For some people Spiritualism is a science, for some, it's a philosophy, and for others, it's a religion as well. Its core beliefs, as expressed in the 7 guiding principles of Spiritualism, are a challenge to atheism as they recognise the existence of an all-intelligent creating force.

Spiritualism teaches that there is life after death but rejects the idea that we merge into formlessness. On the basis of evidence from years of spirit contact, Spiritualists have concluded that we retain the same personalities and characteristics, and we change only as a result of our own efforts. It rejects the concept of an eternal hell, saying instead that "eternal progress is open to every human soul".

A key part of Spiritualist science is that there exists evidence that communication with departed spirits can, and does, take place. Early Spiritualists called this "The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels".

Having Spiritualism formally recognised as a religion has been important in some contexts as it offers legal and social protection for the practice of mediumship and spiritual healing.

At a time before the Internet and New Age bookshops, Spiritualist churches and newspapers were one of the few places where people could learn about the philosophy and science of Spiritualism and spiritual healing. Having a place where people could come together physically to demonstrate and develop mediumship and share experiences of the afterlife has been very important to many. Read more about Spiritualism in the world today.