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This descriptive collection doesn ’ t sound like something shrouded in clouds of correspondence . When Swedenborg sees the temple in heaven , the cherub of correspondences is there , but the curtain has been raised so that we can see beyond him . ( See Apocalypse Revealed 668 , 897 )
Joseph S . David Indianapolis , Indiana
Our Planets Are Not Inhabited
To The Editors :
We often hear about church membership not growing . One reason has got to be Earths in the Universe . A new reader may think , “ This makes sense ,” but then reads about spirits from Saturn , which must be an immediate turnoff .
I don ’ t think I ’ ve seen an official explanation of spirits being said to come from planets in our solar system . Shouldn ’ t we , finally , address this head on ?
The basis for an explanation might well be Earths in the Universe 134 : [ That those not in faith ] may be led along to something of acknowledgment it has been conceded to relate such things as delight to attract the man who is desirous of knowing . . . “ ( This is the Swedenborg Foundation translation . The Swedenborg Society has “ granted ” for “ conceded .”)
In Swedenborg ’ s time almost everyone thought the other planets were inhabited ( Benjamin Franklin , etc .). Some even thought the sun was inhabited ( William Herschel , etc .).
Perhaps to take advantage of this thinking Swedenborg assigned certain spirits to our planets , these planets being “ closer to home ,” hoping to arouse interest in the Writings . This could well be what was “ conceded / granted .”
In a 1771 letter Swedenborg says : “ The Lord our Savior leaves things which concern temporal matters to my intelligence and judgment .” Whether or not certain planets are inhabited is a temporal matter .
Let ’ s get something out there soon , if only on our websites ! William L . Weaver
Largo , Florida
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