Question 1

How do we live a good and Spiritual life?

Accepted Answer

{Sylvia Browne}
Most religions have general rules to follow designed to help secure your place in heaven. We do not take that route simply because every life is unique and general rules cannot be applied to unique situations. Our measure of a Spiritual life is totally contained within the word "intention." If all of your actions are done with pure intention, namely to truly help others, then you are living a morally sound and Spiritual life. Even if your actions have a negative impact, if your motive was pure, then you have not done a "wrong."
 
Here is a simple rule to help you decide on the right path to take in life: Firstly - realize that you will someday stand with God to review your life; Secondly - make all of your decisions and actions such that God will be proud of you on that special day. Jesus, one of the greatest teachers of all time said it simply, "Love God, Love Each Other." Ensure that everything you do in life reflects these ideals and you will stand before God with pride.

Question 2

Is Sylvia's Church really Christian?

Accepted Answer

The Society of Novus Spiritus, founded by Sylvia Browne, actually is Gnostic Christian (which differs significantly from today's Christianity) because we follow the same traditions and teachings which Jesus himself followed. Recall that Jesus gave us this Spiritual Directive, "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you" Matthew 7:7. These instructions tell us to use our intellect as we seek to understand God and our place in the world; hence, we use the word Gnostic (from the Greek word for knowledge) which means "seeker of truth."
Yet, the Society of Novus Spiritus does not exclude Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, etc. Every expression of religion is considered a valid path to knowing God. We simply feel that the Gnostic path rises above all dogma and creates a Spiritual umbrella under which all faiths can flourish. For a more complete discussion of this topic, see "Is Sylvia Really Christian?"

Question 3

How can I participate in Sylvia's church?

Accepted Answer

Novus Spiritus does not have church buildings all over the place but we do have three locations in which we meet each Sunday for spiritual celebrations - Campbell, CA, Tyler, MI and Renton, WA. For more information, please see "Locations" tab on this website. 
 
For everyone else "out there" who want to participate along with us, we have our Study Group program. The Study Group program is like a home study program. This is where people meet in their homes, usually once a week, to study Sylvia's theology and Spiritual teachings. There are many such groups established everywhere, and you can either join with an existing group or form your own.
 
The program includes CDs of the Novus Spiritus minister’s spiritual sermons, a Minister liaison, and the opportunity to earn Lay degrees in the Society of Novus Spiritus.
 
For more information about the Study Group program, please refer to Study Groups on this website.

Question 4

Why does the church have an icon of the Mother Goddess and not of Jesus or Father God?

Accepted Answer

{Reverend Tom Bigley}
At the time I did not have an answer but I do now. For 2,000 years, the Mother Goddess has been suppressed by western religions. There have been plenty of celebrations in the name of God and Jesus. Theresa M. First, Gnostics search for their own truth. Take what rings true for you and leave the rest.

Question 5

What does Gnostic mean?

Accepted Answer

{Reverend Tom Bigley}
In Greek, "gnosis" means knowledge, so a Gnostic is a person who searches for knowledge or truth.

Question 6

What about past lives?

Accepted Answer

{Reverend Tom Bigley}
God allows you as many lives as you need to experience and learn what you want to learn. You are a child of God who strives toward perfection and shares your experience with God. Father God knows all, but has not experienced all.

Question 7

What should I do if I feel down or depressed?

Accepted Answer

{Reverend Tom Bigley}
We have been given tools to help us. Think about your optimum state of being. Tell yourself that you want your emotion and intellect balanced and cemented. Whisper or ask aloud for tools for protection: Ask for God’s White light. Ask that the White Light neutralize any negativity within you and outside of you. Ask for your aura, your natural energy, to be strong clear and complete. Ask to be in a bubble of Pink Light, God’s Love. Ask for a protective layer around you like armor or a lead encasement. You can ask for a circle of angels to be around you only allowing positive energy to come to you.
 
(For more information see Journey of the Soul book: Tools for Protection.)

Society of Novus Spiritus

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

"If you can think of the question, the answer will be found."

-- Francine