good for the sake of eternal life. So we talk of “putting someone in freedom” by
teaching truths about the spiritual choices available.
Stephen then turned to how a spiritual conscience must be formed
gradually, based first on adhering to civil laws, then behaving according to
moral law, and at last acting from Divine law. (See Divine Providence 322)
He cited Arcana Coelestia 987 which shows how awful we would be if
we were not hindered by the bonds of the law and those securing honor and
wealth. We need outward restraints and the pressure of public opinion. It need
not be severe, and can be as supportive as a 12-step group. But if a church is
like a hospital for sinners, it won’t work if the church tells them they are just
fine: evils, like disease, will spread.
He concluded with the thought that the stands we take against evils
affecting our church may have through the spiritual world an untold and
transformative effect on moral climate and events of the world in which we
live.
The Rev. Coleman S. Glenn gave the formal response, focusing on moral
climate. He affirmed the rapid changes in opinion about moral issues as
tracked by recent polls, but pointed out that the Writings also note deficient
moral regard among Swedenborg’s contemporary Christians.
He suggested that moral climate’s departure from spiritual morality shows
itself most clearly in things having to do with marriage. He drew attention to
the fact that spiritual morality eventually departs from the natural morality on
which it was founded, when higher principles direct it to be more discerning.
He concluded with thoughts on how we can work to make New Church
culture primary, even as we are bound to live within an unfriendly culture. In
part this is done by building on the positive aspects of the secular morality, in
part by showing the goodness of true ideals, and by instilling a New Church
morality in the home.
Among the few responses from the floor were these thoughts: that a goal
of the Academy movement was to establish a supportive moral climate; that
we both want children to care about their reputation and also warn them not
to do as their peers may think they should; and that it depends on what you
look at as to whether you see changes in moral suasion as negative or positive.
Reports of the Executive Bishop
The second session was devoted to reports and other business. Bishop Keith
began by updating his report as executive bishop with a few announcements,
including the efforts of the Advancement Office to encourage participation
in local General Church congregations, and the positive response to the
invitation to search online for local churches to attend and webcast services
to live stream.
407