Reproducibility, a dogma of science

by Valdir Aguilera

In a nutshell, reproducibility is the quality which is attributed to a phenomenon when it can be reproduced. For science, this quality is essential so that the phenomenon can reach scientific status. Scientists demand that it be possible for independent researchers to reproduce any phenomenon that has been reported. Otherwise the story is simply left out, or even despised. However, there are important situations that require a loosening of this requirement.

Condition R&R (Reproducibility and Repeatability)

Science emerged when it came to include in its theories the necessity of observation, of making experiments. At that moment, it became detached from philosophy and started to have its own personality.

Reproducibility is one of the canons of science. If a phenomenon can not be reproduced, it does not become scientifically accepted or proven. In fact, science is more demanding. For a result to be awarded the scientific title, it has to satisfy the "R&R condition", that is, have the quality of reproducibility and repeatability. This means that the confirmation of a result must be obtained by repetition of the experiment using different samplings, and reproduction using different demonstrations and different equipment.

It is understood that the scientific method must impose the R&R condition, since it allows eliminating preconceptions or human errors that may affect the outcome of an experiment. How many results were reported and then it turned out that the experiment was poorly planned and worse executed! A few decades ago an American physicist published a paper announcing that he had detected gravitational waves in an experiment he had prepared and performed. Immediately other physicists, in various laboratories in that country and in other parts of the world, tried to reproduce the experience. All of them gave negative results, that is, the alleged gravitational waves were not detected. Not even the original experimenter was able to repeat it with the previously announced result. As a result, gravitational waves do not have a scientifically proven existence, although there is evidence that they exist. The search for these waves still continues - including at USP (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil), where there is a device designed and built specifically for this purpose - because its existence is predicted by the respectable Theory of Gravitation, by Einstein.

Probabilities

Returning to the question of reproducibility, science also accepts as being reproducible the results obtained in an experiment and having in its favor a theoretical probability of occurring in another instance of the same experiment. In other words, there are experiences whose results can not be predicted with certainty, but which are within certain probabilities of reproduction. For example, if a blue-eyed person marries a black-eyed person and his or her child is born with black eyes, the same "experience" does not guarantee that the next child will also have black eyes. This experience is not exactly reproducible, but the criterion of reproducibility is not considered to be violated because the result can be predicted within certain probabilities. Whether the child will be born with black or blue eyes is a matter settled by chance.

There are, therefore, results of experiments that do not obey the R&R condition, but are considered scientific. Besides the above example in Biology, we can find many others in the field of Psychology. "These are not exact sciences, like physics," some will argue. Are they right? Is Physics really an exact science? The theory that Modern Physics cherishes with the greatest affection is Quantum Theory. If someone thinks this theory is accurate, it is because they know little or nothing about it.

Let us return to the question of the R&R condition, which we know to be unsatisfied neither by Biology nor by Psychology. Why do experiments in these areas do not satisfy that condition, and yet their results are considered scientific? In fact, we have two questions here: Why do not they satisfy the R&R condition, and yet why are they considered scientific?

The second question is easier to answer if we do not concern ourselves with philosophical rigor and stick to definitions. Thus, we answer: the results are scientific by definition, because Biology and Psychology are formal sciences, not exact ones is true, but they are sciences. 

Biological systems challenge physics

And why do experiments in the field of Biology and Psychology not necessarily satisfy the R&R condition? Simply because the instruments with which the experiments are performed, - human beings, animals, vegetables -, have life, have intelligence, taken in its broadest sense.

Biological systems challenge one of the most basic theories of physics, thermodynamics. Put simply, one of the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, the law of entropy, states that disorder in the universe tends to increase, that is, the entropy, or disorder, of the Universe is ever increasing or stable but never decreases. This is undoubtedly true of physical systems in general. However, biological systems, although they are also physical systems, undoubtedly violate this law. These systems develop in such a way that their parts are organized in an orderly fashion. And no one knows how to exactly explain the reason for this "strange" behavior, nor what is its cause.

The violation of this law of physics occurs because in these systems there is life. We must then understand what life is, what produces it. Scientists have tried, futilely, to find the source of life in matter and the laws of chance. Based on the hypothetical big bang, the universe and all that is found and manifested in it would be fortuitous events, fruits of chance. It is amusing to note that if they could not rely on the chance hypothesis, scientists would drift aimlessly, at random!

The R&R condition in microscopic phenomena

It is not just the biological and psychological phenomena that violate the R&R condition. In Physics, perhaps the most respected science today, there are situations where the condition is not and cannot be satisfied. A situation of apparent discomfort, but physicists live peacefully with it. It is at this point that we return to Quantum Theory.

Physical experiments performed in the microcosm domains are far from satisfying the R&R condition. The emerging results of these experiments can be reproduced and explained only within certain probabilities. For example, a sample of uranium 238 is constantly emitting alpha particles (nucleus of the helium atom, formed by two protons and two neutrons). If at any given moment it emits one of these particles, this does not mean that it will emit another in the next second (we are not concerned with quantitative details; it could be in the next millionth of a second or in the next few hours). One can, of course, calculate the probability of this occurring. But it's just a probability, not a certainty that occurs in that time frame.

Einstein's phrase referring to Quantum Theory is famous: "God does not play dice". He wanted to say that Quantum Theory needs to rely on probabilities because science has not yet uncovered some secrets of nature, that is, we have to discover some law or parameters that still insist on remaining hidden or elusive.

What law or parameters could be? We believe the answer is not as complicated as it may seem. However, before proceeding, we can find in the books 'Fatos Espiritas' (Portuguese edition of Spiritist Facts ) [of William CROOKES, physicist inventor of cathode ray tubes], Teleportation Phenomena [Ernesto BOZZANO, Italian researcher in the field of metapsychics, with more than 50 published works] and Levitation [Albert de ROCHAS, director of the École Polytechnique, Paris] physical phenomena reported by accredited researchers with long experience in developing projects and performing laboratory experiments at the universities where they worked. As all these phenomena require the presence of a medium to be performed, scientists did not and still do not give them importance. Firstly because the subject causes them dislike and prejudice: if a medium enters the scene, a mystification is inevitable, they hastily conclude; second because the phenomena are not reproduced when they want. Therefore, they do not satisfy the R&R condition.

Other phenomena, as we have seen, also do not satisfy this condition and are considered scientific. We have seen that the reason is that these phenomena occur in living systems, that is, behind them there is a crucial element, life. Behind the mediumistic phenomena, the life element is also crucial. The phenomena are produced by natural forces that religions call spirits (souls). They are intelligent forces and endowed with will of their own. Ignorance of the nature of these forces has led to the mistaken idea that spirits are entities with arms, legs, head and ... even beards! And other absurdities. It is as if it were explained that the force of gravity acts on bodies using hands.

The medium is nothing more than an instrument. It is not the cause of phenomena, as a scales is not the cause of the weight of an object. The cause of the phenomena reported in those books - and many others - are forces that require a medium to act, just as a force needs a lever to move a rock.

Moreover, unlike gravity that constantly acts and is permanently at our disposal to carry out experiments that involve it, the forces that act with the help of a medium have a will of their own. The R&R condition will be satisfied if these intelligent forces decide or are able to reproduce the phenomenon. Similarly, the result of an experiment in a physics laboratory, for example, will only be achieved if the experimenter wishes to perform it. Experiments are only reproduced if there is intervention of the will of the experimenter.

Study of the forces of nature

Everything in the universe comes down to forces and matter. The latter is inert, pliable; the former constantly acting on matter. Science will take a huge step when scientists are willing to study forces for themselves, not as something emerging from matter.

This step will be even greater when they discover that there are intelligent forces, endowed with their own will, forces that, unfortunately, have been surrounded by mysticisms and legends.

Reincarnation in unfavourable environments

by CR (070)

Reincarnation is not an easy problem. Candidates to reincarnation are innumerable and exceed existing possibilities. Hence the need to wait.

To avoid wasting time, many spirits, willing to face whatever difficulties they may encounter, decide to incarnate in an unfavourable environment.

After disincarnation, when spirits go back to their own spiritual worlds, it is sometimes a source of suffering for these spirits to realize that others of the same spiritual class, through more effort and better use of their time in earthly life, succeeded in ascending to a higher spiritual class. 

It is not their ascension itself, that causes this suffering, but the realization that it was impossible to accompany them and that the distance separating them became greater on the way to evolution.

Spirits of a certain class are aware to others of their own class and of lower classes. They are unaware, however, of what happens to spirits of higher spiritual classes.

Those spirits that stay behind and lose contact with old, dear friends, comrades of long journeys in previous incarnations, suffer like incarnated spirits who see their loved ones die.

This contact, however, can be re-established, as those in spiritual worlds well know. But how? The answer is obvious. If a person walks at a slower pace than another, who walks faster, they become further and further apart. And, if the person who is in front is not willing to slow down, the one behind will have to speed up if he wants to reach him.

That is precisely what many spirits do when they decide to incarnate and face all earthly sufferings, which they know are transitory. They do so to enrich themselves with knowledge and moral values that will enable them to ascend to the next spiritual class.

With strong determination and redoubled effort, they succeed in recovering the time lost and fraternally reapproaching those spirits that had surpassed them.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Premature disincarnation

by CR (069)

Human life is arranged in such a way that events occur at the right time, provided natural laws are not opposed in the course of life.

Violation of natural laws is a frequent cause of disturbances and instability which, by altering the natural rhythm of life, bring about much suffering to the spirit.

Evolution demands time, work, sacrifice. Normally, disincarnation occurs in old age. However, to ensure this, it is necessary to take good care of physical and mental health.

Many factors on Earth contribute to premature disincarnation. Among these are abrupt changes in temperature, earthquakes, air pollution, insalubrity in certain regions, epidemics, sources of contamination, vices and, last but not least, the harmful influence of spirits of the Inferior Astral.

There are also certain social phenomena which generate conflicts and wars of extermination.

Normally, disincarnation should occur in old age. The human body is like a flower or a fruit: It is born, grows, blooms, and withers. When it withers, it ceases to be useful to the spirit. The one natural, spontaneous, wise solution therefore would be disincarnation.

In any event, premature disincarnation always represents a lapse in evolution that can only be repaired in one way: by reincarnation.

Only in exceptional instances may disincarnation take place, without loss to the spiritual evolution of the spirit, before a human being has completed the four stages of earthly existence. For instance, when a spirit belongs to a higher spiritual class than the 17th and incarnates on a special mission to awaken humanity or to contribute to moral changes designed to hasten the rhythm of evolution on this planet.

Otherwise, premature disincarnation, physical death before old age, usually requires a new physical existence; the spirit needs to reincarnate to recover lost time and continue its spiritual evolution. 

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Fulfilling our duties

by CR (068)

Human beings are incarnated spirits who need to be awakened to see the light, to know themselves, to grasp a rational understanding of life, so that they will carry out their earthly duties more effectively.

The fulfilment of any task that matters requires determination, dedication and concern in obtaining the best possible results. 

Material and moral duties must always be present in the consciousness of each individual. Life demands from every individual, at every turn, an attitude, a gesture, a word which translates into fulfilment of a duty.

Fulfilment of duty means honesty, self-respect, dignity, a high moral level and enlightened awareness.

Every fulfilled duty represents settlement of an obligation, a step forward, one more point scored on the way to spiritual evolution.

It is the duty of the incarnated spirit, as a human being, to always be on the alert, watchful, mindful of his duties, bearing in mind that whatever obligations he fails to fulfil in one incarnation will unfailingly be accumulated in subsequent reincarnations

In conclusion, there are many obligations and responsibilities that each of us perform on Earth, during our physical life as incarnated spirits, and in all of them we should try to excel in the fulfilment of our duties, and let's not forget that the most important of all duties is spiritual evolution. 

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Attracting good and repelling evil

by CR (067)

Besides other faculties, human beings are endowed with the faculty of intuition. This quality is more receptive and more developed in some people than in others. 

This faculty mentioned above is also called intuitive mediumship which is common to everybody. There are several types of mediunship which only some are endowed with, but every man and woman is endowed with intuitive mediumship. 

Through intuitive mediumnship, disincarnated spirits, also called spirits of the inferior astral, that wander in Earth's atmosphere in disturbed conditions, interfere with the lives and thoughts of the incarnated spirits (people). This sometimes lead people to obsession and to the worst actions, unless they react through reasoning, driven by the conscious will.

Calls for help against such influences, addressed to hypothetical gods and saints, are completely useless.

Such calls are usually made by those who are ignorant of the basic, fundamental principles of Universal Life: attraction and repulsion, action and reaction, cause and effect.

Therefore, human beings need to know the power of thought, the power of will, the psychic force of attraction which can be exercised for both good and evil purposes, depending on the nature of the thoughts that impel it. People consequently need to know the ways and means at their disposal in order to attract good and repel evil.

As stated before, the power of thought works both ways, depending on the will of each individual. A weak will inspires frail thoughts. A strong will inspires powerful thinking and that's how evil can be driven back and good is atracted to us. The power of thought can overcome all barriers.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Right reasoning leads to right choices

by CR (066)

Constant study and reasoning is very important so that every person will realise the need for a diligent effort towards self-improvement.

It is important to acquire more knowledge about real life, in a continuous process of study, so that reasoning can improve and evolve to higher levels, in order for people to be able to reject obsolete concepts, especially religious dogmatisms. 

Reasoning power is a important quality of the spirit which allows it to examine the facts of life and to learn from daily occurrences. It is like a light focused on the difficult problems of life to make them clear and intelligible.

Reasoning is also a powerful defensive weapon against fanaticism and mystical beliefs, which lead to blind faith and submissiveness. 

The reason why so many wrong things are done on Earth is because man does not take the trouble to reason at length before acting, in order to be able to foresee the consequences. Human reasoning becomes sharper the more it is exercised.

Due to self-indulgence, lassitude, mental laziness, many people leave to others the task of reasoning and then accept the ideas of others as if they were their own.

Hence the sectarian movements, composed of numerous followers, always inclined to believe what others believe or pretend to believe, no matter how absurd that belief may be. This is true especially in the ample and deceitful field of mysticism where spiritualistic investigation of truth is not allowed.

With the penetrating power of research derived from reason, it is not difficult to distinguish the rational from the absurd, the logical from the illogical, right from wrong, and to find the path that will firmly lead humanity to Truth.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Mediumship

by Valdir Aguilera

Mediumship is a subject that must be debated without the constraints of mysticism, superstition or religiosity. It is a matter of interest to all, since what we call mediumship is an inherent quality to every human being, to a greater or lesser degree.

Mediumship is a psychic quality like so many others that enrich us: imagination, capacity for conception, perception, etc. Intuition manifests itself through mediumship. He who hears voices when no one hears them, sees things not visible to others, smells imperceptible even to those around, has other unusual perceptions, suffers from various types of syndrome, is experiencing all this because of this psychic quality. (mediumship).

History records notable instances of visions and auditions (voices, etc) and qualifies them as supernatural. However, we are tired of knowing that there is no supernatural. All phenomena have a cause, perhaps still unknown, but, of course, natural.

This refuge in the supernatural has occurred since times immemorial. Primitive humans, out of ignorance, attributed the meteorological phenomena to the mood of the gods. If they were angry, they would shoot lightning to calm down or, for vanity, show their powers. The development of scientific knowledge has been projecting light and dispelling the darkness of superstition, with undeniable benefits for all.

It is a mistake to attribute the effects of mediumship to mere hallucinations, for this word leads to the erroneous interpretation that they are somehow fabricated by the brain. When a child in its early years plays and talks as if someone else is invisibly present, it is unconsciously using the faculty of mediumship. For reasons still unknown, this attribute almost always loses in intensity over the years. In many, however, it continues and sometimes more intensely. Some people, to whom mediumship has not weakened, even think they are going mad, as if madness was a concept of understandable meaning. We know as much about madness as about mediumship.

When mediumship manifests itself strongly, spiritists say that the individual is a developed medium and that it is a divine grace. If it manifests weakly, but rather noticeably, they assert that the individual must develop it. They are moved for religious reasons, although they often do not admit it. The subject, however, is serious enough to be under the dominion of superstition, since mediumship has brought much loss and misfortune to those who have developed it and do not understand what is happening to them.

Mediumship and its effects have been treated with various methods: exorcisms, discharges [1], etc. That is not the way. What needs to be done is to study the subject under scientific criteria, that is, experimentally. Only then will we be able to understand and clarify the subject, for the enrichment of Science and the consequent benefit for all.

[1] Discharges: herbal baths or baths with salts used in Candomblé and Umbanda to eliminate so called deleterious energies from mediums. They are also called purification baths.

Personal and everyday integrity

by CR (065)

Sometimes people have some difficulty in recognizing what integrity means or what it is. According to Your Dictionary, here are some examples of everyday integrity:

Keep your promises even if it takes extra effort.

Never betray a friend's trust even if you get in trouble.

Do not gossip or talking badly about someone.

Remain true to your spouse or partner.

Return money that you noticed someone dropped without expecting a reward.

Do not let someone else take the blame for something you did.

If someone gives you confidential information, never tell anyone what you know.

Show respect to coworkers with appropriate conversation and empathy.

Be responsible. Do what you say you will do.

If you find yourself in a conflict of interest, get out of it as soon as possible.

Don't accept praise of acclaim for someone else's work. 

Christian Rationalism defends that integrity should be the constant concern of every incarnated spirit, which will benefit a lot if it can improve at least one of many facets of this precisou moral treasure, in each existence on earth. 

No one can reach the final point of earthly incarnations until the highest level of integrity is attained.

This world is not lacking in cunning ways of providing profitable, but dishonest situations. In the presence of these situations, the weak always surrender. The strong resist, those who resist win, and victory strengthens them. 

Truly righteous men are formed by the sum of these victories. However, it should be understood that one's moral behaviour is not to be evaluated simply on the basis that he has not sold his conscience. More than that is needed. It is necessary to feel life in all its grandeur and fullness. 

The truly righteous are those who, in addition to being honourable, are just, dignified, loyal, brave, and always willing to contribute to the well-being of humanity.

References

[1] Your Dictionary, https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-integrity.html

[2] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[3] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Zeal and devotion at work

by CR (064)

Fulfilment of any task requires zeal, devotion and concern in obtaining the best possible results. Examples, however, should be set from above, since only those who know how to fulfil their duties have the moral authority to make demands.

Carelessness in the performance of a job hurts the character, tarnishes the individual and lowers one's reputation in the eyes of other people. Those whose activities are characterised by negligence, laxity and slackness err against themselves.

Human work, although it may sometimes appear isolated, is overall co-ordinated, and everyone plays a part in it. Those who perform their share poorly reveal negative qualities and lack of a sense of responsibility.

In order to make the best use of time, everyone should plan their work intelligently so that each task is carried out at the right moment. Work, recreation and rest are three equally important prerequisites of physical and spiritual well-being.

Everyone should follow a time table that best suits his/her conveniences and the demands of work but should not neglect rest and recreation.

Only in this way will he find pleasure in work, benefit in rest and joy in recreation. These factors will contribute to his/her good health and well-being.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portugues

Fear, effectiveness, respect

by CR (063)

Fear is one of the most harmful, disquieting, distressing and tormenting evils that plague humanity. Its roots begin to grow in early childhood at a time when so many wrong ideas are instilled in children's minds.

The fear complex, which gradually takes hold of children, and the ominous influence it exercises on their whole lives should be blamed on certain ridiculous fairy-tales involving goblins, werewolves and other fabrications.

It is the duty of everyone who is responsible for children, during the process of their education, to fight everything that may contribute to make them shy or fearful. Of course extreme paths that may lead to negligence and recklessness should likewise be avoided.

To live effectively means to live fully in the proper sense, i.e., to take good care of one's physical and mental health, to share actively humanity's common effort to improve the world's conditions and always to conduct oneself in a disciplined, methodical, orderly manner.

Man should respect himself and his fellow men. A dignified earthly existence that is well adjusted to the common well-being is inconceivable without respect.

Respect must exist between parents and children, husband and wife, brothers and sisters and generally speaking, between individuals. Nothing is more harmful, more contaminating, more destructive of the feeling of friendship than lack of respect. In no way does intimacy forego respectful treatment.

To treat one's fellow man without respect reveals lack of moral principles and is equivalent to indignity. And in order to be treated with respect and consideration, a human being needs to follow an irreproachable pattern of conduct at all times.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Economy and material possessions

by CR (062)

There are different ways to look at material possessions. For example there are sayings like this: "Some people are so poor all they have is money" (Unknown) or this: "You can tell how truly rich you are by the amount of things you have that money cannot buy” (Unknown).

On the other hand a gentleman on Facebook, called Ramon Rahman believes that: "Happiness and money are not mutually exclusive... Let’s not demonize wealth". His reasoning is that there are happy people with money and also happy people without much of it, as well as the reverse: unhappy people that are either rich or poor. 

On the other hand Christian Rationalism believes that whenever material resources allow it, economy should not interfere with either your good appearance or your material, moral and intellectual needs.

Squandering is just as reproachable as stinginess and miserliness. Everyone should abstain from excess, repel vice, oppose waste and squandering, but not deprive himself of what is necessary.

It should be borne in mind that earthly possessions belong to Earth and will remain here. Human beings are merely the trustees and the managers of material possessions. 

One of the most serious mistakes made by many people is to behave selfishly, to enslave oneself to sheer earthly values, in the belief that happiness is contingent on them.

The assets gathered by the spirit in the course of each earthly journey (reincarnation) consist only of its commendable and meritorious actions.

These are, in fact, the only gains the spirit takes along after disincarnation. On the spiritual level, they will fill the spirit with joy and happiness.

References

[1] Jay Shetty, https://www.facebook.com/JayShettyIW/posts/2405631729751278?comment_id=2405834276397690

[2] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[3] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Principle of authority

by CR (061)

The definition of authority, according to some dictionaries are: "The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience." It is also: "The right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another."

There is also something called "The Authority Principle". As stated by Nielsen Norman Group: "the authority principle refers to a person’s tendency to comply with people in positions of authority, such as government leaders, law-enforcement representatives, doctors, lawyers, professors, and other perceived experts in different fields.".  

However the Governments seem to be the ones that exercise the power of authority the most. On this matter Encyclopedia Britannica states that: "Governments are perhaps the most familiar example of an authoritative social actor, as, by most accounts, they generally possess a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force to compel obedience to their mandates in a given geographic area."

In regard to the Principle of Authority, Christian Rationalism believes that this principle should never be exercised in a tyrannical, intolerant way since it cannot be dissociated from the precepts of moral, moderation and justice.

Although many people command respect due to the fear that their actions instil, the true, the most authentic, the most legitimate authority is generous and fair. This is what makes it endeared and respected.

This does not mean that people in authority should relinquish the right, and even the duty, to use strength and severity when necessary. What should never happen is for people in authority to become overbearing and despotic.

Those in authority should ponder carefully before taking any action, in order to reduce their chances of making mistakes and committing injustice to a minimum.

References

[1] Lexico.Com, https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/authority

[2] Nielsen Norman Group, https://www.nngroup.com/articles/authority-principle/

[3] Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/authority

[4] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[5] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Mediumship phenomena

by Valdir Aguilera

Since ancient times mediumistic phenomena have been causing awe and wonder. In ancient Greece they were manifested by the Pythonesses, the most famous being those of Delphi - considered to be priestesses of Apollo - who produced their oracles, both desired and feared. The Pythonesses were mediums of incorporation. [1]

The mediumship of incorporation is more common than we might think and it manifests itself in various forms. Ignorance of the faculties of the spirit leads to several misleading explanations. Some believe that mediumship is a phenomenon caused by brain dysfunctions; others believe that it is a divine grace, or a manifestation of demons.

More rare and impressive mediumnistic phenomena have been studied and reported by several researchers, mainly throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. They are produced by mediums of physical phenomena. Let's talk about the best known.

Levitation: Objects move in the air without a visible physical cause. All researchers report the levitation of the medium himself, whose body is suspended in a vertical position at a height of approximately 30 centimeters. At other times the body of the medium enters into a cataleptic state, is led to a horizontal position, suspended and placed on a table, or another piece of furniture in the vicinity. When Luiz de Mattos was beginning to devote himself to the study of spiritual phenomena, a medium was levitated and his body remained hovering on the table for a few moments. The Superior Astral drew attention to the fact that producing such phenomena was not the purpose of the Doctrine (Christian Rationalism) and that this was intended only to leave no doubt in the minds of those present about the reality of psychic phenomena.

A remarkable case occurred with the extraordinary medium Home (Daniel Dunglas Home) reported in the book "Levitation," by Albert de Rocha.[2] Home, in a state of trance, levitated, his body went out through a window and then entered another.

Teleportation: Objects are teleported from one place to another, even far away. When an object is teleported from the inside of a box, or furniture, to outside, the impression it causes is that there has been the passage of matter through matter. This hypothesis was discarded, because matter can not penetrate matter. What happens in these cases is a disintegration of the object being teleported and then the rematerialization of the object elsewhere. Visual mediums tell us that they see the object shortly before its materialization, but with enormous dimensions and that they collapse to their usual dimensions when they materialize.

Another finding during the research and experiments carried out is that the teleported object was often hot when rematerializing.

Research has shown that living things, at least insects, can also be teleported without suffering any damage. [3]

Materialization: Mistakenly and popularly called 'materialization of spirits', several occurrences of this phenomenon are reported in numerous books. To quote one of them, we suggest Phenomena of Spiritualism, (or Researches in the Phenomena of Spiritualism) by William Crookes. [4]

Spirits do not materialize. The materialized forms are created by the action of spirits (forces) on astral matter. Usually this matter is temporarily subtracted from the astral structure of the medium. At the end of the manifestation of the phenomenon (the astral matter) is returned to it.

The experiments reported in the books mentioned here were conducted by experienced researchers who have taken all the necessary precautions to eliminate any possibility of fraud or deception. William Crookes is considered among the most important scientists of the 19th century, both in the field of physics and chemistry. Albert de Rocha was director of the Polytechnical School of Paris, the most respected institution of higher education in France. Ernesto Bozzano was professor of philosophy of science at the University of Turin. He was one of the few Italian researchers named honorary members of the Society for Psychical Research, American Society for Psychical Research and the Institut Métapsychique International. Before dedicating himself to the study of psychic phenomena, he was an inveterate materialist, a skeptic, a positivist .

The bibliography provides us with vast material for study.

References

[1] Glaci Ribeiro, Published in the August 2015 issue of the newspaper A Razão

[2] Albert de Rocha, Levitation, 2nd edition, FEB, undated, p. 62.

[3] Ernesto Bozzano, Teleportation Phenomena, Empresa Editora O Clarim, Matão, SP, 1943.

[4] William Crookes, Phenomena of Spiritualism.

The books listed in this short bibliography are available (in Portuguese) in the Library section of this site: valdiraguilera.net

Spiritual improvement and the evils of ignorance

by CR (060)

Spiritual improvement should be humanity main concern in all fields of activity. 

Human beings should try to excel in the fulfilment of their duties, and work on them with utmost devotion.

No progress towards perfection is achieved without attention, concern, knowledge, effort, devotion, joy, good humour and unshakeable determination to obtain positive results. And improvement is closely related to evolution, besides being the main purpose of the spirit's presence on Earth. There will be no spiritual progress unless humanity strives for improvement.

No one should spare efforts to fight ignorance, because ignorance is the cause of the majority of man's evils. Ignorance is a completely negative force. It is always harmful and, when it does not pull backwards,

it makes it difficult to step foward in the path towards evolution. Evolution means light. The brighter the light, the more effectively it drives away the darkness of ignorance.

 

Ignorance is therefore a strong, powerful, uncompromising enemy of the incarnated spirit. Those who really wish to grow spiritually and make good use of their incarnation should take every available opportunity to fight ignorance.

Having no time to waste, they should try to always learn more. They should be aware that each new skill they learn is a new asset added to the spiritual wealth.

Those who did not have the good fortune of attending schools should realize that Earth itself is a School where the most varied lessons can be learned. There is never lack of good knowledge.

The courses of learning which the spirit is supposed to attend on Earth, during countless reincarnations, comprise many subjects. Inattentive, lax students are frequently repeating courses.

If humanity only realized what a productive reincarnation means to the spirit, we would not see so many failures and so much disregard for spiritual values on Earth.

The more advanced a human being is, the more he realizes the endless distance that separates him from absolute knowledge, which requires infinite learning. True scholars do not lose sight of their limitations because they always strive to learn more and more. They are, as a rule, unpretentious, contrary to the average person whose main concern sometimes is to show off and to pass as persons of great talent and importance.

Many people do not realize how ridiculous they become when they make their intelligence, their kindness, or their personal attributes the subject of conversation. Boasting of self-endowed qualities, either imaginary or real, doesn't look good on anyone. 

Therefore judiciousness and moderation in all gestures and attitudes should become a sound habit in a human being's life to enable him to behave with exemplary dignity.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Deliberate and involuntary mistakes

by CR (059)

All inhabitants of this planet are imperfect, some more, some less. Therefore, nobody is perfect. Some mistakes are involuntary. Others are the result of the improper exercise of free will.

To err is human. Nothing could be more true. However, once an honest person is advised and becomes convinced of his mistake, he should admit it and try not to repeat it.

Therefore, one of our struggles in life should be reducing our imperfections and increasing our qualities. To do this, our errors should be faced with calm and understanding, in order to be able to recognize them better and then counteract those imperfections. 

Unfortunatelly, it is common practice to conceal one's mistakes, instead of avoiding them. This is very detrimental to spiritual growth.

Most people seldom use impartiality and justice in the innermost evaluation of their own actions. Even those who are too harsh in the judgement of other people's actions, for whom they always have words of criticism and reproach, do not escape the usual tendency. When their own faults are concerned, they find a full, lenient, absolvent justification.

In this way, mistakes end up incorporated to human habits. Man thus loses his self-respect and his sense of character and dignity becomes corrupted.

What everyone should do is to face up his mistakes and avoid new mistakes with the help of his will power.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Examples of honesty and devotion to work

by CR (058)

Examples of honesty are the greatest contribution human beings can make to society.

Honesty is not restricted to punctuality in payments, integrity in business operations and close adherence to contract agreements. Honesty involves, above all, strength of character, uncompromising loyalty and unswerving rectitude in the fulfilment of duty.

Those who are devoid of noble feelings, unselfishness and valour cannot claim to be honest since such attributes are inseparable from honesty.

Devotion to work is also a matter of honesty and examples of dedication to a trade or profession, are most useful to the main cause of humanity, which is spiritual evolution. 

The Universe itself is all motion and action. The great craftsmen of the world's progress were tireless workers.

Work is always noble and dignifying for men and women no matter whether they do manual labour or intellectual, artistic or scientific work.

What benefits the spirit is not the nature of the work but its moral value and the satisfaction derived from

doing it. 

Therefore, everyone should seek the kind of work that fits their vocation and perform it with joy and enthusiasm. Work should be considered a reward, not a punishment because without it nobody would advance a step further on the path of evolution.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Social morality and self-education

by CR (057)

Activities in this planet are varied and many are the ways by which evolution is processed.

Equal possibilities are not available to everyone but, above all, what really matters is to dignify the meaning of life, even though engaged in the roughest, humblest jobs.

Social morality is defined by high spiritual values, the uncompromising support of sound behaviour, and effective exercise of healthy habits.

Each people has its own concept of life. But the further we proceed, the more we advance on the road to civilization, the safer, the stronger the precepts of morality and honour prove to be, especially with regard to the home, whose formation constitutes an undeniable duty of every citizen.

The education of human beings is not restricted to childhood, when the role of parents is paramount.

Once prepared to rely on themselves, as adults, people should gather as much experience as possible

through observation and the witnessing of events around them or of which they have become aware of. 

Success or failure of others, the causes, the reasons, for their joys or sorrows, are valuable lessons. Everyone should benefit from such examples in order to avoid bring upon themselves the same mistakes which caused pain and loss to others. Also, good examples should lead people to take the same roads that led others to success and well-being.

 

If someone demoralizes and humiliates himself in the eyes of his fellow-men by doing something which reveals lack of morals or good principles, he would feel even more ashamed of himself, if his spiritual awareness were more alert and watchful, in order to better analyse his wrongful actions.

The existence of various social levels on Earth is partly justified not only by the fact that we live in a  school-world, but also because of the shortcomings in the education of its inhabitants.

The bad-mannered or uncivil individual restricts his field of action to the very level at which he lives, and becomes undesirable among people of higher levels of upbringing. Hence the need for the reincarnated spirit to spare no efforts to improve his social conditions, in order to help raise the degree of morals and spirituality in our planet.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Old age, the last stage of physical life

by CR (056)

We have previouly mentioned three of the four stages of life which are: childhood, youth, maturity and old age. Here we are only going to talk about the Old Age.

Old age represents, in each incarnation, the last stage of physical life. And this is understandable: the human body is no more than a machine at the disposal of Force, also called the spirit, from which it receives warmth, action, motion and life. This machine (human body) like all machines, is subject to the action of time, breakdowns, wear-and-tear, which affect it to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the maintenance, care provided by its operator, the spirit.

And, let's face it, there is no lack of inattentive and indifferent people and the negligent abound. It's not just a few that get bogged down in vices, which can cause irreparable damages to their physical bodies, often bringing about their complete ruin.

A well-lived existence leads to a healthy, happy old age. However at this stage the spirit, although mentally sound, cannot display the former strength of youth and the vitality and dynamism of the previous stages. This is due to the natural decline of the instrument, which is the human body. 

Happy are those spirits that leave behind after each passage through Earth (reincarnation), unequivocal examples of valour and honesty.

Some of those examples are the interest in the common well-being, commendable behaviour among their family members, constant concern about the guidance of the offspring, discipline and devotion to work. 

 

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Matter, means of evolution of forces

by Valdir Aguilera

The Universe is immense. Infinite in space and time. In this space-time immensity there is not a single place, however small, that is not occupied by matter. Already Aristotle said: "Nature abhors the vacuum." He based his assertion on the conviction that all space must be filled with something, even if it can not be detected by our senses or instruments. He was right.

Matter that fills the entire Universe is found in innumerable states of density. In each of these states there are acting forces. Therefore, forces are also found in every corner of the Universe. Hence, we may dare to extend the statement of the respected philosopher by saying that "nature abhors the vacuum and the absence of forces"

Forces are in constant and permanent evolution. In this process they use matter forming bodies and performing phenomena, many of which earth science already knows and explains them in terms of laws, also universal.

Dense matter: the variety of densities of matter leads to classifying it into categories, which define fields where forces manifest themselves. Among these fields, what is familiar to us is that of dense matter, where forces form atoms, and with them molecules and innumerable other more complex bodies, in a continuous vibratory dynamics of composition and decomposition, aggregation and disintegration. Because of all this complexity and richness of vibrations, we can say that the atoms and structures built with them have life.

Therefore, matter is not inert, on the contrary, it carries an extraordinary amount of energy. We already know how to take advantage of some of this energy, either to facilitate and give new directions to earthly life, or to annihilate it, as humanity sadly witnessed in the not too distant past.

Dense matter also offers the means and conditions for the spirit to develop and perfect attributes. It provides resources for engineers to build machines, architects to design buildings, biologists to understand life in its manifestation in all domains of nature. And so on.

Other categories, less known to human science under its current conditions, are etheric matter and fluidic matter.

Etheric matter: In a state of very subtle density, etheric matter surrounds and penetrates physical worlds (planets, stars, etc.). Earth, for example, is involved and penetrated by this category of matter as well as the physical bodies found in the realms of nature (mineral, plant, animal and hominal). Etheric matter serves as a mediating link between the action of forces on dense matter. In it are recorded the laws governing the growth and development of plants, to cite an example.

It is in this mass of etheric matter that the spirit, during the formation of the fetus, will find and gather around his fluidic body the material suitable to the program he established in his spiritual world before reincarnating. For example, with it is formed the model, or archetype, that will determine the physical appearance of the body in which it will incarnate. This (body) can be beautiful or less so, have the voice of a singer or the sensitivity of an artist, etc. Every reincarnation is assisted and administered by spirits of the Superior Astral. They are aware of the influence of the genetic factor on the formation of the physical body. Therefore, a spirit will not reincarnate in a body that can prevent the realization of what was programmed in the spiritual world.

In the etheric matter are found other suitable and necessary elements for the spirit to develop and to improve his own faculties and attributes. After the disincarnation, the etheric matter remains in the environment from which it was withdrawn.

For the reasons mentioned above, in the Christian rationalistic philosophy this matter is called the "etheric matrix."

Fluidic matter: In the Universe there are many spiritual worlds where the spirit stays between one stage to another of his evolutionary process. The matter available in these worlds is generically called fluidic. It makes up the fluidic body of the spirit. This body always accompanies the spirit, but the fluidic matter of which it is composed is being replaced as the spirit evolves and climbs to more diaphanous worlds.

Little is known about the resources that fluidic matter makes available to the spirit. It is known, however, that forces (spirits) that have reached a high degree of evolution use fluidic matter to produce phenomena that can not even be imagined.

Childhood, Youth and Maturity

by CR (055)

As mentioned before in all stages of life, the reincarnated spirit has duties to perform and obligations to meet. These stages can be divided into: childhood, youth, maturity and old age. Here we are going to talk about the first three of them.

We call childhood to the period extending from birth to puberty. During childhood, the foundations on which the whole building of incarnation will rest, are laid.

Therefore, it is of fundamental importance, that the teachings that are taught to a human being in this very delicate phase of life, are lessons of the highest moral content and, above all, examples full of courage and determination, so that they are well assimilated and contribute to the formation of a valorous and noble personality.

After childhood come the teenage years, in which a human being is considered neither a minor nor an adult.

Youth begins in puberty and lasts until maturity. It is the age of reason in which the highest aspirations and the great ideals of life are generally present. And to these aspirations, to these ideals, spirituality should not be a foreign concept, provided that in childhood the human being has been taugh high ethical 

principles and values.

A nation will always be great if they can rely on its youth. The hopes of elders are permanently focused on youth and their eyes constantly looking in their direction. 

Youth is followed by maturity. In maturity a human being enjoys the benefit of experience gained in the previous stages of life. He can be a competent and safe guide, because the sum of knowledge gained by him, becomes a valuable asset.

In maturity a human being reaches his pinnacle. His organic cells, especially brain cells, reach their maximum vital power and allow the spirit to convey its constructive capacity to its fullest.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

The four stages of life

by CR (054)

According to a book about nutrition in the chapter "The Human Life Cycle", the following are the stages of life:

(1) Pregnancy. The development of a zygote into an embryo and then into a fetus in preparation for childbirth.

(2) Infancy. The earliest part of childhood. It is the period from birth through age one.

(3) Toddler years. Occur during ages two and three and are the end of early childhood.

(4) Childhood. Takes place from ages four to eight.

(5) Puberty. The period from ages nine to thirteen, which is the beginning of adolescence.

(6) Older adolescence. The stage that takes place between ages fourteen and eighteen.

(7) Adulthood. The period from adolescence to the end of life and begins at age nineteen.

(8) Middle age. The period of adulthood that stretches from age thirty-one to fifty.

(9) Senior years, or old age. Extend from age fifty-one until the end of li

Christian Rationalism however, has reduced the above stages to only four.

During incarnated life, the spirit goes through distinct stages and in each of them it may learn priceless lessons.

These stages are:

 

(1) Childhood, 

(2) Youth, 

(3) Maturity  

(4) Old age. 

During all these stages the spirit has duties to perform, work to do, obligations to meet.

Life's dynamics requires permanent activity. But such activity should be dignifying, useful, constructive, for the benefit of self and others.

The four above-mentioned stages have meaning only in a physical sense. They are related only to the growth and life of the human body and are used to stress the diversity of experiences and lessons learned in the course of an incarnation.

References

[1] https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/an-introduction-to-nutrition/s16-01-the-human-life-cycle.html

[2] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984 

[3] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Reincarnation and the physical body

by CR (053)

The physical body is a wonderful piece of machinery conceived by the Universal Intelligence to provide its operator, the spirit, with the means and elements necessary to take a post-graduate course on Earth. This course is meant to last numerous multiple incarnations, which are essential to its ascension to an environment of higher spirituality on a higher level of evolution.

Medical science studies the physical body in minor detail and devotes full attention to it. And today a considerable number of scientists admit that the disorders of the spirit, among which emotional disturbances stand out, are the cause of a great number of physiological disorders, and constitute a picture of abnormalities and diseases whose aetiology is no longer a secret for them.

A normal physical body may be said to be a perfect, finished piece of sculpture.

When the spirit reincarnates, it isolates itself from its past and forgets completely its previous incarnations. It only retains in its subconscious the experience gained from past ordeals and the tendencies resulting from the use of its free will.

That is extremely good for the spirit. Firstly, the veil of matter prevents identification of enemies of previous incarnations and makes reconciliation possible, bringing them closer, without grudges or ill will. Secondly, with temporary oblivion of past mistakes, which so often humble, shame, subdue and even alienate the will, the incarnated spirit sort of begins a new existence in each passage through Earth.

Billions of spirits have done and continue to do so in their trajectory through this planet, in a long series of incarnations.

The spirit retains forever all that was conquered through work and effort. This conquest, this wealth, this heritage are valuable assets in each reincarnation. They facilitate the acquisition of new knowledge, new qualities and the refinement of its attributes.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

The three bodies of a human being

by CR (052)

As mentioned previosly, every human being in the planet has three bodies as follows:

(1) Mental body (also known as spirit or soul)

(2) Astral body (animistic matter)

(3) Material body (organic matter)

The mental body (spirit or soul), to which researchers are now turning their attention, is the live, intelligent agent that governs the other two bodies - the astral and the physical bodies - and is therefore responsible for all manifestations of life.

The law of transformation of matter, to which the other bodies are subject, does not affect the mental body. The spirit is eternal and unchangeable in its essence and it offers magnificent demonstrations of its capabilities and courage as it grows in spirituality.

The astral body is the bond, the connection between the mental (spirit) and the physical bodies. It is joined, particle by particle to the mental body, as a result of the permanent vibration of the latter. It encircles the entire physical body to which it is connected by means of animistic cords.

During sleep, the spirit wanders away, together with the astral body (from which it never parts) but never breaks its links with the physical body. It continues to pass on warmth and life by means of the previously mentioned animistic cords.

No matter how long the distances separating the spirit from its corporeal instrument may be, their connection is never broken.

Such interruption would amount to disincarnation (physical death) and also, the extension of the animistic cords is unlimited.

Thus, only after disincarnation do the mental and astral bodies abandon the physical body definitively.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

The process of reincarnation

by CR (051)

No fact or event in human life can be hidden from spiritual planes. Everything we do or think brings forth vibrations which cross in all directions.

This is why, as soon as fertilisation takes place, it is at once spiritually recorded and a spirit moves forward, among those who await their turn, to perform one of the paramount determinations of natural law: reincarnation. This is done without fear or reluctance, that spirit being fully aware of its duty.

Once the spirit has decided to reincarnate and identified a woman to serve as mother, it monitors the formation of the physical body throughout the pregnancy until fetal development is completed. Finally at birth it takes full possession of the body to which it remains attached by means of animistic cords.

The developing physical body is then gradually enveloped, molecule by molecule, by the animistic body of the incarnating spirit which irradiates over it from outside the pregnant mother's body, until the moment of birth when it takes full hold of the child's body.

Once incarnation has been accomplished, the spirit sustains itself on its astral body placed side by side with the child's body, on the left side.

As soon as incarnation has taken place, the human being becomes complete with three bodies as follows:

(1) Mental body (spirit)

(2) Astral body (animistic matter)

(3) Material body (organic matter)

As such, the spirit is supposed to carry out its earthly duties and live two distinctly separate lives: material life and spiritual life.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Materialism: monotheistic religion

by Valdir Aguilera

Mankind has invented religions for all tastes. Your are not religious only if you don't want to or you got disillusioned with the promises they contain in their core. The disillusioned, and those who think they are owners of the truth and know everything, usually take refuge in materialism.

What is materialism? This philosophical doctrine arose in Greece, in the sixth century BC when some philosophers rejected the explanations given by religious myths and were firm in the idea that knowledge should be based on the observation of nature, followed by reasoning.

Over time, the materialistic doctrine has gained new forms. Today, in a nutshell, it says that the only substance that exists in nature is matter and everything, absolutely everything, has its origin in it.

According to materialism, everything that happens in nature has a simple and unique cause, chance. If the solar system has the structure that it has, it is because the matter that makes up its planets, comets and the Sun itself were organized under the command of chance. If the human body has the properties it has, it was chance that was responsible. Our body could have been formed in another way, but the probability of organizing as we know it is the result of chance, of more probable events.

It was chance that structured the human mind itself, which later came to imagine and create the idea of ​​chance itself. Chance eventually created itself!

There is no way to make a materialist change his mind. He prefers to maintain his position and his rather limited explanation of the universe and natural phenomena. Materialism has its dogmas, like all religions, making it one of them.

Materialism and science should not be confused. The latter paves the sure way to unveil the laws that govern universal phenomena. The former is a philosophical belief, a monotheistic religion that created its own god: Chance, creator of all that exists in the universe.

Our planet is a school-world

by CR (050)

Earth is not the permanent dwelling of any spirit. It is a school-world, a purifying laboratory, a learning centre, a workshop where the spirit learns, improves itself, and grows, over a longer or shorter period of time (multiple reincarnations), in an environment suitable for its evolution.

Spirits are distributed by classes among spiritual worlds, in accordance with their degree of evolution.

The spirits that are undergoing evolution in our planet belong to the first 17 classes. In space, these classes are separated by order of their importance.

When spirits incarnate in a planet like Earth, they blend to form peoples of heterogeneous structures, in keeping with the requirements of a school-world. Those who know more, who have more spiritual training, more experience, teach those who know less, what they in turn learned from others. This is exactly why we very often see in the same family people of very different degrees of spirituality.

In order to learn life's lessons well, a reincarnated spirit needs to find in his fellow human beings qualities and knowledge which he does not yet have.

A spirit that reincarnates in this school-planet is immaterial. Its astral body, also called perispirit or animistic body, made of fifth-essence matter, but still matter, is made of the same animistic substance existing in the world where the spirit stays between incarnations.

Similarly, its physical body, which serves as a vehicle in this school-world, is made of matter existing in our planet. The more advanced the spiritual world where the spirit belongs, the more diaphanous the fifth-essence matter of which its astral body is made.

This explains why some astral bodies, although made of the same substance, are more diaphanous than others. 

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Strength of Character

by CR (049)

Strength of character, like so many other qualities, is an unequivocal measure of man's spiritual evolution.

Those who are endowed with it always set the noblest, most admirable examples of rectitude in the course of their lives.

Coupled with other qualities already mentioned, it reveals spiritual maturity and effective preparation for ascension to a higher class of evolution. 

These type of people characterise themselves by their strength of character, independent attitudes and dissent against whatever their enlightened conscience repels.

For example, honour is not restricted to punctuality in payments, honesty in business operations and close adherence to contract agreements. Honour involves, above all, strength of character, uncompromising loyalty and unswerving rectitude in the fulfilment of duty.

The character of many people becomes corrupted when they act in life in prejudicial ways, without any sense of justice. These people don't use impartiality and justice in the innermost evaluation of their own actions. There are those who are harsh in the judgement of other people's actions, for whom they always have words of criticism and reproach, but when their own faults are concerned, they find full, lenient, absolvent justifications. There is no strength of character acting like this. 

All wrongdoings damage the character of those who perpetrate them and leave marks which are difficult to erase in their spiritual personality. Only good actions enrich one's personality and strengthen the character. 

The firmer man's character becomes as a result of the difficulties of daily life and his struggles for self-improvement, the more the spirit feels the need to test this valuable asset, so that the results obtained can match the efforts made.

Spirituality and the development of strength of character, can help correct the serious moral evils which are afflicting humanity. Altruistic actions cultivate one's personality and dignify one's character. Those who practice good, play an effective role in the spiritualization of the human masses.

References 

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

What is Sensibility

by CR (048)

Sensibility is a quality that enables man to feel the vibratory streams of thoughts of the environment and to recognise truth behind the facade of appearances.

It is through sensibility that man feels the affinity which gathers, unites, links together people who nourish similar ideals and equal yearnings.

People can even exteriorize their sensibility through psychic phenonema like hypnotism, thought-reading and its transmission, the so-called transposition of the senses in which for excample an individual who lost his eyesight can see with another part of his body. 

The transposition of the senses suggests that the true power of vision is in our spirit. While our soul is incarnated in this world, our eyes are the organs that help see what's in front of us. However a more sensitive person, who in the physical sense is also destituted of vision, may be able to see with his spirit.

The level of sensibility can also be revealed in the aura of the individual, by a visual medium. Mediumship itself indicates that a person is very sensitive. Mediums really have a more developed sensibility than other people, which enables them to establish contact with psychic vibrations.

Sensibility can also be an instrument that draws two opposite feelings. Sometimes it can be a source of joy other times it can bring sorrow. And it is sorrow that often awakens people to life's realities. The inattentive, the indifferent, the obstinate spirit can be awakened by his more developed sensibility in order to change his path towards spiritual evolution. 

References 

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/transposition-senses

[3] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

What is Self-Control

by CR (047)

As reported by the site Psychology Today, "self-control—or is the ability to subdue one's impulses, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve long-term goals ... it enables people to plan, evaluate alternative actions, and ideally avoid doing things they'll later regret, rather than immediately respond to every impulse as it arises."

Furthermore the VeryWellMind site reinforces the above concepts by saying that: "self-control is the ability to regulate and alter responses in order to avoid undesirable behaviors, increase desirable ones, and achieve long-term goals."

Christian Rationalism agrees. Self-control insures inward control thus avoiding impulsive actions and thoughtless attitudes. These may lead man to make serious mistakes, many of them irreparable, which he later may regret, as is often the case.

Every individual should always be on the alert. Should be aware that he is a particle of force from the Universal Intelligence that works ceaselessly, vibrating, attracting and repelling. Space is filled with thought streams crossing in all directions, both favourable and unfavourable to his growth and well-being.

Hence the need for self-control, so that he does not allow himself to be influenced by adverse irradiations of thoughts. He should act only on his own will. 

In conclusion, self-control and active reasoning are needed. Lack of control over behaviour and words, besides being grounds for offence and even sorrow, is a frequent cause of lasting resentments and brings on hostility and animosity.

References

[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/self-control

[2] https://www.verywellmind.com/psychology-of-self-control-4177125

[3] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[4] Dr. A. Pinheiro Guedes, Spiritualistic Science, 1st Digital Edition, 1995

[5] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

What is Logic

by CR (046)

There are a variety of explanations found in The Free Dictionary, in regard to the definition of Logic. Some of them tell us that Logic is:

"The study of principles of reasoning, especially of the structure of propositions as distinguished from their content, and of method and validity in deductive reasoning; The branch of philosophy concerned with analysing the patterns of reasoning by which a conclusion is properly drawn from a set of premises, without reference to meaning or context."

Furthermore it tells us that logic is also: "The system and principles of reasoning used in a specific field of study; A particular method of argument or reasoning; Force or effectiveness in argument or dispute; Reasoned thought or argument, as distinguished from irrationality; The relationship and interdependence of a series of events, facts, etc."

On the other hand "Your Dictionary" offer us a few examples of what Logic can be, divided by Deductive and Inductive Logic. 

For example on Deductive Logic they give us these two examples: "(a) It is dangerous to drive when it is snowing. It is snowing now. Logic tells you that it would be dangerous to drive right now. (b) When it rains the trees get wet. The trees are wet this morning, so it rained last night."

As for Inductive Logic they offer us this example: "Every house that burned down on the block was caused by faulty wiring. Your conclusion is that all homes on the block have faulty wiring."

As we mentioned before Christian Rationalism is NOT a religion. It is a spiritual philosophy that can even be scientifically studied, as explained in the book 'Spiritualistic Science' written by the physician Dr. Antonio Pinheiro Guedes. 

The name Christian Rationalism is a logical one. It tells us that Christianism doesn't have to be linked to religious dogmatism and can in fact logically explain the reason why we are born in this world, what we are doing here and where we are going to after physical death. 

So for Christian Rationalism logic is a quality which provides consistency in attitudes, appropriateness in the formation of ideas, and methodical thinking.  

Logic is completely impossible without spiritual growth and development. It is pre-eminently a quality resulting from spiritual evolution. It enables man to express his ideas based on firm, objective, realistic grounds.

Thus, no solid assertion can be made unless it is firmly based on the important spiritual attribute which is logic. 

 

References

[1] The Free Dictionary 2019 (https://www.thefreedictionary.com/logic)

[2] Your Dictionary 2019 https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-logic.html

[3] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[4] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

How to 'measure' the degree of evolution of the spirit

by Valdir Aguilera

The Universe is a continuous and inexhaustible source of force particles. Elemental forces are being created, or better said: individualized from a Whole, each moment in an eternal and endless process. Force (like energy or matter) is, therefore, quantized. This statement opens promising paths, but not yet covered by scientists. (done)

We can form an idea of the "creation" process by taking the sea as an example. Water molecules constantly evaporate from the ocean and develop a well-known cycle that is completed by their return, by various paths, to their own origin, the ocean. When we think of forces, this picture is partially acceptable. Just as water molecules return to their origin, so do forces, except that water molecules remain water molecules as before, while forces, when merging with the Whole of their origin, they do it carrying many attributes that they did not have originally. These attributes were acquired and developed along multiple return paths. (done)

When they detach themselves from this source (Universal Force), which extends throughout the Universe, the elemental forces immediately begin to act on a portion of the matter that is in its fluidic state - and in innumerable categories of density -, occupying the entire extension of the Universe. The category of matter at this early stage of action of elemental forces is that of fluidic matter in its highest density state. This matter undergoes modifications in its density, as the force is transformed (see below).

In their early stages, forces have a minimum of attributes. It is these attributes that determine the category (density) of matter in which forces act. Apparently, the first physical property manifested by matter by the action of the elemental force is its mass. Other properties will emerge as the force gains more attributes.

This process of acquiring attributes marks a force transformation. This transformation by enrichment of attributes is called evolution. Evolve is therefore a synonym for transforming.

All forces, when they are "born", have the same intensity, which is translated by the power they have to act on matter. This equality of the intensities of the elementary physical forces is foreseen by the Standard Model of Modern Physics, but occurs only in exceedingly small regions. In the evolutionary process, the intensities will change. In the physical plane, for example, where forces already exhibit a series of attributes, they present themselves with quite different orders of intensity.

How to characterize the attributes of forces? By detaching itself from the infinite universal focus, the force brings with it an intrinsic attribute: it vibrates in a primitive mode. As it evolves, in the above-mentioned process, it starts to vibrate in many other ways. In the physical plane, each mode of vibration is responsible for a property of the body in which it acts. Thus, all properties of elementary particles (mass, charge, spin, etc.) are consequences of these various modes of the force vibration.

The process of evolution of forces involves, therefore, the acquisition of more and more modes of vibration. For this to be possible, the fluidic matter on which they operate is being replaced by matter of diminishing density. The matter used by the forces becomes more diaphanous

Opening a parentheses for a digression, it is possible that the "vibrating strings" suggested by the String Theory are nothing more than the elemental forces proposed here. In that theory, among the first properties manifested by the "strings" lies the mass, as conjectured above. Note that "strings" exist only in the mathematical structure of the theory; they are mathematical entities. Here they have physical existence, in the form of elemental forces. Let's close parentheses.

The attributes of the forces are thus characterized by their modes of vibration. The more attributes it possesses, the more evolved is the force. In other words, and responding to the initial challenge, we can "measure" the degree of evolution of a force by the variety of modes in which it vibrates. When force acquires sufficient attributes - by successive transformations along its journey through the various kingdoms of nature -, it is in position to organize a physical body, to act in it, and to receive the denomination of spirit. It is a new stage in which it will continue to enrich itself with new modes of vibration.

Note that at this stage of interaction, the force already "knows", it has sufficient attributes to organize and operate on all "minor" forces that act in the constitution, organization and operation of the physical body. When we learn these attributes, or modes of vibration, we will be able to "measure" the degree of evolution of a spirit.

What is Mental balance

by CR (045)

As stated by the Free Dictionary, mental balance is the healthy psychological state of someone with good judgment; it's the psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment. In short it means that the individual in question is of mental soundness.

On "achieving greater mental balance" based on the fact that some people have a "negative personality", only seeing "the dark side of things", not usually "detecting the positive aspects of experiences", Dr. Clifford N. Lazarus in his article written in Psychology Today, suggests the following:  

"For every negative thought, picture or idea that you have, try to entertain several positive or neutral alternatives", and adds that "over time, this mental exercise will help to level the playing field and you'll enjoy the benefits of more balanced thinking".

In short, this renown Psychologist believes that for every negative thought, you should try to achieve some type of a Mental Balance" by thinking about positive experiences and thoughts.

For Christian Rationalism, Mental Balance comes from sharpness of senses, a personality well adjusted to the realities of life, tranquillity, a precise understanding of reality, and an accurate evaluation of facts.

Calmness, serenity, moderation, pondered attitudes, reflection, good judgement and common sense are all qualities which reveal mental balance. And mental balance is what enables man, in the whirlwind of earthly life, to proceed safely and avoid common mistakes.

Therefore, refining this quality should be the object of constant care and interest on the part of every incarnated spirit because it plays an extremely meaningful role in the spiritual evolutionary process.

References

[1] The Free Dictionary 2019 (https://www.thefreedictionary.com/mental+balancelance) 

[2] Clifford N. Lazarus, PhD

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/think-well/201007/how-achieve-greater-mental-balance

[3] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[4] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Power of Conception

by CR (044)

Dictionaries don't exactly define the expression Power of Conception, but just the word itself. They say that Conception means "the creation of something in the mind; is the forming of an idea for something in your mind; the act of conceiving; something that is conceived; origination; beginning; a design; a plan."

Encyclopedia Britannica on the other hand, tell us that the Power of Conception "is sometimes used as a synonym for imagination, especially in the sense of the power of conceiving and giving artistic form to that which is not existent, known, or experienced." 

As for Christian Rationalism, this philosophy and spiritualistic science believes that inherent in the power of conception are ingenuity, creative thought, and the resourceful accomplishing power of change and improvement.

The power of conception is essentially constructive. It is the prime mover of the gradual role in the arts, as well as in science and literature.

Furthermore, altruism, self-denial and unselfishness, as well as material progress, are the product of the power of conception because it is often exercised having in mind the welfare of humanity as a whole.

In short, the Power of Conception is one of the attributes of the spirit, which is an essential constituent of the Universal Intelligence, the only creative power in the Universe.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] WordWeb Dictionary 2019 (https://wordweb.info/)

[3] Collins Dictionary 2019 (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/conception)

[4] Dictionary.com 2019 (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/conception?s=t)

[5] Encyclopedia Britannica 2019 (https://www.britannica.com)

[6] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

Reasoning Power

by CR (043)

Reasoning power is a valuable quality of the spirit which allows it to analyse the facts of life and to learn from events.

Reasoning is like a light focused on the difficult problems of life to make them clear and understandable.

Besides guiding the spirit in the course of its spiritual evolution, it also represents a powerful weapon of defense against fanaticism, against worldly conventionalism, against mystical beliefs that produce the blindness of faith, which are indicative of acute or mild forms of obsession.

That's why this philosophy called Christian Rationalism makes an eloquent and constant plea for study and reasoning so that every person will realise the need for a diligent effort towards self-improvement. Knowledge about real life, which is a continuous process of study, will never be understood by those who, without reasoning, limit themselves to repeating obsolete concepts linked to religious dogmatisms.

A spirit starts the acquisition of the Reasoning Power in its first stage of an incarnation in human form. As soon as he begins to reason, the incarnated spirit already uses its reasoning power, although in a vague and confusing way, to recognize the existence of a Superior Intelligence which he is unable to define. Hence his inclination to worship which is fully justified by the conditions of ignorance in which he lives.

Therefore it is understandable that people who live in jungles, have never seen modern life and have never acquired more advanced knowledges may worship fire, lightning or the sun. They still lack a basis of reasoning to dissuade them from worshipping natural phenomena.

The development of the reasoning power needs time to evolve and according to the natural laws, which includes the law of evolution, the spirit goes through countless reincarnations in order to develop spiritually, including his reasoning power. 

Reasoning is closely connected to thinking and this association can create images, conceive ideas, build for the present and for the future. Through thought and the power of reasoning, man makes decisions, creates solutions, discovers and resolves life's problems. 

Reason is guided by intelligence which is also a powerful ally of perfection. Reason and intelligence makes the spirit realize its faults leading it to make efforts to correct them. 

Unfortunately reasoning power can also be applied for evil. However, a backward man, no matter how evil his intentions may be, cannot go beyond certain limits imposed by the shortcomings of his reasoning power. On the other hand, a smarter spirit, like for instance a scientist, can use his intellect and reasoning power for evil purposes and by doing that, he may cause devastating harm.

The greater the power of reasoning, the easier it becomes to control free will, which is a spiritual gift controlled by volition. Therefore, the improper use of free will, results from low reasoning capacity

Another problem related to the lack of reasoning is Fanaticism. Excessive intolerance of opposing views,  means that intelligence is somewhat clouded and the reasoning power is hindered. This sometimes occur with those who restrict themselves to watching exclusively physical phenomena, while closing their reasoning to the analysis of psychic phenomenology, thus takin a narrow-minded view of spiritual matters. 

In terms of family life, those who are willing to use their reasoning power and make good use of their intelligence will not lack the means of expression to convey to their children sound ideas about the subtleties of earthly life.

Man needs to reason in order to live sensibly. He needs to act in an independent way, using his own moral and spiritual resources. Those who do wrong will inescapably have to redeem it sooner or later, either in the present or future reincarnations.

In conclusion, with the proper exercise of the reasoning power, man can follow the rules of good conduct in order to solve the problems he constantly faces, always bearing in mind the importance of honesty and the good use of his free will. 

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese

What is Perception

by CR (042)

According to various dictionaries, Perception ia "the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses; the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted; The representation of what is perceived; Basic component in the formation of a concept; A way of conceiving something."

In a religious site we found these definitions of Perception: "Perception means seeing mentally or spiritually. It is becoming aware of something or grasping something; Perception may include transformation into the spiritual realm; Objects of perception may include good and evil, souls, spirits, imagination, dreams, visions, or illusions."

Even though the religious or Biblical points of view of perception, at times may be close to the real meaning of this spiritual faculty, we believe that Christian Rationalism which doesn't follow the Bible and is stripped from dogmatic teachings, has a deeper meaning of this capability.

There are certain psychological factors that the common language cannot completely define, when it comes to the undertanding of the faculty of Perception, although they represent real, easily recognisable values. 

Two strong components of perception are intuition and inspiration, which are outstanding among other spiritual attributes and play an important role in all human interactions in this world. 

Perception, which is closely related to discernment (penetrating power of the spirit), sharpness, insight and sensibility, also exercises great influence over the field of observation because it discloses what self-interest very often conceals.

When prudence intervenes cautiously in the inclinations or tendencies of the human being, it is still perception that provides the elements of decision.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Lexico, 2019 (https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/perception) 

[3] WordWeb Dictionary 2019 (https://wordweb.info/)

[4] http://www.biblenews1.com/define/perception.htm

[5] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese