Ben Stevenson

"Ian Bradley" <ianbradley@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:KvlJa.1824$nG4.1783@newsfep4-winn.server.ntli.net...
>
> "WIL" <wilspam@postmaster.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:c8e619e9.0306220618.1a952bf9@posting.google.c om...
> > "Ian Bradley" <ianbradley@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:<62fJa.1520$nG4.891@newsfep4-winn.server.ntli.net>...
> > > "WIL" <wilspam@postmaster.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > news:c8e619e9.0306211504.1082f1c6@posting.google.c om...
> > > > I have studied spiritualism , particularly the SNU version for the
> > > > last 3 going on 4 years
> > > >
> > > > The big question is
> > > > IS it for real?
> > >
> > > Sure is, why would you think otherwise?
> >
> > As i said, ive studied for going on 4 years. Ive hoovered up umpteen
> > of the course notes. H1 h2 h3 h4 sd 1 sd2 g2 g3 plus. Most of these ,
> > apart from the spelling errors are very worthwhile education wise.
> > The principles of the Union, the running of the churches, the training
> > of mediums, healers, circles, development in general and specific, the
> > history of the Union, of spiritualism etc
> >
> > BUT im not seeing it in practise. And when i have suggested, hinted
> > pointed out the folks dont want to know.
>
> Lol, like banging your head against a brick wall eh? I know what you
> mean, church committees are notoriously conservative and resistant
> to change.
>
> > > > I see lots on paper that i agree with but I see little in reality
that
> > > > i do.
> > > >
> > > > Whats your take on the SNU?
> > > >
> > > > THis is not a trolls question
> > > >
> > > > WIL
> > > >
> > > > PS just in case
> > > > send opinions to my email addy direct.
> > >
> > > The S.N.U. is an umbrella organisation under which the majority
> > > of churches in the UK operate, there are formal guidelines for the
> > > churches to follow, but in reality there is leeway under which a
> > > church may operate.
> >
> > Leeway is ok but overt christianity is turning people off in droves.
>
> We had this conversation here about a week ago and I must admit
> that I agree, there are Christian Spiritualist churches for those that
> want all the trappings, but many, many S.N.U. churches that you
> would swear were Christian based.
>
> > > I think the S.N.U. does a pretty good job in itself, but unfortunately
> > > has some rotten churches under it which need some serious sorting
> > > out.
>
> > Agreed. I have been to Stansted hall a good few times and the folks
> > there are genuine. Like going home is the only way i can describe it.
> >
> > > That's not a fault of the church but of those that run it, and
sometimes
> > > the S.N.U. will intervene and take over the running of a church.
> >
> > Sometimes doesnt seem to be good enough. Short of a witchhunt
> > I reckon that a concerted effort to purge the christianity is in order.
>
> Hmm, I think that would be divisive and much more trouble than it's
> worth, there are enough problems within individual churches without
> creating an us and them situation.
>
> > > I'm more interested in why you feel as you do, what happened that
> > > took the gloss off for you?
> >
> > christianity and the associated nonsense that goes along with it.
> > perfecting the connection to spirit should be the norm but as ive seen
> > perfecting the art of pretending is more prevalent.
> > from the heart and not from the ego.
> >
> > As for my study i decided to give it 3 years. At present im wrestling
> > with the IS it for real question. On paper is one thing but in
> > practise is the most important test.
>
> I'm still not sure what you mean by is it for real? are you referring
> to mediumship and spirit communication? I would have thought three
> years would have been long enough to convince you of that?
>
> > Ive been studying and honing my abilities most of my life, my
> > foundation was in Zen and maybe im being too harsh but we cant be
> > strict enough when it comes to our making sure that the spirits
> > working with and through us are of good intention.
> > Ive seen a lot of people who dont realise that they are being
> > deluded.
>
> I totally agree, there are no end of people actively working with their
> "guides" who are in reality completely bogus, people are taught to
> make a link but little attention is given to discerment and what to
> look out for.

I'm wandering which "guides"are you talking about here. Human guides
(priests etc) or spirit guides. And why do you say they're bogus.

> It seems most want only the good stuff without having to experience
> the down side, life doesn't treat us like that so why should the normal
> brand of Spiritualism wrap us up in cotton wool and keep us
> ignorant?
>
> > the internal debate continues.
> >
> > WIL
>
> Nothing wrong with that, debate away
>
> Ian.
>
>