this I am not sure. Still, for example, the doctrine of degrees as it is applied to
the natural atmospheres in Last Judgment (posthumous) 312 might provide
some basis. In this teaching it is evident that there are distinct degrees of
substances that are productive, first, of gravitation, second, of magnetism
(electromagnetism (?) that is associated with the transmission of light), and,
finally, of what might be termed air.
I don’t believe we have yet detected the subtle substances that are
productive of gravitation, only the resulting force. This may also be true in
respect to electromagnetism. But I am getting more and more out my depth
here!
I present the speculation involving the possible application of the doctrine
of discrete degrees to this whole subject of why we are not finding people on
other planets as yet, primarily, with the intent of suggesting that there may
be in the Heavenly Doctrine many teachings that if they were known and
understood could give us a more than adequate explanation for this situation.
In short, as so many teachings of our Lord indicate, in matters such as this
the problem is not with the Word, but in the heredity, in the culture, in the
sensual, materialistic character of many people of this planet.
So much more could be said on this subject, so many more teachings
could be brought to bear on it, but I think that I have already said much more
on it, indicating my orientation, than some may want to read. I am hoping that
what I have written will be of use to the readers of New Church Life.
The Rev. Willard L. D. Heinrichs is retired and lives with his
wife, Vanessa (van Rij), in Longmont, Colorado. During his
active ministry he served in Dawson Creek, British Columbia,
Canada; as Superintendent of the South African Mission; and as
a teacher of Religion in Bryn Athyn College and its Theological
School. Contact: [email protected]
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