In the quest for understanding existence, one of the most profound questions humanity asks is: Who—or what—is God? Different religions and philosophies have proposed countless interpretations, ranging from anthropomorphic figures to abstract forces.
Spiritism, as codified by Allan Kardec in The Spirits’ Book, offers a unique and deeply rational perspective on the Divine. Let’s explore how Spiritism defines God, and what that means for our understanding of life, justice, and spiritual growth.
The First Question in The Spirits’ Book
The very first question posed by Kardec to the spirits sets the tone for the entire doctrine:
Question 1: What is God?
Answer: God is the Supreme Intelligence, the First Cause of all things.
This concise yet profound answer highlights two essential concepts:
- Supreme Intelligence – God is not a being among beings, but the highest form of consciousness, wisdom, and perfection.
- First Cause – God is the origin of all existence, the source from which all matter and spirit arise.
This definition departs from anthropomorphic ideas of God as a human-like ruler and instead presents a universal, impersonal, and rational presence.
Attributes of God According to Spiritism
Kardec follows the initial question with others to clarify the characteristics of God, as revealed by high-order spirits. Some of the main attributes include:
- Eternal – Without beginning or end
- Immutable – Unchanging; perfect and consistent
- Immaterial – Not made of matter
- Unique – The only true God; no equals
- All-Powerful – Absolute power, but always used justly
- All-Knowing – Possesses complete knowledge of all things
- Sovereignly Just and Good – Justice and goodness are intrinsic to God’s nature
These attributes establish God as the perfect moral and intellectual principle behind all creation.
God Is Not a Person, But a Principle
In Spiritism, God is not envisioned as a “person” sitting on a throne. Instead, God is understood as the eternal and intelligent principle that governs the universe through natural and moral laws.
Just as gravity governs the physical world, divine law governs the spiritual world—ensuring justice, harmony, and order.
This perspective:
- Removes the fear-based view of a punishing deity
- Replaces it with a vision of a loving, wise presence that wants us to evolve
- Encourages responsibility, not submission
How God Reveals Himself
Kardec explains that we cannot see or comprehend God directly, but we know God through His works—just like we know an artist through their art.
The universe, life, nature, consciousness, and the moral law that governs all things are reflections of God’s intelligence and goodness. Everything from the movement of galaxies to the instincts of animals bears witness to divine order.
The Law of God Is Written in Our Conscience
One of the most beautiful teachings of Spiritism is that the moral law of God is written within us.
In The Spirits’ Book, the spirits affirm that:
- All human beings, regardless of culture or religion, have an innate sense of right and wrong.
- This inner moral compass is a sign of divine presence and guidance.
- As we evolve, we become more aware of this inner voice and align ourselves with divine will.
Therefore, God doesn’t need to impose rules from outside. Instead, God inspires us from within, through love, intuition, and conscience.
God and Suffering: A Just and Loving Creator
One of the most difficult questions in theology is: Why does suffering exist if God is good?
Spiritism offers a compelling response:
- God created us ignorant but perfectible.
- Suffering is not punishment, but a tool for education and growth.
- We face challenges and consequences not to be punished, but to learn and improve.
- Reincarnation allows for justice to unfold across multiple lives.
In this view, suffering is not an act of cruelty, but part of a divine plan of love—where every spirit is destined for happiness and perfection.
Does God Favor Any Religion?
No. According to Spiritism:
“The good man is the one who fulfills the law of justice, love, and charity.”
– The Spirits’ Book, question 918
God does not belong to any particular religion, culture, or people. All spiritual paths that encourage love, justice, and compassion are aligned with the divine.
What matters to God is not the label we wear, but how we live, how we treat others, and how we grow in wisdom and love.
Prayer and Connection with God
Spiritism values personal and sincere prayer as a way to:
- Reflect
- Express gratitude
- Seek strength and understanding
Prayer doesn’t change God’s will, but it connects us with higher vibrations, opening us to receive inspiration, calm, and insight.
God hears the intention of the heart, not the words of the mouth.
Final Reflection: A God Who Invites Us to Grow
The Spiritist vision of God is one of immense beauty and logic. Rather than fear, it inspires confidence. Rather than blind obedience, it encourages understanding.
God, in Spiritism, is not a master to be feared, but a loving Creator who guides us toward truth and light.
Knowing this, we can live with:
- More peace, knowing we are never abandoned
- More purpose, knowing our lives have meaning
- More responsibility, knowing our choices matter
In the words of Kardec:
“God is the intelligence of all things, the supreme good, the supreme justice.”
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