In This Issue
W
here are we in the continuum from the Last Judgment to the
establishment of the New Church as “the crown of all churches” in the
world? In “Progress and Development of the New Church,” the Rev. Willard
L. D. Heinrichs sees in the Writings a parallel with our own progression as
we pass from this world into successive states of being prepared for heaven.
“The age of the New Church,” he writes, “would then correspond to the state
of a human being after death, a state that progresses and, with the good, is
perfected to eternity.” (Page 198)
In a sermon, “What News From Earth?”, the Rev. Jeremy F. Simons says that
angels asked Swedenborg what was happening in the world and he told them
about what the Lord was revealing through him. That raises two questions: If
an angel asked you what was happening on earth, what would you say? And
if you chose to talk about revelation, what aspects would you mention – and
why? It’s a different perspective for considering the implications of the Book of
Revelation and the 19 th of June. (Page 206)
In a sermon about the woman caught in adultery who was told by the
Lord, “Go and sin no more,” the Rev. Grant H. Odhner offers the comforting
thought that, “the Lord never sees faults as ours. He never attributes them to
us, but to hell.” He never needs to change His attitude toward us. It is we who
must change to accept His love. (Page 211).
Bryn Athyn College is extending its reach with the Swedenborg and the
Arts International Conference it is hosting in June. President Brian Blair says it
is a natural outgrowth of the College’s mission and a significant step toward the
College serving the global community with New Church thought. Co-Chair
Dr. Jane Williams-Hogan sees great potential for the College to grow from
this with many new opportunities, but she also feels that the College must be
proactive in making progress happen. (Page 216)
That conference will help to put Bryn Athyn College on the academic map
with an impressive four-day event that includes more than 25 scholars from
10 countries. The focus will include Swedenborg’s influence on literature, art,
music and architecture. See the whole schedule and website links. (Page 218)
In a talk given at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Swedenborg
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