We accommodate, for instance, in teaching the same doctrine to first graders,
newcomers, adults and theologs. We change the way truth is presented but the
doctrine does not change. Our greatest opportunities for outreach now are over
the internet, where demands for accommodation can be extreme. Meanwhile
Bryn Athyn College is in the midst of ambitious plans for growth while also
challenged to maintain its integrity as a unique New Church institution and
not succumb to temptation to dilute doctrine to make it “more appealing.”
Our charge is to nurture and grow the New Church – both the church
specific and the church universal – throughout the world, but first within our
own lives. We can do this through accommodation but must always be clear
about what this New Church is that we are establishing. This begins with what
is fundamental and eternal in the Heavenly Doctrine of the New Church – that
this is how the Lord has made His Second Coming and that there is Divine
authority within the revelation in the Writings.
The eternal truth and good within the doctrines are how the Lord builds
His Church in the world – and it is the Lord alone who is building His Church.
We are constantly challenged in how we understand and apply the doctrines
in an ever-changing – and increasingly secular – world. And in the midst of all
this roiling change, the Church must also keep changing, evolving, improving
– accommodating – just as we must do so in our own lives. But changing or
altering divinely revealed truth, for whatever end, can only undermine the
Church, not build and strengthen it.
The original vision still is true and inspiring. The New Church is still
descending and we are all called upon to play a role in its establishment – by
establishing it first and firmly in our own hearts and minds. In His good time
the Lord will make it the crown of all churches. We are here to keep faith with
that vision and to help it along the way, in whatever ways we can.
(BMH)
the election
The tone of the campaign for President of the United States has been
discouraging. But in the midst of the political storm, we can be blessed with
equanimity if we keep in mind how imperfect human judgment is, and view
the election within the larger perspective of the Divine providence that actually
governs the destiny of nations.
“Man’s own prudence is like a few specks of dust in the atmosphere, while
Providence is like the whole atmosphere.” (Arcana Coelestia 7007)
The root of civil disease is spiritual disorder, and the only real cure is
to get to the root of the problem. This is something only the Lord can do.
Government policies, programs, regulations and benefits of various kinds,
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