WCP6608

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset,

Sept^er 17th. 1897

Revd James Marchant

Dear Sir

You asked me for the view held by most Spiritualists, as to the "Resurrection" of Christ. Of course, if you adopt the view that Christ was God there are no difficulties in any view on the hypothesis that "with God all things are possible." We look on all spiritualistic phenomena as natural phenomena, and we interpret scriptural & other miracles by the analogy of what we find now occurs. [2]

Spiritual forms have eaten[?] & have drunk[?] legends in modern experience. Two or three other items I will mention as (I think) favourable to the Sp. view.

1. His not being recognised when first seen by Mary. Spiritual forms change their appearance rapidly, in our experience.

2. Spirit forms always, when possible, exhibit the dress & other peculiarities of the living person when needed for purposes of recognition.

3. Had the disciples believed it was not the actual bodily Christ, it would not have satisfied them. The idea of a spiritual [3] form seems to have been alarming to them as to many of us. Christ therefore assured them that he came in a real "body" — which it was, through ^a temporary one. He did not, I think, every affirm that it was the same body that died on the Cross.

It does not seem to me to matter much which view is taken. Whether the real body was miraculously healed & restored to life — or whether the spirit — which was the real Christ, with the flesh & blood — appeared in a spiritual temporary body. [4] The former however does not demonstrate a future life as completely as does the latter; nor is it so consistent with the final scene of the "ascension", which is more in harmony with a spiritual, than with the actual flesh & blood, body.

There is interesting matter on this subject in D^r. Crowell's "Primitive Christianity & Modern Spiritualism". (especially at Vol. I. Chap^s XXII to XXV.) You would I am sure find this whole work intensely interesting, and perhaps the best & most thoughtful exposition of the subject yet produced.

Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]