Emma Hardinge Britten (1823-1899) was a prominent British spiritualist, medium, and women’s rights advocate. Yesterday (May 2, 2023) the SNU commemorated her 200th birthday. As a pivotal figure in the spiritualist movement, Britten played a significant role in shaping modern spiritualism as we know it today. Additionally, she contributed to the advancement of women’s rights, drawing attention to issues of gender inequality in the 19th century.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Born Emma Floyd in London, England, she demonstrated a talent for the arts from a young age. She pursued a career as an actress, singer, and pianist, which eventually led her to the United States. It was during her time in the US that Emma encountered spiritualism – a movement that sought to communicate with the spirits of the deceased through various means, such as mediumship and seances.
In 1856, Emma attended her first spiritualist meeting, which would change the course of her life. She quickly became involved in the spiritualist movement, utilizing her skills as an orator and writer to promote its beliefs. By 1858, she was already an influential figure, lecturing on spiritualism and performing mediumship demonstrations across the United States.
Contributions to Spiritualism
Emma Hardinge Britten’s contributions to spiritualism were vast and varied. She authored several books, including “Modern American Spiritualism” (1870) and “Nineteenth Century Miracles” (1884), which documented the history and development of the spiritualist movement. Additionally, she founded the spiritualist newspaper, The Two Worlds, which became a significant platform for promoting spiritualist ideas.
One of her most significant contributions was the development of the Seven Principles of Spiritualism. These principles, which were communicated to her by spirit, provide a foundation for the belief system of modern spiritualism. They include concepts such as the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, personal responsibility, and eternal progression.
Britten was also a pioneering figure in the establishment of spiritualist organizations, both in the United States and the United Kingdom. She helped to found the American National Spiritualist Association in 1864 and played an instrumental role in the formation of the British National Association of Spiritualists in 1873.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights
In addition to her spiritualist pursuits, Emma Hardinge Britten was a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She used her platform as a spiritualist lecturer to raise awareness about gender inequality and promote the cause of women’s suffrage. Britten was particularly concerned with the lack of educational opportunities for women, as well as their limited access to professional careers.
Britten’s spiritualist beliefs also influenced her advocacy for women’s rights. She argued that the principles of spiritualism supported the idea of gender equality, as they emphasized the importance of individuality and personal responsibility. In her view, spiritualism could provide a foundation for the emancipation of women from the oppressive societal norms of the 19th century.
Legacy
Emma Hardinge Britten’s legacy can be seen in the continued growth of the spiritualist movement and the ongoing fight for women’s rights. Her contributions to the development of spiritualism and the Seven Principles have had a lasting impact on the movement, shaping its belief system and providing a foundation for future generations. Additionally, her advocacy for women’s rights has played a role in inspiring and empowering countless women to challenge the status quo and strive for equality.
