In This Issue
R
acism is one of the great challenges facing the world and the Rev. Jeremy
F. Simons says New Church teachings provide the right perspective for
achieving racial harmony. It starts with not looking down on anyone or any
group. Jeremy writes: “The truth is that, according to the Heavenly Doctrines,
all of humanity is in a similar spiritual condition. Evil is not restricted to any
one corner of the globe, and every society is beset by significant and vexing
social issues.” The Writings offer hope for real progress. (Page 371)
What is the purpose and value of life in this world? The Rev. Michael D.
Gladish writes in a sermon about “why our sensory experiences in this world
are so important as a foundation for our spiritual lives; why we should value and
appreciate them; and how we can take full advantage of them in appropriate
ways even when things may seem bleak or threatening.” As time goes by, he
says, “we can appreciate more and more how every natural experience prepares
us in some way for greater understanding, greater enlightenment and greater
fulfillment.” (Page 379)
In a sermon, “Salvation by Means of a New Heart and a New Mind,”
the Rev. Eric H. Carswell says that we are born again through a process of
internal change as we try to love and obey the Lord. The Lord is calling on
us “to become fundamentally different human beings from the people we are
as we arrive at young adulthood. Our usefulness, indeed our fundamental
happiness, depends on this change.” (Page 386)
The Rev. Kenneth J. Alden presents a comprehensive report on the Council
of the Clergy Meetings in Bryn Athyn in June, including: the process for
nominating the next Executive Bishop; papers offered and responses to them;
some of the issues facing the Church; a report on the Women’s Participation
Task Force; and various workshops. (Page 392)
The European Assembly in Great Britain in early August was a great
success, and Ray and Brenda Waters convey both the uplifting sphere and the
variety of doctrinal presentations in a lively report. (Page 412. See photos on
pages 450 and 451.)
Per Bingen, a proud Norwegian and lifelong student of the Writings,
presented a paper at the European Assembly, “A Counterattack on Darwinism.”
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