NSAC President Discusses John Edward "phenomena"

[Pam]

NSAC (National Spiritualist Association of Churches) PRESIDENT DISCUSSES JOHN EDWARD "PHENOMENA" --

NSAC President, the Rev. Barbara Thurman told delegates attending the Rochester National Convention that what she calls the "John Edward" phenomena may be increasing attendance at Spiritualist churches across the country. The nightly "Crossing Over" programs that originated on the SciFi channel in July 2000, are now "highly polished television production" syndicated daily on major US stations.

"Whatever you believe about Mr. Edward's mediumistic ability, he is making inroads on the belief systems of this nation. Although skeptics enjoy dissecting the Edward's presentation, undeniably this program is introducing this nation to the possibility of spirit communication," said the NSAC President. "Additionally, any one of the segments can be used as a tool for training mediums. His work has its good and not so good characteristics, but it offers a demonstration worthy of discussions with students of mediumship."

The Rev. Thurman then posed an interesting question: "Is the John Edward phenomena a modern renewal of the Advent of Modern Spiritualism when knowledge of spirit communication spread throughout the population of our land in the 19th Century? With the general population being more and more
introduced to the possibility of spirit communication, it may well be."

"It may be the John Edward phenomena, or it could be the financial conditions of the times, plus the recent catastrophic events which are increasing attendance in our churches," said the Rev. Thurman, and she urged all churches to put out the welcome mat. Newcomers are generally not aware of the Religion of Spiritualism and what it offers, and she asked: "Does your auxiliary have a plan of action to implement when a newcomer attends your services or other events? More and more persons are seeking information and instruction."

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This article is being posted as an example of how John Edward is affecting our culture and society, and should not be construed as an ad, suggestion or recommendation for any church or denomination. This board community is open to all faiths and is multi-denominational.

[Chumani2001]

Pam - Thanks for that great message. I once was in touch in the 90s with a prominent spiritualist organization based in Philadelphia. Sorry I didn't join that group. A very caring leader but at the time I was just seeking the name of a healer out here in CA for a friend of mine who died quite young and suddenly.

So far as the "recent catastrophic events" are concerned, John Edward became a phenomenon long before that. Of course, it could have been in preparation for Sept. 11th, but I don't think so. The time is just right - and people are fed up with the same old story. The last time a really well-known (and beloved, at first) maverick came along was Bishop James Pike. (He didn't start out that way.) Everyone should read his story. It's well worth it and Bishop Pike should not be forgotten. - Chu

[kate1720]

"His work has its good and not so good characteristics"

What's she talkin 'bout "...not so good characteristics". OK, maybe he talks a little fast. That must be it.

Would love her to check in over in this part of "the hood".

Kate

[Pam]

Well - this is why I post a disclaimer. The Spiritualists are just like any "religious group" they have a percentage of wisdom and beauty, and then they have the stuff that makes you go "HUH?"

Once, at a local spiritualist church, I heard a spiritualist say that John Edward can't be an authentic medium "because he asks questions of the sitter." Then 5 minutes later, when all the mediums started giving readings to the "congregation" each and every one of them asked questions of the people being read.

So go figure :)

[Chumani2001]

The group that I called in Philadelphia was mentioned in several books about Bishop Pike. He had personal contacts with "chapters" of that group from Southern to N. California. So when I sought out a group name and spotted that same one based in Philadelphia in a reference book, I thought it would be a trusted one. At least it had survived before and after Bishop Pike died in Israel which was quite a number of yrs ago. But any spiritual reader of Catholic or Episcopalian persuasion should have heard of him. He originally came from Washington, D.C. and last based in Santa Barbara, CA. A fascinating and brilliant man, tho people had thought he had gone off the deep end after years of scholarly theological writings and discussions. Bishop Pike's son committed suicide and that's when he got into the 'spiritual' no-nos at the time.

I am glad I got into all this 'extraneous' reading back in the mid-80's. Otherwise I would be interested in no one other than John Edward. It took me several yrs to become interested in anyone other than Cayce. - Chu

This spiritualist group's name began with Friends of ...(I believe). I'm going to look at some old stuff I had. This woman I called was just packing for a trip abroad and yet took the time to speak with me at length about my friend, put him on their prayer list, and sent me a pamphlet about their organization. I remember they had no local CA chapters at that time.