Editing Antoinism (section)

===Theology===
Antoinism believes in a [[Dualistic cosmology|dualistic]] universe composed of a spiritual world governed by the law of God or [[consciousness]], and of a corporal world, governed by natural laws, in which matter is an illusion perceived by the imagination generated by intelligence. The man combines in himself both worlds, as he has a physical body and a divine consciousness.<ref>[[#Dericquebourg|Dericquebourg, 1993]], p. 35.</ref> In Antoinist views, the importance of human laws and science is weakened as they are based not on consciousness, but on intelligence.<ref name="Deric2002"/> The view of the matter is, however, not considered a sin, but an error that causes suffering.<ref>[[#Dericquebourg|Dericquebourg, 1993]], p. 37.</ref>

The religious movement believes in a moral progression through [[reincarnation]] after death: the transmigration of the spirit in a human body only reflects the degree of spiritual elevation. The reincarnated person has no recollection of the past lives, and can again make progress in his spiritual course that allows him, at the end, to reach the divine state which releases him from the cycle of reincarnation.<ref name="Deric2002"/> The harm caused by disease and by people is seen as a beneficial cure, as the pain can increase one's spiritual progress and thus contribute to one's [[salvation]]. The silent [[prayer]] is also considered as a way to connect the spirit to consciousness.<ref>[[#Dericquebourg|Dericquebourg, 1993]], p. 38.</ref> Antoine, who suffered from disease and demonstrated [[asceticism]] and dedication throughout his life, is regarded by followers as a role model to attain salvation.<ref>[[#Begot2|Bégot, 2000]], § 14.</ref>

Antoinist doctrine provides another interpretation to the [[original sin]] in the [[book of Genesis]]: Adam began to follow Eve, who had placed her confidence in a serpent, symbol of matter. By imagining the materiality of the physical world, he abandoned the divine consciousness in which he lived and produced the ideas of good and evil. The "[[tree of knowledge of good and evil]]" in the Bible is redefined as "the tree of the science of the sight of evil".<ref name="Deric2002"/> Antoinism claimed to not be an atheist religion, but has a particular conception of God: this one does not exist outside of humans, and they do not exist outside of God.<ref>{{cite web |title=Il Culto Antoinista |url=https://www.cesnur.org/religioni_italia/s/spiritismo_07.htm |publisher=[[CESNUR]] |language=it |access-date=7 April 2011}}</ref> Therefore, as God would live in every human, it is highly recommended to love one's enemies. In addition, the doctrine of the [[Christian Trinity|Trinity]] is not accepted.<ref name="Giltay9">[[#Giltay|Giltay, 2011]], p. 9.</ref>

Flexible and little binding, Antoinist beliefs are close to the contemporary belief, as followers can choose the beliefs they wish and interpret events as they want. The religion attaches great importance to [[freedom of conscience]] and free will, which renders it attractive and promotes a diversity of beliefs among the followers who can refer simultaneously to other religious traditions.<ref>[[#Masse|Massé, 2002]], pp. 70,71,74.</ref> Some believers see Antoine as an incarnation of God; others, who continue to practice [[Catholicism]], consider him a prophet equal to [[Jesus Christ]]; others, who adhere to [[New Age]] doctrines, perceive him as a spiritual figure.<ref>[[#Begot2|Bégot, 2000]], § 28–33.</ref> The movement rejects indoctrination of children and proselytism, even towards people who visit the temple,<ref name="Giltay9"/> tolerates other religions as they teach the faith and prayer and thus detach people from the material world,<ref name="Deric2002"/> and considers tolerance the highest virtue to practise.<ref name="Giltay9"/> The religion does not provide any prescription on issues such as divorce, abortion and sexuality,<ref name="Soir">{{cite journal |title=Antoinisme: Un produit wallon basé sur une foi exclusive |url=http://archives.lesoir.be/antoinisme-un-produit-wallon-base-sur-une-foi-exclusive_t-19931026-Z07DU9.html |first=Marie-Pierre |last=Fonsny |journal=[[Le Soir]] |date=26 October 1993 |publisher=Rossel |place=Brussels |page=21 |language=fr |access-date=7 April 2011}}</ref> has no political purpose and do not use honorary titles, considering all people equal.<ref name="Lesourd">[[#Lesourd|Lesourd, 1973]], pp. 79–88.</ref> A periodical directed by writer [[Louis Pauwels]] summarized the main purposes of the religion as being the "mutual aid, spiritual and human solidarity, availability and hospitality".<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Question de Spiritualité, Tradition, Littérature |first=Hélène |last=Renard |title=Sectes, mouvements, écoles |volume=17 |date=March–April 1977 |pages=53, 54 |language=fr}}</ref>