Contrasting Mystical versus Rational Spirituality
Instructions for Report, click here
The purpose of Report 2 is to look at the cognitive organization of rational thinking. There are three levels of thinking, such as Phase 1 being at the lowest end of the spectrum to Phase 3 being at the highest end. Phase 1 deals with individuals who are biased, arrogant, materialistic, and ignorant. These people just follow the rituals or rules that are dictated by their church or religious group without taking it to heart. Phase 2 deals with individuals who are universalistic, anxious, and charitable. These people pray excessively to atone for the sins that they committed against God or anyone else in society. These people also volunteer at charity events in order to make a difference in someone else's life. Phase 3 deals with enlightenment, rationality, compassion, conjugial love, and wisdom. Individuals in this phase think rationally and accept the spiritual truths that God gave Swedenborg. In Report 2, we had to take the diagnostic test, which examines how we currently think about a spiritual topic (heaven, hell, angels, demons, ...). I found that I fell in Phase 2 level of thinking because when I make mistakes in life, I easily feel guilty and pray continuously to repent for my mistake.
In my conclusion section for Report 2, I felt that we all have different views about what God and science mean to us. Having different views from one another is what makes humans unique. I always viewed God and science as two different entities, but sometimes God and science can come together. For example, if we want to find out whether or not God truly exists then we probably would have to conduct scientific experiments, interviews, or models. Individuals at Phase 1 will probably think of the natural laws or science as a different entity from God. Those in Phase 2 are driven by faith and love in God and are very religious. Individuals in Phase 3 believe that God and science can exist together because it is rational, objective, and scientific. Individuals in Phase 3 will be fully regenerated and will be filled with the celestial-rational mind. While, those in Phase 2 will only be regenerated halfway and will be filled with the spiritual-rational mind. Phase 1 will be regenerated only a quarter of the way and will be filled with the natural-rational mind. Our views about God and science will never be the same because our minds and souls are constantly changing every second, minute, and hour.
The purpose of Report 3 is to understand the difference between a rational and mystical approach to spirituality. A rational approach is one that is logical, clear, scientific, while a mystical approach is one that revolves around "experiencing with God" and becoming one with Him. If we approach a situation rationally then we will be able to see the truth, such as knowing that God exists, we will be able to believe in the spiritual truths, and will be able to understand how to reach the highest level of consciousness. In a sense, rationality means understanding the universe and accepting the Sacred Revelations by God. Also, thinking rationally also means that we accept the fact that Swedenborg went to the Spiritual world and interviewed the angels and demons. Also, God and human beings are two separate and distinct entities. A mystical approach is one that does not accept the fact that Swedenborg went to the Spiritual world, but claims that Swedenborg saw visions. Mystics agree that through experience we will be one with God. Also, in this report, I will be discussing the two books, Testimony to the Invisible and Spirituality That Makes Sense and give my own opinions about certain passages. I also will be discussing interesting and noteworthy oral presentations by the students and the choose certain topics from the Lecture Notes that were written by Leon James. In this report, I hope to have a better understanding on the differences between rational and mystical approaches to spirituality.
Personally, I really enjoyed reading Testimony to the Invisible and Spirituality That Makes Sense because both books make you ponder about God and the spiritual world. The books also makes me question my own beliefs and faith in God. I am a religious person, but I have never thought about life after death because it just never crossed my mind until I read these books or first began talking about Theistic Psychology. I think the future generations should read these two books, so they can understand Swedenborg and Theistic Psychology much more clearly and rationally. Some of the chapters in these two books were really hard to follow, but through the class discussions, I was able to understand it much more clearly.
Testimony to the Invisible includes essays from various writers who share their personal opinions about Swedenborg. Some authors praise Swedenborg for his intellectual and spiritual life, while others question his sanity and his spiritual experiences. I had a difficult time following some of the authors points and had to refer to the Lecture Notes to fully understand what the whole essay was about, such as the essay on Emerson. The authors in Testimony to the Invisible seem to take a mystical approach, such as describing Swedenborg's experiences as merely visions. They also don't seem to take his ideas literally, such as turning it into abstract ideas or poetry. Spirituality That Makes Sense is written by Douglas Taylor who is a respected Swedenborgian minister. He examines different spiritual topics that range from the "Spiritual World" to "Evils as Sins." I personally enjoyed reading this book and I was able to follow his points much more clearly and rationally. Douglas Taylor took a more rational approach to spirituality by describing Swedenborg as a great scientist who traveled to the Spiritual World and made observations of his experience in the Spiritual World.
The section that I like best in Testimony to the Invisible by Jorge Luis Borges is the discussion about heaven and hell. I always looked at heaven and hell as two separate and distinct places, but I had never thought that there were numerous heavens. I always thought that heaven was just a single place where "good and faith-driven" individuals went after they died. Does making money lead you to heaven or being poor? I thought of this question and found a passage that proves that having money or being poor does not matter, but having a good and rational character does. "Neither riches, nor happiness, nor luxury, nor worldly life is a barrier to entering heaven. To be poor has no merit; it is no virtue, any more than is the suffering of misfortune. Good will and the love of God are essential; external circumstances are not" (Testimony to the Invisible, Jorge Luis Borges, pg.12). This passage shows that external or material things are not important in reaching or entering heaven, but having a good will and a loving and caring attitude about God is what is ultimately important. For example, if I was rich and had a bad character, did cruel acts, was selfish, and cared about no one else, but about power and greed then I will probably go to hell. The only way for me to reach heaven even if I did cruel or selfish acts is to reform my character by thinking rationally, and living a good and rational life. Once, I changed my bad habits to good ones then I have a chance in being a part of heaven.
Borges says, "Regardless of baptism, regardless of the religion professed by their parents, all children go to heaven, where they are taught by the angels" (Testimony to the Invisible, Jorge Luis Borges, pg.11-12). I think this passage means that no matter if the child is a Jew, Catholic, Christian, atheist, Muslim, or Protestant, they will go to heaven and receive their education by the angels. I just want to know what exactly are the children taught? Do they learn through experience or empirical studies and are taught the spiritual truths of God? I really want to look deeper into the topic of children and education in the spiritual world. I think it would be interesting to learn more about how the children are taught and how do they reach the highest form of thinking. I also want to learn more about angels and how do they receive the spiritual truths or revelations from God. Do they have it already instilled inside their mind or soul?
I was skimming through the chapter The Human Face of God and there are some passages that are quite confusing. I had interpretation problems with some of these passages and need some clarification. "Thus, every part down to the smallest heaven in the least form is infinite and the Divine Human, an infinite whole made up of infinite wholes; and the universal heaven consists of myriads of myriads of angels" (Testimony to the Invisible, Kathleen Raine, pg.67). I tore and tore at this passage for the right explanation, but I just could not figure out what this passage is trying to say. Is Jesus Christ the Divine Human? Also, no matter what heaven we are a part of it is sacred and part of a universal heaven. This passage seems to show that we are all angels in our own right no matter how small or big our heaven may be.
"Swedenborg was our example of the genius who was inwardly oriented and who, in his writings, gave us a vision of our spiritual interiors" (Testimony to the Invisible, Eugene Taylor, pg.162). Swedenborg in fact helps individuals gain a better insight into their body, mind, and soul. Through his writings, he describes in great detail how and what individuals should do in order to reach heaven. He says that individuals can reach heaven if they think rationally, build or regenerate their character, and accept and love God. Once an individual has done all these things then they are likely to reach he highest form of heaven and live in eternal bliss. Reading the writings about Swedenborg and learning about Theistic Psychology has helped me gain a better or deeper insight into my soul. I know now what I need and should do in order to reach heaven and live eternally in happiness.
I really liked the chapter Suzuki on Swedenborg because Daisetz T. Suzuki offers his own personal insight about Swedenborg. This chapter was very easy to follow and his points made sense and were very clear and to the point. The best part of the chapter was the section on breathing techniques, which was in Chapter 6. Suzuki writes, "According to his doctrine of correspondence, the lungs in the human body correspond to intellect, while the heart corresponds to love; and the spiritual relationship between wisdom and love are similar to the physical relationship between the lungs and the heart" (Testimony to the Invisible, D.T. Suzuki, pg. 185). I think this quote means that we need both love and intellect in order to reach the spiritual world. I agree with this statement because I believe that in order for humans to survive in the world, they need both love and wisdom. Love represents our emotional soul, while intellect represent the mental component of our soul. For example, in any you need both the mental and emotional connection to establish a relationship or friendship. I really want to learn more about the breathing techniques so I will be able to reach enlightenment. The first thing that crosses my mind when I hear the word "breathing techniques" is yoga. I think that by doing yoga we will be able to control our breathing, body, mind, and soul. For example, after doing yoga, my body felt rejuvenated, young, free, enlightened, and at peace.
Suzuki explains that "there is no unbridgeable gap between the so-called secular life and his later spiritual life. . .Yet, this life is not totally unrelated (to his past); and I cannot help but regard this new life as, in a way, only a continuation and development of the first half" (Testimony to the Invisible, D.T. Suzuki, pg.279-180). Suzuki explains that his new life or spiritual enlightenment is just a continuation from his past or secular life. I agree with this passage because I believe that in order for Swedenborg to reach his new or spiritual life, he needed to understand chemistry, physiology, and human anatomy. I believe that through his tedious research in these areas, he was able to unlock the mystery of the soul and gain insight and enlightenment. Swedenborg ultimately was able to enter into the spiritual world and use the special powers that were given by God to interview and observe the angels and demons. In a way, reading this passage makes me want to continue my education so I can discover myself and maybe be able to enter into the spiritual world just like Swedenborg.
I always wanted to know what happens to those who committed criminal acts, such as murder when they reach the spiritual world. There are many forms of murder, such as physically killing someone, gossiping, and ostracizing. Gossiping and ostracizing can cause emotional damage and can lead to consequences, such as isolation, suicide, and denial of God. Some victims of gossip and ostracism are severely affected by these negative words that they are unable to build or regenerate their character or think rationally. Some individuals overcome these negative remarks, while others have a more difficult time in doing so. This in a way is like murdering someone's spiritual soul. In Spirituality That Makes Sense by Douglas Taylor, he discusses that murdering someone's soul means to deny an individual of spiritual life. If we are unable to live a spiritual life or if we are denied from analyzing ourselves then it becomes murderous. A malicious person is usually influenced and driven by the forces of hell and their goal is to ruin a person's charity and faith. Taylor says that "Spiritual murderers seduce people into believing that there is no life after death, and so they undermine the very basis of religion" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.123). We should try to avoid these spiritual murderers so our spiritual soul will not be affected or destroyed. I always wanted to know whether or not spiritual murderers are able to change their bad ways into a good, rational character? Is it possible to change our bad ways once we reach the spiritual world?
I really liked the chapter on the Spiritual World because we are able to learn what our life will be like once we leave the natural world. Unlike the natural world, which operates by the laws of nature, the spiritual world is a world that is operated by our mind. "Everything happens there according to the laws of the spiritual world, according to the laws of the mind" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.23). In the spiritual world, if we think of something then they will appear or become present at that moment. I really like this idea because if I want to see my family then they will automatically be present in my mind. Taylor says that "Thought brings presence is also a law of the spiritual world. When we think of a person, he or she appears instantly if the Lord wills it, if some good may be brought out of it" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.24). For example, if I think of my parents and I want to see them because I love them and they bring all the positive and happy energy into my life, then I probably see them. They may appear because they make my spirit both happy and good. "We can think of places physically located on the other side of this world, but in mind or spirit, we can be there in literally no time" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.24). This idea makes me very anxious and excited because if I want to see the pyramids in Egypt then in the spiritual world, I will be there in no time. In the spiritual world, we can defy time and space, but in the natural world if we want to actually see the pyramids then we have to take a plane to Egypt.
I always wanted to know what makes hell "hell". Taylor gives some insight into why hell exists. "But the people who are in hell are those who love self and the world above all else. They think of themselves first. That is what they love supremely" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg. 33). Now, I can see why hell exists because many people are selfish, greedy, and egotistic. I admit that sometimes I think of myself before others. Taking this class has helped me to change my attitude so I can reach heaven and live a more happier and positive lifestyle in the spiritual world. It was interesting to read that "The atmosphere of heaven would be oppressive to them because hellish people are immersed in loves entirely opposite to those enjoyed by heavenly people" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.33). Hell is the opposite of what heaven is. Those living in hell cannot go to heaven because the atmosphere and lifestyle is different from their tastes. The hellish people might view heaven as a negative place in their minds, since heaven encompasses love, light, charity, and everything else that is good and just. Once I reach hell can I somehow reform myself so I can go to heaven?
Personally, I want to do more charitable works, such as giving food and clothes to the homeless. The chapter on "Saving Faith" really made me reevaluate myself and made me want to start charity works. I really like the passage "This charitable attitude or good will is the motivating force within good deeds that makes them genuine works of charity" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.97). Doing charitable acts really brings a smile to someone's face because you are doing it out of the kindness of your heart. I was watching a show on television called the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the episode was about a boy who was paralyzed from the neck down. It really brought a tear to my eye when I found out that he did not see his room since the day of his accident because he lives in a two story house. He is unable to open the refrigerator or eat at the dining room table because it is not at his comfort level. The show is basically about remodeling a house by doing the interior and exterior. The design team wanted to make the room accessible to him and decided to include an elevator for him to go from one floor to the next and made his room like "his own house". I feel that this is a charitable act because the designers made his house accessible and more convenient to him so they can see the smile of joy on his face. One of the designers even said that "They felt like a small angel".
I definitely agree that "Faith is progressive. It grows as charity grows" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg. 117). Everything comes and does not come all at one. Take Swedenborg for instance, his new or spiritual life came gradually. Faith can fluctuate depending on whether we have the three requirements of saving faith. The saving faith is "looking to the Lord, learning truths from His Word, and living according to them" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.116). If we have the presence of these three things then our faith will be strong and will lead us to salvation. If we do not have these three requirements then we will not have "saving faith". It's important to have these three requirements so we can be saved and enter into heaven.
I am happy to learn that the Lord won all the battles of temptations so he could bring order in the spiritual world. "He restored order in the world of the spirits, so that the warmth and light of heaven could once more flow down and be received by human minds" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.62). The Lord overcame each of the temptations because he loved the human race immensely and wanted to save them from ruin, hatred, and anything else that is negative. It is reassuring to know that there is a Divine person out there who loves us unconditionally and wanted to save the human race from destruction. The Lord was able to save and reinstall the freedom to choose in humans, which was being destroyed from evil or hellish people. The Lord in the end gave up his life in the physical world so He can save everyone from experiencing spiritual or physical annihilation.
Testimony to the Invisible represents the mystical approach to spirituality and God. The chapter on A Mystic Looks at Swedenborg is a great example of the mystical approach to spirituality and God. Mysticism is "the first-hand experience of direct intercourse with God" (Testimony to the Invisible, Wilson Van Dudeen, pg.126). Having a personal relationship with God and being a part of God's life is what makes up mysticism. It's like being connected to God through prayer, faith, worship, and love. "Mystics who write attempt to share their experience and its subsequent understanding with others" (Testimony to the Invisible, Wilson Van Dusen, pg.133). Some people may view mystics as irrational because they may think that their works are not factual and unscientific. "The mystic is simply one who has direct experience of the Divine" (Testimony to the Invisible, Wilson Van Dusen, pg.133). In my mind, Swedenborg would be considered a mystic since he came into direct contact with the Divine through his travels in the spiritual world.
"Having experienced God once, one acquires a taste for it. The mystic learns how to find his or her way back into that communion" (Testimony to the Invisible, Wilson Van Dusen, pg.106). Mystics believe that God and humans are able to connect as one entity, which assumes that they have similar consciousness or minds. Mystics also believe that we can experience God if we are able to become one with Him. Emerson writes that "My concern is with the universal truth of Swedenborg's sentences, not at all with he circumstances or vocabulary" (Testimony to the Invisible, Eugene Taylor, pg.163). In my mind, Emerson questions whether Swedenborg actually went to the spiritual world where he conducted experiments and interviewed angels and demons. Emerson admits that " Swedenborg's life was one worthy to be held up as a window into the world soul" (Testimony to the Invisible, Eugene Taylor, pg.162). In my mind, Emerson praises Swedenborg for teaching individuals about their interior soul and about themselves. Mystics believe that Swedenborg was a mystical visionary because he recorded his experiences, which are abstract and spiritual in meaning. It seems that mystics do not agree with the fact that Swedenborg traveled to the spiritual world and conducted his experiments. The mystical approach is different from the rational approach in that it incorporates "experience with God" and one can form "one mind and consciousness with God." These ideas are different from that of a rational approach, which is logical, scientific, and incorporates God and humans as two distinct entities.
Spirituality That Makes Sense by Douglas Taylor is a rational approach to spirituality. "But obviously, the spiritual world does not operate according to the same laws as the natural world. It is not the world of the body. It is the world of the mind" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.23). This shows that the spiritual and natural worlds are different from one another and that different laws govern each world. The spiritual world is eternal and never-ending, while the natural world is only a temporary place that decides on where we will go in the spiritual world. "God is the soul of the universe, the source of life- in fact, life itself" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.27). This shows that God created the universe and also manages the world. He is this Divine presence that has infinite power and is a key aspect in each and everyone's life whether we know it or not. This is rational in that we accept that there is a God who created the universe and brings order and justice to the world. Also, acknowledging that there is a spiritual world also helps us to understand the spiritual truths much more easily and clearly.
"But the teaching also shows us the way to free ourselves from evil feelings, by remembering that they do in fact belong to hell and not to us" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.147). If we think rationally and overcome temptations then we will be able to drive away all the evil forces that try to corrupt our minds. Under Theistic Psychology, Swedenborg traveled to the spiritual world and conducted numerous experiments and interviews with the inhabitants in this realm. Swedenborg was also able to show that there are three heavens and also three regions in our minds. He was able to show this through models and experiments. A rational approach shows that there is a duality between God and humans. Since, God has infinite power and human beings do not, shows that God and humans are separate entities. "Our minds are even now in the world of spirits. The spiritual world is not far away somewhere; it is all around us. . .The sense of peace or feeling of being uplifted experienced in a particularly moving service of worship comes from the spiritual world-from heaven" (Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, pg.43). This shows that our mind is both in the physical and spiritual world, but we are not aware that our minds are in the spiritual world. When we see the spiritual world then many of us would agree that Swedenborg was right from the start. If we accept the spiritual truths and think rationally now then we will be prepared in achieving the highest form of consciousness.
"A Vision of Marriage" on January 29, 2004 really helped me understand more about the topic of marriage. I really agree that marriage is a union of two minds or souls. Love of a husband and wife is what makes a marriage real in Swedenborg's mind. I agree that a marriage should occur based on love instead of money, power, or other reasons. I also like the idea that we all are destined to someone or have a soul mate somewhere out there. We may never meet our soul mate in this world, but we may meet them in the spiritual world. It is pleasing to know that I have someone out there who will make me both happy and complete. I also think that it is reassuring to know that even the loneliest person in the world has a soul mate.When I get married I want my husband to be faithful to me and who shares in the same responsibilities around the house. If a person does not meet these two ideals then I probably have not met my soul mate. I firmly agree that marriage should be equal and that husband and wife should share the same responsibilities when raising a family or just living together.
I didn't have any disagreements on this topic. I was able to follow the handout very well and agreed with most of the points that were present in the handout. I really like the thought of sharing the rest of eternity with one person. I also really like the idea that a soul mate is a person who shares the same ideas and aspirations as you. I also like the idea of "Two bodies, but 1 soul and two hearts become one". I agree that when we find our soul mate, we become one person. It's like both husband and wife are infused together, forming one single person. I knew someone who got pregnant and was forced into getting married. Her parents were strong Christians and believed that every child needs a fatherly figure and if a person becomes pregnant then they should get married. This marriage was not a union of love, but a marriage of convenience. I think that a girl or guy should marry the person that they truly love and would want to spend the rest of their spiritual and eternal life with.
"The Right Way to live in Virtual Reality" on February 19, 2004 was very interesting and informative to listen to. I really liked the concept on liberty and rationality. I agree that every human has a right or the freedom to make choices and that rationality enables us to understand the spiritual world and spiritual truths. Once, we develop a rational mind then we will gain wisdom and truth. God gives us liberty so we can choose a path that is good and truthful or one that is evil and false. Personally, I want to choose the path that is good and truthful so I can one day reach heaven. I agree that the "spiritual degree can be unlocked by light and heat. The light exemplifies truth, wisdom, and understanding, while heat exemplifies will, feelings, and motives. I agree with this idea because I think of a plant. In order for a plant to grow and survive it needs both light and heat from the sun. We are like the plant in that we need light and heat to develop into a good, rational character.
I didn't agree that we are born in the the spiritual and natural world exactly during the same time. I thought that we are born into the natural world first and then we are born again in the spiritual world when we die. How does one become a spiritual person? Does one become a spiritual person when they accept the spiritual truths and develop a good character. I am kind of confused on the internal and external mind. I know that the external mind exemplifies the natural world, while the internal mind exemplifies the spiritual world. I am also confused on the idea about a natural person who has a spiritual degree that is not open nor closed. What happens if a person is in the middle, such as not choosing the good or evil path, where do they go when they die? A person's spiritual degree that is closed most likely chooses the path that is evil and false. These people don't want to open their minds nor let what is good and truth into their minds.
"Spirituality That Makes Sense" on February 26, 2004 was another interesting and informative topic. I agree that spiritual murder is killing an individual's spiritual life. Anything that hinders a person from reaching their spiritual life is considered a spiritual murder. I also agree that physical murder is committing murder onto a person's physical body, while social murder includes gossiping, slander or social ostracism. If a person places a label on an individual, such as ruining their name or character then it becomes social murder. I also agree that hating or banishing God from a person's life or mind is called an inmost murder. I definitely agree that the real victim in committing these murders is the one who performs these acts. This person who commits evil acts, such as murder is really harming themselves because they are not letting God into their lives or trying to elevate themselves to the highest level of thinking. Personally, I think that we all have a lot of evil inside of us, but we can fight these evils by accepting the spiritual truths that God gave Swedenborg, such as good and truth. When we accept God and open our minds to all that is rational and good then we will be able to triumph over all that is evil.
I never thought that there were three levels of heavens. I always believed that there was just one heaven where all faith-driven, good, honest, and loyal people arrive when they die. I also did not know that there were three levels of the mind, which are the celestial, spiritual, and natural minds. I always figured that we are born and we die with one mind. I am still sort of confused with how the three degrees work. Does God send each and everyone of us good and truth from the spiritual sun into the three levels of heaven and into the three levels of our mind? I did not realize that if we like sensuous things then we are closing our minds and are unable to reach the highest levels of our mind. But, if we like rational things then we are able to reach the highest level of our mind, since it embodies all that is true and good. I always thought that we can reach heaven if we do good works and live a happy life, such as doing charity works, or being kind to your neighbor then we are able to reach heaven.
The topic "Children in Heaven" on March 11, 2004 was another interesting topic to discuss and listen to. I really like the idea that when a child dies, we should not look at their death as an unhappy experience, but as a happy and peaceful experience. This idea does give many of us hope because even if our life ends here in the natural world, we will continue our life in a happier place (spiritual world). I also like the fact that all children are able to go to heaven and are saved no matter what religion they are. Children are innocent and must be taught by parents, friends what is right and wrong. I think all children who die should go to heaven because their life did not even begin nor were they able to experience love, marriage, etc. I also like the fact that homes in the spiritual world are built according to our deepest desires and tastes. I know my house in the spiritual world will probably be a white cottage with a white picket fence. I also like the idea that the children are taught by the best teachers and are taught to "Love thy Lord and thy neighbor". I think that it is important to learn how to love one another because it can lead to the highest level of rationality.
I did not have any disagreements with any of the information that was presented in the handout. I wanted to know if a child who commits evil acts such as murder or vandalism are likely to go to heaven? What if a child who chooses an evil path suddenly dies? Where do they go? Aside from this question, I really like the fact that what we wear is the most beautiful thing that one can imagine. I also like the fact that motherly angels are those that show love and devotion to children. These angels in essence are guardians to the children because they guide and teach them. I also like the idea that children are received warmly and openly into homes with love and kindness. Do children stay in homes with other angels or do they choose which person they want to stay with? Did Emanuel Swedenborg meet children in the spiritual world or was he told about children from the angels?
"What Determines Our Ultimate Fate in Eternity" by Leon James (6.2) is a very noteworthy topic because I believe that it is important to understand what one must do in order to reach heaven. I agree that whether we reach heaven or hell depends on our will or character. If we accept all that is foolish, cruel, or dishonest then we probably will enter into hell, but if we accept all that is good and true then we will enter into heaven. "You bring with you what is already in your natural mind that has accumulated over your lifetime on earth" (Leon James, 6.2). This shows that we should start regenerating our character and think rationally in order to reach heaven and reach the highest level of thinking. I also did not realize that if a person who loves evil things is brought into heaven then they will not survive or last very long in this realm. Since, heaven is everything that is opposite from what they love then they probably will find it distasteful and grotesque. I also did not realize that our dreams come from the spiritual world and I always thought that dreams come from the physical world. "Dream scapes and objects are rational or spiritual objects, constructed of rational ether from the substances of the spiritual world" (Leon James, 6.2). Why are some dreams bad and others good? Sometimes my dreams can be filled with positive images, such as my family and friends, but other times it can be filled with negative images, such as running away from a monster.
I think the topic of sexuality is very important because young adults and teenagers are curious and fascinated by the opposite sex. "Sexuality: Love of the sex vs. Love of One of the Sex" by Leon James (6.8) is a great topic to discuss since many of us are interested in learning about sexuality. There are hellish and heavenly traits of sexuality. The hellish traits of sexuality include being promiscuous and exploitive, which is called "love of the sex". While, heavenly traits include everything that is conjugial and celestial, which is called "love of one of the sex". Many teenagers like to experiment and like to be with multiple partners because they want to be satisfied and are curious. I think that if we fight the evil temptations and triumph over it then we will be able to let in all the heavenly traits of sexuality. I think that it is better to find our true love and sleep with them because it will be more meaningful and heavenly. If we just sleep with anyone then it probably will not be meaningful nor celestial. This topic is important because it makes us realize that we should find our one true love who will make us happy and complete. We should commit sexual acts because we love that person than for self-indulgent reasons.
"Anger and the Spiritual Function of Mood" by Leon James (7.8) is another noteworthy topic because many of us feel angry at one point of our lives and I always wondered why we get angry for no apparent reason. There are many forms of anger that we deal with daily, such as cruelty and hate. "Illogical conclusions and biased reasoning are consequences of anger. Impulsive and risky behavior is part of the maladaptive syndrome brought about by anger" (Leon James, 7.8). When we don't think rationally or when we feel threatened then this produces anger or rage. For instance, cognitive anger is brought on by truth that is really false. For example, if someone tells me that my dress is beautiful, but in actuality they dislike or think the dress is ugly then I will probably become angry or hurt when I find out the real truth. "Anger is an aversion directed at someone who threatens our love. Love conjoins while anger separates" (Leon James, 7.8). I agree that anger causes a lot of hurt and remorse when it ruins or destroys our love. It's like not being able to see the person you truly love or your soul mate. For instance, if my parents did not want me to see my boyfriend then I probably would be angry at them because they are threatening my love for someone. This anger may bring about a rift between my parents and myself and may stop me from thinking rationally or building a good character.
"Asking for Things" by Leon James (14.2) is a very noteworthy topic to study because I always wanted to know what is scientific about talking or asking God for favors or things. "By definition God cannot be swayed by someone's argument or wish, no matter who the person is" (Leon James, 14.2). This shows that God has no favorites between humans because He is just and keeps order in the world. I think that we should pray to God because we are in fact acknowledging that He exists and is present in our lives. Personally, I pray every night because I want to ask God for favors, but I also want to ask Him to keep my family and loved ones healthy and safe. I feel better when I pray to God after a bad or serious situation because I know that He is listening to me and guiding me through life. I think that it is great that God does not favor one person over the other because it shows that He is not biased nor has any favorites among humans. It shows that He loves us unconditionally even if we are unable to physically see Him.
"Consciousness Raising and Enlightenment" by Leon James (15.2) is a noteworthy topic because I am always interested in how a person can obtain enlightenment. "Enlightenment is a process involving a series of elevations in understanding and perception" (Leon James, 15.2). I always thought that enlightenment meant becoming aware or seeing the truth about life and love through meditation and reflection. In order for a person to become enlightened, they must accept the Sacred Scripture as a Divine Speech. When one accepts the truths then they will be raised to a higher level of consciousness.When we reach a higher level of thinking then we can understand and apply the Threefold Word to our lives. "The more we are enlightened, the more we are able to experience higher celestial temptations" (Leon James, 15.2). This shows that if we become enlightened then we can reach the highest heaven or highest level of the mind. Being enlightened means that we are wise, full of love, and are rational since we are able to reach the highest heaven. If we are enlightened then we are able to understand the creation of the world, the spiritual truths, .... much more rationally and logically.
In the beginning of the semester, I always thought that a mystical approach dealt with magic or anything that is unexplained. I thought a rational approach dealt with anything that is truthful, honest, and too the point. I did not realize until now that there is a clear difference between these two approaches. My earlier interpretations on these two approaches are very dissimilar to its actual meanings. This proves that it is important to learn and understand the meanings behind any two ideas before you make any judgments about it.
This assignment helped me understand the difference between a mystical and rational approach to spirituality. A mystical approach is one that deals with experiencing God and becoming one with Him. While, a rational approach emphasizes "duality", which means that God and human beings are different entities. Mystics seem to reject the fact that Swedenborg traveled to the spiritual world and interviewed the angels and demons and conducted experiments. In a way, the mystics believe that Swedenborg was in a trance like state when he traveled through the spiritual world. A rational approach assumes that Swedenborg actually traveled to the spiritual world and saw spirits, cities, and lakes and was conscious of his travels in the spiritual world. Swedenborg was able to be conscious in the natural and the spiritual world because of "dual citizenship." Swedenborg found that the spirits in the spiritual world are able to read our minds and see our spiritual body, but are unable to see our physical body, since thy don't have any direct contact with the natural world upon their physical death.
It is important to make a distinction between a rational and mystical approach because these ideas are different from one another. Also, in order to reach the highest form of heaven, we must think rationally instead of mystically. If we approach Theistic Psychology from a mystical approach then we probably will not be able to accept the spiritual truths or accept the fact that Swedenborg was conscious when he traveled in the spiritual world. It is important to make a distinction between a mystical and rational approach so we can develop a rational and good character. I think that making distinctions between two approaches will help students to better understand the topic and the underlying meanings of the approaches. It definitely is important to clarify the difference between a rational and mystical approach, since both ideas are entirely different from one another. The mystical approach assumes that Swedenborg had visions of the spiritual world, while a rational approach confirms that Swedenborg had spiritual experiences in the spiritual world. The mystical approach also confirms that Swedenborg's writings are dull, abstract, poetic, while the rational approach assumes that his writings are very clear, rational, scientific, and consistent. I believe that making distinctions between two topics will help students to look at Theistic Psychology from a more scientific and rational way than an abstract one.
My views has changed from the beginning of the semester till now. In the beginning of semester, I thought that Swedenborg was a delusional man and I thought Theistic Psychology was just a crazy topic. After listening to the oral presentations and going more in depth into the topic, I am understanding and slowly accepting Theistic Psychology and its ideas. I am slowly accepting all the ideas about Theistic Psychology and Swedenborg, but I still need time and I have so many questions concerning this topic. I am a religious person and this could have caused my attitude in the beginning of the semester to be biased. I believe in God, but I am not sure whether or not I believe in the three levels of the mind or three heavens. I think that my spiritual development will become more rational and I will develop into a better or good character in the future years. I think that grasping ideas is a gradual process and maybe my ideas will be swayed more in the upcoming years. But, only time will tell.
I encourage the future generations to not stress out or become too frustrated with Theistic Psychology. It can be a very complicated topic. If you have any problems with the topic, you should definitely form study groups with classmates or talk to the professor. I think that reading the G20 reports will help students better understand the topic. Everyone in the G20 class had different opinions about Theistic Psychology and future students will be able to agree or disagree with our opinions. Don't give up and don't procrastinate with the assignments that the professor gives you. Always get your assignment done ahead of time so you have time to edit your work. Personally, in the beginning of the semester I struggled with the topic and had a hard time grasping the concepts. But, through discussions I was able to understand the material much more clearly and rationally. I actually enjoyed Theistic Psychology because it is a topic that I was unfamiliar with and had no idea that it existed. I am starting to accept new ideas and I am slowly opening my mind and soul to understanding life and life after death. Keep a positive attitude and an open mind and you definitely will succeed in this class.
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