The Secret Teachings of the Espiritistas: A Hidden History of Spiritual Healing
Harvey Martin's remarkable book cuts far deeper through the many veils of religious history and the outer garments of ritual. He examines the long-hidden relationship of biblical texts and the realization of 'healing power' that opens the eyes and ears of the reader.  In the rainy atmosphere of the remote jungles and the dusty urban centers of the Philippines, the 'small, still voice speaks' and we encounter the powerful force behind the Espiritistas...the 'Holy Spirit'." --J. J. Hurtak, Ph.D., Founder, Researcher & Director of the Academy of Future Science, Author of The Keys of EnochIn The Secret Teachings of the Espiritistas, Harvey Martin has presented a lucid, provocative account of Filipino Christian Spiritism. It contains an historical depth that other books lack as well as a unique philosophical perspective. This book makes a valuable contribution to the literature on folk healing, its adherants, and its practitioners. --Stanley Krippner, Ph. D., Professor of Psychology, Saybrook Graduate School, co-author of 'The Mythic Path,' 'The Realms of Healing,' and co-editor of 'Broken Images, Broken Selves - Dissociative Narratives in Clinical Practice'We have all heard about the Filipino Psychic Surgeons. Whether in television shows or books with rather graphic photographs, they have been exposed to the world for some years. Too often, real stories of psychic surgery healing are ignored and only those of sleight-of-hand are reported. We can accept our own use of placebos; yet, we often view their use of sleight-of-hand as deception. There is a long history of the use of 'divine trickery' in Shamanism, and many folk practices make our modern form of medicine seem like it is in its infancy. Indeed, throughout many cultures, ranging from the Siberian Shamans to the American Indian, the use of symbolic gesturing is considered a viable aspect of traditional medicinal and spiritual practice. The Secret Teachings of the Espiritistas is not just about psychic surgery, however. Martin starts with a superb overview of Christian Spiritism and psychic surgery which will certainly more than satisfy those with interests in these fields. But Martin goes much further. Indeed, his expansive knowledge of 'alternative medicine,' psychic surgery and related subjects is impressive and thoroughly comprehensive. However, the aim of this work, is to show the depth and breath of the Christian Spiritism Movement and, hence, psychic surgery as only one aspect of a much larger Living Tradition. Martin outlines with great vision the history of Christian Spiritism and its unique role in modern Spirituality. He shows how central to its theology is the continuing influence of the Holy Spirit. This influence is very different from that found in "Western book-based' Christianity - it is a living influence that guides the Spiritist Movement directly, through Higher Spirits. This movement is directly coordinated by Divine communications as received through its highly trained Mediums. Its theology is not the result of academic or scholarly dissertation (while these certainly have their place,) but the product of direct Divine Inspiration. As Martin outlines the Spiritist Philosophy, it comes as a real surprise that it offers a new and vital alternative to the modern blinkered form of mainstream western Christianity. Indeed, it seems to be a continuation of many Gnostic and Mystical traditions (notably the work of the Calabrian Abbot, Joachim of Fiore and, later, the Spiritual Franciscans that found a following in another era with the 'flower children' of the 60s.) While the Church may have closed its door on manifestations of the Holy Spirit (known as Cessationism,) the Spiritist tradition believes that in this Third Age, the Age of the Holy Spirit, these Gifts have returned. And, unlike western Charismatics, Spiritists have understood the limited value of the written word (including the Bible,) and clearly understand the need for direct Inspiration. Martin's book is difficult to summarize because it has so much to offer. While psychic surgery may be the beginning, Martin's vision is far broader and all persuasive. He offers a stinging critique of Western Christianity and, indeed, indicts it as having committed the unpardonable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit by refusing ongoing Spiritual Revelation. This is an important book which is written in a way that communicates to one's very soul. It offers much personal experience and first-hand accounts, and gives us a real insight into the world of Christian Spiritism. Indeed, parts of The Secret Teachings are Prophetic and potentially life-changing. This is a controversial work which re-envisions much of Christian Theology. This is certainly a thought-provoking vision and will stimulate much debate. On a personal level, I found it highly moving, challenging, and mind-expanding. It offers a profound revolution in Christian thinking and I highly recommend it. --Bob Ledwidge, Director of Living Traditions, Armidale, Australia