1. Prece de Abertura
2. Estudo do Livro dos Espíritos- Das leis morais
Progresso da Legislação Humana- Influência do Espiritismo no Progresso, por Claudia Luiza Costa Lima Salz
Estudo do Livro dos Espíritos
Livro Terceiro
Leis Morais
Capítulo VIII
Lei do Progresso Questões 702 a 710
3. Leitura das psicografias da semana anterior
4. Passes
5. Irradiações
6. Preces
7. Prece de encerramento
Estudo:
Progresso da Legislação Humana- Influência do Espiritismo no Progresso.
O estudo foca especificamente nas questões 794 a 802, que abordam o "Progresso da Legislação Humana" e a "Influência do Espiritismo no Progresso".
PROGRESS OF HUMAN LEGISLATION AND THE INFLUENCE OF SPIRITISM ON PROGRESS by Claudia Luiza Costa Lima Salz
LE – Third Book – Moral Laws Chapter VIII – Law of Progress –
Questions 702 to 710
Opening Prayer and Introduction
Thanks to God, to Jesus, and to Francisco de Paula.
Good evening to all brothers, incarnate and discarnate, present here, and also to the brothers who accompany us through social media.
May God support us, enlighten us, and guide us throughout our meeting tonight.
Today, my brothers, our study is within the third part of The Spirits' Book, which deals with Moral Laws, finalizing chapter VIII – Law of Progress, addressing the last two sub-themes of this chapter which speak to us about the PROGRESS OF HUMAN LEGISLATION and the INFLUENCE OF SPIRITISM ON PROGRESS, covering questions 794 to 802.
Question 794
When we begin to analyze question 794 formulated by Kardec to the spiritual friends, we will find the following inquiry:
“Could society be governed solely by natural laws, without the assistance of human laws?”
That is, could we dismiss, disregard our constitutions, our laws, and remain solely with the Higher Law, with the Divine Law?
That is what Kardec asks here.
And the spirits answer:
“It could if everyone understood them well. If men were willing to practice them, they would suffice. Society, however, has its demands. Special laws are necessary for it.”
Question 794 – commentary
And with this answer, my brothers, we have the confirmation from spirituality that the divine laws are sufficient.
In truth, they are perfect, and human laws are not.
The divine law is the law that governs the Universe.
And the Universe has no flaws.
As for the laws of human society, they are, in reality, consistent with the degree of evolution of humanity.
As we evolve, we adjust our human laws and, little by little, they approach the natural laws. One day, they will be the same, but when that day comes, it will be because humanity will have already evolved as much as it needed to evolve, and will find itself in a condition of Purified Spirits.
As long as perfection does not arrive, human laws will always be inferior to natural laws.
So, obviously, we could conduct ourselves by them. However, while we are imperfect, we have difficulty understanding, comprehending, and applying the divine laws.
For this reason, we still need human laws that are consistent with our still inferior stage, but as we evolve, they are transformed.
Question 795
And now we can move on to question 795 where Kardec asks:
“What is the cause of the instability of human laws?”
And the Spirits answer:
A: “In barbaric times, it is the strongest who make the laws, and they made them for themselves. However, as men began to better understand justice (what justice? Divine justice), it was necessary to modify them.
Human laws are less unstable the more they approach true justice, that is, as they are made for all and identify with the Natural Law.”
Question 795 - commentary
So, the Natural Law is stable, it is equitable, it is egalitarian, it is broad, it is impartial, it does not privilege individuals... so, God's Law is comprehensive. And now comes a commentary from Kardec that says:
“Civilization has created new needs for man, needs relative to the social position he occupies. It is necessary, then, to regulate by means of human laws the rights and duties of this position.
But, influenced by his passions, he has not infrequently created imaginary rights and duties, which natural law condemns and which peoples erase from their codes as they progress.”
A tacit example: slavery.
In the era of Colonial Brazil, of Imperial Brazil, where this absurdity still prevailed, the process of enslaving a fellow human being, in this case, our African brothers, there was an entire human legislation to regulate the relationship between the enslaved and those who enslaved.
The law provided a structure for this practice. And, as these wrongs are abolished, these laws fall apart.
So, this is what our spiritual friends are clarifying here:
“The natural law is immutable and the same for all; human law is variable and progressive.”
This is important. Because the Law of Progress is inexorable, it will happen, and we need, above all, to recognize that the instability of human laws stems from the imperfection of man.
With maturity, with development, the laws become more stable and modify themselves until they adjust to the natural laws.
Question 796
Let us now go to question 796:
“In the current state of society, is the severity of penal laws not a necessity?”
And the Spirits answer:
A: “A depraved society certainly needs more severe laws. Unfortunately, these laws are more intended to punish evil after it is done than to cut the root of the evil.
Only education can reform men, who thus will no longer need such rigorous laws.”
Question 796 - commentary
We see here the declaration of the spiritual friends, saying that the solution lies in education, my brothers.
Moral education of creatures.
And... a typical example of these wrong paths: the death penalty... it is an issue still present among us and in question 760, when we dealt with the Law of Destruction, Kardec asks about the death penalty and the spirits say:
“It will unquestionably disappear, and its suppression will mark a progress of Humanity.”
Because the death penalty does not solve the cause, it deals with the consequence and worse: it creates rebellion in that spirit, and, my brothers, this spirit can reincarnate with the same problems; possibly even more aggressive in some matters with a feeling of revenge, perhaps...
So, the death penalty does not solve it. And it definitely does not solve the improvement of society.
Question 797
Let us now go to question 797 when Kardec asks the following:
“How can man be led to reform his laws?”
And the spirits answer:
A: This occurs naturally, by the force of things and by the influence of good people who guide him on the path of progress. Man has already reformed many laws and will reform others still. Wait!
Question 797 - commentary
So, spirituality here reinforces to Kardec that what leads man to reform his laws is maturity, it is understanding, it is the gradual change in his way of seeing and feeling life.
And spirituality still tells us:
“This occurs naturally, by the force of things and by the influence of good people who guide him on the path of progress.”
And these people who guide him on the path of progress, we can understand – not only incarnate people, but also those from the spiritual world.
The material world and the spiritual world are in constant interchange.
This means, therefore, that when the time comes for reform, for progress, for the advancement of humanity, the spiritual plane is with us, influencing us.
Because the time for humanity to progress is not something that happens apart from the spiritual world, without its participation, without the higher spirituality, including, taking part in the responsibilities and in the great decisions that involve that process of change, that time of reform.
So, let us remember that nothing happens by chance.
Everything happens according to the planning and will of the Father.
And, when the time comes to reform the laws, to change for the better, the influences will be constant.
And we have already been able to identify that much has already been changed, much we have already progressed regarding our laws.
When we compare the legislations of the past with the laws of today, we perceive, yes, without a shadow of a doubt, that there has been great progress.
And so it will continue.
Question 798
Now, let's enter the last sub-theme of the chapter: the Influence of Spiritism on
Progress.
And Kardec begins this theme with question no. 798 which says the following:
“Will Spiritism become a common belief, or will it continue to be professed only by a few people?”
And spirituality tells us:
A: “It will certainly become a common belief and will mark a New Era in the History of Humanity, because it is in Nature and the time has come for it to take its place among human knowledge.
However, it will have to sustain great struggles, more against interests than against conviction, because one cannot hide the existence of people interested in combating it, some out of self-love, others for entirely material reasons.
But, as its contradictors become more and more isolated, they will be forced to think like the others, under penalty of becoming ridiculous.”
Question 798 - commentary
This question we are seeing now is very interesting, and people ask a lot if one day the Spiritist Doctrine will be the general belief, and spirituality here shows us that it will certainly become a general belief and will mark a new Era in the History of Humanity.
Now, we need to understand how this will happen. According to the book Genesis, in chapter 18, The Times Are at Hand, this chapter shows us that it does not mean that all people will become spiritists.
It says there that religions, creeds will continue to exist, but the truths of the Spiritist Doctrine will be reinforced by Science, so that other religions will have no way to omit the use or fail to use these truths within their beliefs.
So, they will need to adjust, to adapt to the truths that Science itself will bring us.
Thus, the faithful, for example, of Catholicism will continue to follow Catholicism, but will begin to accept as truths, for example, situations like the immortality of the soul, reincarnation... but, they will continue to follow their creeds with the adjustments, with the necessary alterations to be in accordance with Science.
And those religions that do not want to accept what Science tells us, these will, little by little, disappear because they will not be in conformity with the truths.
And Humanity, evolving, will not accept what Science does not also come, by reason, to ratify.
So, my brothers, the principles of the Doctrine will, in some way, spread to all creeds and it is exactly this that will cause people to unite, the creeds to unify, the differences that we identify today to end, to cease to exist, and fraternity, the union among peoples to be, in fact, something real, true, and witnessed by all of us.
Question 799
Let us now go to question 799:
“In what way can Spiritism contribute to progress?”
And spirituality tells us:
A: “By destroying materialism, which is one of the scourges of society, Spiritism can make men understand where their true interests lie.
As the future life will no longer be veiled by doubt, man will better perceive that he can guarantee his future through the present. By destroying the prejudices of sects, castes, and colors, Spiritism teaches men the great solidarity that will unite them as brothers.”
Question 799 - commentary
And this is a truth, really, my brothers. When we were unaware of the Spiritist Doctrine, we were, certainly, much more materialistic.
We sought to live more for today, giving vent to our interests, for success, for recognition... in short, we sought to live for the “I,” not for the other, for our neighbor.
And even having the message, the example of our Master Jesus, we often saw the Master as something unattainable, as a reality that did not apply to us, such imperfect beings.
But, the Spiritist Doctrine brings us another way of seeing life.
From the moment Spiritism arrives, it shows us that it is possible to reach the condition of Christ.
And He, my brothers, does not ask us to leave here as sublimated spirits, but that we may practice and experience a little more of the Law of Love in our lives.
This will be enough for us to climb a few steps in evolution.
And little by little we will ascend to God and to Love.
Question 800
Let's see question 800 now:
“Is it not to be feared that Spiritism will not be able to overcome the indifference of men and their attachment to material things?”
And spirituality tells us:
A: “It would be to know men very little to imagine that any cause could transform them as if by magic.
Ideas change little by little, according to individuals, and it takes a few generations for the traces of old habits to be completely erased.
The transformation, therefore, can only operate over time, gradually, and in a progressive manner.
With each generation, a part of the veil is dissipated.
Spiritism comes to tear it completely. However, even if it only managed to correct a single defect in man, it would have already made him take a step and, for that very reason, produced a great good, because this first step will make the others easier for him.”
Question 800 – commentary
And, we are once again here talking about time.
About the need we all have to learn gradually.
Certainly, we would like to accelerate our evolutionary process.
To truly triumph over evil, over the imperfections that still exist within us. We wanted, effectively, to overcome the attachment to material things, but the Spiritist Doctrine never tires of telling us:
1st we will never be able to stop progress.
It is constant and eternal. And, besides that, we also already know that everything changes, but in its own time, gradually.
Nature does not take leaps and neither will we. Our ideas will change, but gradually. As we evolve, as we acquire understanding, and so, little by little, our inferiority, the traces of old habits will be replaced by the new man.
And as spirituality says: “With each generation, a part of the veil is dissipated.” So, the changes will come, but for us who are here, living for around 100 years, it is a very short time for much progress.
Question 800 –
commentary - continuation But, this does not mean that we should cross our arms.
If I know that I can make an effort, that I can persevere, so that I leave this life with the maximum possible evolution, why not try?
I know that I will not leave here a purified Spirit, an angelic spirit, but certainly, I can try to leave here a much better spirit than when I arrived.
And no matter how slowly we evolve, gradually, it is so good for us to perceive that small step we managed to take.
To recognize that our effort is worth it and that even in such a small way, we are already better people.
This is good for the soul.
This gives us the encouragement to continue on this journey.
And this is what we have to do: win the small battles.
It is through each one of them that we will reach the great victory: the victory over ourselves and the conquest of our happiness.
Question 801
Let's now go to question 801 and it tells us the following:
“Why did the Spirits not teach, in all times, what they teach today?”
And spirituality tells us:
A: “You do not teach children what you teach adults and you do not give a newborn food that he cannot digest. Everything has its time. They taught many things that men did not understand or disfigured, but that they can understand now. Through their teachings, even if incomplete, they prepared the ground to receive the seed that will now bear fruit.”
Question 801 - commentary
Once again, spirituality teaches us that progress is slow and gradual.
Today, we already know so much and how little we practice.
What good would it do for the Spirits to bring us all the truths that we could in no way absorb, much less comprehend.
How could we, still so imperfect, be able to understand and comprehend the truths that are so far beyond our intellectual capacity?
Spirituality here, when it makes the comparison with children and newborns, helps us to understand what they want to tell us. As much as we have knowledge, as much as we want to tell children, to explain the truths to children, if we do not use a simplified language, they will not understand. Likewise, spirituality feels in relation to us.
They are not in a position to teach us what our mind does not yet have the capacity to comprehend, to learn, and to practice.
Therefore, dear friends, each thing comes in its own time. Let us first try to practice what we already know. When we manage to practice all that they have already brought us and informed us, we will be able to learn and know a little more.
Question 802
Let's now go to the last question of this chapter, no. 802:
“Since Spiritism must mark a progress in Humanity, why do the Spirits not hasten this progress, through manifestations so widespread and evident that they could convince even the most incredulous?”
And spirituality tells us:
A: “You would wish for miracles, but God sows them in abundance before your steps, although there are still men who deny them.
Did Christ himself, perhaps, succeed in convincing his contemporaries with the prodigies he performed?
Do you not see today some men who deny the most evident facts that happen before their eyes?
Are there not those who say they would not believe, even if they saw?
No; it is not by means of prodigies that God wants to lead men. In his goodness, He wants to leave them the merit of convincing themselves by reason.”
Question 802 - commentary
My dear friends, the response from spirituality could not be more lucid and perfect.
Let us remember the Spiritist Doctrine, how it began through the turning tables, where the phenomena were patent.
At that time, in all parts of the planet, these phenomena of dancing tables, noises, the appearance of objects, unusual sounds were happening...
And, even so, many did not believe. Many saw in it some mystification... and many did not believe that there was the presence and the force of an intelligence, in fact, of a spirit that thought and that was there bringing communications, bringing messages from the Spiritual Plane.
Therefore, it will not be through phenomena that Humanity will be convinced, believe, and progress.
But, essentially, by reason, by common sense, by logic.
And then, phenomena are dispensable. It is no use seeking phenomena; we need to seek reason and understanding, allied, of course, to moral reform.
Conclusion
And here, already finishing, we bring two phrases for our reflections.
The first is from the Spirit Miramez who tells us:
“The mission of Jesus is in the near future, to make man die to the law. He will no longer need them, for having them vibrating within his soul. For not needing external discipline for being men educated in Christ.”
And now let's see the second which is from the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians in chapter 2:
“For I, through the law itself, died to the law, so that I might live for God.
I am crucified with Christ; therefore it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
And this life that I now have in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Conclusion -
Closing So, my brothers, he who integrates with Christ, obedient to the natural laws, just as the apostle Paul did, dies to human laws and begins to identify with Christ, with the Model and Guide of Humanity that is Jesus.
There is therefore a process of identification, of affinity, because our thought will approach the thought of Christ; our feelings will approach the feelings of Christ and our actions will approach the actions of Christ and because we have known the truth we become free, we will be a Pure Spirit and wherever we pass our light will shine.
And this is what we are seeking, to die to human laws, to no longer need them, because our heart vibrates love, our heart vibrates in the natural law, in the Divine Law.
May Jesus, then, bless us in these purposes of being better, more conscious, committed to our intimate reform, so that we may reach our greater objective, which is to arrive with the Father.
Let us all be in peace.
Thanks to God, to Jesus, and to Francisco de Paula.
Analysis in English
The document is a transcript of a study on Chapter VIII ("Law of Progress") from the Third Book of "The Spirits' Book" by Allan Kardec.
The analysis specifically focuses on questions 794 to
802, which address the "Progress of Human Legislation" and the "Influence of Spiritism on Progress".
Main Points of the Analysis:
● Human Laws vs. Divine Laws:
The text establishes a clear distinction between human laws—imperfect, unstable, and a reflection of society's evolutionary stage—and divine or natural laws, which are perfect, immutable, and sufficient.
Human laws are necessary only because humanity is still too imperfect to fully understand and apply divine laws.
● The Nature of Legal Progress: The progress of human legislation occurs as it approaches "true justice," that is, the Natural Law.
Oppressive laws, such as those that supported slavery, are examples of imperfect legislation that are discarded as society evolves morally.
● Education as a Tool for Reform:
The severity of penal laws, such as the death penalty, is seen as a symptom of a "depraved society". The definitive solution to crime is not punishment but moral education, which aims to eliminate the root of evil rather than merely addressing its consequences.
● The Role of Spiritism in Progress: Spiritism is presented as a fundamental catalyst for the progress of humanity.
It is predicted that it will become a "common belief" and mark a "New Era".
Its main contribution will be to destroy materialism, prejudices, and teach solidarity, making men understand their true interests in light of the future life.
● Gradual and Reason-Based Progress:
The transformation of society will not be instantaneous or magical.
Progress is slow, gradual, and occurs over generations as ideas change. Spirituality emphasizes that God does not use "prodigies" or miracles to convince humanity, but leaves men the merit of convincing themselves through reason and common sense.
● Ultimate Goal: The Law in the Heart:
The study's conclusion points to a future where human beings will no longer need external laws because they will have the Divine Law "vibrating within their soul".
The goal is to "die to human laws" in order to "live for God," in a process of identification with Christ, where actions, thoughts, and feelings align with the Law of Love.
God bless you
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