Coherence and Method

 

Coherence and Method

 

Marco Milani

 

Text published in the Revista Dirigente Espírita – ed. 197, Sep/Oct 2023, p. 27-28

 

The doctrinal coherence within Spiritism is characterized by the agreement and connection with the fundamentals of Spiritism, therefore, it is linked to the understanding and expression of the theoretical body that identifies Spiritist Doctrine itself. Initially, the doctrinal principles were presented following the method proposed by Allan Kardec, based on the generality and convergence of information. Dubious issues, lacking proper validation, were to await until new facts emerged to ensure full acceptance or refutation.

 The simultaneity and absence of mutual influence among sources are scientific precautions that Kardec was already concerned with when adopting the criterion of universality, as observed in item 99, Chapter II, of the work 'What is Spiritism.'

 "When the same principle is taught in many points by different Spirits and mediums who are strangers to each other and free from identical influences, one can conclude that it is closer to the truth than that which emanates from a single source and is contradicted by the majority."

 A single source in mediumistic interchange is an opinion, which may or may not be fair, requiring verification through observable facts or validation from sources that do not mutually influence or correlate due to origin, thereby biasing the process.

 The methodological diligence for the production and validation of Spiritist knowledge demands, therefore, the adoption of criteria that prevent premature acceptance or refutation of mediumistically transmitted content, regardless of the mediums involved.

 Kardec foresaw an open discussion on points without consensus, assuming that the majority would legitimize guidance on interpretative divergences and, within this framework, also anticipated an organ (Central Commission) that would be subject to collective scrutiny in regular congresses, competent to analyze new principles susceptible to enter the body of doctrine.

Currently, it is a challenge to seek widespread agreement and validation of new doctrinal knowledge, as a structural characteristic of the Spiritist movement, whether local, national, or global, is precisely the absence of hierarchized networks with legitimate authority to validate and incorporate new principles and concepts into the Spiritist theoretical body.

Since the emergence of the first Spiritist groups, peculiarities have been observed in each of them worldwide, stemming from the degree of understanding and doctrinal maturity of their members and leaders. Kardec acknowledged this situation and always prioritized substance over form, respecting common sense. Simultaneously, Kardec urged adherents to doctrinal care, highlighting that it was the duty of all sincere Spiritists to repudiate and disavow ideas and practices that could compromise Spiritism so as not to become accomplices and provide weapons to adversaries.

Coherence, therefore, is a concept underlying what Kardec termed as a sincere adherent. However, coherent behavior depends on what the adherent comprehends and practices based on the doctrinal theoretical body and, primarily, on what this individual accepts as valid Spiritist knowledge.

There is only one Spiritism, but varying degrees of doctrinal maturity, alongside diverse individual interests, may lead speeches and practices to assume specific contours that might mislead an inattentive observer into supposing the existence of variations of Spiritism. Mistakenly, doctrine might be confused with adherents.

By validating sources and references that deviate from the method that promoted the internal consistency of Spiritist Doctrine, the adherent tends to generate conceptual conflicts and confusions. Simply considering that the content of certain books or mediumistic communications from a single source constitutes newer, updated truths that surpass or complement the works of Kardec without proper methodological grounding already promotes interpretative divergence. Even if different adherents consider themselves consistent regarding conflicting points, facts are not relativistic.

In summary, some individuals rationally position themselves coherently with what they believe to be the conceptual framework of Spiritism. However, since the particular understanding of this framework can vary due to the individual's degree of doctrinal and methodological maturity, and since there is no central body within the Spiritist movement capable of defining and regulating the production and validation of Spiritist knowledge other than that duly presented by Allan Kardec, the complete conception of unity and doctrinal dynamism is challenging without valuing a method with multiple, independent, bias-free, and concurring sources and references. Additionally, scientific support is necessary for evidencing facts and formulating hypotheses.

 

"Spiritism and Science complement each other. Science without Spiritism finds itself unable to explain certain phenomena solely through the laws of matter; Spiritism without Science would be without support and examination."

 -------------

[1] KARDEC, A. What is Spiritism. Araras: IDE, 1991

[2] KARDEC, A. The Genesis: Miracles and Predictions according to Spiritism. Translation of the 4th original French edition. São Paulo: USE, 2021

Source: https://usesp.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/reDE-197.pdf