position%20Paper%20(05.04.2 018).pdf. Accessed on: 25 Jan 2021. FRANCO, D. P. Psychology of Gratitude, 3rd ed, by the Spirit Joanna de Ângelis. Salvador: Leal, 2014. KARDEC, A. The Spirits’ Book, 83 ed. Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian Spiritist Federation, 2002a. KARDEC, A. Genesis, 43 ed. Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian Spiritist Federation, 2002b.

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CONVERSATIONS FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE Expected Change for Humanity

From the Spirit Aura Celeste

Message received by the medium Alexandre Pereira on 09/23/2020,

in the city of Rio de Janeiro / RJ.

My children,

May Jesus bless and keep us always, my children! Recently our friend and mentor, Bezerra de Menezes, brought us an invitation from Celina to attend a recommendation that would be given to the workers of our Holy Mother. The noble emissary told us that, in carrying out the work in the field to implement the Gospel in people’s hearts, we need to think that the present time proposes that we change the tools used to treat the soil and make great plants sprout, which one day will bear the fruits of Regeneration on Earth. And she clarified that we are like the farmer who had been cultivating a soil for many years and was invited to move to another planting location. Initially, he was upset and saddened, as he already knew the land and its characteristics with great mastery. However, he was soon filled by the spirit of the challenge that was proposed by the Lord. After moving to another location, he saw that the old tools no longer worked, that it was necessary to clean up the soil and till deeper to reach the nutrients that would make the plants grow. Then the effort and the sweat, the tears and the apprehensions grew. In the end, however, Celina narrated, because of the new tools the soil multiplied a hundredfold, as it did not know the vices of the old one. It did not know the

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farmer’s complacency, it gave in easier to those seeds that were brought and it shared the intention to allow growth. Thus, the emissary of the Holy Mother said, this work for goodness that all are dedicated to, of bringing the Gospel to people, will grow with new tools, bring joy to the farmer, and the barns will be small to hold the abundant harvest. My children, let yourselves be the farmers working hard for the new moment and guarantee your role working for the Lord. Jesus expects from us tears of work and the joyful days to come.

May Jesus keep us, my children. Your sister,

Adelaide Augusta Câmara (Aura Celeste)

Adelaide Augusta Câmara (Natal, 1874 - Rio de Janeiro, 1944) was one of the most notorious women in Spiritism in Brazil. Her first manifestations as a medium appeared around 1898, at the time when Bezerra de Menezes directed the future of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation. It was under his guidance that she began her psychographic work as a medium. Shortly after, other faculties would emerge such as trance communication, hearing, seeing, and healing mediumship. She also had the remarkable faculty of bicorporeality, which allowed her to travel in an out of the body experience, under which circumstances it was possible to visualize her perispirit healing infirmities in different locations in Brazil. She left remarkable spiritist literary work, both in prose and verse, signed with the pseudonym for which she is most well-known: Aura Celeste. (Editors’ note)

Translated by: Clezio Eustáquio Pinto de Freitas / Carina De Micheli

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SPIRITISM AND SOCIETY The literary Legacy of Suely Caldas Schubert

Humberto Schubert Coelho

Worker of the Spiritist Society Spring. [email protected]

It is with great pleasure that I write, for most inclusive among all religious the very first time, about the literary cultures – assuming that at least legacy of Suely Caldas Schubert. My culturally the Spiritist Movement perspective both as a grandson and expresses itself pretty much as a an attendee of the same Spiritist religious movement – it is also true Center for most of my life that the Brazilian social scene from characterize a very peculiar starting the 1970’s to 1990’s was not that point for this essay; a starting point inviting and stimulating to that will condition unique advantages unaccompanied women willing to and disadvantages, but we assume as travel to all corners. What would have been impossible decades before, in an opportunity to offer some addition the last third part of the 20th century to what we already know about the might have seemed natural to many, author and her work. nevertheless it was not comfortable They are collectively known as fair, for those who accepted this for several reasons, the appraisal and challenge, since this was the function analysis of the impact of Suely of those who were stronger and more Schubert’s work to the Spiritist determined. Some of the barriers to Movement. the female sex that today we First of all, it is worth mentioning the precisely identify were not even pioneering of this who was perhaps noticed, such was the naturalness the most prominent female speaker. with which truly tacit prejudices were Although the Spiritist culture is the sustained, nearly unconscious.

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To these invisible challenges and presentation of Suely Schubert’s constraints not that imperceptible of literature. As she says herself – that time personal difficulties were having, at first, refused to answer my added to them. Both financial and questions on this matter – a person household life required specific care, has their flaws and limitations, and and between prolific writing and the much of their merits let us notice, activities in the Spiritist Society more closely the presence of a great Joanna de Ângelis or Aliança number of friends and collaborators Municipal Espírita in Juiz de Fora (a of Spiritism. Still used to the city in the Brazilian state of Minas prominence of individuals, Gerais) difficulty in time management sometimes we forget that almost was natural. The most serious of the every work has also a suitable writer’s duties, however, was spiritual environment, strong institutions and assistance. Famous for her the support of a large number of theoretical-practical knowledge figures whose sweat remains hidden about disobsession, know or unknow behind the scenes. On the other hand, people, local or from far, sought her in the work has its own life, and their the hope of some relief for their merits are objective, they are there for afflictions usually connected to universal appraisal. mediumship, but, sometimes, of other By and large, one can describe kinds as well. Suely’s literature as intimate, since it It was common to get to my exposes frankly personal positions grandmother’s house, whether with and angles, without showing any an appointment or casually, and find concern in impressing the reader. One people who would bring many and can exactly read what the author most of the time severe personal thinks, and what she thinks is usually problems. We were aware that some linked to the use or benefit that the people would call late at night text might have. Its style is elegant desperate seeking help and spiritual and informal. The natural beauty of assistance to a son in crisis, spiritual the author does not slip in Hermetism, harassment or mental disorder. Not and the text raises without hindering infrequently she would drop her reading. Suely’s personality is utterly chores and take a taxi, whenever averse to intrigue, sensationalism, possible or from her home, at the affection and rhetorical artifices that phone, prayed with the person and aim at shock, causing the text to provided enlightenment about the diverge, therefore, from a experienced events. considerable part of recent Spiritist Something else worthy of mention is literature. the foundation of many mediumship Contrary to what many think before groups, all over Brazil and some actually reading her books, they are abroad. A reference in mediumship, entirely authored and not people sought her when they did not psychographic, but she registers succeed in the formation of inspiration in all her texts, some more mediumship meetings and took the than others. As is typical of inspired opportunity of a lecture to have her as mediums, the schedule established a “consultant” or “guide” in the for writing is often tricked into mediumship practice. spontaneous outbreaks of ideas, Such idiosyncrasies, however, serve which may occur at any time, even us here only as preamble to the

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asleep, leading her to record these character and great usefulness of the thoughts sometimes immediately. work. Obsessão/Desobsessão Francisco Thiesen, who prefaces the (Obsession/Disobsession), the first book, wrote: “This compendium chosen piece for our consideration avoids excessive theorization and around Suely’s work in the Spiritist unprofitable innovation, focusing on culture, not only exemplifies the information and enlightenment, above-mentioned characteristics but instruction and comfort, adapting and synthesizes the author’s kardecian dosing the teachings according to the vision. Separated into short topics that development of an intelligent script cover the fundamental definitions, allied to the needs of disobsession” problems and the functioning of (Suely 1981). obsession processes and Indeed, the book brings together the disobsession therapies, this book rare conditions of unpretentiousness reflects both the didactic purpose and high quality. Its eminently and and the analytical atomism of Kardec. comforting practical purpose In 1978, Suely was director of the manifests itself in the call of self- Department of Mediumship conscious and moral examination, Orientation at Aliança Municipal without which any formula is mere Espírita in Juiz de Fora and, noticing a outward rite. However, it does not fall permanent demand for instruction into the very frequent vices of naive and debate about disobsession spiritist discourses, such as fussiness practice, she organized a workshop. and the sugary view of the picture. For this workshop – and predicting The reader experiences anguish the future usefulness of similar work vividly, the pitfalls and risks involved – she wrote a booklet with over 50 in the painful process, but also pages. As previously highlighted, the glimpses, in the Wake of Kardec, formative trajectory provided by the Denis and other great references of family and the Spiritist Center were the Spiritist philosophy, that the fundamental to create this pebbles on the way are also the mediumship specialization. One of material in which experienced souls her grandmothers was already a pave the road to ascension. Spiritist and medium since the 19th I must confess my personal century, and the Spiritist center Ivon preference for the eighth chapter, Costa had gathered between 1960 “The enslavement of the thought”, and 1970 an extraordinary team of that highlights the responsibility of workers that to this day much is said the partners (obsessor and obsessed) when it comes to their diversity of in this stormy relationship. talents and great dedication, Alongside Obsession/Disobsession, emphasizing their mediumistic group. which has become a classic on this Both seminar and booklet were very topic and has firmly consolidated well received by those who were Suely’s reputation as a specialist in present, and the news spread, getting obsession and disobsession, her two to FEB (Federação Espírita Brasileira) biographical works have experienced itself. The then president of FEB unusual success. Francisco Thiesen would have Meanwhile, Suely and Thiesen commented to her that this material became friends, and the latter deserved to be transformed into a conceived the idea of handing her a book, emphasizing the its original collection of letters from Chico Xavier

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so she could write an analysis of facts that it presents, which makes them. The presidency of FEB was this biography unique. assumed by Wantuil de Freitas, who In the preface, for instance, Suely accumulated extensive writes: correspondence with Chico between “The battles, the pain, the 1943 and 1964. At first, Suely declined persecutions are intimate this invitation, but after the insistence companions of the medium and tear of Thiesen she reconsidered. his body and soul, sticking deep scars. The extremely favorable reception of They are the “marks of Christ” that Chico Xavier’s Testimonies Paul, the Apostle, tells us. (Testemunhos de Chico Xavier) by the His greatest book is his life, which is public was due, perhaps, to that same written page after page with the ink of intimate tone that the author skillfully his own sweat, with suffering and uses to build synesthetic frames that tears in the sacrificial journey to which bring herself, the reader and the he was imposed. However, he does it biographical subject closer. Her with love and for love. His captivating personality and some psychographic and charitable work is hitherto unknown details of the life of the most eloquent lesson of this great medium certainly Spiritism.” (Suely 1991, 19) contribute to make this book fascinating, but Suely’s greater The book O semeador de estrelas (The literary achievement is to have the stars’ sower) takes advantage of the reader in a “relationship” with Chico same benefits of approach, being also Xavier, while the text overflows the cast by the privileges of a closer and author’s own presence, whose lasting relationship between the veneration by the biographical author and the biographical subject, subject is unequivocal. Divaldo Pereira Franco. Therefore, significant portion of the Here it is worth making another book’s strength has to do with the historical-biographic digression. ability to construct a narrative that Suely began to attend the youth of expresses admiration without the Spiritist Center Ivon Costa when sounding idolatrous, and which is she was 14 years old. Most of its both a description and an encomium. members, who had invited her, were Despite the fine and elaborated style, 18. After two years, she started doing Suely’s psychological intimacy leads her first studies, two of which marks us to feel Chico’s subjectivity, which a her personally: “Pioneers of the journalistic tone or a chronicle could Spiritism since Swedenborg” and hardly offer. Compared to other texts “Types of Mediumship”. We must about personal stories and Chico notice that she already had a taste for Xavier’s life cases – and there are the fundamental topics of her work at many excellent ones – Testemunhos that age, the historical-biographical (Testimonies) impresses us by what is analysis and mediumship. said about Chico. Clearly what the Shortly afterwards, being aware of a text reveals us about Chico Xavier’s new speaker of extraordinary talent psychic intimacy is already a through a Spiritist periodical, Suely construction of Suely’s look, but a decided to write to this young and plausible construction, persuasive by famous speaker to schedule an virtue of quality and depth of the interview. With this simple letter a interpretation of the spiritist-christian

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friendship of more than half a century behind his public face, as it had began between Suely and Divaldo. occurred with Testimonies Every time Divaldo went to Juiz de (Testemunhos de Chico Xavier). In Fora he was guest at my other words, without exaggeration grandmother’s house – and here, and praise, the biographies did not particularly, it is appropriate to use the intend to present cold descriptions of intimate written style so dear to Suely a historian, but to erect monuments of to present the picture the way I recognition to these figures through myself experienced from an early facts, important to her and the Spiritist age. Suely used to cook a special community. lunch and we would all gather on the There is a passage that catches my day of the lecture or the next morning. eye in O semeador de estrelas (The It was a family and spiritual moment Stars’ Sower). Divaldo questions since the lively and gentle nature of Joanna de Ângelis, maybe with a hint the great medium and speaker had an of embarrassment or resentment, impact on all of us. due to her neat writing, and she This friendship – or, possibly, a prior answers: relationship to the meeting itself – “Spiritism is, above anything, a also caused some kind of proximity doctrine of culture and we must not between Suely and Joanna de adopt slangs or vulgar language to Ângelis, who probably inspired the make the conversation level easier. writing of the book. She is extremely Let us use a language that raises the reserved regarding contacts with this being’s level of understanding. When Spirit, but it is impossible not to people were primitive, they grunted. observe her devotion to Joanna de The trend toward civilization gave Ângelis and the impression of them the vocabulary, the beauty and sublimity that her presence causes in the construction of sentences. The the author. level of evolution of the individual is Before even finishing this book, Suely measured by the way they express was in contact with Divaldo and other oneself. Not only the way, but also the people who could offer cases and content, nevertheless, it is important stories. The overall impression of the way we dress the idea.” (Suely Divaldo was that this book would add 1998, 15-16) little, but my grandmother was At a time that education is sinking, and always notoriously insistent and, once information abounds disorderly and she was convinced, she knew how to with no guideline, it may seem get things her way. Facing the final extreme elegance or whim this care result Divaldo would have said “Suely, to the language, to its form. However, I am flattered and touched, but this if we consider that all skilled and person you describe is an idealization capable souls best utilize all tools at of yours. You idealized me. I wish I hand, notoriously the science and the were like that”. art that the genius of the great Spirits She did not told me about her answer, knows how to tame and put at the and I am not even aware if she even service of collective elevation, it answered at all, but I do think that in should not surprise us that the spiritist addition to the praise of the figure of literature (the good, original one...) use Divaldo Franco she knew that the the most refined styles, without loss book was intended to expose the of objective and practicality. virtue and greatness of the worker

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In the end, we notice that the two original meaning, we have various major themes approached by Suely’s notions about whether a supposed pen have a strong and inevitable “lack of mediumship” or excessive connection. Her biographical subjects care and worry that move people are mediums, and their biographies away from mediumistic practice, as if tell of their lives as mediums, it were hermetic and unnatural, or examples of lucidity and moral even magical visions and elevation. However, it is crucial to opportunistic mediumship as self- observe that Suely’s work does not promotion or a way to ascend deviate or move away from what is socially. For these evils, now more the central concern of the life of the than ever, Suely Schubert’s work has author, mediumship as a fundamental the role of a medicine, both pillar of the spiritist life. preventive and curative. Today, as our understanding of mediumship has lost part of its

Translated by Camila Farah Lopes (United States Spiritist Federation)

Bibliography

SCHUBERT, Suely C. 1981. Obsessão Desobsessão (Obsession Disobsession). Rio de Janeiro: FEB. SCHUBERT, Suely C. 1998. O semeador de estrelas (The stars’ sower). Salvador: Alvorada Editora. SCHUBERT, Suely C. 1998. Testemunhos de Chico Xavier (Testimonies). Brasília: FEB.

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INTERVIEW Suely Caldas Schubert

Dear Suely, thank you very much for giving us this interview. The Revue Spirite is very grateful and honored that you have accepted sharing your vast experience as a spiritist, medium, writer, in short, as an active participant (practically from birth), on many fronts, in this Movement that belongs to Jesus:

1 - Having been born in a spiritist family, what is your first memory regarding the teachings or spiritist conduct? I remember that when I was four or five years old, my dear mother Zélia, at night, used to put her three daughters to bed. She would then sit very close to us, and we would repeat a little prayer that she taught us. After a while we knew it by heart. Many years later, I discovered that this prayer, number 39, was part of the Collection of Spiritist Prayers contained in The Gospel According to Spiritism, to be said at bedtime. It was a huge emotion, I could see that Mom had read it and taught us, with great love.

2 - What do you believe are the main challenges that spiritist mediums face in the exercise of their faculty? There are many challenges, starting with the first signs of the blossoming of this faculty. When such signs occur naturally, soon the medium will have an immediate understanding of the process and will then look for anyone who can guide him or her, thus being led to a Spiritist Center. This is the moment when the medium begins to experience his or her commitment, assumed before the current reincarnation. Over the years the mediums will have to face many challenges, the most necessary and important being their moral transformation. When facing challenging situations, the medium should remember that to be a spiritist one must think and act like a spiritist.

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3 - What are the experiences that most impacted you in the exercise of your mediumship? At the age of nine, I started reading my father's spiritist books, little novels, then I started reading some new ones by the spirit Emmanuel; I'm talking about the 1940s. But I was always (and still am) a compulsive reader, and I also read other non-spiritist authors. Later on, at the Spiritist Center Ivon Costa (Juiz de Fora MG), working as a spiritist educator, on Sunday mornings, for some time, I also participated in the Ivon Costa Youth Study group. I was only 16 years old, but the other participants were older, with ages varying from 20 to 25 years. At that time, I was told that the Mentor of the House, in giving orientation to the Center’s President, indicated that I should start applying passes, and so it happened. I had no problem or impediment carrying out this function, one task that I still carry on until today. At the same time, I started reading and studying fluids, thought, passes, etc. Studies that I’ve never stopped.

But I knew, deep inside, that my task would be related to dealing with cases of obsession, hence my studies, over the years focused on the topic of obsession / disobsession, not only that but also working in this area, in specific meetings. This was what led me, 25 years later, to write my first book, Obsession / Disobsession, Spiritist prophylaxis and therapy. I still continue in my work as a medium in the meetings of disobsession - for over 60 years now – and also in providing assistance in cases of obsession to obsessed people. I have been also constantly working, specifically, in assisting spiritist institutions in general.

I would like to emphasize something fantastic: in these decades of weekly work in mediumistic meetings, one meeting was never the same as the other; they are all absolutely different. The spiritual team is responsible for programming them, hence the fact that we do not know what will happen each week, giving us surprising teachings.

4 - What recommendation would you give to those people who really want to be ostensive mediums so that they can see / hear the Spirits? May the mediums be attentive as they will mainly hear and see – when this is the case - the malevolent, inferior, needy, malicious spirits, including those with the purpose of harming them. Rarely the mediums will hear and see spirits of higher elevation, although they may perceive the presence of their spiritual Guide, their Protector, and, perhaps, some disincarnated relatives. But, be aware: the contact with evolved spirits will only happen when the mediums are engaged with the work in the field of Good, in the Vineyard of the Lord Jesus. This is our commitment, which will rescue us from our dark past.

5 - If your hands spoke, what would they say? Let’s apply passes as long as the forces may allow us.

6 - From your long contact with the mediums Chico Xavier and Divaldo Franco, could you tell us an episode, with each one, that you keep with special affection? We went me and my husband to Uberaba to personally meet our dearest Chico Xavier. When he saw me for the first time, in his current life, he looked at me, while I was approaching him and said my name and the reason why

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I went there. Surprisingly he also said the name of the Spirit who was present, confirming that he was the one who had dictated the text of the message I had psychographed. I was filled with great emotion and joy. I couldn’t even speak, I only hugged him. Then Chico said my husband's name and hugged him with great affection. The year was 1960. Regarding our beloved friend Divaldo, who gave us the honor of being our guest for more than fifty years, I don't even know what to say, because I would have so much to tell. He saw my children grow up, as he came to Juiz de Fora annually, where I reside. I just know that time has passed in a flash, and when we realized it, it was over. Was it a dream? I do not know.

7 - What message would you like to send to the mediums that are part of our Movement? I work in the field of mediumship with Jesus, according to the Spiritist Doctrine, with great love. Persistence, study, responsibility in the assumed tasks, are essential. Try to understand that it is not easy to work as a team, we are not used to it, so be patient and respect the ideas of the companions who still have not achieved what you already know. And remember, you are a medium, wherever you are and at all times.

8 - How would you characterize the ideal Spiritist Center, in these times of inevitable individual and collective struggles? These are indeed very complicated times, times of testimonies. The ideal Spiritist Center will be the one that has the Codification of Allan Kardec as the priority goal, combined with the bestowal of comfort and enlightenment as proposals of the Gospel of Jesus. In addition, it would be the Spiritist Center that will keep the doors open to the needy of all shades, without any prejudice, trying to make love permeate all hearts and throughout the House, bringing to mind the House of the Way where Peter, John and James started assisting the needy. It is crucial to take special care of the spiritist education of children, youth and adults. Public meetings, with lectures by speakers that address current issues, however, taking care to transmit the principles of the Spiritist Doctrine based on the guidelines of the Gospel, are also important, as well as study groups. It is also worth to maintain a fraternal approach with other spiritist institutions. The mediumistic group should adopt the criteria of mediumship based on The Mediums' Book and faithful supplementary works on this subject. We would still have a lot to add as recommendations.

9- We know that people who are indebted to one another often work in the same ranks, inside the Spiritist Houses, so that, in the service on behalf of Jesus, they may learn to overcome their own difficulties. What message would you give to these good workers, who so often become discouraged, when they encounter incomprehension, lack of respect and the difficulty, theirs or on the part of others, in overcoming these relationship problems? As I mentioned before, we are not used to working as a team, however, when we become volunteers in a Spiritist House, we are faced with this possibility, we get in contact with people we did not know until then, which represents a very important way of learning. We should maintain tolerance, understanding and respect when difficulties arise, always bearing in mind that our work, however

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small, is for Jesus. However, it is good to remember that we also meet people with whom we are attuned, that we immediately feel as if we already know them, feeling joy in being together in the blessed work of Good. This will counterbalance the other side, teaching us to become closer to the other companions, in a fine process of learning in the sublime exercise of loving.

10 - If you had to adopt a daily motto never to be overcome by discouragement, what would it be? For some years I have always present, at any time, the thought: "God is here. God is present.”

11 - What is the spiritist theme that you still continue loving the most? God, Jesus, Spiritism and the Gospel of Jesus, with the same love I had at the beginning.

12 - If you could evoke a Spirit, as in Kardec's time, who would evoke? And what question would you ask this Spirit? I would evoke the missionary of the Third Revelation, Allan Kardec himself, in order to express my heartfelt gratitude for the magnificent work he accomplished, enriching the Codification of Spiritism, with his comments and developments on innumerable questions in The Spirits' Book. I would say, then, that my recognition and appreciation led me to idealize an "interview" based on his own words and considerations, that I presented in my book "Interviewing Allan Kardec". Receive my eternal gratitude. KARDEC, THANK YOU!

13- What is your vision of the Spiritist Movement today? And what should be, in your opinion, the commitment of each one, individually and collectively, to make it, as much as possible, exemplary? This is a very difficult period, as Emmanuel says, in one of his notable messages: “House under renovation”, which is Planet Earth. This, therefore, is the moment of the great transition, and we, spiritists, are aware of this. The Spirits' Book, starting on question 776, enlighten us about the Law of Progress. The commitment that each individual has made is very important in his or her own evolutionary journey. May we do our part, with love and perseverance, taking care to preserve the paradigms of Spiritism, i.e. of all the Codification bequeathed by Allan Kardec. The Spiritist Movement is currently very troubled. Social networks bring a large number of doctrinal confusions, without criteria and without respect. Certain opinions and accusations are astonishing; fortunately, on the other hand, we find opinions, clarifications and bases that bring respite to our souls. During a long period of my life, I had the privilege to meet and live with some of the most respected names of our Spiritist Movement. Recalling here: Francisco Thiesen, Hermínio Miranda, Altivo Ferreira, Deolindo Amorim, Cecília Rocha, Juvanir Borges de Souza, Jorge Andrea dos Santos, Nilson de Souza Pereira, Rubens Romanelli, José Martins Peralva, Nestor João Masotti, Maria Cecília Paiva, and many others. But Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, also believe in me.”

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In the depths of our soul, with all love and also with gratitude, let us remain confident and full of hope, working and serving without dismaying, in the work to which we have been called, in the Vineyard of Jesus. To conclude we would like to acknowledge the blessed work that you, my dear friends, brothers and sisters, are doing, allowing our beloved REVUE SPIRITE to be reborn, making our Spiritist Movement bigger. I imagine that our beloved Allan Kardec, from above, is greeting you. May Jesus bless you. Gratitude always. Suely Caldas Schubert 11/05/2020

Translated by J. Korngold - USSF

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