Theos-Talk Archives (March 1998 Message tt00136)

> Hi Jeff,
>
> When we look down through history at the thoughts, experiences, and
> lifestyles of individuals who have left records, we can recognize certain
> ideas that agree with what we understand to be theosophy. So, by
> understanding what theosophy is about, we can also understand the writings
> of some of these notables, such as Swedenborg. What we are learning when we
> read his work is an appreciation for the occult experiences and thoughts of
> another person. So Swedenborg becomes one of us or we become attracted to
> his school of thought, which is similar to our own and easily summed up in
> what we know theosophy to be.
>
> What is it like to be Swedenborgian? Can you give us an example of some of
> your own experiences or explanations for phenomena? Do you write?
>
> Brenda
>
Hi, Brenda.

Thanks for the nice response.  Being Swedenborgian is more a
matter of mental assent to ideas and philosophies than anything
else.  I find Swedenborg's view of the universe and of life,
specifically, very attractive, coherent and understandable.

I don't have much in the way of experiences -- I've never focused
on that aspect of things.  And yes, I do write from time to time,
but for church newsletters, etc.  Nothing very exciting.  Should I
be cross-posting these here?  I can if you wish.

My interest was piqued when I, within the same week, found a
complete hardcover multivolume set of the Secret Doctrine (at ten
cents a book!) at a thrift store, and also received a photocopy of
an article linking Swedenborg to Theosophy.  I thought this would
be a good forum to ask the question.

Take care, and thanks again for writing.  I really don't have much
to say in general about experience, but would be happy to answer
any specific questions.

... nfx v3.1 Jeff Needle/jeff.needle@general.com