# How does The Necromancers develop the theme of Spiritualism vs. Christianity?

> The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson

## Answer

The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson develops Spiritualism vs. Christianity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The book contrasts Spiritualist practices and beliefs with orthodox Christian (particularly Catholic) teachings, presenting them as competing frameworks for understanding the afterlife and the soul's fate.

Mrs. Stapleton's discourse on communicating with the dead and the Higher Thought contrasts with Maggie's Catholic faith and Laurie's recent religious fervor.

Mrs. Baxter's discomfort with spiritualist ideas clashes with her conventional Christian beliefs, leading her to seek clerical guidance.

The chapter contrasts Laurie's growing belief in Spiritualism with the Christian skepticism of Mrs. Baxter and Mr. Rymer.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i.md): Mrs. Stapleton's discourse on communicating with the dead and the Higher Thought contrasts with Maggie's Catholic faith and Laurie's recent religious fervor.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii.md): Mrs. Baxter's discomfort with spiritualist ideas clashes with her conventional Christian beliefs, leading her to seek clerical guidance.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii.md): The chapter contrasts Laurie's growing belief in Spiritualism with the Christian skepticism of Mrs. Baxter and Mr. Rymer.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv.md): Laurie's internal conflict between his Catholic faith and the new spiritualist ideas highlights the tension between traditional religion and occult practices.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii.md): Lady Laura attempts to reconcile her Christian faith with spiritualist practices, attending church in the morning and psychical gatherings in the evening.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv.md): The tension between the séances and the characters' Christian faith is central to the chapter.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i.md): Mr. Vincent argues that spiritual communication is compatible with Christian belief, challenging Laurie's Catholic upbringing.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii.md): The séance is presented as a practice that challenges conventional religious beliefs, with the medium acting as an intermediary between the living and the dead.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/questions/how-spiritualism-vs-christianity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/questions