This document is an appreciation of Emanuel Swedenborg and his work "The True Christian Religion" written by Helen Keller. In 3 sentences:
1) Keller has been a strong believer in Swedenborg's doctrines since age 16 as they taught her to listen to the inward voice rather than opinions, and his interpretation of the Bible and Christianity has given her a richer understanding and sense of the Divine.
2) Swedenborg's central doctrine is that God is Divine Love, Wisdom, and Power for use, and his writings bring fresh testimony and actuality to concepts of God, the word, and the hereafter.
3) Keller finds Swedenborg's message and writings to be a happy rest from the noisy insanity
Worship,Connect,Grow,Serve Glorifying God Oct13,08BertBrim
The document discusses various aspects of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth according to God's discipleship plan. It provides biblical perspectives on worshipping God with spirit and truth rather than style, coming to worship with spiritual hunger rather than emptiness, and the importance of connecting with other believers through fellowship and service.
Ariela Solsol had a spiritual experience in 1967 at age 15 where she felt overwhelmed with fatigue and lost consciousness. She describes her spirit lifting out of her body and ascending higher. She felt freed from physical confinement and sensed a comforting protection as her spirit journeyed through the heavens. The experience revealed to her spiritual truths about the afterlife and God's kingdom that she later shares in her book.
Being a Brief Manual of the Principles
that Make for a Closer Rela-
tionship of the Believer
with God
CONTENTS
Morning Prayer
Belief 7
Repentance 8
Obedience 9
Fruit-Bearing io
Bible Study 13
Prayer 16
Thoughts 18
Talking 19
Temptation : 22
The document describes a woman's journey to find the "shorter way" to holiness. She realized that waiting and struggling was not necessary, as some believed. Through studying scripture more closely, she discovered two errors in her previous thinking. First, she saw that knowledge of God's command to be holy was itself a sufficient reason to seek the blessing. Second, she stopped viewing holiness as too high an attainment. Instead, she resolved to follow the Bible alone as her guide. This led her to see the simplicity of God's way and that there was indeed a shorter path to holiness than she had previously thought.
This document provides a summary of divine revelations received by Anaele Sylventus Chiedozie about God's warnings to humanity. It describes several revelations he received in dreams and visions, including:
1) A revelation of the rapture of the church, in which he saw great destruction on Earth and confusion among those left behind. Only a small group who waited on God were saved.
2) Warnings about the tribulation and God's judgment that will come upon Earth. False prophets and ministries are warned to repent.
3) Visions of heavenly wonders like seeing the heavens open and a glimpse of heaven and hell.
4) Messages about Satan's deceptions and the
This document provides a summary of Derek Prince's background and credentials for writing about marriage. It discusses how Prince was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University and pursued a career in philosophy before having a life-changing encounter with God. Prince then married Lydia in 1946 and raised a family with her for 30 years until her death. The document establishes that marriage is a mystery or secret that can be understood by meeting certain biblical conditions. It suggests the Bible holds the key to building a successful marriage.
This is a study of the humanity of Jesus. He was both God and man, and it had to be this way to achieve His purpose for coming into the world. He was a real human with all of the real human characteristics of a human being,
Worship,Connect,Grow,Serve Glorifying God Oct13,08BertBrim
The document discusses various aspects of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth according to God's discipleship plan. It provides biblical perspectives on worshipping God with spirit and truth rather than style, coming to worship with spiritual hunger rather than emptiness, and the importance of connecting with other believers through fellowship and service.
Ariela Solsol had a spiritual experience in 1967 at age 15 where she felt overwhelmed with fatigue and lost consciousness. She describes her spirit lifting out of her body and ascending higher. She felt freed from physical confinement and sensed a comforting protection as her spirit journeyed through the heavens. The experience revealed to her spiritual truths about the afterlife and God's kingdom that she later shares in her book.
Being a Brief Manual of the Principles
that Make for a Closer Rela-
tionship of the Believer
with God
CONTENTS
Morning Prayer
Belief 7
Repentance 8
Obedience 9
Fruit-Bearing io
Bible Study 13
Prayer 16
Thoughts 18
Talking 19
Temptation : 22
The document describes a woman's journey to find the "shorter way" to holiness. She realized that waiting and struggling was not necessary, as some believed. Through studying scripture more closely, she discovered two errors in her previous thinking. First, she saw that knowledge of God's command to be holy was itself a sufficient reason to seek the blessing. Second, she stopped viewing holiness as too high an attainment. Instead, she resolved to follow the Bible alone as her guide. This led her to see the simplicity of God's way and that there was indeed a shorter path to holiness than she had previously thought.
This document provides a summary of divine revelations received by Anaele Sylventus Chiedozie about God's warnings to humanity. It describes several revelations he received in dreams and visions, including:
1) A revelation of the rapture of the church, in which he saw great destruction on Earth and confusion among those left behind. Only a small group who waited on God were saved.
2) Warnings about the tribulation and God's judgment that will come upon Earth. False prophets and ministries are warned to repent.
3) Visions of heavenly wonders like seeing the heavens open and a glimpse of heaven and hell.
4) Messages about Satan's deceptions and the
This document provides a summary of Derek Prince's background and credentials for writing about marriage. It discusses how Prince was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University and pursued a career in philosophy before having a life-changing encounter with God. Prince then married Lydia in 1946 and raised a family with her for 30 years until her death. The document establishes that marriage is a mystery or secret that can be understood by meeting certain biblical conditions. It suggests the Bible holds the key to building a successful marriage.
This is a study of the humanity of Jesus. He was both God and man, and it had to be this way to achieve His purpose for coming into the world. He was a real human with all of the real human characteristics of a human being,
Christ cried out from the cross "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". Scholars provide several perspectives on what this cry meant:
1) Jesus felt deserted by God in his deepest moment of suffering, experiencing the withdrawal of God's presence and love, though not his essence.
2) As the atonement for humanity's sins, Jesus took on himself the full wrath and punishment of God for sin. The desertion represented God turning away from the guilt of sin.
3) Though Jesus truly experienced anguish at feeling separated from God, he was not truly forsaken or separated from God the Father, as they are eternally one. The cry demonstrated Jesus
This document is the introduction to a book about visions and experiences of the spiritual world. It discusses some of the author's encounters in the spiritual realm beginning in 2006 during a 40 day fast. Some key points:
- The spiritual body is youthful and radiant, with clothing and appearance reflecting one's spiritual development and state.
- Communication is telepathic, beyond language. In heaven, one can instantly understand and experience what others know.
- The only light is from God/Christ, shining through all. More developed spirits see this light directly, while less developed see it as the sun.
- Memory and mind function differently, with memory stored in the soul, not brain. The spiritual world
Dean Braxton had an experience where he died and went to heaven. When he first arrived before Jesus, Jesus told him "No, it is not your time. Go back." Dean went back to earth but had to pass through a thick darkness filled with demons on the way. The second time before Jesus, Dean was again told to go back, this time more firmly. Dean cried as he had to return to earth. The third time, Jesus told him sternly "NO, IT IS NOT YOUR TIME. GO BACK!" and Dean cried like a baby. At the time, Dean was experiencing severe pain in his side from kidney stones while at work. He decided to go home but collapsed on his way out.
This document is the table of contents and introduction for a book about intimacy with God as revealed through studying the tabernacle. The introduction invites readers on a journey to uncover mysteries and revelations hidden in patterns and pictures within Scripture. It references a passage from Philippians that inspired the author's study of the tabernacle, and how Ezekiel 43 led him to examine the tabernacle's pattern and meaning. The introduction suggests every part of the tabernacle holds purpose, stories, and keys to drawing applications. It previews revelations about the ages of Law and Grace found in the tabernacle's patterns, and promises to share practical truths and mysteries uncovered in the author's study.
The document discusses the concept of worship. Some key points made include:
1) True worship is giving worth and value to God with our whole lives centered around Him, not ourselves. It involves an experiential relationship with God in both spirit and truth.
2) Idolatry is at the root of all sin, as we were created to worship and will worship something. If not God, we will worship other things that can lead to our ruin.
3) Jesus demonstrated true worship is found in Him as the image of God, and that we should worship in response to witnessing who He is and what He has done, not for personal gain or experiences. Our goal should be to reflect
"He endured, as seeing him who is invisible." —
Heb. 11 : 27.
HE endured. The word here means more
than if it were said, he bore his bur-
den well; and more than that he
waited with long suffering until the end came.
It means that he had strength to be stedfast.
There was a deep and constant force from
within with which he met the strange vicissi-
tudes of his life.
This document provides an introduction to and overview of the topic of dominion over demons. It discusses how man has both a physical body and a spiritual nature, and how the spiritual world interacts with humans. It explains that demons can afflict and deceive people, but that Christians have been given authority and power over demons through Jesus. The document encourages testing all spiritual experiences and teachings against scripture to avoid being misled by deceiving spirits.
This document discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in interceding for believers. It begins by explaining that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness, since they do not always know how to pray as they should. The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with "groanings too deep for words." Commentators discuss what it means for the Holy Spirit to groan, and how this groaning corresponds to the groaning of creation and believers for redemption. The Holy Spirit comes alongside believers and carries part of their burden, helping them in their struggles against sin and suffering.
This document summarizes key characteristics of the Catholic faith and provides examples from the life of Mary demonstrating her virtues. It describes the Catholic faith as total, trinitarian, loving, communal, both free and obligated. It then examines Mary as the perfect model of faith through her submission, obedience and example of virtues like humility, love of God, hope, purity and obedience. Specific stories from the Bible are referenced to showcase Mary's patient acceptance of God's will.
This is a study of Jesus as the new and living way to the throne of mercy and grace to receive all that He purchased for us on the cross, He opened the door and made a way to God's best.
This document contains the revelations and experiences of Brother Othusitse Mmusi with God's Spirit, angels, Jesus Christ, heaven, and the end times. It includes encounters in 2010 where God saved Mmusi from sin, and Mmusi felt God's powerful presence through heat, electricity, wind, and fire. The document then goes on to describe numerous spiritual visions and revelations Mmusi has received about angels, Jesus, hell, the rapture, heaven, and the kingdom of God. It is written to share Mmusi's experiences and end times messages received through visions from God's Spirit.
This document provides a summary of a sermon delivered by Charles S. Price. The sermon discusses how the laver in the Old Testament tabernacle, which was made from polished brass mirrors, represented God's word as a mirror that shows people their true spiritual condition. It explains that people cannot see their own sins and shortcomings until they look into God's word. The sermon encourages listeners to look into the Bible and see themselves as God sees them, rather than comparing themselves to others or relying on their own self-righteousness. It stresses the importance of recognizing one's need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
This document discusses Christ as the antidote to death and how he has broken down the dividing wall between our true identity in Christ and our lowered consciousness. It says Christ overcame the division and enmity within himself first by establishing peace between our soul and spirit. It discusses how through Christ we now have full access to the Father by realizing our oneness with our divine self and overcoming the veil of separation between our human and divine nature. Finally, it emphasizes that Christ has set us free from being slaves to our lowered consciousness or mistaken identity.
Part 27. the will of man the will of god. (.pdf)Ralph W Knowles
This is showing the Third Realm understanding of the clean & unclean. An exposition on the City of God & answering the question; What body does Jesus have today?
This is a study of Jesus being in love with lonely places. He loved to get away from the crowd and be alone with His heavenly Father to get rejuvenated for more service to the people.
This document provides an overview of a book about dreams titled "Dream Language" by James W. and Michal Ann Goll. It contains a foreword, table of contents, and the beginning of the first chapter. The foreword discusses how dreams are one way God communicates and how this book can help with dream interpretation. The table of contents outlines the three parts and 12 chapters of the book. The start of chapter one introduces God as the "Master Dream Weaver" and discusses how he weaves revelations through dreams, similarly to how a human weaver works with threads.
The document outlines Grant Osborne's nine step process for doing systematic theology:
1. Reconstruct preunderstanding of the topic individually, within one's church and denomination.
2. Gather all relevant biblical passages on the topic through concordance and scholarly sources.
3. Exegete each passage in its original context.
4. Develop a biblical theology on the topic by considering its development and beliefs in Scripture.
5. Examine the topic's development through church history.
6. Study competing doctrinal models of the topic.
7. Reformulate the traditional model for contemporary contexts.
8. Revise theological systems by incorporating recontextualized doctrines.
The document appears to be a slideshow presentation about Christianity created by Derek Cai. It includes slides on topics like what Christianity is, the story of creation, Adam and Eve, Jesus, miracles, God, the devil, heaven, hell, the ten commandments, Noah's ark, and Jesus' sacrifice. Most of the slides provide brief explanations or summaries of the topics in 2-3 sentences. The final slides list picture and text sources used except for the content created by Derek Cai.
Christ cried out from the cross "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". Scholars provide several perspectives on what this cry meant:
1) Jesus felt deserted by God in his deepest moment of suffering, experiencing the withdrawal of God's presence and love, though not his essence.
2) As the atonement for humanity's sins, Jesus took on himself the full wrath and punishment of God for sin. The desertion represented God turning away from the guilt of sin.
3) Though Jesus truly experienced anguish at feeling separated from God, he was not truly forsaken or separated from God the Father, as they are eternally one. The cry demonstrated Jesus
This document is the introduction to a book about visions and experiences of the spiritual world. It discusses some of the author's encounters in the spiritual realm beginning in 2006 during a 40 day fast. Some key points:
- The spiritual body is youthful and radiant, with clothing and appearance reflecting one's spiritual development and state.
- Communication is telepathic, beyond language. In heaven, one can instantly understand and experience what others know.
- The only light is from God/Christ, shining through all. More developed spirits see this light directly, while less developed see it as the sun.
- Memory and mind function differently, with memory stored in the soul, not brain. The spiritual world
Dean Braxton had an experience where he died and went to heaven. When he first arrived before Jesus, Jesus told him "No, it is not your time. Go back." Dean went back to earth but had to pass through a thick darkness filled with demons on the way. The second time before Jesus, Dean was again told to go back, this time more firmly. Dean cried as he had to return to earth. The third time, Jesus told him sternly "NO, IT IS NOT YOUR TIME. GO BACK!" and Dean cried like a baby. At the time, Dean was experiencing severe pain in his side from kidney stones while at work. He decided to go home but collapsed on his way out.
This document is the table of contents and introduction for a book about intimacy with God as revealed through studying the tabernacle. The introduction invites readers on a journey to uncover mysteries and revelations hidden in patterns and pictures within Scripture. It references a passage from Philippians that inspired the author's study of the tabernacle, and how Ezekiel 43 led him to examine the tabernacle's pattern and meaning. The introduction suggests every part of the tabernacle holds purpose, stories, and keys to drawing applications. It previews revelations about the ages of Law and Grace found in the tabernacle's patterns, and promises to share practical truths and mysteries uncovered in the author's study.
The document discusses the concept of worship. Some key points made include:
1) True worship is giving worth and value to God with our whole lives centered around Him, not ourselves. It involves an experiential relationship with God in both spirit and truth.
2) Idolatry is at the root of all sin, as we were created to worship and will worship something. If not God, we will worship other things that can lead to our ruin.
3) Jesus demonstrated true worship is found in Him as the image of God, and that we should worship in response to witnessing who He is and what He has done, not for personal gain or experiences. Our goal should be to reflect
"He endured, as seeing him who is invisible." —
Heb. 11 : 27.
HE endured. The word here means more
than if it were said, he bore his bur-
den well; and more than that he
waited with long suffering until the end came.
It means that he had strength to be stedfast.
There was a deep and constant force from
within with which he met the strange vicissi-
tudes of his life.
This document provides an introduction to and overview of the topic of dominion over demons. It discusses how man has both a physical body and a spiritual nature, and how the spiritual world interacts with humans. It explains that demons can afflict and deceive people, but that Christians have been given authority and power over demons through Jesus. The document encourages testing all spiritual experiences and teachings against scripture to avoid being misled by deceiving spirits.
This document discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in interceding for believers. It begins by explaining that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness, since they do not always know how to pray as they should. The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with "groanings too deep for words." Commentators discuss what it means for the Holy Spirit to groan, and how this groaning corresponds to the groaning of creation and believers for redemption. The Holy Spirit comes alongside believers and carries part of their burden, helping them in their struggles against sin and suffering.
This document summarizes key characteristics of the Catholic faith and provides examples from the life of Mary demonstrating her virtues. It describes the Catholic faith as total, trinitarian, loving, communal, both free and obligated. It then examines Mary as the perfect model of faith through her submission, obedience and example of virtues like humility, love of God, hope, purity and obedience. Specific stories from the Bible are referenced to showcase Mary's patient acceptance of God's will.
This is a study of Jesus as the new and living way to the throne of mercy and grace to receive all that He purchased for us on the cross, He opened the door and made a way to God's best.
This document contains the revelations and experiences of Brother Othusitse Mmusi with God's Spirit, angels, Jesus Christ, heaven, and the end times. It includes encounters in 2010 where God saved Mmusi from sin, and Mmusi felt God's powerful presence through heat, electricity, wind, and fire. The document then goes on to describe numerous spiritual visions and revelations Mmusi has received about angels, Jesus, hell, the rapture, heaven, and the kingdom of God. It is written to share Mmusi's experiences and end times messages received through visions from God's Spirit.
This document provides a summary of a sermon delivered by Charles S. Price. The sermon discusses how the laver in the Old Testament tabernacle, which was made from polished brass mirrors, represented God's word as a mirror that shows people their true spiritual condition. It explains that people cannot see their own sins and shortcomings until they look into God's word. The sermon encourages listeners to look into the Bible and see themselves as God sees them, rather than comparing themselves to others or relying on their own self-righteousness. It stresses the importance of recognizing one's need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
This document discusses Christ as the antidote to death and how he has broken down the dividing wall between our true identity in Christ and our lowered consciousness. It says Christ overcame the division and enmity within himself first by establishing peace between our soul and spirit. It discusses how through Christ we now have full access to the Father by realizing our oneness with our divine self and overcoming the veil of separation between our human and divine nature. Finally, it emphasizes that Christ has set us free from being slaves to our lowered consciousness or mistaken identity.
Part 27. the will of man the will of god. (.pdf)Ralph W Knowles
This is showing the Third Realm understanding of the clean & unclean. An exposition on the City of God & answering the question; What body does Jesus have today?
This is a study of Jesus being in love with lonely places. He loved to get away from the crowd and be alone with His heavenly Father to get rejuvenated for more service to the people.
This document provides an overview of a book about dreams titled "Dream Language" by James W. and Michal Ann Goll. It contains a foreword, table of contents, and the beginning of the first chapter. The foreword discusses how dreams are one way God communicates and how this book can help with dream interpretation. The table of contents outlines the three parts and 12 chapters of the book. The start of chapter one introduces God as the "Master Dream Weaver" and discusses how he weaves revelations through dreams, similarly to how a human weaver works with threads.
The document outlines Grant Osborne's nine step process for doing systematic theology:
1. Reconstruct preunderstanding of the topic individually, within one's church and denomination.
2. Gather all relevant biblical passages on the topic through concordance and scholarly sources.
3. Exegete each passage in its original context.
4. Develop a biblical theology on the topic by considering its development and beliefs in Scripture.
5. Examine the topic's development through church history.
6. Study competing doctrinal models of the topic.
7. Reformulate the traditional model for contemporary contexts.
8. Revise theological systems by incorporating recontextualized doctrines.
The document appears to be a slideshow presentation about Christianity created by Derek Cai. It includes slides on topics like what Christianity is, the story of creation, Adam and Eve, Jesus, miracles, God, the devil, heaven, hell, the ten commandments, Noah's ark, and Jesus' sacrifice. Most of the slides provide brief explanations or summaries of the topics in 2-3 sentences. The final slides list picture and text sources used except for the content created by Derek Cai.
Islam originated in the 7th century AD with the prophet Muhammad, who received revelations from God (Allah) that were recorded in the Quran. The five pillars of Islam are the core beliefs and practices that include the shahadah (faith in one God and Muhammad as prophet), salah (prayer five times a day), zakat (charity), sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca if possible). Within 100 years of Muhammad's death, Muslim conquests spread Islam across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe.
This document provides information about a lesson on major world religions. It includes a do-now activity asking students to write about creation stories or beliefs about death in an isolated society. The bulk of the document provides multiple choice questions to test students' knowledge of symbols, images, and words associated with different religions like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shinto. It also defines religious vocabulary words and concepts. The document concludes with an exit ticket asking students to complete a KWL chart for three selected major religions.
The document contains a Catholic quiz bowl with multiple choice questions about Catholic teachings, practices, history, and doctrine. There are over 50 questions on topics like the sacraments, prayer, morality, scripture, saints, and papal leadership. The questions are designed to test knowledge of basic Catholic concepts and test understanding of the Catholic faith.
This document provides an overview of several major world religions, including their origins, core beliefs, and prominent figures or sites. It discusses Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hinduism and Buddhism originated in South Asia, while Judaism, Christianity, and Islam emerged in Southwest Asia. The text outlines some key doctrines for each religion such as beliefs about God(s), sacred texts, and practices like prayer. It also notes the major branches within Christianity and important religious locations like Mecca in Islam.
The document discusses world religions, defining religion as dealing with peoples' relationship to the unseen world of spirits and gods. It outlines criteria for understanding religions, including myths, rituals, proposals for salvation, and beliefs about life after death. Several theories on the origins of religion are presented, including animism, nature worship, original monotheism, magic, and the projection of human needs. Finally, four types of religions are defined based on their geographic origins and core beliefs.
This document contains a 10 question quiz on religion and mythology. It includes multiple choice and short answer questions testing knowledge about locations of important religious speeches, identifying religions like Taoism, key events in Norse mythology, names of Hindu gods, important religious sites like the Lotus Temple in Delhi, and religious movements like the Nation of Islam. It also includes short answer questions to identify paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology by Raja Ravi Varma.
Browning's Fundamental Practical TheologyKevin Smith
This presentation outlines and evaluates Don Browning's vision of A Fundamental Practical Theology. The presentation was prepared by Dr Kevin Smith, the Vice-Principal of the South African Theological Seminary.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions that originated in India with no single founder or holy text. It formed from a combination of ancient cultures along the Indus River Valley. The Vedas and Mahabharata are two important texts, with the Mahabharata being an epic poem telling stories of family conflict. Hinduism believes in many gods led by Brahman, consisting of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. Yoga and moksha involve different paths to enlightenment and union with God. Hindus follow dharma and are subject to karma, with good karma achieved through proper conduct. The caste system historically separated Hindus into priests, rulers,
The document summarizes the rise of Christianity from the life of Jesus to the legalization of Christianity under Emperor Constantine. It discusses how Jesus was executed, how Paul helped spread the faith, and factors that aided Christianity's growth. It describes early persecution by Romans who saw Christians as undermining authority by not worshipping Roman gods. Constantine ended persecution and legalized Christianity, establishing it as the official religion, though he also persecuted Jews and heretical sects.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world originating in India over 5000 years ago. It is practiced by over 800 million people in India and approximately 13% of the world population. Hinduism incorporates architecture like temples called mandirs that represent the universe, and symbols like the sacred cow. The three main Hindu gods are Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer.
Christian discipleship involves a lifelong transformation process of following Jesus' teachings. It requires accepting Jesus as master, attaching oneself to him, committing to him, and maintaining a lifelong relationship with him. True discipleship means internalizing Jesus' teachings so that pleasing God influences all areas of one's life. The goal is to move from an ideal self to becoming one's actual self in Christ. Discipleship is a personal relationship with Christ, not just mental knowledge, and involves hearing from Jesus, obeying him, enjoying time with him, and coming to know him more deeply.
This document summarizes key aspects of Christianity including holidays, important figures, symbols, holy places, rites of passage, branches, and teachings. It notes that Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth and Easter his resurrection. Jesus Christ is identified as the son of God and savior. Major symbols include the cross and chi rho symbol. Key holy places are Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Baptism and confirmation are important rites of passage. The branches of Christianity are Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Jesus' teachings involved parables and meaningful sayings.
The document provides an overview of key aspects of Christianity including:
1) Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are the main stories of origin in Christianity and are celebrated during Easter.
2) The Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the main holy text of Christianity and describes Jesus' life and miracles.
3) Core Christian beliefs include that Jesus was the son of God, performed miracles, was crucified and resurrected, and will return someday.
Buddhism originated in India over 2,500 years ago and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama. The religion's core beliefs are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which provide guidance for followers to end suffering by eliminating desire and reaching a state of nirvana. Buddhism spread from India and now has over 376 million followers worldwide, with most Buddhists living in countries like Thailand, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Key concepts include reincarnation, karma, and rejection of the caste system and gods.
Hinduism is the world's oldest religion originating in India about 4000 years ago. It has no single founder but developed from Brahminism. The main symbol is Aum and it is different from other faiths in having no single founder or prophets. Key beliefs include reincarnation governed by karma, and Hindus aim to achieve moksha by living dharma, artha and karma. There are many gods representing different forms of the universal Brahman. Important texts are the Vedas written in Sanskrit comprising hymns on nature and life.
The document summarizes the rise and spread of Christianity from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Late Middle Ages. During this period, Christianity grew from a small persecuted sect to the dominant religion of Europe. It established a church hierarchy with the Pope at its head and adopted core beliefs and sacraments. The Crusades were a series of military expeditions called by the Pope in the 11th-13th centuries to recover the Holy Land from Muslim rule, though they ultimately failed in their goal.
THOUGHTS ON COMMUNION WITH GOD.
THE EXPERIENCED REALITY OF REVELATION
THE EXPERIENCED REALITY OF PRAYER
GOD DRAWS NIGH IN CONSOLATION . . . . I52
IF GOD BE FOR US . . . . • • 173
I. THE ANTIQUITY AND UNIVERSALITY OF
PRAYER . . . . . .13
II. THE NATURE OF PRAYER . . 27
III. PLACE AND POSTURE IN PRAYER . . 39
IV. THE TIME ELEMENT IN PRAYER . . 51
V. THE POWER OF PRAYER ... 69
VI. HINDRANCES TO PRAYER . . .83
VII. NON-CHRISTIAN PRAYER AND MISSIONS . 95
VIII. PRAYER AND MISSIONS . . .113
IX. SOME OLD TESTAMENT PRAYERS . .125
X. THE PRAYERS OF PAUL . . . 141
XI. THE LORD S PRAYER . . . 155
XII. THE PRAYERS OF OUR LORD. . . 169
CHAPTER I.
How I came to be
CHAPTER II.
Man considered with regard to his Threefold Constitu-
tion of Body, Soul, and Spirit 13
CHAPTER III.
The Intermediate State '37
CHAPTER IV.
The Resurrection of the Body 41
CHAPTER V.
Judgment to Come • • 58
CHAPTER VI.
The Final Award 71
CHAPTER VII.
The Happy Hereafter "
The author describes growing up in London and feeling drawn to spiritual things from a young age, finding school lessons boring in comparison. He experienced visions and revelations from God that gave him understanding of spiritual concepts beyond his earthly training. The author came to have an intimate relationship with God through visitations to Heaven where he received teachings directly from the Holy Spirit.
This document discusses Jesus' teaching that through patience, one can gain possession of their soul. It provides three key points:
1. Winning one's soul involves a continuous process of spiritual development through life experiences like sacrifice, kindness, and choosing righteousness over ease. The soul must be cultivated and is not fully formed at birth.
2. There can also be a loss or shrinkage of the soul through worldliness, selfishness, and sin. Every departure from truth and love results in less soul development.
3. Gaining one's soul is akin to self-mastery, bringing all aspects of oneself under control. True spiritual growth is an ongoing process that takes patience, and occurs gradually through life
Our theories about God are our theology.
It is well to value them, to try our best to
keep them pure and high. But the deeper
question is. What is our religion? What are
our real thoughts of God ? In that deep and
secret place of our inmost consciousness, where
all our desires and feelings and hopes and
aspirations are born, what is God to us ? This
is the great question, the searching question.
And on the answer to it our peace, our happi-
ness, our usefulness depend.
Why Tell It?
Thirsting for the Springs
The Degeneracy of a Soul
Staying the Plague
The Passing of the Burden
Altars and Altar Fires
How to Know God Better
The Earthly and the Heavenly
Jesus was a pioneer and perfecter of faithGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus as a pioneer and perfecter of faith. This Is just one of the many names of Jesus in the book of Hebrews where Jesus is exalted above every other person and position in the Bible.
Christ's coming brings both enlightenment and blindness. Some who were blind receive spiritual sight, while others who think they see are proved blind. The blind man healed in John 9 is used to illustrate both the enlightening and blinding power of Christ. Some key points made are that Christ aims to give sight to the blind, while blindness may come to those who reject the light, and that the gospel acts as a revealer of people's true spiritual state.
Jesus was the pioneer and perfecter of faithGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of faith. He endured the cross because of the joy set before Him, and then sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus was speaking of patience and enduranceGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus speaking of patience and endurance. Believers were to suffer great persecution, but they would not lose a hair is the endured with patience.
- Paul tells the story of his conversion experience on the road to Damascus to King Agrippa to defend himself against accusations from the Jews. He emphasizes how he went from persecuting Christians to becoming one and preaching to both Jews and Gentiles after encountering Jesus.
- The document then discusses the nature of conversion as an ongoing process rather than a single experience and how people interpret their sacred stories differently. It encourages reflecting on one's relationship with God and whether one has a sacred story to tell.
- Finally, it addresses what makes for a "safe place" to share one's sacred story, highlighting spiritual direction and community.
This document is an introduction to the book "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer. It discusses the contents of the book and provides context for what motivated Tozer to write it. The introduction highlights that Tozer was seeking to help Christians rediscover a deep, personal relationship with God and find spiritual fulfillment rather than being satisfied with just doctrinal knowledge. It asserts the book deals with intimate knowledge of God that comes from prayer and meditation rather than intellectual understanding alone.
The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people. As the disciples of Jesus after the terrible night of their anguish and disappointment were “glad when they saw the Lord,” so did those now rejoice who had looked in faith for His second coming. They had expected Him to appear in glory to give reward to His servants. As their hopes were disappointed, they had lost sight of Jesus, and with Mary at the sepulcher they cried: “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” Now in the holy of holies they again beheld Him, their compassionate High Priest, soon to appear as their king and deliverer. Light from the sanctuary illumined the past, the present, and the future. They knew that God had led them by His unerring providence. Though, like the first disciples, they themselves had failed to understand the message which they bore, yet it had been in every respect correct. In proclaiming it they had fulfilled the purpose of God, and their labor had not been in vain in the Lord. Begotten “again unto a lively hope,” they rejoiced “with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” - CIHS 101.1
I. “We Beheld His Glory”
II. “Behold, the Man!”
III. “Behold, your King!”...
IV. “Behold, how He loved him”
V. “Behold, a Voice”
Vf. “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
The representative men of the bible vol. 2GLENN PEASE
This passage discusses the figure of Samuel in the "Great Gallery" of representative biblical men. It argues that religion progresses from the ideal to the actual and from transcendent to immanent. Samuel represents the climax of this progression, as God communicates directly with a child. Samuel's appearance as a prophet startled Israel and showed that spiritual inspiration could come from the least expected places. His story teaches that one must have the openness and wonder of a child to truly see God and understand scripture.
Similar to Helen keller-introduction-to-the-true-christian-religion-everyman's-library-edition-1933-swedenborg society (20)
The Writings-of-JEANNE-CHEZARD-DE-MATEL-Autographic-Life-Vol-2-of-2-The-Years...Francis Batt
Nothing may come to pass which would not already be there...
Penser, c'est Créer... Concevoir, c'est déjà Accomplir...
Rien ne peut Advenir qui ne soit déjà là...
Jeanne Chézard de Matel, 1596-1670 / Emanuel Swedenborg, 1688-1772.
Divine Love / Divine Wisdom
This book appeals to swedenborgians.
The Writings-of-JEANNE-CHEZARD-DE-MATEL-Autographic-Life-Vol-1-of-2-The-years...Francis Batt
The document is a rough draft of the autobiography of Jeanne Chezard de Matel, the founder of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. It was discovered in the Jesuit archives of Toulouse, France in 1986. The autobiography provides insight into her spiritual experiences and mystical ascent to union with God. It is considered an important text for understanding her holiness and the development of her order.
This document provides an introduction and overview of a biography titled "Life of the Reverend Mother Jeanne Chezard de Matel, Foundress of the Order of the Incarnate Word and the Blessed Sacrament." The biography was written based on original manuscripts by Reverend Mother Saint Pierre of Jesus, the superioress of the monastery in Lyons, France, and translated from French to English. It describes Mother de Matel's life and spiritual lights or insights. The introduction provides background on previous publications of Mother de Matel's life and explains the motivation and spirit behind the creation of this new translation of her biography.
The document discusses the true meaning and purpose of prayer according to the Heavenly Doctrines. It explains that while instinctive prayer is natural to all living things, humans must learn how to pray from the Lord through His teachings. The Lord's Prayer teaches people how to pray for spiritual things rather than just physical needs. True prayer requires turning to the Lord from the heart and asking for things that align with His divine order and wisdom. When people pray from faith and love for the Lord, He answers in ways that promote their spiritual well-being and growth.
Em. Swedenborg, AR.880-881 :
-- "De même que beaucoup d'autres, j'ai moi aussi été gratifié du privilège de percevoir et voir l'EGISE CELESTE, ainsi représentée et révèlée".
-- "Alongside others, thus was I also priviledged to see The CHURCH CELESTIAL, represented, in revelation and perception".
-- "... Per Hierosoymam intelligatur Ecclesia... ... et non Hierosolyma in Terra Canaane a Judaeis habitata... quod prorsus deperdita sit, et quod destruenda... ...
Et hanc, si desiderant et orant ad Dominum, vident ut Virginem in pulchritudine et amictu secundum quale Ecclesiae ; ita quoque mihi datum est Ecclesiam videre".
*****
The central doctrine of any theology concerns the object of worship. This doctrine determines the character of the entire system, as all other doctrines stem from and are shaped by it. For Christianity, the central doctrine is the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. This volume presents Emanuel Swedenborg's revelation about the incarnation, namely that God incarnated as a Divine Human and glorified humanity. This doctrine, if accepted, would mold believers' characters to be noble, generous, and unselfish like the object of their worship.
Nov. 2015.
Events of the days ahead will be impossible to understand without knowing this secret (page 590 : A. L.# 48, Topic # 2, end, July 30 1979)...
Without knowing the AUDIO LETTER we will have no hope of understanding events of the days and years ahead.
peterdavidbeter.com
peterbeter.host.sk
This document is an introduction to a book that aims to uncover and explain the true meaning of the Bible through the revelations given to Emanuel Swedenborg. It argues that the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments, is the perfect revelation from God and contains deeper spiritual truths that have not yet been fully understood. It claims that through Swedenborg's testimony, the "sealed book" of the Bible can now be opened and its mysteries explained, providing greater spiritual understanding and knowledge of God for readers. The introduction sets up the need to search for deeper religious truths and asserts that this book will help uncover those truths hidden in the Bible.
This document contains extracts from Swedenborg's writings on love and marriage. It discusses what true marriage means, including the spiritual union and conjunction of souls between partners. It emphasizes that religion must be the basis of marriage for there to be true conjugial love. All angels were once human and married couples in heaven remain united in perfect conjunction of minds. From creation, humans have an innate inclination toward marriage. Through divine providence, conjugial partners are provided for each other. Betrothal allows the spirit to unite before the physical union. True conjugial love is between one man and one woman specifically chosen for each other by God.
This document discusses the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health. It states that regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance mood, and reduce stress levels. The document recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week to gain these benefits.
AR 881 : "... ita quoque mihi datum est Ecclesiam videre" :
"... I, too, have been given the privilege to see the Church in this way".
"immaculati" : 4 occurrences
I did not find Vol 1 available for download on the internet.
... scanning source : archive.org
Les enfants Mélanie Calvat et Maximin Giraud.
19 septembre 1846 -- 19 septembre 2015
Emanuel Swedenborg, APOCALYPSIS REVELATA 881 : "... et hanc, si desiderant et orant ad Dominum, angeli vident ut (Ecclesiam) virginem... Ita quoque mihi datum est Ecclesiam videre".
"... if angels desire it and pray to the Lord, they see the Church as a Virgin... I, too, have been given the privilege to see the Church in this way".
"The self-evidencing reason of Love..."
Quod hodie non aliud quam suisona ratio amoris instaurabit, quia lapsi sunt (Em. Swedenborg, Canons of the New Church, 1769, n°1... Divine Love and Wisdom, 1763, n°1).
Aujourd'hui, il n'y a que l'Amour métaphysique, et la Raison dialectique qui lui est propre, qui soit en mesure de restaurer, ou de réinstaurer l'Eglise (de par l'irrésistibilité de son évidence même), car l'Ame de l'homme, et sa nature, ont déchu... /
Par delà deux siècles et demi de crise française et européenne, Armée de Marie (2015), et théologie de Swedenborg (1769), s'appellent et se répondent en une même signification (Ap.12 : 14).
[... "Charité", et "Foi", ont perdu leur connotation "Métaphysique", pour devenir "ecclésiastique"...
... "Bien" (bienveillance, miséricorde), et "Vrai" (vérité, doctrine), ont perdu leur connotation Métaphysique, pour devenir "morale"... ont perdu leur Réalité substantielle, pour devenir objectivation, nécessité et contrainte...]
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
My ritual will not only stop separation and divorce, but rebuild a strong bond between you and your partner that is based on truth, honesty, and unconditional love. For an even stronger effect, you may want to consider using the Eternal Love Bond spell to ensure your relationship and love will last through all tests of time. If you have not yet determined if your partner is considering separation or divorce, but are aware of rifts in the relationship, try the Love Spells to remove problems in a relationship or marriage. Keep in mind that all my love spells are 100% customized and that you'll only need 1 spell to address all problems/wishes.
Save your marriage from divorce & make your relationship stronger using anti divorce spells to make him or her fall back in love with you. End your marriage if you are no longer in love with your husband or wife. Permanently end your marriage using divorce spells that work fast. Protect your marriage from divorce using love spells to boost commitment, love & bind your hearts together for a stronger marriage that will last. Get your ex lover who has remarried using divorce spells to break up a couple & make your ex lost lover come back to you permanently.
Visit https://www.profbalaj.com/love-spells-loves-spells-that-work/
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A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...
Helen keller-introduction-to-the-true-christian-religion-everyman's-library-edition-1933-swedenborg society
1. 0'1'"
@
"II~
Introducing
" The True Christian Religion"
by Emanuel Swedenborg
AN APPRECIATION BY DR. HELEN KELLER
This short appreciation fjrst appeared os
the introduction to the Everyman edition
of Swedenborg's "The True Christian Religion".
It is reprinted here by kind permission of
Messrs. J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd.
2. I!.
.z
SINCE l was sixteen years old, l have been a strong believer in the vision which conquers darkness and circles heaven. Of one thing
doctrines given to the world by Emanuel Swedenborg. 1t was his l am sure; any effort is worth while that brings comfort to limited,
mission to teach men to listen to the inward voice rather than to struggling human beings in a dark, self-centred age; and Sweden
opinions and disputations. After many years of reverent study of borg's message has meant so much to me! It has given colour
the Bible, l gratefully wonder if l am not more indebted to Sweden and reality and unity to my thought of the life to come; it has
borg for the faith that turns my darkness to light than l have yet exalted my ideas of love, truth, and usefulness; it has been my
realized. l acknowledge my profound indebtedness to Emanuel strongest incitement to overcome limitations. The atmosphere
Swedenborg for a richer interpretation of the Bible, a deeper Swedenborg creates absorbs me completely. His slightest phrase
understanding of the meaning of Christianity, and a precious sense is significant to me. There is an exquisitely quietening and soothing
of the Divine Presence in the world. l have many times tried to power in the thoughts of Swedenborg for people of my tempera
recall the feelings that led me to take Swedenborg's interpretation ment. l wish l might be able to radiate the spiritual illumination
of Christianity rather than my father's; but l can find no satisfactory that came to me when l read with my own fingers Heaven and Hell.
answer. 1t was with me as it was with Joseph Conrad, when an AlI the days of my life since have 'proved the doctrine' and found
irresistible impulse urged him to go to sea. Like him, l took 'a, it true. If people would only begin to read Swedenborg's books
so to speak, standing jump out of my associations' and traditions with at first a little patience, they would soon be reading them for
and the l'est is what l have grown to be. pure joy. They would find much to be glad of in heaven and
The theological teachings of Swedenborg are in many long enough to show them that the soul is everywhere, and enough
volumes. The summation, the universal theology, is found in this to prove that love and God are so closely allied that we cannot
magnum opus, The True Christian Religion, which is now being know much about one and miss the other. His Divine Love and
brought to new thousands of reverent readers. Yet his central Wisdom is a fountain of life l am always happy to be near.
doctrine is simple. It consists of three main ideas: God as Divine l find in it a happy rest from the noisy insanity of the outer world
Love, God as Divine Wisdom, and God as Power for use. These with its many words of little meaning and actions of little worth.
ideas come as waves from an ocean which floods every bay and l bury my fingers in this great river of light that is higher than
harbour of life with new potency of will, of faith, and of effort. all stars, deeper than the silence which enfolds me. 1t alone is
To our conception of God, the Word, and the Hereafter, which we great, while aH else is small, fragmentary. Were l but capable
have received on trust from ages of unproved faith, Swedenborg of interpreting to others one-half of the stimulating thoughts and
gives a new actuality, which is as startling, as thrilling as the angel noble sentiments that are buried in Swedenborg's writings, l should
sung tidings of the Lord's birth. He brings fresh testimony to help them more than l am ever likely to in any other way. It would
support our hope that the veil shaH be drawn from unseeing eyes, be such a joy to me if l might be the instrument of bringing
that the duH ear shaH be quickened, and dumb lips gladdened Swedenborg to a world that is spiritually deaf and blind.
with speech. There is among us a distressing indifference to all The conclusion forces itself upon the mind of one who patientiy
things of faith, and an impatience at any effort to explain the laws read his works through, that Swedenborg described a world which
of life in spiritual terms. The only really blind are those who will was as distinctly objective to him as the world we live in is to us.
not see the truth-those who shut their eyes to the spiritual vision. It is also a fact that that world presents a system of perfect order,
For them alone darkness is irrevocable. Those who explore the and every part of it fits into every other part. The same laws are
dark with love as a torch and trust as a guide find it good. Blind shown to apply to the constitution of the spiritual realm, the in
people who have eyes know that they live in a spiritual world terpretation of the Bible, and the mind of man. If the reader
inconceivably more wonderful than the material world that is believes in revelation, he will find convincing proofs of Sweden·
veiled from them. The landscapes they behold never fade. The borg's teaching in the Bible itself. Three characteristics of his
tlowers they look upon are the immortal flowers which grow in philosophy are completeness, homogeneity, and the universal
God's garden. Swedenborg's message is like the rock smitten by adaptability of its principles. As a leaf grows out of a twig, or
Moses, yielding sweet strearns of healing water, even an abundance as the body depends on the mind, so is any part of this system
of truths for those who hunger and thirst in their pilgrimage through bound to any related part. Ali through his writings, Swedenborg
an age of materialism and selfishness. teaches that aU true religion is of the life and that the life of
The doctrines set forth by Swedenborg bring men by a wondrous religion is to do good. He also tells us that the Word~the Law
way to God's city of light. l have walked through its sunlit ways of Life-has its ful1ness, its holiness, and its power in the sense
of truth, l have drunk of its sweet waters of knowledge, and the of the letter and in our acts. Every parable, every correspondence
eyes of my spirit have been opened, so that l know the joy of in the Word demands our faithful performance of every service
3. 3 'r
essential to the health, enlightenment, and liberation of mankind. as God in the humanity which He assumed on earth, and the Holy
This means that we must strive to fi11 the practicalities of the world Spirit as the Infinite Power for creating good and happiness.
with the Spirit. If we think this is impossible, how can we call Jehovah wrought the most stupendous act in earth's history as
ourselves disciples of Him who died upon the cross that we might gently and unobtrusively as He pours His light upon mind and
a11 have life and have it more abundantly? Theologians have nature. One of the infaUible tokens of Divinity is its perfect quiet
always endeavoured to grip in permanent form man's momentary ness and self·effacement. When the Lord 'finited' Himself, as it
impressions of God from the fieeting, changing aspects of His were, and became a little chiId, there was no glory, except a light
World. From this process of dogmatism have arisen many of the on the hills, where the shepherds heard the angels sing, and a star
contradictions in the literai sense of the Bible, and misunderstand in the far East. There was no sign of worldly magnificence or
ings of God's nature and His purpose. Swedenborg had a genius pomp. There was not even a man of perfect form and stature.
for interpreting the sacred symbolism of the Bible similar to the Only a little babe lying in a manger. He was apparently just like
genius of Joseph when he revealed the meaning of Pharaoh's any other child. His growth, mental and physical, was normal,
dreams in the land of his captivity. The theologians of his time
darkened counsel with many words without knowledge. While they
were helpless before the curtains of the Shrine, Swedenborg drew
t and as we fo11ow the story of His Hfe, we find Him a man with
men, earning his daily bread as they did, walking with them along
the seashore and by the hill-side paths. Yet He was Immanuel,
these aside with subtle insight, and revealed the Holy of Holies in
a11 its glory. The beautiful truths of the Divine Humanity had
l' God with us. This truth is the centre of a11 Christian doctrine, and
unless one perceives it c1early, the Scriptures cannot be rationally
become distorted, dissociated, dissected beyond recognition, and understood. So one can joyously worship One God. The joy
our Lord Himself was lost in deadly dialects. Swedenborg brought inspired by such a concept of the Lord is like the sun with its
together the scattered and broken parts, gave them normal shape threefold glory of warmth, light and activity. It is like the satisfac
and meaning, and thus established a 'new communion with God tion with which one beholds the happy balance of soul, mind and
in Christ'. Swedenborg was not a destroyer, but a divinely inspired body in a beautiful human being, or the perfect work of seed
interpreter. He was a prophet sent of God. The first and last sprouting into blossom and the blossom yielding luscious fruit.
thought throughout his writings is to show that in the Bible, rightly How sane and easy and capable of fitting into the nature of all
read and interpreted, is the truest and noblest conception of God things such a concept is! Yet what prodigious effort it cost
possible. Most human minds are so constituted that there is in Swedenborg to plant it so that it could grow and flourish! The
them a secret chamber where theological subjects are stored, and new thoughts about the Unity of God which Swedenborg offered
their centre is the idea of God. If the idea is false and cruel, aU Lo replace the old are priceless because they give one insight to
things which follow it by logical sequence partake of these qualities. distinguish between the real Deity and the repe11ing appearances
For the highest is also the inmost, and it is the very essence of with which a wrong reading of the Word and the anthropomorphic
every belief and thought and institution derived from it. This ideas of passion-driven men have invested Him. The True Christian
essence, like a soul, forms into an image of itself everything it Religion shows how Swedenborg sought to elevate those un
enters; and as it descends to the planes of daily life, it lays hold 't christian concepts to something nobler. Hear him say: 'God is
of the truths in the mind and infects them with its cruelty and omnipotent, because He has all power from Himself, and a11 others
ereor. Beliefs which set up fictitious excellences, encourage devo
tional feelings and ceremonies which do not have for an object
1 have power from Him. His power and His Will are one, and
because He wills nothing but what is good, therefore He can do
the good of mankind, and which are made substitutes for a righteous, nothing but what is good. In the spiritual world, no one can do
useful life, such beliefs darken all morality and make it an instru anything contrary to His will; this they derive there from God
ment of a supreme being worshipped indeed with adulation, but whose power and will are one. God also is good itself; therefore,
in truth most repulsive to the good and the wise. A wandering while He does good, He is in Himself and cannot go out of Himself.
idea of an invisible God, Swedenborg dec1ares 'is not determined From this it is manifest that His omnipotence proceeds and operates
to anything; for this reason it ceases and perishes. The idea of within the sphere of the extension of good, which is infinite'.
God as a spirit, when a spirit is believed to be as ether or wind, And again: 'It is a prevailing opinion at this day, that the omni
is an empty idea; but the idea of God as Man is a just idea; for potence of God is like the absolute power of a king in the world
God is Divine Love and Divine Wisdom, with every quality who can at His pleasure do whatever He wills, absolve and con
belonging to them, and the subject of these is man, and not ether demn whom He pleases, make the guilty innocent, dec1are the
or wind'. Guided by the light of the divine Word, Swedenborg faithless faithful, exalt the unworthy and undeserving above the
saw the Oneness of God in Person and Essence, and Jesus Christ worthy and deserving; nay, that He can under whatever pretext
4. s; ,
deprive His subjects of their goods, and sentence them to death; and give new meanings to many other words so that he might
with other such things. From this absurd opinion, faith, and translate more of spiritual thought into common language. For
doctrine concerning the Divine Omnipotence as many falsities, love he had to find a special vocabulary, indeed, it almost seemed
fallacies, divisions, and chimeras have flowed into the church as as if he were himself learning a different language. Out of his
there are subjects, divisions, and derivations of faith therein; and heart and out of heaven's heart he wrote, in The True Christian
as many more may yet flow in as pitchers might be filled with water Religion: 'The love whose joy is essentially good is like the heat
from a large lake, or as serpents that creep out of their holes and of the sun, fructifying and operating on a fertile soil, on fruit trees
bask in the sunshine in the desert of Arabia. What need is there and fields of corn, and where it operates there is produced, as it
of more than two words, omnipotence and faith; and then to spread were, a paradise, a garden of Jehovah, and a land of Canaan; and
before the people conjectures, fables, and trifles, as many as occur the charm of its truth is as the light of the sun in the time of
Lo the senses of the body? For reason is banished from them both; spring, and as light flowing i-9-to a crystal vessel in which are
and when reason is banished, in what does the thought of man beautiful flowers, from which as they open breathes forth a fragrant
excel the thought of a bird that flies over his head? Such teachings perfume'. Perhaps no one had ever endured such a pressure of
lift one up to a mountain summit where the atmosphere is clear soul against prison·bars of flesh as he did, and there was no
of hatred, and one can perceive that the nature of the Divine Being reassuring nearness of equal intelligences to lighten his burden.
is Love and Wisdom and Use, and He never changes in His attitude He gave his life to leam, and what could he do with his colossal
towards any one at any time. But aIl through Swedenborg's books treasure of knowledge! He was naturally glad when more of light,
shines an image of the Eternal Love which embraces every human more of opportunity was let into his difficult days; but 1 question
being, and saves him from sinking into deeper sin. whether he ever felt at home upon earth after his 'illumination'.
Religion has been defined as the science of our relations to God Only such face-to·face knowledge gives reality to things, since it
and to our fellow-men and what we owe to ourselves; and surely springs from life, and Swedenborg's living testimony will shed a
Christianity, rightly understood, is the science of love. When the slow but ever-increasing light upon the dark 'hinterland' of our
Lord dwelt upon the earth visible to mortals, He declared that on soul experience, and reinforce our groping efforts with the daring
the two commandments, love to God and love to the neighbour, of immortal purpose.
'hang aIl the law and the prophets'. Yet for two thousand years Swedenborg's books are an inexhaustible well-spring of satisfac-
so-called believers have repeated 'God is Love', without sensing tion to those who live the life of the mind. 1 plunge my hands into
the universe of truths contained in these three momentous words my large braille volumes containing his teachings, and withdraw
cr their stimulating power. Only when Swedenborg arose out of them full of the secrets of the spiritual world.
the cold age of logic-chopping called the eighteenth century, did
Love as a doctrine again shine forth as the centre and life, the
beauty and the preserver of aIl things. He interpreted the whole
world of human experiences as love and in terms of love-states HELEN KELLER.
of love-activities, powers, and functions of love-the constructive,
preventative, and courage-stirring dictates of love. Moreover, the
seer discovered that love is identical with the Divine Itself, 'that
the Lord flows into the spirits of angels and men', that the material
universe is God's Love wrought into forms suitable to the uses of
life, and that the Word of God, rightly understood, reveals the
fullness and the wonders of His Love towards aIl the children of
men. Thus at last a faint ray, travelling through infinity from the
Divine Soul, reaches the mind of deaf, blind humanity, and lo!
the Second Coming of the Lord was an accomplished fact.
Swedenborg's own mind expanded slowly to the higher light,
and with deep suffering. The theological systems of his day were
little more than controversies, and so full of long-drawn-out hair-
splitting that they seemed like caverns in which one would easily
get lost and never find one's way out again. Swedenborg had to
define important key-words such as truth, soul, will, state, faith,
5. "The True Christian Religion", Demy 8vo, 972 pp.,
is published at 15/· (blue cloth binding) or in a
two-volume paperback edition at 10/·, obtainable
from The Swedenborg Society, 20 Bloomsbury Way,
London, W.C.1.
This pamphlet is issued by The New Church Enquiry Centre.
20, Bloomsbury Way, London, W.C.1.