new church life: march / april 2014
do this, but that it is problematic when they do not and when the role is taken
on by women.
Lastly, Mr. Rogers’ paper did not include references to any of the
unpublished works, because there are often questions about their authority,
specifically around this issue. Most of the clergy, however, do accept their
authority and have used them freely in sermons and classes from the beginning
of the Church. Passages from these works make the same points that Mr.
Rogers does, but with added emphasis. Three examples:
Spiritual Experiences 436 is critical of those who “go forth into the field
of understanding and recognize [truth], but being drawn by their desire, fall
back into opposing it.” This can apply to both men and women, but the passage
states that “this is especially applicable to women, in whom desires normally
take precedence, when they join in like men in matters regarding the doctrines
of faith.” This tendency is disastrous to the clergy, whose legitimacy depends
on their willingness to base their thinking on the Word, not their own ideas.
Spiritual Experiences 4940 tells a story in which he observes a woman
leading a prayer after a worship service in the spiritual world. He then goes out
of his way to lecture the group about the role of women in the church, to which
she takes such offense that she attempts to murder him. It is a striking example
of how strongly Swedenborg feels about this issue.
Spiritual Experiences 5936, which Swedenborg titled, “Women who
preach,” is the one that has long been quoted to resolve this question in the
Church. Although its strong language is often mocked, the gravity of its
assertion that women who preach become intellectually “crazy” and “sensual
in the last degree” – meaning they eventually believe nothing except the
evidence of their senses – shouldn’t be ignored. Some dismiss this passage as
being about women who preach like men rather than like women, but this
seems like an obvious attempt to evade its clear meaning.
The argument is the same whether we accept these teachings from the
unpublished works or not. The important thing, as Mr. Rogers says, is that we
look to the Word to resolve this question. The Word carefully lays out what the
clergy is and what it is supposed to do.
The role of exploring and teaching doctrine can be dangerous
territory. Many passages explain that celestial people did not and do not speak
about doctrine, but that it is necessary for the people of the spiritual church.
(See Heaven and Hell 214; Heavenly Doctrine 121, 140). Again, as Mr. Rogers
stated, we need to be careful to follow the teachings of the Word and not be
guided by popular opinion.
Rev. Jeremy F. Simons
Chaplain, Bryn Athyn Cathedral
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