The Christian Church was actually founded on spirit communication and phenomena that could be described as mediumship.
Throughout the bible there are many examples of spiritual events, with men speaking in strange languages, or tongues as it was known. There were spirit voices, and angel messengers foretelling the coming of prophets and seers.
Many Spiritualists believed then and now, that Jesus was a brilliant medium and was described as having great healing powers. Jesus was known for his inspired teachings, transfiguration, and many ‘miracles’ that occurred in his presence. Jesus brought the dead back to life in the Bible!
After he died, Jesus was both seen and heard by his disciples, and mediumship seemed to play an important part in the spreading of the new Christian religion.
But, in the 4th century, Christian leaders decided that the use of psychic and mediumship abilities was wrong for mere mortals, and were only to be performed by the Christian priests.
Anyone else who demonstrated spiritual abilities were denounced as ‘false prophets’, evil sorcerers and heretics and were punished.
In 1484 the Pope strongly denounced mediums. The Church also sanctioned the publication of a book entitled ‘Hammer of the Witches,’ which described all people who communicated with spirits as witches, and stated that they should be severely punished.
After this, there was a long period of persecution where any persons suspected of using psychic abilities were sent to trial prior to torture and execution.
During those days thousands of mediums were put to death by the church witch-hunters.
Thankfully we mediums no longer have to suffer in this manner, but we are still scorned and ridiculed by some. There are various elements of the Christian movement who still like to heckle at Spiritualist meetings even in the 21st century.
We are now covered by the trading standards rules and laws, and some like to forget that we are in fact a religion, not just a bit of entertainment. We Spiritualists have to keep strong and rise above it all, whilst proving to others that there is life after death for all, no matter what religion!