n e w c h u r c h l i f e : m ay / j u n e 2 0 1 7
The accounts that Swedenborg wrote of his experiences in the spiritual
world can seem strange and even embarrassing. Many people will dismiss
them immediately as impossible – even people who might be inclined to
accept many of the teachings themselves as rational and reasonable.
But imagine what the reports of explorers would be like without the
element of stories and accounts of what they experienced. The stories make
their discoveries and descriptions more believable, not less believable.
Confidence in the source is crucial.
If we can accept the reality of heaven, then Swedenborg’s accounts should
make it seem all the more real and intelligible.
The point of all of this information is to provide the basis that has been
lacking for a widespread understanding of and belief in the truths necessary
to “make a pathway for God” in people’s minds. The purpose is the salvation of
the human race. The purpose is to promote peace on earth through knowledge
of the Lord, as we read in our lesson from Isaiah:
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full
of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9)
The only question is whether we will believe and act on this knowledge
that the Lord has given us.
Amen.
The Rev. Jeremy F. Simons is semi-retired and serves as the
Chaplain of the Bryn Athyn Cathedral. Most recently he served
as pastor of the Bryn Athyn Church, and has also served in
Glenview, Illinois, and Kempton, Pennsylvania. He and his wife,
Allyn (Edmonds), live in Bryn Athyn. Contact: Jeremy.Simons@
brynathynchurch.org.
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