Tentmaker Forum

Discussions Relating to Universal Reconciliation => Christian Life => Topic started by: guest6088 on February 11, 2019, 02:04:12 AM

Title: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 11, 2019, 02:04:12 AM
These guys run a youtube channel for the Swedenborg foundation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIMGNQT0gQ4

Has anyone studied Swedenborg (or read a few books?)

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: GodIsLove on February 11, 2019, 04:33:21 AM
I googled the guy and the organization and was intrigued.

Then I came upon some of the man's writing online, and saw some odd teachings.

He claims to have visited the heavens and the hells and claims there are 3 of each.

But then he starts to describe who goes where and some weird things:

"I will first say something about that excellent nation, the British.
The better individuals among the British people are at the center of all Christians This is because they have a profound intellectual light. This trait of theirs is not noticeable to anyone in the earthly world but it is obvious in the spiritual world. They owe this light to their freedom of thought and consequent freedom of speech and writing. (Among other peoples who have no such freedoms, the intellectual light is smothered because it has no outlet.)
Because of this the British in the spiritual world are assigned governors and are given preachers renowned for their scholarship and brilliance."

He then goes on to say where the Dutch, the Protestants, the Catholics, the Muslims, the Africans, the Jews etc go in the afterlife.

:doh:

Maybe he has some other good teachings, but seeing this really off base stuff makes me think I'll stay away.

He also doesn't believe in UR, he believes we put ourselves in one of the heavens or hells based on our own comfort level and that we stay there for eternity.
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: Ross on February 11, 2019, 10:05:35 AM
Hi;
I have an uncle who clings to the teachings of Swedenborg; this came about because his son committed suicide, and the teaching of Swedenborg gave my uncle the "assurance" of his son being ok, and working his own salvation as he desired.

The actual teachings are all based on our works, and deny the sacrifice of Christ.


States that Jesus and God are one and the same.

Swedenborg claims to have spent 25 years going on regular trips to heaven. Ergo all based on visions.
Jesus states no sign except the cross.
Interesting the era he was from was where all the surrounding religions were putting out the teaching of hellfire a lot- so anything against that concept would be a way out for people.
Wikepedia cover some of his stuff.

Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 11, 2019, 12:00:35 PM
Who was Swedenborg/the genius of Swedenborg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEa0e8AcS78
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 11, 2019, 12:52:52 PM
Again...I'm only looking for people who have studied his work for some time and understood what they read. 
It's too easy to take his words out of context (i've done it many times myself).
Swedenborg wrote a LOT and (such is the manner with big (especially spiritual books)), they easily get misunderstood and taken out of context especially by people who have just scanned a few pages quickly online and made a judgement.  (Which I'm guilty of myself sometimes).

I have researched some of Swedenborg though and there is more to him than can just be quickly denounced.
If such a thing as a genius exists then Swedenborg was truely one, which puts him off to a head start of most people, probably including all of us.
He claimed he saw Heaven yes, but so did St Paul (who came after Christ).  (You have taken the line 'Jesus states no sign but the cross' out of context here)...A few generations out actually  :laugh:

I don't have time to get into senseless debates about:- "Swedenborg States that Jesus and God are one and the same". 
Yes...So?  Didn't Jesus say: "I and my Father are one and the same". ?
Also if you are getting your 'facts' from Wikipedia I have to err on the side of caution lol.

If anyone has sincerely and seriously studied Swedenborg's work and it resonates with them please feel free to contact me so we can discuss.

I won't be sharing anymore on this thread.

Thank you.


Emanuel Swedenborg as a young man he became renowned for his mechanical inventions, and has since been compared with Leonardo da Vinci for this aspect of his achievement. He drew up plans, for instance, for a submarine and a glider aircraft. Among his hobbies were watchmaking, bookbinding and lens grinding (the profession of the 17th-century Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza), which he learned in Holland. In 1716 he was appointed to the position of Assessor of the Royal College of Mines (the mining industry, both copper and iron, being of paramount importance for the Swedish economy) and held this post for thirty-one years. He was engaged in various administrative and technical duties in connection with this important industry and he was later to write a treatise on iron and other metals. In 1719 the family was ennobled and took the name 'Swedenborg' from the family homestead in central Sweden. Emanuel became a regular attender at the Riksdag, or House of Nobles, and made contributions on financial and economic matters and on foreign affairs until shortly before his death.
Inventor and Philosopher

In the physical sciences his achievements were great. He speculated about the nature of matter and the universe and anticipated the cosmology later formulated by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) and Pierre Simon, marquis de Laplace (1749-1827) that the planets in the solar system originated in the solar mass.

He published a theoretical book on the physical sciences, The Principia; or, the First Principles of Natural Things, in 1734. Then, turning his attention to the human body, he studied its anatomy and physiology in an attempt to discover the seat of the soul. At one point he thought that the blood might be the carrier of the soul. Fifty years before the discovery of oxygen by Joseph Priestley (1732-1804) he came near to discovering how the lungs purify the blood. He also made discoveries about the brain and the nervous system which were well ahead of his own time.

In addition, he gave an accurate account of the importance of the cerebral cortex as the seat of the higher psychical functions. Later scientists have praised him for his insight into the function and importance of the ductless glands, particularly the pituitary gland. He also anticipated modern thinking on the left brain and right brain functions. His published works of this period include The Economy of the Animal Kingdom (1740-1) and The Animal Kingdom (1744-5). Published posthumously were The Cerebrum (1738-40), The Brain (1742-4) and The Generative Organs (1743)––a separate volume of The Animal Kingdom dealing with the human sexual organs and not translated into English until the middle of the 19th century.

Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: GodIsLove on February 11, 2019, 02:21:36 PM
Ok, I just meant that if he saw visions of people being divided up by country or religion and placed in different areas of heaven and hell, then where did those visions originate and how reliable is his testimony. Because I can't beleice "the Dutch" go to this area of heaven and "the British" over here etc. that's all I meant, was that when people claim visions we need to test this out and see if they are their own imaginings, from God, or somehow being deceived.

I did read a lot of impressive things about him and some of his theology seemed interesting. I haven't studied him but I did read through most of an over 100 page work by him last night in my interest.
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 11, 2019, 03:03:25 PM
Quote from: GodIsLove on February 11, 2019, 02:21:36 PM
Ok, I just meant that if he saw visions of people being divided up by country or religion and placed in different areas of heaven and hell, then where did those visions originate and how reliable is his testimony. Because I can't beleice "the Dutch" go to this area of heaven and "the British" over here etc. that's all I meant, was that when people claim visions we need to test this out and see if they are their own imaginings, from God, or somehow being deceived.

I did read a lot of impressive things about him and some of his theology seemed interesting. I haven't studied him but I did read through most of an over 100 page work by him last night in my interest.

It's ok I totally understand. 
Some would accuse the bible itself of having 'chosen people' too though (entire nations (Israel for example), God 'hating' one person over another or favoring one more than the other; people being 'chosen' for their religion (faith?)...God having firstfruits and so on...
What I'm saying is that much is open to interpretation.

How reliable is Swedenborg's testimony?  -  That's what I'm trying to figure our 'GodIsLove'... 
...Here we have a 'clearly' intelligent man...A genius by all accounts who in his 50's claims to have had 'unearthly' experiences. 
Was he crazy?  No...He showed no syptoms of being crazy but rather the opposite and much of what he says deeply resonates with many people, including extraordinary people like Helen Keller and the people running the Swedenborg YouTube channel are clearly inspired if one listens to them for long enough...The have deep spiritual knowledge...Some of the best I've personally heard in years.  Much of what I have heard Swedenborg say resonates deeply with me, but not all of it, though sometimes I misunderstand and later have to correct myself.

I have a lot more study on Swedenborg to do for the time being.
All I can for certainty is that it's not just St Paul who has had spiritual experiences. 
I, myself have had them and have spent my life trying to understand them and humbly seeking answers as a finite being trying to make sense of the infinite.
I believe all truth is common-sense clarified and in God's universe He is to be found in all things, not just one book.

Perhaps Swedenborg was deceived...But it's not something I'll be able to say for certainty until i've studied the man more in greater detail and (certainly to me) he deserves that due to his 'earthly' achievments and credentials and learning (which no doubt came about through his spirituality) and also because he was a man who spoke openly that the entire conventional church was 'deceived' way back in the day and spoke 'universally' at a time when it angered a lot of people.  (Still does lol).

I also have to ask why such an intelligent man wrote countless books...years upon years of study and writing about spiritual things...and why if it was all fake?

I'll personally keep reading with an open mind for the time being.
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: rosered on February 11, 2019, 05:46:40 PM



I listened to some ,

not sure of all the heavens and earth stuff   , but I do believe we can dismiss a testimony  and it a God given one  , if we allow ourselves to doubt    the power of resurrection.........


I dont see it is  based on  our works , but faith in  Jesus working in us , I believe Jesus is the reward [More of Him , strength and  power  to overcome   the world and its lusts and desires  ] for obedience to Gods Word  just believing  GODS WORD is true   .


   For me,  have you ever heard of the truth hurts ?  it stings  when you    really  consider  it is your fleshy  desires that  think its right  , I call that an ego  , or souls /lives without any instructions  about God , most egos worship an unknown God ,   you ask them  what    makes you Love God ?

  You would be surprised at some of the answers given , some believe it is because He loved us first .
   That is a  good answer and   a broad answer  and covers lots of other questions .

  Some will say it is to keep them from hell and torment forever .

Some say , its both .

We read the truth will set us free .
  Free from what , death ?  an abundant life now ?  this world and its evil presence ?

  Sure thing it does  indeed free us from a lot of  suffering and  fake works  , appearing holy before men  stuff .

The Word of God testifies of Itself  , we have outside influences   that stumble us up into traps   and snares  that make us doubt .

People all over that come clean and admit , I have been self righteous , I have sinned  and  have failed the test .
we cannot stop  trying , that is  no excuse  .
Shame to me is somthing we all have the bear   , Jesus was shamed   relentlessly    and rejected   over and over  again  by many  whom claimed to know God , and yet it says  no one has ever come to the Father except though the Son of God

  I think it is recognizing Him in peoples flesh  , its a spirit   that is  loving and giving and caring for for others well being than its own self .

  Simple stuff  , when the yoke is easy and burden is light   , but to me it is a humble attitude willing to share    the things of God with one another without   discrediting them .

   For me , the biggest clue in the bible was a the spirit that accuses   people   before GOD  in the day / light  of knowing it and night/ it  is sheer ignorance  of what they  believe is truth .


  I can honestly see LOVE  as creating every emotion  possible  to be felt and known  unto mankind   and yet  it stems from love    in one way or the other   , self love    or the Love of God 

  Gods  Word says love everyone  they way you love your own selves .
  But this is the thing ,many do not love themselves  enough  to make a difference   , I mean that in the sense of this , many  fall down  into the trap of  addiction   , they self medicate  to numb the pain of  self hatred  , in may ways its is the lusts of the world  ,  though   sex addiction  or drug addiction  or work addiction  , or even  gaming  and television addiction  , social addiction , the list goes on and on  really  .

  Not even realizing it is really working death in them .   
I recall PAUL  saying I was alive once without the law  and when the law came it put me to death , but he considered the law  was a good thing   ,  so choosing the good  out of the law of good and evil   doing .

  I see that  sin IS DEATH ,  working in us    and  was showing him his error ,ITS DEAD works , no Life in it at all .
So the law was working in Him to produce  Life     and a good thing  even though it was painful  to experience   it.
  Romans 7 God's Law is Holy
...8But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire.

For apart from the law, sin is dead.

9Once I was alive apart from the Law;
but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died.

10So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death....

For me Paul was finally realizing  to two very different natures   and  its fruits  of doings .

Two paths  and  end of both ,   one narrow one leading to a never ending  life and  stay on it  as your  goal and prize , as the broad path always leads to destruction as we all can see the world is so full of   self destruction     , giving over to  worldly  lusts  and desires  that are  so  temporary   and meaningless and vain

I am guilty of wanting God to do all the works  for us  and has made a way though HIS SON  to do just that  , but  you have to keep making   your thoughts rise up to HIM    the cares of this life can sure choke  the WORD OF GOD right out of you ...

  the last thing you want to do when your stewing in  anger and hate  = death  IS BEG  for mercy  from God   , but if you beg for mercy on all  , even your enemies the  ones that hate you for being you   Love can conquer the enemies  within you and around you also ..  and a win win  all around , but waiting on the LORD  is not as easy to do as it sounds , we like to  do it   on our own strength and fail the test , it seems ...   
  I think we have to   be taught of God to love  ourselves   the way He loves us and shows us though many experiences  to love others  in the same  Love of God ...



Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: marie glen on February 11, 2019, 06:08:29 PM
I've heard of "the Principia"..!

I have to think a pretty smart guy from what you've posted..

On a smaller scale, Mary Baker Eddy, I think, has written some very beautiful things, scripture based! Yet I disagree with her on some important points.. But one of these days I want to read a bit of her stuff.. The Jehovah witnesses are like that too.. What I like in both cases is the reference to paradise, earthly like, using bible verses..

Actually, I've never come across anybody or book, group or site, which I don't think errs in some way. :dontknow:

After the theory of evolution, western culture became very - not good - when it came to thought about other races and nations! Western Civilization, Christendom was it! Seen as "all that!" Lol. Ironically same theory has caused us to fall away, not really considered Christendom anymore.. So I'd be interested to know when Swedenborg lived.. before or after Darwin.. if before, haha, nevermind.. :laughing7:

(It's so easy to look things up these days though isn't it?)

What would you say might be the best thing of Swedenborg to read that sums up his studies and thought/ideas? Would that be the Principia? Is that work spiritual or scientific (physics?)
thanks  :Peace2:
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 11, 2019, 06:57:33 PM
Quote from: rosered on February 11, 2019, 05:46:40 PM



I listened to some ,

not sure of all the heavens and earth stuff   , but I do believe we can dismiss a testimony  and it a God given one  , if we allow ourselves to doubt    the power of resurrection.........


I dont see it is  based on  our works , but faith in  Jesus working in us , I believe Jesus is the reward [More of Him , strength and  power  to overcome   the world and its lusts and desires  ] for obedience to Gods Word  just believing  GODS WORD is true   .


   For me,  have you ever heard of the truth hurts ?  it stings  when you    really  consider  it is your fleshy  desires that  think its right  , I call that an ego  , or souls /lives without any instructions  about God , most egos worship an unknown God ,   you ask them  what    makes you Love God ?

  You would be surprised at some of the answers given , some believe it is because He loved us first .
   That is a  good answer and   a broad answer  and covers lots of other questions .

  Some will say it is to keep them from hell and torment forever .

Some say , its both .

We read the truth will set us free .
  Free from what , death ?  an abundant life now ?  this world and its evil presence ?

  Sure thing it does  indeed free us from a lot of  suffering and  fake works  , appearing holy before men  stuff .

The Word of God testifies of Itself  , we have outside influences   that stumble us up into traps   and snares  that make us doubt .

People all over that come clean and admit , I have been self righteous , I have sinned  and  have failed the test .
we cannot stop  trying , that is  no excuse  .
Shame to me is somthing we all have the bear   , Jesus was shamed   relentlessly    and rejected   over and over  again  by many  whom claimed to know God , and yet it says  no one has ever come to the Father except though the Son of God

  I think it is recognizing Him in peoples flesh  , its a spirit   that is  loving and giving and caring for for others well being than its own self .

  Simple stuff  , when the yoke is easy and burden is light   , but to me it is a humble attitude willing to share    the things of God with one another without   discrediting them .

   For me , the biggest clue in the bible was a the spirit that accuses   people   before GOD  in the day / light  of knowing it and night/ it  is sheer ignorance  of what they  believe is truth .


  I can honestly see LOVE  as creating every emotion  possible  to be felt and known  unto mankind   and yet  it stems from love    in one way or the other   , self love    or the Love of God 

  Gods  Word says love everyone  they way you love your own selves .
  But this is the thing ,many do not love themselves  enough  to make a difference   , I mean that in the sense of this , many  fall down  into the trap of  addiction   , they self medicate  to numb the pain of  self hatred  , in may ways its is the lusts of the world  ,  though   sex addiction  or drug addiction  or work addiction  , or even  gaming  and television addiction  , social addiction , the list goes on and on  really  .

  Not even realizing it is really working death in them .   
I recall PAUL  saying I was alive once without the law  and when the law came it put me to death , but he considered the law  was a good thing   ,  so choosing the good  out of the law of good and evil   doing .

  I see that  sin IS DEATH ,  working in us    and  was showing him his error ,ITS DEAD works , no Life in it at all .
So the law was working in Him to produce  Life     and a good thing  even though it was painful  to experience   it.
  Romans 7 God's Law is Holy
...8But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire.

For apart from the law, sin is dead.

9Once I was alive apart from the Law;
but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died.

10So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death....

For me Paul was finally realizing  to two very different natures   and  its fruits  of doings .

Two paths  and  end of both ,   one narrow one leading to a never ending  life and  stay on it  as your  goal and prize , as the broad path always leads to destruction as we all can see the world is so full of   self destruction     , giving over to  worldly  lusts  and desires  that are  so  temporary   and meaningless and vain

I am guilty of wanting God to do all the works  for us  and has made a way though HIS SON  to do just that  , but  you have to keep making   your thoughts rise up to HIM    the cares of this life can sure choke  the WORD OF GOD right out of you ...

  the last thing you want to do when your stewing in  anger and hate  = death  IS BEG  for mercy  from God   , but if you beg for mercy on all  , even your enemies the  ones that hate you for being you   Love can conquer the enemies  within you and around you also ..  and a win win  all around , but waiting on the LORD  is not as easy to do as it sounds , we like to  do it   on our own strength and fail the test , it seems ...   
  I think we have to   be taught of God to love  ourselves   the way He loves us and shows us though many experiences  to love others  in the same  Love of God ...

I've no idea what any of that has to do with Swedenborg but it was so well said I don't care!

Thanks for sharing!

:HeartThrob:
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 11, 2019, 07:08:39 PM
Quote from: marie glen on February 11, 2019, 06:08:29 PM
I've heard of "the Principia"..!

I have to think a pretty smart guy from what you've posted..

On a smaller scale, Mary Baker Eddy, I think, has written some very beautiful things, scripture based! Yet I disagree with her on some important points.. But one of these days I want to read a bit of her stuff.. The Jehovah witnesses are like that too.. What I like in both cases is the reference to paradise, earthly like, using bible verses..

Actually, I've never come across anybody or book, group or site, which I don't think errs in some way. :dontknow:

After the theory of evolution, western culture became very - not good - when it came to thought about other races and nations! Western Civilization, Christendom was it! Seen as "all that!" Lol. Ironically same theory has caused us to fall away, not really considered Christendom anymore.. So I'd be interested to know when Swedenborg lived.. before or after Darwin.. if before, haha, nevermind.. :laughing7:

(It's so easy to look things up these days though isn't it?)

What would you say might be the best thing of Swedenborg to read that sums up his studies and thought/ideas? Would that be the Principia? Is that work spiritual or scientific (physics?)
thanks  :Peace2:

I'm in talks right now with people from the Swedenborg foundation.  I'm uncertain whether he believed God becomes all in all.  If he doesn't believe that...I don't believe Swedenborg.  Apocatastasis is my belief...always has been and always will be.  That may sound a bit 'closed-minded' of me (to be set in my belief) but Love (God) creates so it's obvious to me that love created all things and would natrually love and heal and restore and not leave anyone in their 'sins' in some 'hell'.  I can't change that belief because it's not really a belief is it?  It's a fact.  Love loves.

As I say Marie, I'm still studying Swedenborg...He says some interesting things but I've not yet read enough to accept or denounce him with any certainty.
GodIsLove pointed out things earlier which doesn't put Swedenborg in a great light either, but we shall see...

Lol  :dsunny:
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: sheila on February 12, 2019, 05:46:36 PM
 :2c:I do know all men have places prepared of inheritance in the new heavens.all men who have ever lived It is the pattern

that the inheritance in Caanan.was set up to resemble..and there are 12'spiritual tribes'.that all men belong to.

the Holy city 12 foundations also. Each of us inherit in one of those.
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: Ross on February 13, 2019, 02:19:07 AM
Swedenborg doesn't believe in our atonement!
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: Ross on February 13, 2019, 02:22:09 AM
Also teaches that we work our way up and down to a layer of heaven that suits us.
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: marie glen on February 13, 2019, 03:21:37 AM
I was thinking his physics might be very interesting.. I finally looked him up... Haven't found out yet if "the Principia" is physics..

But this is interesting!

Dynamics of the Soul's Domain), was published in 1740 and 1741. The first volume addresses the heart and blood; the second, the brain, nervous system, and the soul. Here again, Swedenborg was looking for a connection between the spiritual and physical worlds. Drawing on the works of contemporary scientists and philosophers (note, which included Newton and Halley) he describes a subtle spiritual fluid that permeates and sustains all living creatures, existing in a complicated interaction with the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid. The origin of life is a sustaining energy that pervades all of creation, and the source of that energy is God. Thus nature, in Swedenborg's view, derives life in all its forms from that creative energy and would be dead without divine influence.

But I don't like this, but if we know our bible, other's thoughts cannot lead us into error - though I shouldn't say can't lol!
"simultaneously started writing an exploration of the inner meaning of the Bible based on the new understanding he gained from his visions."
I figure the Bible interprets the Bible, and His guiding voice with it.

And "Secrets of Heaven is a verse-by-verse discussion of the inner meaning of the Bible, beginning with Genesis and then moving through Exodus. Swedenborg writes that the Bible should not be taken literally—in fact, parts of it make no sense if taken at face value—but everything written there has an inner spiritual meaning he calls a "correspondence." -- Why does it always have to be either/ or?

(Continued)
"intended to go through the entire Bible in this type of verse-by-verse exegesis, he never did so. Instead, he returned to London in 1758 with five new titles to publish: Heaven and Hell, a description of the afterlife and the lives of its inhabitants; White Horse, which talks about the inner meaning of the Bible; Other Planets, which describes the beings that live on other planets, some within and some outside our solar system; Last Judgment; and New Jerusalem. These last two refer to a unique aspect of Swedenborg's theology. He writes that the Last Judgment is not a future event that will mark the end of our world, but a spiritual event where evil spirits who had managed to infiltrate heaven were cast down to hell, allowing human beings on earth and in heaven to receive spiritual truths more clearly. Further, he claims to have witnessed this event in 1757, a year that marked the beginning of a new spiritual age for humankind. In New Jerusalem, he lays out the general principles for the new church that was to follow the Last Judgment."

:Chinscratch: I think this is where the literal / face value understanding of the Bible comes in handy! That overall picture of it, etc. The straight forward what it is saying. It should keep one from getting too fanciful.. or way out there.. Though I suppose most of us humans have been 'way out there at one time or another! :laughing7:

:doh: Quote Google -  The Principia, by Newton,  states his laws of motion, forming the foundation of classical mechanics; Newton's law of universal gravitation; and a derivation of Kepler's laws of planetary motion (which Kepler first obtained empirically). The Principia is considered one of the most important works in the history of science.   

I should've known that.. read that before, not the book :laughing7: the Google blurb or elsewhere.
:Peace2:

p.d. - Swedenborg sounds like an interesting person, but not my cup of tea, I'm mostly all about the literal straight forward it says what it says kind of gal. Very interesting though!

There's this book I've be meaning to read for about 20 years now (! haha) called "Shapers of the Modern Mind" and is about a list of men.. Luther, Calvin, Newton, Kant (not exactly sure who he is), Darwin, Freud.. and others.. I don't think Swedenborg is listed.. but he surely had an influence on some.. a reaction to the very poor (ugh) translations of five words into hell.. and misunderstanding God's wrath as results and consequences put into language that can reach all levels of mind and heart, meaning, including the most base and barbaric, even brutal.

Sorry to babble on so. I'm glad to know who the guy was, Swedenborg, that is. :gsmile:

Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 13, 2019, 11:22:17 AM
Quote from: Ross on February 13, 2019, 02:22:09 AM
Also teaches that we work our way up and down to a layer of heaven that suits us.

Wouldn't that fit with reap what we sow?
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 13, 2019, 11:27:52 AM
Quote from: marie glen on February 13, 2019, 03:21:37 AM
I was thinking his physics might be very interesting.. I finally looked him up... Haven't found out yet if "the Principia" is physics..

But this is interesting!

Dynamics of the Soul's Domain), was published in 1740 and 1741. The first volume addresses the heart and blood; the second, the brain, nervous system, and the soul. Here again, Swedenborg was looking for a connection between the spiritual and physical worlds. Drawing on the works of contemporary scientists and philosophers (note, which included Newton and Halley) he describes a subtle spiritual fluid that permeates and sustains all living creatures, existing in a complicated interaction with the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid. The origin of life is a sustaining energy that pervades all of creation, and the source of that energy is God. Thus nature, in Swedenborg's view, derives life in all its forms from that creative energy and would be dead without divine influence.

But I don't like this, but if we know our bible, other's thoughts cannot lead us into error - though I shouldn't say can't lol!
"simultaneously started writing an exploration of the inner meaning of the Bible based on the new understanding he gained from his visions."
I figure the Bible interprets the Bible, and His guiding voice with it.

And "Secrets of Heaven is a verse-by-verse discussion of the inner meaning of the Bible, beginning with Genesis and then moving through Exodus. Swedenborg writes that the Bible should not be taken literally—in fact, parts of it make no sense if taken at face value—but everything written there has an inner spiritual meaning he calls a "correspondence." -- Why does it always have to be either/ or?

(Continued)
"intended to go through the entire Bible in this type of verse-by-verse exegesis, he never did so. Instead, he returned to London in 1758 with five new titles to publish: Heaven and Hell, a description of the afterlife and the lives of its inhabitants; White Horse, which talks about the inner meaning of the Bible; Other Planets, which describes the beings that live on other planets, some within and some outside our solar system; Last Judgment; and New Jerusalem. These last two refer to a unique aspect of Swedenborg's theology. He writes that the Last Judgment is not a future event that will mark the end of our world, but a spiritual event where evil spirits who had managed to infiltrate heaven were cast down to hell, allowing human beings on earth and in heaven to receive spiritual truths more clearly. Further, he claims to have witnessed this event in 1757, a year that marked the beginning of a new spiritual age for humankind. In New Jerusalem, he lays out the general principles for the new church that was to follow the Last Judgment."

:Chinscratch: I think this is where the literal / face value understanding of the Bible comes in handy! That overall picture of it, etc. The straight forward what it is saying. It should keep one from getting too fanciful.. or way out there.. Though I suppose most of us humans have been 'way out there at one time or another! :laughing7:

:doh: Quote Google -  The Principia, by Newton,  states his laws of motion, forming the foundation of classical mechanics; Newton's law of universal gravitation; and a derivation of Kepler's laws of planetary motion (which Kepler first obtained empirically). The Principia is considered one of the most important works in the history of science.   

I should've known that.. read that before, not the book :laughing7: the Google blurb or elsewhere.
:Peace2:

p.d. - Swedenborg sounds like an interesting person, but not my cup of tea, I'm mostly all about the literal straight forward it says what it says kind of gal. Very interesting though!

There's this book I've be meaning to read for about 20 years now (! haha) called "Shapers of the Modern Mind" and is about a list of men.. Luther, Calvin, Newton, Kant (not exactly sure who he is), Darwin, Freud.. and others.. I don't think Swedenborg is listed.. but he surely had an influence on some.. a reaction to the very poor (ugh) translations of five words into hell.. and misunderstanding God's wrath as results and consequences put into language that can reach all levels of mind and heart, meaning, including the most base and barbaric, even brutal.

Sorry to babble on so. I'm glad to know who the guy was, Swedenborg, that is. :gsmile:

Interesting points ty for sharing
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: rosered on February 13, 2019, 12:46:47 PM


  I watched your video  Marc  just now ,
I thoroughly  enjoyed it  and most certainly  could relate to your  message !

I would have to agree  that all things do work together for the good of those  whom love the Lord and are called according to His purpose
  This would include ''all things '' the good and evil  tree or law   that puts to death  all the offensive things that break the law of Love  and learning  the truth of the matter  from it .

  I find irony in it , because death is the last enemy to overcome lol.
  When I was so literal  and babe like in thinking   when we die  as mortals   it was the end , I do not think such ways any longer ..
  For  along time  , it was all I knew , not being able to see outside my own understanding or perception of it .
  To finally realize  a perception of truth comes  in many levels  of understanding it,  so able to be more patient  with others  who can only think one certain way ..

Death comes   though that law  of judging  good and evil  [judge not unless you want to be judged ] and we do die a 1000 deaths  in the sense of not clinging to  certain ideas .  sometimes it is a good death  , to remove the pride of life we  as His little children  can be so contrary  and unruly at times  stemming from impatience and lack of self control.
Stubborn  in not being able to   move past  an important lesson  to be learned  though the experience of chastening because it is a painful  test    .
I loved how you gave the Father glory in His ability to teach us  though ''all things ''  good and evil .

  It sure is patience ,   and our concept of patience , being said , Peter shared a 1000 years is like a day unto the Lord  and   a day is 1000  years  and is not slack concerning His promises  ,
  I believe we have to wait on the Lord  for  we find ourselves in a worse  position when we try on our own to fix  things by our  lack of understanding  what is broken  in the first place ! . lol :laughing7:

Personally   I remember  the first time a light of understanding come  , when reading   when Paul said  , He did not even judge himself any longer  but let God judge  everything .  I knew than   he found the rest and security  in trusting God fully for everyone and everything  and his own opinion did not  make anything  better or worse for it .  the TRUTH stands  and cannot be  moved or shaken  , like we are always changing our minds  in many things  and learning to help and not harm or hinder the Truth  in Love .
I found   that it is all  just  stages of spiritual growth , after reading he told us to examine ourselves , that would be judging ourselves   to see if we are  in the same faith that JESUS  faith is in the FATHER possessed  that bore perfect fruit / results .

Results of spiritual gain by the HOLY SPIRIT  working and teaching  us all how to be His obedient  children /offspring .
Wisdom is justified of her children  , fruit of Her doings  and complete /perfectly trained  sons of God .


Sorry I haven't looked into  Swedenborg  much , but I also did a  search , I find many times  , reading things  difficult  , I heard  it said ,  You can eat the fish but spit out the bones  .
You can find   ones faith /substance in some things  and yet  other  things said , do not resonate  in you at the time  , like a fish bone that could cause you to choke  and loose your breath .   and you are done eating  for the time being .

Like picky eaters , eating the WORD OF LIFE is beneficial to your overall good  spiritual health . in my opinion  and   I enjoy the Bible  mostly .but that is just one among a 1000  and it is not   neither here nor there .

I rest in hope  and am waiting on the Lord and   finally tired of my own foolishness .

I am enjoying reading others thoughts of God more now than ever . and enjoy the quickening  and life that is found in their sharing it with us all .   

  The quickening or rouse, waken,of the  Holy  Spirit gives life to those  whom are dying  to self   importance as a good death and better resurrection.  I do believe that is true .
GOD is no respecter of person  and as His children we are taught not to be that way either . Love/God  will prevail .
 


Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: sheila on February 13, 2019, 03:51:41 PM
 :2c:Ithinkit's really about growing n love and faith..more than'levels'   sow fear and reap doubt and become unstable in our  ways..

weak in faith are like spindly plants blown about by various winds of doctrine. Jesus,with His disciples,shared things with them

that other's could not recieve because of unbelief.And He had still more things to share...that they were not ready to recieve,yet

our root being grounded deeply in love and faith...makes as strong and able to remain steady when the varying windsof doctrine

blowour way.

putting our confidence in our flesh..is like putting faith in the outer shell of the seed that is under the ground and dissolving away

unto nothing......the new growth in the spirit grows up reaching toward the light and heavens.

varying circumstances can hinder growth...floodwaters[from the dragon]can wash us away[accusation/fear ]uprooting our being

grounded/rooted in love and faith. Drought of the true waters of life..can stunt/hinder ..cold hardened hearts[soil]lack of sunshine

[may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you]Babylon spirits[birds] snatch away seeds of faith and can carry them off.

  tares can rob us of growth,also. The green spirit plant does not need be overly concerned with the corrupted outer shell of the seed

[flesh]that is dissolving away.[Ihad a problem with that!lol!]it was sown in weakness and corruption . rain must soften thatouter

shell and warmth of the sun[water of life and God's affection]

The Promise of the seed is the LIFE........The plants[spirit]growth supercedes the death of the corrupted,dissolving outer shell[ourflesh]


   I saw this one time....a young green plant was carried of a bird and dropped into a field of ripened wheat..that was bowed over

with heads of grain and bleached of the sun ready for harvesting..and said'WHY ARE YOU NOT GREEN LIKE ME?!"  The matured

wheats heads were full of thoughts of the coming of the Lord to gather them into the barns of heaven..and were bowing...and

the young green plant did not understand.It did not appear as life unto him,but death! :girlheart:



all these conditions..caneffect our spiritual growth.
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: marie glen on February 13, 2019, 04:09:08 PM
Amen sisters! ...It's the sloughing off of the carnal/self-ish character and attitude, and putting on the new man fashioned after/like Jesus! How blessed all mankind is! For that is where we are all headed.. into that likeness of Jesus.. :cloud9: ...That which is all love.. Wow, the glory! What a God of power! :HeartThrob: :HeartThrob: :cloud9:
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 13, 2019, 04:52:36 PM
Quote from: rosered on February 13, 2019, 12:46:47 PM


  I watched your video  Marc  just now ,
I thoroughly  enjoyed it  and most certainly  could relate to your  message !

I would have to agree  that all things do work together for the good of those  whom love the Lord and are called according to His purpose
  This would include "all things " the good and evil  tree or law   that puts to death  all the offensive things that break the law of Love  and learning  the truth of the matter  from it .

  I find irony in it , because death is the last enemy to overcome lol.
  When I was so literal  and babe like in thinking   when we die  as mortals   it was the end , I do not think such ways any longer ..
  For  along time  , it was all I knew , not being able to see outside my own understanding or perception of it .
  To finally realize  a perception of truth comes  in many levels  of understanding it,  so able to be more patient  with others  who can only think one certain way ..

Death comes   though that law  of judging  good and evil  [judge not unless you want to be judged ] and we do die a 1000 deaths  in the sense of not clinging to  certain ideas .  sometimes it is a good death  , to remove the pride of life we  as His little children  can be so contrary  and unruly at times  stemming from impatience and lack of self control.
Stubborn  in not being able to   move past  an important lesson  to be learned  though the experience of chastening because it is a painful  test    .
I loved how you gave the Father glory in His ability to teach us  though "all things "  good and evil .

  It sure is patience ,   and our concept of patience , being said , Peter shared a 1000 years is like a day unto the Lord  and   a day is 1000  years  and is not slack concerning His promises  ,
  I believe we have to wait on the Lord  for  we find ourselves in a worse  position when we try on our own to fix  things by our  lack of understanding  what is broken  in the first place ! . lol :laughing7:

Personally   I remember  the first time a light of understanding come  , when reading   when Paul said  , He did not even judge himself any longer  but let God judge  everything .  I knew than   he found the rest and security  in trusting God fully for everyone and everything  and his own opinion did not  make anything  better or worse for it .  the TRUTH stands  and cannot be  moved or shaken  , like we are always changing our minds  in many things  and learning to help and not harm or hinder the Truth  in Love .
I found   that it is all  just  stages of spiritual growth , after reading he told us to examine ourselves , that would be judging ourselves   to see if we are  in the same faith that JESUS  faith is in the FATHER possessed  that bore perfect fruit / results .

Results of spiritual gain by the HOLY SPIRIT  working and teaching  us all how to be His obedient  children /offspring .
Wisdom is justified of her children  , fruit of Her doings  and complete /perfectly trained  sons of God .


Sorry I haven't looked into  Swedenborg  much , but I also did a  search , I find many times  , reading things  difficult  , I heard  it said ,  You can eat the fish but spit out the bones  .
You can find   ones faith /substance in some things  and yet  other  things said , do not resonate  in you at the time  , like a fish bone that could cause you to choke  and loose your breath .   and you are done eating  for the time being .

Like picky eaters , eating the WORD OF LIFE is beneficial to your overall good  spiritual health . in my opinion  and   I enjoy the Bible  mostly .but that is just one among a 1000  and it is not   neither here nor there .

I rest in hope  and am waiting on the Lord and   finally tired of my own foolishness .

I am enjoying reading others thoughts of God more now than ever . and enjoy the quickening  and life that is found in their sharing it with us all .   

  The quickening or rouse, waken,of the  Holy  Spirit gives life to those  whom are dying  to self   importance as a good death and better resurrection.  I do believe that is true .
GOD is no respecter of person  and as His children we are taught not to be that way either . Love/God  will prevail .


That's very kind of you, thank you.

Yes I think that we all like prodigal sons or daughters get a belly full of sin then realize...it doesn't satisfy.  It does for a time but then gets boring.  I actually got bored of sin...I think I'll make a post on this... Lol

I agree with all you say Rose. 

The thing that puts me of Swedenborg at this time is that he doesn't seem to believe that God becomes all in all.  I could be wrong but from what ive read so far he seems to believe that hell exists for ever to 'satisfy' the people there.  But my argument would be that love wouldnt leave anyone in that state.
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: rosered on February 13, 2019, 05:17:53 PM

I agree LOVE/GOD would not leave anyone in that state  of torment forever  ,  many say  they have done it to themselves , but Jesus proved on the cross  to forgive  everyone even yourselves , because they really do not know what they are doing .


  God no doubt is still working  ,  praying for the bridling  of the tongue  , with firm  yet  kind speech .We can learn to  speak or be silent  by  seeing where they are coming from  , ground  or  up .

Paul called it persuading by  providing  a sound reason for (someone) to do what is right  for everyone  involved .
  Even though   things are done in love for the good  of  all it seems harsh at times and  turns many away .

I cannot   force anyone to hear  what I am saying,  any more than I can hear them  blaspheme   the   Father or the Son in ignorance .

Many  cannot handle the truth yet , and I am still trying  to  handle it  without offence myself . :friendstu:
Title: Re: Swedenborg?
Post by: guest6088 on February 22, 2019, 03:47:05 PM
"Swedenborg was an eye among the blind, an ear among the deaf . . . one of the noblest champions true Christianity has ever known."

--Helen Keller