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"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me."

John 14:6 NKJV

Jesus of Nazareth
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Answers to Burning Questions

nswers

These questions are answered in the light of a faith according to The New Church, but from the personal view of the respondent. The respondent can be contacted via the link provided at the end of the answer. No legal rights can be derived from this information.

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More Burning Questions can be found in our archive at http://forum.newchurch.org.au


In the last 5 years I have lost 3 very important people in my life, how do I move on?

If you are finding this a real struggle, I would suggest you seek some counselling. The New Church has a strong belief in life after death, so I can assure you that the people you have lost are safe and well - but at the end of the day you will still miss them.

Understand that grief is a natural process. No one will quite understand it unless they have been through one themselves. Even then, every grief is unique. Some people will expect you to "move on". You might have the same expectation of yourself, too. But it's not that simple. Explore and express your feelings with someone you trust. Realise that your life will never be the same as it was, because these people were important to you, but you will find moments of happiness again.
23rd March 2009.
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Even if we look foward to look up to and believe in the Lord, is it safe also to believe angels can help also, or guardian angels?

It's perfectly safe to believe in angels, and to understand that they are sent to us to help and guide, whether we are aware of their presence or not. But the essential thing is to look to the Lord and pray to HIm for guidance. Let Him decide which angels you need. Angels only do the Lord's will. It is when we start to take on the role of deciding what's best for us - and praying to specific spirits - that we get into trouble.
23rd March 2009.
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who was the legal heir to the throne of King Saul before Saul died?

Saul's son, Jonathan, was probably regarded as that legal heir. However, speaking spiritually, Saul's line had lost the throne and David had already been anointed by the prophet, Samuel. But there does seem to have been some controversy over the matter, and a incident occurred involving another son of Saul's, Ishbosheth.

You can read about it at the beginning of the second book of Samuel.
23rd March 2009.
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On what basis do you trust Mr Swedenborg's interpretation of the Bible. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me. Some religions reject Jesus claim. How then can they be saved?

A few passages to mention to begin with:
Genesis 12:3 - I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (see also Genesis 28:14)
Isaiah 49:6 - It is too small a thing that you should be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Isarel; I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be my salvation to the ends of the earth.
1 Timothy 4:10 - ... we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, and especially of those who believe.

I note particularly this last passage, which makes mention of
"those who believe" without excluding "all men" as modern Christians are wont to do.

This seems to be one of Swedenborg's most controversial claims, a fact which has always astounded me, but I know that many Christians have a problem with it. On what basis do I believe Mr Swedenborg? Because he preaches a God Who Is Love, as do the gospels and epistles, and he shows that it is contrary to the principles of Love to exclude some people from salvation on the basis of what has been impressed upon them since childhood. Indeed, he explains that the Lord Himself has provided that the religions of the world contain what is necessary for salvation.

"for every nation the Lord provides a universal means of salvation." (Apocalypse Explained, paragraph 1176)

"Among all nations throughout the world with whom there is religion, there are precepts similar to those in the Decalogue: and all who live according to them from religion are saved; while all those who do not live according to them from religion are damned. ..." (Doctrine of Life, paragraph 65)

This does not deny the truth of Jesus' declaration, "I am the way, the truth and the life..." All people who are capable of accepting the truth will do so upon their entry into the spiritual world, where characters are revealed and, "I shall know just as I also am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12) Moreover, Swedenborg sees spiritual meaning within these words, again, not to deny their literal meaning, but to fill them out and invest them with life. And besides, Swedenborg acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as The Divine. It is only where we make Jesus less than Divine, or merely co-Divine that these words cause us trouble. Understand Who Jesus Is.
23rd March 2009.
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Is it true that Swedenborg said that Saint Paul was in Hell? Apparently Swedenborgians deny this. Fair enough. But Swedenborg did have conversations with Saint Paul so where did they occur?

An intriguing question. I certainly know of one passage (paragraph 4321 of Swedenborg's spiritual diary) which does suggests to me that at least some of these conversations took place in hell. However, it's not very clear, and other passages are even less plain. Let me include two necessary qualifications at this point.

I note that the spiritual diary was never intended for publication - it was a collection of personal notes. As such I don't take it as particularly definitive. Swedenborg does not seem to have made any statement about Paul's spiritual destiny in the works he wrote with the intention to publish. I guess that is primarily because that is not what his work is about.

Secondly, Swedenborg makes a point of the difference between the eternal fate of people who appear in the Bible and what they represent within the pages of the Bible itself. Often he points out that people we expect to have been good and upright characters, assured of a place in heaven by their faith or their suffering for religious values, are found in surprising and sometimes hellish states. It is just the same with people we know personally and those we revere - we cannot tell a person's spiritual destiny beyond a mere guess based upon their external behaviour. Paul may have been a great teacher and leader in the church, but his eternal spiritual state is really only between him and the Lord. Swedenborg also says that angels in heaven reading the Word have no sense of the personalities involved as we do. They understanding only the spiritual principles found within the Word. The people themselves, if they are of a heavenly character, often shy away from the kind of adoration many Christians would lavish upon them.
23rd March 2009.
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There is no reliable documented secular evidence for the existence of Jesus?

This is a popular, but sadly misinformed, opinion. A friend of mine, a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and a far better scholar than me, once said that there is more recorded evidence for the historical person of Jesus Christ than there is for Alexander the Great.

I have heard it said that you can learn far more about someone from their enemies than their friends. That being the case, one of the most powerful testimonies for Jesus' existance comes from Celsus, a vocal opponent of Christianity. His refutation of Christianity, On the True Doctrine, written c. AD 178, affirms the historical person of Jesus Christ, and even admits Jesus' miracles (something even some of Christ's modern "friends" feel ambivalent about). Instead, he tries to undermine the Divinity of Jesus. Now it would have been much easier just to deny his existence, wouldn't it? Unless it was accepted beyond doubt at the time of his writing, in which case such a claim would have been dismissed as lunacy, thereby discrediting the whole work.

You will find two long articles on wikipedia entitled, Historicity of Jesus and Jesus myth hypothesis. I would direct you there to have a good read. For myself, I accept that Jesus was an historical person, but I believe the whole debate can be something of a smokescreen - I guess it's easier to doubt his existence than it is to accept the consequence of his reality for our own lives.
19th December 2008
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Your teachings are the revelation of man, and not of God, and thus are damnable heresy. You need to repent and cry out to God and ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His Word. You claim to follow the Bible, but depart from its very foundational teachings!

I must confess to finding "questions" such as this one a bit frustrating - you obviously disagree with the teaching presented on this website, but resort to a very general criticism which is impossible to answer succinctly. If you have specific criticisms or questions please do write again and your queries will be addressed.

For the present, let me say that what we "depart from" is not the Bible itself, but your own interpretation of it, or the interpretation you have been fed. We probably depart from this because it is very far from "foundational" Biblical teachings, despite the rather ethereal claims you make.

The primacy of one particular doctrinal point of view is something Christ himself never taught: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). Not belief or doctrine, but love. If only the church had remembered this command through the centuries, we would not be in the situation we now find we are.
19th December 2008
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What's the difference between The New Church and the other two denominations of Swedenborgianism (Swedenborgian Church and The Lord's New Church)?

The differences revolve largely around understanding what Swedenborg's work constitutes and its relationship to the Word of God. Aside from that, there are other differences as to structure of governance, attitudes towards baptism and a number of other issues.

The division between branches of the New Church is really the remains of historical attitudes towards what the church is, what it does and what is should be. These have arisen primarily because we are all human, prone to "know what we like and like what we know", prone to division and disagreement. Swedenborg's teaching itself states quite clearly that a division according to difference of attitudes and doctrines is to do with the less-than-perfect attitudes of human religious practitioners and has no basis in any Divine command. Indeed, Swedenborg presents a model of church which is united by its love of all people (that is, its concern for their eternal welfare), allowing for different understandings of religious doctrines and practices.

We are slowly waking up to this. So, divisions among New Church people are becoming less relevant in our modern world, especially here in Australia. These divisions are not something that I feel able to support or promote, and I look forward to the re-union of the New Church. I believe this can happen within my own lifetime and I will rejoice with many other New Church people across the globe when it becomes reality.
21st November 2008
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Do gays go to Heaven?
Ten commandments does not include sexual orientation. So is being Gay a Sin? Can there be a possibility that Gays are equally love by Him and Gays are God's Creation too?
What is The New Church Point of view on Gay Issue? Is gay accepted? Can two sincere Gay be in a Loving relationship like the straight couple?

As these questions were all submitted by a single writer, I am going to deal with them as one. I hope that you find my response answers your questions. You are free to contact me again, of course.

Firstly, do gays go to heave? Yes I am sure there are gays who go to heaven, just as I am sure that there are gays who go to hell - just the same as everyone else. I am sure someone reading this will disagree with me, but consider Jesus words, "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matthew 12:31, 32).

Are gays equally loved by God, and created by God? Yes: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16, 17) There are no exceptions mentioned here.

Is being gay a sin? No, but I do believe the practice of a gay lifestyle is sin (I hope you see the difference - it is between what I feel a desire for and what I carry out - although I am sure you won't necessarily agree). I must say that I know of colleagues who would disagree with that statement, and that is their right - our church leaves some questions open to the conscience of the individual, so you will get a completely difference answer from some others.

My reading of the Scriptures and of the teachings of our church supports only one model for marriage - between one man and one woman. Anything else falls short (which is what "sin" means), but there is still the possibility that some aspects of true marriage love may be preserved in relationships other than this one. Ideals such as fidelity, honesty, love (of a sort), eternal partnership. This is despite a world full of polygamy, a high rate of divorce, and many miserable marriages.
12th August 2008
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You write: "Swedenborg himself teaches that any person who whole-heartedly applies the beliefs of his own religion can find eternal happiness." This directly contradicts Jesus Christ's own words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) How then can you call your sect  "the true Christianity", if all religious paths can lead to heaven? Why bother with Christianity, let alone the distorted version which is the New Church?

No, YOU see it as a direct contradiction, I don't.

Why bother with Christianity? Umm..., because it is the truth. Do you need any other reason? The threat of hell is certainly not reason enough for me. There are plenty of groups who claim that one.

Let me ask you, then about your dim view of the New Church - is that justified, do you think, given the following Scripture:

Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”
But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side." (Mark 9:38-40)

I am truly sorry you feel the need to look down on others and the faith that they believe and practice diligently. Paul had more sense than to condemn the Athenians when he preached there, instead commending them for their religion (Acts 17). Clearly this is not the approach many modern Christians take. I don't agree with it, I don't believe it is the appropriate Christian response to the world, and quite frankly, it is reason NOT to believe rather than reason to believe.
12th August 2008
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You write: "There is no indication in this verse that this "second time" need be physical taking place in this world." What then of Acts (1:10-12)? And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,  who also said, ?Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.? This is not the only scripture passage which attests to the physical, earthly second coming of Jesus Christ. To speak of it as a mere "spiritual" i.e. "in our mind" event is simply laughable.

"Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.And they will say to you, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after them or follow them. For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. ..." (Luke 17:20-24)

"The kingdom of God does not come with observation." Yet clearly, it comes in a way which all will see. What I am going to suggest is that you misunderstand what "Spiritual" means. "Spiritual" is definitely not a subjective thing, which only one individual can see and another might view differently. The "Spiritual" is something we all share. It is another realm of reality we dwell in as much as we do here, without being conscious of it at the present time. But at death, that opens up to us as the physical body dies. So, the coming of the Kingdom of God is not merely in the mind of one person or group - that would be delusion. Yet the Lord will not return again in a physical body.
12th August 2008
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How do I truly know if what I believe my calling to be is of God or of my own desires?

There are many questions I could ask which might point towards an answer, but I would shy away from trying to give you anything definitive. The Lord gives us all a unique set of gifts and desires, and we have to try and separate out those motives which are self serving from those which we are intended to have. It's not an easy question because we're not simple beings. So here are some of my questions: What are you genuinely good at doing - what are your gifts and talents? How do you use them - is it for selfish motives or for something bigger than yourself? Disregarding the need to "make a living", why do you do the work you do?

Sometimes untangling our motives for doing something is quite difficult. In such a case, you should ask yourself, "is this thing that I want to do good?" If if is good, then it should be done, and my motives don't really come into it. Getting tied in knots about motives is just one of the ways the hells prevent good things from being carried out, so don't get caught in that trap. If something good needs to be done and you're there to do it, then go ahead.
12th August 2008
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Are you affiliated with the New Church located in Byrn Athyn (newchurch.org)?

Yes. Most of the congregations in Australia are independent of Bryn Athyn (with the exception of Hurstville and the South Perth group), but there are very close ties between all New Church groups and we certainly work together on many things. In Canberra, for example, there is one New Church group which provides services and activities for all New Church members, whatever their affiliations (we do have members of the "General Church" of which Bryn Athyn is the centre).
12th August 2008
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If the writings of emanuel swedenborg are the tenets of good life, then why are they only available by payment? Shouldnt such teachings be availble freely?

There's a few issues I'd like to address here, and perhaps clear up a few misconceptions.

Firstly, the New Church places prime important upon the Bible, the Word of God. While Swedenborg's work is quite unique and fascinating in many ways, there is no requirement for it to be read as such. Swedenborg himself teaches that any person who whole-heartedly applies the beliefs of his own religion can find eternal happiness.

Following your line of argument, one might also ask the same of the Bible (although I do not wish to equate Swedenborg's work with it in anyway) - why is it possible to BUY a Bible? Shouldn't the Bible be available freely? Yes, it should be and it is. But it is also available to buy in a variety of different translations and forms suited to different needs. I personally have no problem with this because the production of these Bibles requires materials and the effort of dedicated individuals, who also need to eat and have a shelter over their heads. Our present society provides that through finances. But the Bible is still available freely.

The Lord Jesus himself said, "the laborer is worthy of his wages" (Luke 10:7).

The same true of Swedenborg's work. You can read it for free on www.heavenlydoctrines.org but you can also buy the books in a variety of forms. At the end of the day, I imagine that any church would willingly give copies of Bibles or some of Swedenborg's work to those who genuinely could not afford them. I know my own church has done so in the past.
26th July 2008
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As I live on Guam, you appear to be the closest New Church to me. Do you have online services?

We don't currently have any online services available. †One of our ministers, Rev Julian Duckworth, has produced a trial DVD service, which I am sure he would be happy to send to you (his address is listed on the "Sydney, Roseville" page, under "Locations"). †We also have a range of sermon texts on our site (you will find the page under the "More" menu).

I would also recommend that you have a look at www.newchurch.org and www.swedenborg.org as these sites also have sermons available, including audio recordings.

The Australian New Church College is currently beginning a trial of online delivery of study courses in, which may also interest you once it is up and running.
18th July 2008.
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Do you have to be born again to go to heaven?

Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself says so in John 3:3. However, I understand that term very differently from many evangelical or fundamentalist Christians.

In a nutshell, we are born into hereditary tendencies towards evil from our parents and previous generations. In order to enter heaven, we must be born "from above", that is, our thoughts and actions ought to derive their source from goodness and truth from the Lord, our heavenly Father, not the innate selfishness that motivates much of our early life. Swedenborg describes "regeneration" (literally, a re-birth) the process by which this change takes place.

THe New Church dies not insist upon outward subscription to a particular doctrine or creed as "qualifying" anyone for heaven. There is provision of goodness and truth from the Lord in every person's life, although this is often dismissed by the more conservative sects of Christianity (and other religions too). And the process does not need to be complete either, only begun - just as well really, hey?!
8th July 2008.
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Do pets go to heaven?

My reading of Swedenborg suggests that the answer is no. In the book, The Last Judgment, he writes, "man has the power of thinking above himself, of God, of heaven, of love, of faith, of good, spiritual and moral, of truths, and the like, and that thus he may be elevated to the Divine itself, and be conjoined by all those things to Him; but that beasts cannot be elevated above their own natural, to think of such things, and consequently that their spiritual cannot be separated from their natural after death" (paragraph 25)

Nevertheless, animals do appear in the spiritual world, along with plants too, but these are from a spiritual source, corresponding to the inner states of people in the spiritual world.
8th July 2007
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Is there any point in fasting?

I am really the wrong person to ask about the benefits of fasting, as I have not done so myself, other than occasional participation in the Forty Hour Famine, which doesn't really count.

In the Bible it represents temptation, mourning and the failure of what is good and true. So fasting is not used by the New Church as a means to heighten spiritual awareness, or to become nearer to God. We're far more likely to suggest you get out there and do something loving for someone rather than denying yourself food.
8th July 2008
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If my wife dies and I re-marry how will I decide who to be with in heaven if I have loved them both deeply?

This is a really difficult question. My response to it is that it will be a matter of choice, but it won't be a choice you make at that time, so much as one you discover you will have already made by the end of this life. I do know that each of the three (or however many it might involve) will find a marriage partner for eternity who is perfectly suited to themselves - so no one is left "unhappy". And I know that whatever the process, it will be watched over and guided by the Lord.
5th May 2008
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I think you need to read the bible and take it more seriously before you deceive people.

This is a curious statement. Clearly we differ as to our reading of the Bible, and our understanding of it, but what I don't understand is how you can reach the conclusion that, [a] we haven't read it, [b] we don't take it seriously, and [c] we are about the business of deception.

Let me tell you about me. I have been a student of the Bible for most of my life. I received an excellent education in the stories of the Bible as a child, and in my teens and early adulthood often had the experience of having a far better understanding and knowledge of the Bible than my peers in other churches. I believe the difference is that while many churches were content to fill childrens' heads with their own doctrinal "take" on things - and therefore colour those childrens' future reading of the Bible itself - the New Church gave me a solid understanding of the Bible itself and what it actually said. As I grew older, I was introduced to the doctrines of our church, and they made sense to me and I could see their Biblical underpinning. This is the right way to go about it, rather than telling kids what the church says the Bible says before they read the Bible itself.

The New Church does read the Bible and it does take the Bible seriously - more than many evangelical and fundamentalist churches even today. We regularly read more from the Bible than most churches do during worship itself, and we have made a habit of standing for the opening of the Word at the beginning of every service of worship. I must add to this the fact that the theological writings of Swedenborg contain many tens of thousands of references and quotations from the Bible.

Regarding deception, I must leave that up to others to decide. If I were trying to peddle ideas I did not believe to be true, or ideas which in some way benefitted myself or those near to me, then I would judge myself guilty. However, I am being no more deceptive than you are - what we share is the strength of our convictions, however different our view may be. What you will find on this site and in New Church literature in general is an alternative to the doctrines pushed by many evangelical, fundamentalist or liberal churches. We cannot and will not compel any person to follow this particular line of argument or thinking. Nor does the New Church insist that people join our ranks in order to be "saved" - if we did, perhaps we might be more successful in a worldly sense, like the fundamentalists are. What you will also find here is an assurance that God is big enough to cope with all of us, no matter how we might disagree amongst ourselves.
5th May 2008
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How do you justify Jesus' words that nobody comes to the Father except by him?

Yes, Jesus words are often taken as requiring exclusive adherence to the Christian faith, but I do not accept that as their meaning. It is an interpretation imposed by men who could not understand difference - long one of the churches' failings. I take these words to indicate that there is what is infinite and therefore unknowable in God, something so totally "other" that we cannot hope to comprehend it - the "Father". However, mercifully, there is that which is understandable, to which we can relate. This is the Lord present with us in His earthly life, present in His Word but also present in other religions too, as he continually endeavours to reach out to us in our less than perfect understanding and far from perfect intentions.

When it comes to our relationship with other faiths, many churches just don't seem so sure about exactly who He Is. If we truly acknowledged the Lord, we would have little difficulty seeing Him being honoured elsewhere, albeit under different names. Here is what Swedenborg writes, as an example: "Without seed sown by the Lord, man can do nothing of good. All the good of charity, even with the Gentiles, is seed from the Lord; and although with these there is not the good of faith, as there may be within the church, yet there may come the good of faith; for in the other life those Gentiles who have lived in charity, as Gentiles are wont to do in this world, when instructed by angels, embrace and receive the doctrine of true faith and the faith of charity much more easily than do Christians." (from his work Arcana Caelestia, paragraph 932).
5th May 2008
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Please explain to me HEB:9V27

I was not quite sure what you are asking, but reading verse 28, I am working on the premise that you're asking about the New Church's understanding of the second coming. Here is Hebrews 9:27 and 28: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."

There is no indication in this verse that this "second time" need be physical taking place in this world. Indeed every person, upon entering the spiritual world after death, might see the Lord: especially those who, as Paul writes, "eagerly wait for Him". Every person who has died since the Lord's ascension has had that opportunity. This is the "second time".
5th May 2008
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I've read that you don't need to be part of a church to be a Swedenborgian. Does this mean that you don't need baptism (Lord's Supper, etc.) like in other denominations? What are the church teachings on the subject? Thanks

The New Church, which formed after Swedenborg's death among people who accepted his writing as Divinely inspired, does offer two sacraments - the Lord's Supper and Baptism (as well as some of the things other churches call "sacraments", although we do not label them as such). However, these sacraments are regarded as signs only, and not at all required for entry into heaven. Neither does participation in these signs "guarantee" salvation. So, no, you don't "need" Baptism or the Lord's Supper. I do believe that they confer some benefit upon those who participate in them appropriately, but that is determined by the same factors which govern salvation - a life of good according to the religion each person follows.
5th May 2008
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Can our loved ones see us after they die?

As a general rule the answer is no. As citizens of the physical world, we require physical eyes to see others around us. Those who pass into the spiritual world leave their physical eyes behind with the death of the body, and can no longer see into the physical world. Similarly, we cannot see into the spiritual world - as a general rule.

Having said all that, I'm reluctant to say "never". I'm all too aware of statements which establish a principle, only to refer to the exception which proves the rule a few pages later. Swedenborg does record the experience of being with spirits who are present at their own funeral, but he is quick to explain the mechanism which allows this to happen - they are able to do so through Swedenborg's eyes, who was enabled to be conscious in the physical and spiritual worlds simultaneously (Arcana Caelestia, paragraph 4622; Spiritual Experiences, paragraphs 4564 and 4752).

The thought of being "watched over" is one we find quite appealing, and I suppose that it will probably be discomforting to read that it might not be the case. However, I remember that presence does not require physical sensation - in the same way the Lord is present with us without being seen. We like to sense that presence because it gives us reassurance, but the absence of that sensation does not change the reality of that presence. It is not sight which brings presence, but thought and affection. That is the reality of the spiritual world.
14th April 2008
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If (as you say) there are many ways to get to New Jerusalem, then why chose your religion?

Your question expresses the dilemma facing many spiritual seekers today. There are so many church who all claim to be THE right way, and if you're caught up in all that then you do want to make the right choice. So, you're left wondering, 'How do I know which religion is THE right one, if they're all claiming the same thing?'

I think that if the need to preach the gospel becomes a marketing tool (that is, if it's sole purpose is justify the desire for growth for its own sake), then it's pretty empty and meaningless. Churches differ as to the teachings they promote, but that's not because there are a range of different Ultimate Truths. Reality is reality, however you slice it. But each person's understanding of that Reality will differ according to their own perspective - which is a product of their upbringing, their life experiences, their loves and motives, and other factors. The question is whether being Right is what matters in the end.

So, here's my take on all of this. All religions look to the one Ultimate Reality, although their perspectives are different. I believe the Lord understands our different needs and perspectives and has allowed for that diversity. Which one should you choose? The one that meets your needs, that challenges your own understanding of things, that calls you to live a life of service to the Lord (God, however you address Him) and service towards your fellows on this tiny planet. And I choose the one that doesn't claim the exclusive tickets because when we're talking about eternal life in heaven, the more the merrier.
11th April 2008
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What is the New Church view of having children via donated eggs or sperm?

It doesn't have one. Issues like this one are left to the conscience of each individual. I guess some might be opposed to it. However, speaking personally, I have no objection - I can recognise that technologies such as this one can enable childless couples to fill a void in their lives. Having said that, I am less inclined to accept these being used to produce children out of marriage. I believe in the importance of the family home and environment to children in particular. Since having children of my own and witnessing the troubles and stresses of many children who live in less conventional circumstances, I only affirm that position more strongly.
23rd March 2008
David Back to Top - Homepage

 
Can one be and worship as a Swedenborgian/New Christian if one can't go to a church or group?

Yes. There are many isolated members of the New Church, in countries all over the world. Just living at a great distance from a church society does not exclude anyone from membership. Some of those members choose to worship alone or with their family, while others join with another local Christian fellowship for formal worship.
23rd March 2008
David Back to Top - Homepage

 
What is this church/denomination's view on homosexuality and gay marriage/relationships?

I have already written my own view on this topic in response to the question "Are gays welcome in your church?" You will find it in our burning question archive on the forum (Under the "more .." menu). Here are the thoughts of another. [David]

It would be unreal obscure and inappropriate for us to suggest that we see a homosexual relationship as no different then a heterosexual one.

There are a number of reasons why a homosexual relationship should not be regarded as being as normal as a heterosexual one.

1. we are obviously created phisically (can also read evolutionarily) to fit together in a with the opposite sex in a way that is not nearly so obvious with the same sex.

2. Many people including my self have noticed among the Gay people we know especially in committed relationships. That there is a tendency for one partner to take a certain role in the relationship and the other partner to take a different role. With, perhaps some imagination, it often looks like one partner is attempting to play the male role and the other the female role. I make this point because our doctrines teach that masculine and feminine is not limited to physical anatomy nor even dictated by it but is part of the fabric of the universe. The specific example which we give found in our Writings is that of the nature, 'or shape' of truth and love.

We explain that truth by its very nature is hard and divisive its objectivity sets you free but can be very lonely and stark. The classic mental image of men is similar. Men are too often accused of these faults and pressured to be less male but when they try to be 'more female' they often fail to please.

Similarly Love by its nature is gentle and inclusive it doesn't try to be objective but seeks to wrap you and every thing you believe in, in acceptance the Bible says "love covers a multitude of sins". Women are often associated with these traits especially when they are mothers.

3. Nobody straight or gay, male or female wants to be judged by what type of sex their having or what gender they are but as an individual indiscriminately and equally with others.

I'm sure you'll agree, the above comments on the differences in the sexes represent massive generalizations and that's my point too. We are greater then our gender. I like the quote "we are not physical beings but beings, being physical" CwG

It would be fair to ask why, if we can surpass our sexuality did God give it to us? The answer to this question begins with the comments above but requires you to undertake your own journey to a satisfying answer.

In summing up let me share that I have never seen a perfect relationship. So IMHO its arrogant for heterosexuals, in imperfect relationships, to condemn homosexual relationships, for being imperfect.

What is far more important and I beg to speak on Gods behalf in this is that you strive to have in all your relationships an equal measure of the masculine traits of Truth and the feminine traits of Love.
23rd March 2008
Martin Back to Top - Homepage

 
Is there a difference in a guardian angel and the archangels?

The New Church make no distinction between the "rank" of different angels. It does acknowledge that there are angels who rule over others, but their authority comes with the useful service they perform: just as the Lord said, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35, see also Mark 10:43). The difference is really of very little relevance to us. It is more important to recognise that there are angels fulfilling all the functions given to them by the Lord than it is to know which angels actually fulfil those functions.
4th October 2007
David Back to Top - Homepage

 

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