Spiritism

Spiritism or Kardecism is a reincarnationist and spiritualist doctrine established in France in the mid-19th century by writer and educator Allan Kardec (a.k.a. Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail). It explains, from a Christian perspective, the cycle by which a spirit supposedly returns to material existence after the death of the old body in which it dwelled, as well as the evolution it undergoes during this process. The concept also interacts with philosophical and scientific conceptions of the relationship between the physical and the moral. Kardecism emerged as a new religious movement out of spiritualism, the notions and practices associated with spiritual communication disseminated throughout North America and Europe since the 1850s.

Kardec coined the term spiritism in 1857 and defined it as "the doctrine founded on the existence, manifestations, and teachings of spirits". Although not recognized as a science, Kardec claimed that spiritism combines scientific, philosophical, and religious aspects, seeking a better understanding not only of the tangible universe but also of the universe beyond transcendence. After observing and analyzing the phenomena of table-turning, a kind of seance, he was intrigued by the fact that the table could move despite lacking muscles or provide answers without having a brain. It was allegedly the very agent causing the phenomenon who responded, "It is not the table that thinks! It is us, the souls of the men who have lived on Earth." Kardec then proceeded to study this and other phenomena, such as "incorporation" and mediumship.

The doctrine is based on five basic works, known as the Spiritist Codification, published by Kardec between 1857 and 1868. The codification consists of The Spirits' Book, The Mediums' Book, The Gospel According to Spiritism, Heaven and Hell, and The Genesis. Additionally, there are the so-called complementary works, such as What is Spiritism?, Spiritist Review, and Posthumous Works. Its followers consider spiritism a doctrine focused on the moral improvement of humanity and believe in the existence of a single God, the possibility of useful communication with spirits through mediums, and reincarnation as a process of spiritual growth and divine justice.

According to the International Spiritist Council, spiritism is present in 36 countries, with over 13 million followers, being most widespread in Brazil, where it has approximately 3.8 million followers, according to the data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and over 30 million sympathizers, according to the Brazilian Spiritist Federation. Spiritists are also known for influencing and promoting a movement of social assistance and philanthropy. The doctrine has had a strong influence on various other religious currents, such as Santería, Umbanda, and the New Age movements.