The correct spelling of the word "Spiritist" is often mistakenly rendered as "Spiritualist." The word refers to a belief in communication with spirits of the dead through a medium. The spelling can be understood through the pronunciation key, or IPA, which demonstrates that the "i" in the middle of the word is short, unlike the "i" in "Spiritualist." It is pronounced /ˈspɪr.ɪ.tɪst/ and is often used to describe practitioners of spiritism or those who believe in communication with the afterlife.
A Spiritist is an individual who adheres to the philosophy and beliefs of Spiritism. Spiritism is a spiritualistic doctrine that originated in the 19th century, primarily in France, and was codified by Allan Kardec, a French educator and writer. Followers of Spiritism, known as Spiritists, embrace the concept that human beings possess a spirit or soul that survives physical death and can communicate with spirits in the afterlife.
Spiritists believe in the existence of a supreme being, often referred to as God, who governs the universe and its laws. They also contend that spirits, both benevolent and malevolent, exist and interact with the physical world, influencing human lives. Spiritists seek to communicate with these spirits through mediums, individuals believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirit realm.
Furthermore, the philosophy of Spiritism encompasses moral principles, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, self-improvement, and the practice of charity. Spiritists believe in the process of reincarnation, advocating that the soul undergoes multiple lifetimes in order to achieve spiritual evolution and moral perfection.
Spiritism gained popularity globally, with Spiritist organizations and societies being established in numerous countries. Spiritists often engage in study groups, discussions, and practices such as meditation and prayer in order to deepen their understanding of the spiritual dimensions and promote spiritual development.
The word "Spiritist" is derived from the term "Spiritism". The term "Spiritism" was coined by French educator and philosopher Allan Kardec in the mid-19th century. Kardec developed and organized the principles and practices of communicating with spirits, which he called "Spiritism".
The term "Spirit" in "Spiritism" refers to the belief in the existence of an invisible world inhabited by spirits or discarnate entities. These spirits are believed to be able to communicate with the living through mediums. The suffix "-ist" in "Spiritist" denotes a person who adheres to or practices a particular belief or ideology. Thus, a "Spiritist" refers to an individual who believes in and follows the teachings and practices of Spiritism.