churches and theologians.
While O’Reilly is known best as a television commentator with strong
political views – which may attract some readers and repel others – there is
none of that in this book. It is straight and respectful history.
But there are real gaps for religious readers to fill in – especially those in
the New Church with a deeper understanding from revealed truth about the
symbolism and the rich meaning in the events for our lives. A bit off-putting
at times is the authors’ speculation about what Jesus was thinking and feeling.
There is real appreciation for – and something to be learned about – the role
and courage of the disciples as they went forth to spread the Word after the
crucifixion. They knew they were putting their lives in jeopardy for planting
the seeds of Christianity that so threatened the power of Rome, and all were
brutally murdered.
The fact that the book is enormously popular is encouraging. That speaks
to a hunger to know more about the life and death of Jesus, which can help
to bring people to a closer relationship with the Lord. The hope is also that
this will make many people more open to explore and to seek the spiritual
meanings within this defining story of Christianity.
One nice touch is that the book is dedicated, “To all those who love their
neighbors as themselves.”
(BMH)
charity’s twin
Repentance, which begins with self-examination, is inward looking, while
charity looks outward to others. They may therefore seem to be quite separate
aspects of religion, but actually are closely linked.
When we consider our own errors and are engaged in repenting of them,
what interest can we have in condemning others for theirs? Will we not, rather,
be filled with a sense of being in the same boat with everyone else? We’re all in
different parts of the boat, but all equally in need of salvation.
“If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm
130:3) The implied answer is obvious: no one.
(WEO)
speak like an angel
Among the many beautiful descriptions in the Writings about life in heaven
is the speech of angels. In this world we hear – and speak ourselves – many
different kinds of speech: sometimes kind, loving, inclusive, thoughtful, caring
– but also angry, harsh, frustrated, accusing, excluding.
In Secrets of Heaven 1759 we read: “Spirits who are midway between
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