Dear Rex,
Thank you for your
kind words. I have enjoyed your art works tremendously, and will return them to you as you
requested. Thank you for sharing them with me, and keep up the work. There is a lot of
mystical symbolism and significance to the alphabet you are using. Are you a Kabbala
scholar as well?
I am happy to hear
that you liked the brochure. The show is on for some six weeks, and is nearly over. From
what I hear there are mixed feelings about the paintings. A lot of people do not
understand the art, and it is difficult to explain such works to them. The form and the
color are sometimes of importance, and sometimes the title of the work. Oftentimes the
works are obscure purposely, but it is important to believe in what one does.
One of my favorite
books is by Gombrich and is about Art & Illusion. I think you would find the book
interesting also sometime in your career. You may want to check it out of the library. In
it, Gombrich tells how the artist functions as an illuminator. Many people cannot see
color or form and the artist must produce works, which open up the viewer’s senses.
In the book too it tells how the Impressionists and others were successful in doing this,
so much so that we now can appreciate really colorful works, which we couldn’t before
them.
All of one’s
talents ultimately come from God, and it is important to realize this as an artist. It is
only through God’s love and His protection that we can accomplish the work, which we
have to do. And of course this is tempered by humility, always try to be humble, but also
to believe in time that what people do not understand today, may in time be revealed to
them by God.
Thank you again for
your letter and tomorrow I will ship your work back to you for completion, along with a
little bonus.
Best wishes,
Paul Verhaeren
Dear Joy,
I really liked your
letter to your grandÐparents; it was both full of love and underÐstanding. You did an
admirable job on the teachings of Swedenborg. I do understand what you mean about their
beliefs. One must ultimately respect other’s beliefs even though not understanding
them totally. God guides each person being an individual, to the best form of belief.
Perhaps that is why we sometimes outgrow some of them, and change them.
I liked the pictures,
which were sent too. Now I know what you and Rex look like. Are you interested in
philosophy and theology? Or do you have other interests?
Rex asked me to
return his drawings and when I do, I will also send you something I think you would like,
so be watching for it in the mail.
Sometime you will
have to tell me what you like to do, and what you like most in school. I was in Hawaii
twice only. I loved it both times. I am most interested in the volcanoes and the birds and
animals of Hawaii. I have read many legends about Hawaii also.
If you like to write
you might like to consi4er writing some children’s stories. Your father tells me that
there might be enough for a small book. I like your particular slant, since I feel that
you are both intelligent and know what others of your age would like to read.
Thank you for writing
to me and sharing your lovely letter to your grandparents.
Best wishes,
Paul
P.S. when I get to
the bottom of the paper on the typewriter, the paper slips out, that’s why it gets
messy. Sorry for that.
150 Nenue Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
96821
Dear Mr. Verhaeren,
I am sending you a letter to my Grandparents because you wanted a summary of
Swedenborg books. In this letter, I try to tell my relatives of the after life.
Now, my Grandparents are devout Jews, so there are a few things I must explain to
you. One is that, naturally, I’m avoiding talking about Christ. Two, is when I
mention “HASHEM.” Hashem in Hebrew means God.
The information gathered in this letter is from my parents teaching me, and me
reading from the books: Heaven and Hell and True Christen Religion.
Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Joy Jakobovits
7:30 p.m.
Dear Soya and Doda,
How have you been?
Praise Hashem, I’m fine. The weather has been getting warmer as summer approaches and
school is now over! This summer, I’m taking a few classes at the Y. They are:
pottery, swimming, animation, and acting. I’m really glad about the pottery class,
because we are going to be using the pottery wheel, and I’ve always wanted to do
that. The swimming class is advance beginners, and it’s really easy. Our teacher says
we will probably move on to the next level soon. I have not started the animation class
yet, so I don’t know what it’s like. The same thing with the acting class.
I hove been reading
in a series of books (written by Emanuel Swedenborg) of the after life, and I thought you
might like a summary of them. They say that the afterlife begins immediately after death
(a few hours) and that you “wake up” in this Spirit World. Now the Spirit World
is always going on. People are dying and going to this world forever. And all the
happenings in the Spirit World happen at the same time as all the happenings on earth.
Anyway let’s say
you have just died, a few hours later, you woke up and see you are in the Spirit World. So
what are you going to be doing in the Spirit World? Well, these books tell that to. In the
Spirit World, everyone tries to find out his or her deepest loves. Whether they are really
meant for Heaven or Hell.
But once you find
that out, it’s not the end. You still hove to find out which one of the Heaven’s
or Hell’s you belong in. Oh, it takes time all right. Some people stay in the Spirit
World for over twenty years before going to Heaven or Hell!
Now don’t get me
wrong. These books tell that there is no punishment in the Spirit World, (for how can
there be a loving and infinitely merciful God if there is punishment?) People who go to
Hell go there willingly! Hard to believe? You see, they can’t stand it in Heaven.
They can’t breathe, they smell terrible smells, to them, and it’s more like Hell
than we imagine Hell! But when they get bock to the REAL Hell, they love it there! To them
it smells and looks nice. Even though Hell is filled with excrement and yucky stuff, or
with dead animals. And you know why they love it in Hell? Because what they really love
inside themselves, is what Hell is. Therefore, they love Hell. The only punishment In the
Hells, is that oil the people in the Hells are tormenting each other with practical jokes
and mean tricks.
You see, Hashem loves
us too much to be hurting and torturing us (even if we are bad) so if anyone ANYONE wants
to go to Heaven, Hashem let’s them. If they are heavenly people, who enjoy heavenly
loves, then they stay happily in Heaven. If they are hellish people, who enjoy hellish
loves, then they feel they are dying a terrible death, and they want to get out of Heaven
fast, and into some more ”comfortable surroundings.” So the Lord let’s
them. Unfortunately, the hellish people’s more ”comfortable surroundings”
to them, is Hell.
There is more, my
dear Grandfather and Grandmother, but not now. I hope you stay well, and happy. And thank
you for all your wonderful Pesach gifts and Kiddush cups. I love you both!!!!!!
Your Granddaughter,
Joy Jakobovits
Leon A. James
Professor, Dept. of
Psychology
University of
Hawaii at Manoa
2480 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Professor
James,
Thank you for your
letter of October 22nd in which you request information about our Foundation and its
activities. I am enclosing a price list for our publications. We are in the process of
reprinting our catalog for 1982 and the new ones will not be available until November of
this year. The new catalog basically encompasses what is on the price list, with very few
new editions.
We are a non-profit,
non-sectarian body managed by a Board of Directors (non-remunerative). We have a list of
Life Members who have been elected to that position by the Board, which membership
requires no fees or dues, being strictly honorary. Our general purposes being the printing
of Swedenborg’s works, we publish numerous volumes by or about him, and disseminate
them to the general public at or below cost. I have attached a copy of an article, which
appeared in our last edition of our house organ LOGOS for your interest.
If there is anything
else, which you would like to know, please ask, and we will be happy to explain, further.
Sincerely,
Paul V. Verhaeren
Office manager
PVV: jv
Enclos.
Swedenborg
Foundation, Inc.
139 East 23rd
St.
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Mr. Verhaeren,
Thank you for your prompt reply to Dr. James letter of Oct. 22. How delightful to
discover Swedenborg in our lives, and how exemplary to find you publishing his works and
making them available to us.
Enclosed find our order for a number of Swedenborg’s works on the Bible and
psychology. We include Swedenborg in our courses that we teach in Social psychology and
find his ideas and methodology illuminating for our students and us.
In the copy of LOGOS that you so kindly enclosed in your letter to us we noted that
you publish two films that we are interested in borrowing to show our students and our
church youth group and congregation: “Johnny Apple seed and the Frontier Within”
and “Helen Keller: The Light of Faith”; if possible we would also like to borrow
“Swedenborg: The Man Who Had To Know” and anything else that you can suggest
that we do not know about. We prefer 16mm film, but can accept a Beta Max videocassette
format as well. These will enable us to awaken knowledge and interest in Swedenborg in a
readily available form.
I have enclosed some of our course materials to show you how we fit Swedenborg into
our scheme for studying social psychology.
In the Spirit of
Aloha,
Diane Nahl-James,
DRA Librarian
ORDER:
1
My Religion
large print
4.75
1 Psychologica
5.50
1 Psychology
as Servant of Religion
paper
1.50
1 Psychological
Transactions
3.50
1 Rational
Psychology & Concordance
2 vols
7.00
1 Theological
Works of Swedenborg
30 vols-student 165.00
postage
13.00
Check enclosed.
Please bill us for any charges in excess of this amount. We would rather have paperbacks
for any volumes you have not listed as available in paper, if available please replace on
our order.
Send order to Dr.
L.A. James at the above address.
Thank you,
DN-J
Diane Nahl-James
Dept. of Psychology
Univ. of Hawaii at
Manoa
2430 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Dr. James,
Thank you for your
kind compliments. We have been printing Swedenborg’s works for over 130 years now. I
find it admirable myself that Swedenborg is being taught in your University.
Thank you also for
the material you sent regarding the classes, and I will show them to our Board of
Directors. They are always interested in this sort of thing; it gives them a measure to
which they can assess our efforts in making Swedenborg known to the public.
The films may be
obtained free on loan from Modern Talking Pictures, 5000 Park St. N., St. Petersburg, FL
33709. Since they have a backlog and since you teach Swedenborg on an on-going basis we
will make the following offer to you:
Each film can be
purchased through us normally for $300 each. Should you wish to purchase a print for the
University we will offer you a 40% discount, which means each film can be purchased for
$180 each.
If this is still too
high a price for the University budget we do have Betamax videotapes of the same material
for $60 each.
By purchasing, you have the advantage of the material being on hand when needed, and the risk of not being able to book them through Modern Talking is eliminated. Current bookings on Helen Keller, we are informed, are a year in advance, so I assume that the other films are just as popular. You may try them though if you like.
I have mailed two
volumes, compliments of the Foundation, of the attached books by Dr. Wilson Van Dusen. I
hope you find them interesting and useful. Presence is used in the University system in
Washington State, and we can offer you the same discounts of 40% for 1-5 or 45% for 6+.
If there is anything
else which we can help you with please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you again for
your interest.
Sincerely,
Paul V. Verhaeren
FREE LOAN FILMS
JOHNNY APPLESEED
AND THE
FRONTIER WITHIN,
color 28¸ mm., the Foundation’s new film is also included in the free loan program.
This film, which recently has been released for national television, and which won the
Silver Screen award at the U. S. Industrial Film Festival, is a re-creation of John
Chapman’s Life in the wilderness and his heroic accomplishment of bringing
Swedenborg’s teachings to isolated, wilderness families. His gentle spirit and
harmony with nature are emphasized which makes it an important as well as beautiful film,
(with discussion guide).
HELEN KELLER: THE
LIGHT
OF FAITH, color
28¸ mm., part of which was filmed at the Foundation last year and includes an interview
with Douglas Edwards and Dr. Alice Skinner, is being distributed on a free loan basis to
groups, organizations, clubs and schools. Originally a CBS News production for the Emmy
Award winning series “For Our Times,” this film explores Miss Keller’s
faith, which was her motivating principle. It includes a discussion guide (produced by the
Foundation) to assist in the study of her life and beliefs.
SWEDENBORG: THE MAN
WHO
HAD TO KNOW, color
28¸ mm., the Foundation’s first film which won the 1979 Columbus Film Festival and
the 1980 CINE Golden Eagle can be obtained free as well. This biographical documentary
traces Swedenborg’s Life and developÐment in a truly beautiful manner amply spiced
with animation to delight the viewer. It holds the attention from beginning to end, (with
discussion guide).
FOR ANY OF THESE
FREE LOAN FILMS YOUR GROUP, CHURCH, OR SCHOOL SHOULD CONTACT:
Modern Talking
Pictures
5000 Park St. North
St. Petersburg, FL
33709
Mr. Paul V.
Verhaeren,
Swedenborg
Foundation, Inc.
New York, N Y
Dear Mr. Verhaeren:
Many thanks for your
information in the Nov. 16th letter and the two complimentary volumes. The situation is
this. We do not now have University funds for purchasing the films. I will in due course
request that funds be allocated, but I expect this will take one or two budget years to
work out, if at all possible. However I would like to purchase the Betamax videotapes
which you said might be had for $60 since I can show these in small classes of students,
which is quite suitable here. If there is a reduction I can receive on the three
videotapes, I would of course appreciate it. If not, please bill me in accordance with
your regular price. After we receive the bill, I can have the University issue a voucher
for your payment, though this money will come from my personal allotment and not from the
department budget, hence the personal discount if applicable.
Once again let me
mention how delighted we are that you are doing this work of getting Swedenborg’s
writings and concepts to the world. I believe that the time is ripe for science to espouse
the positive bias with respect to the spiritual and celestial.
Cordially yours,
Leon A. James
Professor
Mr.Paul V.
Verhaeren,
Swedenborg
Foundation Inc.,
139 East 23rd
Street,
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Mr. Verhaeren:
Thank you so much for
sending the two videotapes and I am so sorry for not responding immediately. Our
department has been running out of money, hence the delay, but now I was able to have our
Instructional Services director agree to the purchase as long as I can get from you a note
saying that we have permission to copy the two tapes for our use on campus (that is, the
Psychology department and the library services and those associated with Instructional
Services). Our equipment is on Betamax 1 and 3/4, and I’ve already tried it out and
the copy works very well. So, upon receipt of your note, we can issue a check to cover the
$97.50 on your voucher of 12-18-81. I hope this will be suitable from your point of view,
but if there is any problem, please let me know.
I am enclosing two
recent papers I wrote and are now in press for publication. Those are my first attempts at
applying the ideas of Swedenborg to my specialty area of “language teaching” and
“psycholinguistics.” More writings are in preparation and I hope to be able to
bring Swedenborg’s ideas to education and science. I am very grateful for this
opportunity. Any comments or questions you may have are most welcome. The Van Dusen books
you sent last year are a real hit with some colleagues and students.
Cordially yours,
L.A. James
Professor
Dr. Leon A. James
Dept. of Psychology
University of
Hawaii
2Lt30 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Dr. James,
I am glad to hear
that the tapes arrived. We understand about the budget problems. The Foundation exists on
donations and bequests.
There is no problem
about making copies of the films for your own University use. The films are copyrighted
and we can give permission to the University to do this. Our main concern is that no
unauthorized copies are made and sold outside the University, which I’m sure you can
regulate from your end. So feel free to make as many as you need.
Thank you for sending
along your two most interesting articles. I enjoyed them both, although some parts were a
bit technical for me as a layman. How did you become interested in Swedenborg? Did someone
introduce you to his work?
I am also curious
about your scholastic writing. Do you have many books in print? The reason why I am
inquiring is that we try to keep up on current Swedenborg scholars and Swedenborg
influenced celebrities, and if you would not mind, perhaps we might be able to include
your name among those on the attached list.
Looking forward to
hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Paul V. Verhaeren
Office Manager
PVV:jv
Mr. Paul V.
Verhaeren,
Office Manager,
Swedenborg
Foundation, Inc.
39 East 23rd
Street,
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Mr. Verhaeren:
I am in receipt of
your March 2, 1982 letter in which you sc kindly grant us permission to use the tapes
within the university facilities; they will receive the same good protection exercised by
the university in all such acquisitions. Once again we want to thank you for your
generosity and cooperation.
You ask about my
scholastic writings and how I became interested in Swedenborg. I enclose my Vita which
will give you the particulars you might want, as well as the Vita of Diane, my wife, who
is my only Swedenborgian partner and is co-equal with me in our joint (conjugal!) quest in
science (or truth). As to how we became involved with Swedenborg, the story is extremely
siit~p1E; no doubt we are an instance of what Swedenborg himself must have expected
regarding the spread of his writings into the future generations. For some mysterious
reason we decided to look up Swedenborg in our university library one afternoon about a
year and a half ago. Neither of us knew anything except we both felt we want to find out
what that name means which appears to be in our memory. We found the Compendium and the
Rotch edition of his works (bequeathed to the library by someone on this Island some years
ago - we noticed the books were hardly ever checked out). We took the Compendium home and
Vol.1 of AC. It was an instant revelation, for which we both give thanks to the Lord. We
have not stopped reading Swedenborg since. His ideas have totally altered our view of
religion, science, and life. We have completely changed our basis of living and being as a
result of Swedenborg’s revelations. After less than two years and barely two thousand
pages of his works we have produced an entirely novel methodology for social psychology
and for psycholinguistics, these being the two scientific fields forming our specialty in
the social sciences. You have seen the first two papers we ye written since our meeting
with Swedenborg’s writings, and several more are in preparation. We have also
included Swedenborg on our list of readings for both our undergraduate and graduate
courses in psychology. As well, we are focusing on Swedenborg as a means to
re-conceptualize what education is and allow innovations such as our “community-
classroom” and still others to be developed. Our latest project is a new kind of
dictionary, which we call the “TRIGLOSS DICTIONARY” where “tri-gloss”
is short for “tri-grammatic glossary”. This is a system, which we worked on in
1975 and then dropped because of my inability to solve certain technical difficulties in
my concept A. After a few months of reading Swedenborg I was able to return to this
project and solved the problem using Swedenborg’s three degrees which was very nearly
what I had discovered in 1975. At any rate, the tri-gloss dictionary will be a thinking
tool; it will present words or concepts by threes, showing the progression of height for
example:
GOOD
TRUTH
BEAUTY
STRIVING
PLANNING
NAPPING
ISSUES
ISSUES
ISSUES
MOTIVATION
COGNITION
BEHAVIOR
and so on. I am
enclosing some examples contained in letters that I sent to some colloquium talkers in our
department and showing them how their ideas fit with Swedenborg’s system, and how the
latter clarifies the former despite the two centuries!
Our two children Rex
(13) and Joy (11) have been reading the Word for years now and on a daily basis. They too
were overjoyed with Swedenborg’s writings and we daily discuss him in our home. Some
day they say they’re going to write children’s stories using Swedenborg. They
report better reception of Swedenborg’s ideas from their friends than we can report
from our colleagues. We noticed and wondered at the total absence of Swedenborg in
psychology or other social sciences (I expect this to be true for the physical sciences,
is it?) despite the fact that his books are available. We understood it since we ourselves
have been struggling to overcome the anti-spiritual dogma of our field. But we are
entirely convinced that Swedenborg’s system is a viable modern scientific system just
begging to be presented to scientists, and we thank the Lord for permitting that we have a
hand in this revival of science whereby the real truths (which are the truths of the Word)
can once again be part of the intellect of mankind on earth. We agree with Swedenborg that
the Lord’s revelation through him of the inner meaning of the Word and his travels
and interviews for 27 years in the other life does surpass all previous revelations and
miracles which the grace of Providence has wrought since creation. I hope that the revival
of science through Swedenborg will also put an end to the dreadful activities of the
Babylonians -- as Swedenborg would no doubt call them -- who are attempting to legalize
their misguided interpretation of Genesis under “Creationism for Science”. The
Lord willing, we will eventually also work on elementary school books since we feel that
children are especially made receptive by the Lord and receive with joy the various
revelations of angelic life, wisdom, and correspondences. Incidentally, we noticed that
those of our colleagues who knew of Van Dusen (we found two) did not however go so far as
to read Swedenborg - to our great distress were not actually interested in going deeply
into the matter of Swedenborg’s ideas and proofs. But this hasn’t surprised or
discouraged us: we need to evolve a bridge between where they are and where we can go with
Swedenborg.
We have heard of the
existence of a “Swedenborgian New Church” but that’s all we know for now.
The Lord will surely put on our path whatever will be necessary for our work. We noticed
that our Episcopal Rector and Minister (who administers Communion to us) has no
understanding or fondness for any of the ideas we tried to converse with him on such as
the Trinity, or angelic heavens, redemption, spiritual meaning, and so on. We note
everything that Swedenborg himself noted and described regarding the “Beast that
strives to devour the newborn child of the woman” in the Apocalypse and as is clear
from the letters Swedenborg wrote to Dr. Beyer and on behalf of him during his
persecutions by the clergy in Sweden.
Incidentally, there
are a couple of errors I noted in The Last Judgment, n.252, p.474, Posthumous vol. 1,
where the angel is speaking referring to himself when he was in the world, yet the text
capitalizes Himself and He (twice) which is an obvious error. Ditto for Posthumous vol.2,
p.557, n.20, where Me is capitalized when it shouldn’t be.
Finally, regarding
your question about my being included in your list of scientists influenced by Swedenborg.
Certainly you may, it will be an honor, and may I suggest that you also include Diane
Nahl-James, since by the will and grace of the Lord, we are but one mind, and without her
my knowledge is vain boasting. It is a fascinating list - I knew about William James
(about which more later), but I was surprised at Emerson since he puts Swedenborg down and
discredits him generally despite some admiring words regarding a few details (e.g. on
Animal Kingdom -- which I haven’t seen yet). Ditto with Kant who ridiculed Swedenborg
despite evidence of Swedenborg’s ideas on time and place in Kant’s system. If
you have additional information on the writings of the scientists on your list in which
they acknowledge their indebtedness to Swedenborg or present his ideas, we would
appreciate receiving whatever you can share with us.
Please forgive the
rambling style of this letter and its length I wrote without an outline or draft hoping
that my spontaneous reactions and descriptions along with the attached documents would be
adequate for this time round. Feel free to write and inquire about anything at all. We
give thanks to the Lord for your work and feel certain Swedenborg himself approves of it
and finds joy in the results, us being but an example among many now and to come.
Faithfully yours,
Leon A. James
Professor
P.S. I am also
enclosing a cassette tape. This is a copy of a class tape prepared by one of our students.
Her name Is Alma Knauff and she is back in college after many years on a Senior Citizen
scholarship. When we began to introduce Swedenborg in our curriculum a year ago, Alma was
most enthusiastic, and in this tape she discusses how Swedenborg’s writings have
helped her (especially on side 2). You may keep this copy for your information and
enjoyment.
Mr. Paul V.
Verhaeren
Swedenborg
Foundation
139 East 23rd
Street
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Mr. Verhaeren:
Thank you for your
kind comments in the April 1 letter. We are always happy to receive a letter or package
with the Swedenborg Foundation sign on it. We feel like Johnny Apple seed that it is
“good news right fresh from heaven.” We have shown the Swedenborg and Johnny
Apple seed videotapes to students and friends. It is always a great success. We’re
planning to show thou to our fellow church members (Episcopal) to whom we have given
copies of various Swedenborg books from our personal library. Helen Keller’s book is
always a winner. As for the others, Heaven & Hell is the only one that seems to
interest people so far. We will be sending you some student reviews and comments on that
book in a little while. We are planning to teach Swedenborg again next fall semester as
one of the “nine social psychology masters” our students are responsible for. We
asked them to write up their impression of the Swedenborg videotape and we will be sending
you some copies of their comments.
Because of the fact
that we have been actively distributing Swedenborg books we purchased from you and the Yes
Bookshop (Washington, D.C., mail order house), we are most pleased to learn that you have
a field distribution program. I am enclosing the application form you sent. I plan to
distribute the initial inventory I requested to our libraries (university and school), to
our church reading room and pastor’s office, as well as to a few homes for old people
that we know about. We are delighted to be able to serve in this way, as we believe that
Swedenborg’s ideas are effective and sufficient solutions to all the world’s
problems. What we need is more Swedenborg not more bombs or taxes for our security,
understanding, and well being!
Thank you for
inviting us, we would be most pleased to become Life Members of the Foundation and
continue to spread Swedenborg’ s ideas, observations, and solutions. We are overjoyed
that he reports that the Lord told him that conjugal love would return to earth. As for
articles and books, rest assured that we are working on many writing projects, which we
will send to you in due, time, the Lord willing. With very best regards,
Leon A. James,
Professor
MEMO TO: Mr. Verhaeren, Swedenborg
Foundation of N.Y.
FROM: Dr.
James, Professor
RE: Emerson on Swedenborg: it is
very negative and damaging!
Because the
Swedenborg Foundation lists Emerson on Its list of people documenting “The Influence
of Swedenborg” it is pertinent to ask what Emerson actually thinks of Swedenborg.
Having read Emerson’s analysis in his Representative Men I am left with a shocking
realization that Emerson denigrates Swedenborg and labels Swedenborg’s good
reputation. I wonder if you are fully aware of this? It seems to me that Swedenborg
himself would object that the Foundation should be used to advertise libelous writings
against Swedenborg. To prove that I am not exaggerating, I am enclosing a Xerox copy of a
few pages of Emerson’s analysis. I have underlined the glaring and objectionable
sentences. As well, I am summarizing some of Emerson’s remarks below. You judge
whether the Swedenborg Foundation should continue to advertise Emerson on Swedenborg!
Swedenborg is
“passionless, bloodless man. He has no sympathy. A man should not tell me that he has
walked among the angels... The sad muse loves night and death, and the pit. ... Strictly
speaking, Swedenborg’s revelation is a confounding of planes -- a capital offense in
so learned a categorist. To what a painful perversion had Gothic theology arrived, that
Swedenborg admitted no conversion for evil spirits! ... Under the same theologic cramp,
many of his dogmas are bound... I doubt not that he was led by the desire to insert the
element of personality of Deity... Another dogma, growing out of his pernicious theologic
limitation, is this Inferno. Swedenborg has devils... His speculations upon the economy of
the universe, and of the celestial societies ... all these grandeurs resting upon him, his
judgments are those of a Swedish polemic, and his vast enlargements purchased by
adamantine limitations... Of all absurdities, this of some foreigner, proposing to take
away my rhetoric, and substitute his own... The vice of Swedenborg’s mind is its
theologlc determination... failed by attaching (himself) to the Christian symbol... etc.
etc.
Dr. Leon James
University of
Hawaii at Manoa
Dept. of Psychology
3430 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Dr. James,
Thank you for your
memo on Emerson and Swedenborg. I see that you have found something in the way of what I
had written you about earlier. I am enclosing the other side of the coin.
I admire Emerson, but
I do not think that his reasoning should be accepted whole. He even maligns Michaelangelo
and Dante, but it does not negate their work. I think perhaps the problem here is that he
accepted Swedenborg wholeheartedly at first, singing his praises, and then recanted out of
some grave disappointment which we will never know.
More than anything
else it reflects something lacking in Emerson, maturity for instance, or something else,
which beet would have been ruminated over considerably before being set to print. Even
today we see many who do not agree with current thought, only time can give us distance
for seeing things in what we can only determine as better light.
The Foundation does
not try to cover up such embarrassing things. These are best left to debate to determine.
We merely publish Swedenborg’s works because other people especially many literati
have found something of value in it. If we published two lists - those who like Swedenborg
and those who don’t - we should be forced to include Emerson in both! It should be
the job of the scholar to determine how Emerson felt about Swedenborg after publication of
this book, and prior to his own death. It would probably make good reading.
I am forwarding a
copy of your memo to the Editorial and Publications Committee for review. Perhaps they may
decide to delete Emerson from the list. Thank you for your concern, and should you wish to
pursue this matter further, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Paul V. Verhaeren
The Rt. Rev. Edmond
L. Browning, Bishop
The Episcopal
Church in Hawaii,
Queen Emma Square,
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Mr. Browning:
We want to take this
opportunity to thank you heartily for your inspiring messages this morning in your
Confirmation sermon at Holy Nativity Church. We were deeply thankful to the Lord for
bringing about this day during which our two children, Rex and Joy, received their
confirmation through your good service and the dedicated service of Fr. Crane, our
spiritual leader. We are enclosing a photograph, which we took of you and the children
right after the service.
We would also like to
comment on your sermon message, in particular your description of spiritual life and
growth, from your own experience, as involving the three components of expectation,
dependence, and obedience. We ran across this series of three in Emanuel Swedenborg’s
18th century writings, as he discusses various passages of Scripture, and we
would like to summarize for you what he says in this respect. We think it agrees very well
with your own “personal spiritual journey” as you described it to us.
The three components,
according to Swedenborg, are linked in a triune chain, one within the other, just as hope,
faith, and charity are linked and form one, and just as origin, cause, and effect form one
series. Thus, expectation is at the inmost and is the origin of the series; it must come
first within the depths of the heart and will. Second, at an intermediate level, comes
dependence, and is the form of expectation, just as faith is the form of love, or truth is
the form of good. Finally, in the third and outermost level, there is obedience, which is
the outcome or effect of the first two. To summarize then, we can say that obedience is
reached through dependence from expectation. In still other words, one can say from
expectation through dependence to obedience.
This may be
rendered a little clearer by a diagram and a table of parallel terms gleaned from
Swedenborg as follows:
First Term (Inmost) Second Term (Interm.) Third Term
(Outer)
HOPE
FAITH
CHARITY/WORKS
WILL/HEART
JNDERSTANDING
USES/ACTS
LOVE
WISDOM
BEAUTY/USES
GOOD
TRUTH
APPEARANCE OF TRUTH
SOUL
SPIRIT
BODY
This table shows
the corresponding series for six triune concepts, the first being the one you described in
your sermon this morning (EXPECTATION/DEPENDENCE/OBEDIENCE) while the other five are from
Swedenborg’ s writings.
The reason we think
this is worth pointing out is that it adds a dynamic component to- your message, which may
have been concealed in your meaning, but this is a way of making it more explicit to the
mind and comprehension. Thus, it is advantageous to view expectation as corresponding to
hope, will, love, good, or the soul. Similarly, dependence is better grasped if it is
related to faith, understanding, wisdom, truth, or spirit. Finally, obedience may be
better grasped if it is seen in works, uses, acts, appearance, and body. By adding these
new relationships, we enrich our comprehension of how expectation (hope, love) leads to
dependence (faith, truth), and this in turn ends in obedience (works, uses).
Perhaps we can go one
step further and indicate how these relations indicated by Swedenborg relate to the
lessons of Scripture.
Expectation or hope
is akin to love, good, and the inmost part of man, which is the will. The following
passages show that the expectation of hope in love within the soul is the very origin of
the psycho-spiritual process of conjoining with the Lord through His infinite grace:
“Beloved, we are
God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He
appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes
in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” (1Jn. 3: 2,3)
“For what is our
hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For
you are our glory and joy.” (1 The. 2: 19,20)
“But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 The. 4: 5-8)
“Love never
ends; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. For now we see in a mirror
dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I
have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of
these is love.” (1 Cor. 13: 8-13)
“And now, Lord,
for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee. Deliver me from all my transgressions.” (Ps.
39: 7,8)
“Then He said to
me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say,
‘Our ones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off.” (Ez. 37:
11)
“We ourselves,
who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons,
the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we are saved. Now hope that is seen is not
hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for
it with patience.”
“Watch
therefore, for you do not know on what day the Lord is coming. Therefore you also must be
ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Mat. 24: 42-44)
These passages
clearly teach that expectation or the hope of salvation and conjoining with the Lord is
the inmost and first component, to be followed by the second, which is dependence as
expressed in faith or wisdom, as shown by the following passages:
“Who then is the
faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their
food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find
so doing” (Mat. 24: 45,46)
“His master said
to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little,
I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” (Mat. 25: 23)
“Then I saw
heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True,
and in righteousness He judges and makes war.” (Rev. 19: 11)
“Love the Lord,
all you His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful. (Ps. 31: 23)
“Will you depend
on Him because His strength is great, and will you leave to Him your labor? Do you have
faith in Him that He will return, and bring your grain to your threshing floor?” (Job
39: 11,12)
“For we walk by
faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5: 7)
“But My
righteous One shall live by faith.” (Heb. 10: 38)
“For whatever is
born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our
faith.” (1 Jn. 5: 4)
The above passages teach that faith or truth or wisdom consists in dependence on the Lord. Finally, from hope or expectation, through faith or dependence, to obedience or good works, as taught in the following:
“Oh, how I love
Thy law! ... Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.”
(Ps. 119: 97-98)
“Come now, let
us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as
white as snow; ... If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord
has spoken.” (Ps. 1: 18-20)
“Although He was
a Son, he learned obedience through what He suffered; and being made perfect He became the
source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Heb. 5: 8-9)
“For through the
Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither
circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.”
(Gal. 5: 5-6)
“Do you want to
be shown, you foolish fellow, that faith apart from works is barren? ... For as the body
apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.” (Ja. 2: 20, 26)
“A new
commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you
also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have
love for one another.” (Jn. 13: 34-35)
“All who keep
His commandments abide in Him, and He in them.” (1 Jn. 3: 24)
These passages
clearly indicate that obedience is from love or hope through faith. Obedience consists in
doing, in good works, in following the commandments.
I hope that this has
not been useless or tedious. Perhaps we’ll have a chance to discuss these matters
further.
Sincerely yours,
Leon and Diane
James
cc. The Rev.
Charles Crane
P. S. We are
enclosing a copy of Helen Keller’s beautiful book My Religion. We hope you’ll
get a chance to read it. You may keep it and have others read it if you think it
appropriate. We found Miss Keller’s confession of faith inspiring. Please let us know
what you think of it. Mahalo.
cc. of book to Fr.
Crane
Honolulu
Dear Leon &
Diane,
As you see, I am returning the volume by Swedenborg, which you so kindly make
available to me. I feel rather guilty for not having made better use of it in view of the
interest that you both have. Perhaps I’m not scholar enough, perhaps not well enough
versed in religious philosophy that in either case reading it was rather heavy going.
Consequently my sampling was rather sporty. Suffice it to say that this level of study is
not for me. If I may make one observation however, it is this. Christianity is a beautiful
philosophy. It is best taken on forth. What logic can deny for example, that it is
physically impossible for man to be born of a virgin mother or to rise from the dead. Such
things as these are not matters for logic but for faith. Since this is so, perhaps the
greatest detractor from the Christian faith is that individual who sets about to break
down the overall legend into the smallest of parts and rationalize and identify them and
set his own arbitrary limits and barriers. If Christianity has something it has to be
something so that each one, no matter how humble, can immerse himself in its comfort
without the offices of a translator.
Again thanks. It
was interesting.
Yours truly,
Frank Y. Staats
Mr. Paul Verhaeren,
Swedenborg
Foundation,
139 East 23rd
Street,
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Mr. Verhaeren,
Once again it gives
me great pleasure to communicate with you. Diane and I never cease to marvel at your
existence, and as our relationship grows we discover more and more that already is the
fruit of Swedenborg’s writings. We want to thank you for the pamphlets and books for
our field distribution efforts, and we are already asking for renewed copies for certain
items (see attached memo). Much of it was new and we are still reading them with avid
interest -- and this includes our children Rex (14) and Joy (11) who surely must be some
of Swedenborg’s youngest ‘rational’ friends from this generation! Needless
to say, we are all looking forward to the possibility of meeting Swedenborg himself, for
in all of eternity surely such an opportunity will present itself by the grace of the
Lord. What do you think about this?
I am enclosing some
materials for your information since you expressed desire to be informed of our activities
regarding Swedenborg. These things are not for publication (though you may show them to
anyone of course) but they show you how we are introducing Swedenborg’s ideas into
our teaching at the university, into our church activities, and into our parenting.
I’ve marked them for description. “A” is a packet of letters; “B”
is a term paper by a clinical psychology student on a model based on my Swedenborg
lectures last spring; “C” is a packet of bird stories I wrote before meeting
Swedenborg’s writings (I’m no longer sure why I included this!); “D”
is a copy of the slides I used in a Colloquium talk describing my research in teaching and
in which I identify Swedenborg as a central reference to my ideas; “E” is a
typed copy of answers students wrote to a quiz on Swedenborg after viewing “The Man
Who Had To Know” videotape you sent us. We will also be sending you soon and by
separate mail videotape, which we edited from our class showing students singing a
Swedenborg song they made up. We hope you enjoy reading and hearing these details.
Likewise, we would be grateful for your reactions or thoughts regarding these. We have
absolutely nobody to share these efforts with since everyone has remained seemingly
unaffected by the good news of our discovery of Swedenborg less than two years ago.
However this does not deter us in any way for we have understood and we perceive. Thanks
be to our Lord.
Attached to this
letter you’ll find a correction memo for errors in TCR plus a suggestion.
Regarding Emerson.
After reading the reprints you sent me, for which we are very grateful (especially since
we know the trouble you must have gone to for it), I have a much better idea as to the
nature of the problem, a sort of ‘on the one hand’ ‘on the other hand’
situation, as you implied in your May 17 letter. The upshot of the matter is that I am no
longer as definite as before regarding the need to maintain purity in the list of
Swedenborg influences. So be it.
I am half way through
Trobridge’s biography and enjoying it immensely. I like two things about it. One is
that he fills in a practical picture of the child who grew into the man Swedenborg and
Emanuel’s striving issues, which are touching and attractive. The second is that in
Trobridge’s descriptions and explanations of Swedenborg’s ideas I find at last
the view of a man sympathetic to Swedenborg to fullest extent. Trobridge expresses
Swedenborg’s essential position very well and very accurately. Likewise, I read with
the greatest pleasure Arthur Wilde’s Digest of TCR. I recently completed a study of
TCR (both vols.) and I found Wilde’s paraphrasing and selections extremely accurate
and insightful. I am overjoyed at finding this mass of first class work by people who are
understanding of Swedenborg. I was a little more critical when reading the two pamphlets
by Talbott and by Douglass, but they are useful anyway, and I see the point of circulating
them. Van Dusen’s “Uses” I found difficult, and I want to study It again
before I say anything about it, but I am extremely enthusiastic about his “The
Presence of Spirits in Madness” and have shown it to three of my psychology
colleagues with the view to planning some joint research on this issue. I am awaiting
their reactions to it. If you have additional pamphlets and books that I am not familiar
with please send them. They will be used well. I am attaching a field distributor’s
order to this letter.
Finally, there are
several matters, which I may one day discuss with you if ever our paths cross. I am
listing them below with brief particulars. You may or may not respond to these, as you see
fit.
(i) On p.136
Trobridge mentions in a parenthesis (1.6) that the new disciples of Swedenborg around
1800-1820 in London called themselves the Theosophical Society. I know this is the name
Rudolf Steiner was associated with eighty years later, then Steiner himself founded the
Anthroposophic Society which today is very active and sponsors the Waldorf educational
system around the world. I liked Steiner before I met Swedenborg, but afterwards, I
immediately saw the conflict and dropped Steiner’s preposterous ideas (which however
seemed to me very good before Swedenborg!). Steiner wrote two brief notes on Swedenborg in
the Anthroposophical Society’s magazine around 1920 in which he argues that
Swedenborg is a great mystic turned mad, and attaches absolutely no weight to any of
Swedenborg’s writings. Now this strikes me as extremely odd! That Steiner’s
scientific and spiritual sophistication should be so shallow is incomprehensible to me
right now, and I wonder if you have thoughts on this, or even knowledge of Steiner? Or
whom among the Swedenborgians do you know who could help me with this. Something very
important lurks behind this.
(ii) Diane and I, and
the children, sometimes discuss Swedenborg on the Jews. Partly this is because we were
practicing orthodoxxJews up to the point when we met Swedenborg’s books two years
ago, after which we were baptized in the church that happened to be on our block which is
Episcopal. As converted Jews we wonder how Jews would react to Swedenborg’s
descriptions of the lot of the Jews in the spirit world, or the reason he mentions they
have been preserved, or their inner character, and so on. Also, since I am in Social
Psychology, I am aware of many prevalent views, which deny that personality traits or
motives are ascribable on the basis of race or religion. I am barely mentioning the
surface of this topic, and I wonder if the Foundation has ever had to face this issue.
Also, should it ever have to, and this may be probable if Swedenborg’s writings
spread more generally, then the Foundation might be going through some noisome publicity.
If any such thing ever happens remember to call on us for help. Given our rather peculiar
position (i.e., belonging to both sides) we may be of some help in planning defense. We
believe it is possible that some good may come of this, but it needs to be handled, and
you need to have a prepared plan.
(iii) For severaI
months now we’ve been aware from the pamphlets etc., that there is a New Church and
Swedenborgian school or academy. We would appreciate receiving information and contacts
regarding the school, the church, and any current publications. I realize the distinction
you are trying to maintain between the Foundation and the New Church organizations. If
anyone from the New Church organizations, or from the Foundation, ever travels to Hawaii,
I hope they’ll look us up.
We were glad to see a photograph of you in the latest issue of Logos. Now we know what to imagine behind the name.
With kindest regards
and appreciation for the time and effort you are giving us. We give thanks to the Lord.
Leon A. James,
Professor of
Psychology
Dr. Leon James
Department of
Psychology
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Dr. James:
Your letter of June
6th to Mr. Verhaeren plus previous correspondence is indeed intriguing and I asked Mr.
Verhaeren if he minded that I answer, although he may wish to write to you also.
I am somewhat
surprised that you find Uses difficult. What Van Dusen is trying to do is bring
Swedenborg’s concepts into practical and understandable language for people who find
it difficult to translate Swedenborg into their daily lives. Keep at it and let me know
what you think. Do you think Trobridge is as good a biography as could be? Some have
criticized it and are calling for a more readable one. Van Dusen’s Presence of Other
Worlds is also an excellent intro. Have you read it yet? Some end their reading with it,
but more write for other books.
Regarding Emerson,
what Paul wrote is pretty accurate. I think the fact that Emerson even bothered to discuss
Swedenborg proves that he moved him. Blake is another example. At any rate, I am sending
copies of your material to two members of our Editorial and Publication Committee - Drs.
Alice Skinner and George Dole. The former is an author and psychologist and the former an
author/translator and theologian. You probably should write to the Swedenborg School of
Religion, 48 Sargent St., Newton, MA 02158 for answers to theological questions. We are
not trained theologians at the Foundation and hesitate to even try lest we mislead people.
I think your being
Jewish and embracing Swedenborg is fascinating and potentially valuable in that your
transition might provide insights others will gain from. As a matter of fact, your views
and obvious excitement might well make a good lead article in LOGOS. These articles are
usually about five typed pages and we try to illustrate them if possible as you will note
from the last one. Perhaps such an article would be quite unique. We’ve never done
anything like that before. I enclose a pamphlet called “Why I Am A
Swedenborgian,” published many years ago.
Your application for
Life Membership is being processed and you will be receiving a letter in due course.
We’re shorthanded due to vacations, etc. Besides the fact that there is an office
force of only five to handle all the various activities. It amazes me that we accomplish
all that we do.
I read the students
reaction to our Swedenborg film with great interest. Their responses are exactly what we
had when the idea for the film was conceived. So many get such varied things from that and
our other films it’s gratifying to know that the films are effective. What have the
reactions been to our Apple seed film? Incidentally, by way of introduction, I play the
painter in the Swedenborg film and the nephew who questions the aunt in the Apple seed one
- one of the joys of my job is being able to participate from start to finish in our
films. You will be interested in our latest one, “Images of Knowing,” written by
Dr. Dole and narrated by Anne Baxter. It is a beautiful and provoking 15-minute film on
correspondences using nature as the vehicle. Should you wish to purchase a cassette, we
are offering them at $50. Also, are you aware that stations KGMD and KGMV have been airing
our Apple seed film in the wee hours of the morning? Stations KAII, KHAW, and KHON aired
the Swedenborg film in 1981. You might be interested in contacting the station managers to
see if they might air them in better time slots. They obtain them through Modern Talking
Picture Service in Honolulu.
Again, thank you
for writing and we hope to hear from you when time permits.
With all good
wishes,
Sincerely,
Darrell Ruhl
Executive Director
DR: ca
Cc: Drs. Skinner
& Dole
P.S. I was in Maui
last year & will be there, hopefully in 1983 – loved it!
Leon James
Dept. of Psychology
University of
Hawaii
2430 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 98622
Dear Leon,
Thank you for all the
material. I have read through much of it sporadically. As to the Bird Stories, I really
like them. At first I thought they would be rather simple but the more I read the more
complex I find them, as well as interesting and very well written. The drawings are
charming too. I am looking forward to the rest of the material, but so far haven’t
had time. I have been doubling as invoicing clerk too.
Rave been so busy
lately preparing for a one-man show of my paintings in New Jersey, and as soon as the
flier is out will mail you one. That and having just returned from Canada -Quebec and Nova
Scotia - and Maine. I could spend all my time there, it is so beautiful.
Do you ever attend
any of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology meetings, conferences, et. al.? They
are holding their 10th Annual Conference in August 6-8 and Dr. Stephen Larsen, our Board
Member, will be speaking there. They also have a Journal, which might be interested in
your articles. The address is P.O. Box 3049 Stanford, CA 94305 should you wish to follow
up on this.
It is nice hearing
from you. Your work and your life seem to have so much vitality that it is stimulating.
Oh, incidentally, you and Diane were elected Life Members and should be receiving a letter
soon regarding this.
Best wishes,
Paul Verhaeren
Mr. & Mrs. Leon
A. James
Psychology Dept.
University of
Hawaii
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Mr. & Mrs.
James,
Your names have been
submitted by a member of our Board of Directors for election to life membership in this
Foundation. Since our bylaws require the written permission of prospective nominees
authorizing the presentation of their names in nomination, we would appreciate hearing
from you in this connection at your early convenience.
Cordially,
Kristine Jordahl
Administrative
Assistant
PRAISE THE LORD!
Dear Mr. Verhaeren,
I am speechless with delight at the gifts you sent my family. I imagine that those
paintings of yours are worth a lot of money. I shall frame them and hang them around the
house. They really are beautiful. They tell so much; it will take me awhile to discover
all the secrets of your brush. Later, I will send you a picture of them framed.
As I love to write, I will be considering doing some Swedenborg Children’s
stories. It should be fun, and it certainly would teach me a lot. My dad is good at
writing stories, he might contribute too.
Yes I am interested in philosophy and theology. Especially psychology. I love to
try to read body language, and observing people is what I spend half my time on. I want to
learn more about the human race. They’re thoughts, their emotions, and their reasons.
I was reading the Bible Study Notes by Anita Dole, and I came across a place where
she says that Swedenborgs’ books should be kept away from children until they reach
High School. I think this is wrong. I am just entering Intermediate School, and if I had
not read Swedenborg I would be worse off now. Even though I don’t understand all of
it. And it’s not just me. If you wait till High School until you give a kid a
Swedenborg book, he’s more likely not to believe it then (because by then most people
are “set in their ways” or else the peer pressure is too strong) than to believe
it when he’s young and eager to learn. Anyway, that’s what I believe.
Keep up the good work at the foundation, and write soon.
Best wishes.
Joy Jakobovits
Dr. and Mrs. Leon
A. James
2430 Campus Road
Honolulu, El 96822
Dear Dr. and Mrs.
James,
It gives me great
pleasure to advise you that at a recent Board of Directors meeting you were unanimously
elected life members of the Swedenborg Foundation, Inc.
The life members meet
once a year on the second Monday in May to hear reports from the officers and directors of
the activities, sales, and distribution of our literature. The principal duty of the life
members is to attend, either in person or by proxy, the annual meetings for the election
of the Board of Directors, to hear reports on the year’s activities, and for such
other business as may properly come before the meetings.
There are no
financial obligations involved in membership. Any support, however, which you may find an
opportunity to give us by way of suggestions, activities, or cooperation in expanding our
capabilities in spreading the knowledge of Swedenborg’s teachings, will be greatly
appreciated.
Sincerely,
John R. Seekamp
President
Prof. Leon James
2430 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Leon,
In Darrell’s
last letter to you he asked if you would like to do an article for LOQOS for the fall.
Enclosed is the space allotment for your contribution, should you wish to contribute. It
is three columns wide per page based on 40 characters per column. I have indicated the
picture spaces, but depending upon how many you will have, we may have to rearrange them.
If you need more space the New Intern article can go on the next page.
LOGOS does not pay
for articles, but welcomes contributions in the ’point of view’ vein.
We would also have the right to revise or cut accordingly. Once you get to know us and
what has been published in LOGOS in the past, it will be easier but the first time is
always more difficult.
If you wish to take
on the job, we can print a number over our regular number and send them to you for
distribution where you feel they would do the most good. I need to know as soon as
possible for a possible September deadline. Otherwise we will approach someone else. So
please let me know as soon as possible.
How are things with
you? We are busy with a number of projects now, Annual Report, Date Book 1983 paperback
reprints, and the promotion of our new film “Images of Knowing.” The new film is
really a beauty - prints are $15O, and video $50. Its color, 15 min., narrated by Anne
Baxter. It looks really promising for awards, and has been entered in three competitions
so far, and more this fall and next year also.
Best wishes,
Paul Verhaeren
Office Manager
Paul Verhaeren
Swedenborg
Foundation
139 East 23rd
Street
New York, New York
10010
Dear Paul,
We are in receipt of
a number of letters and documents, which we would like to acknowledge briefly. First
we’ll be writing soon to Darrell Ruhl. Also to John Seekamp to accept with
appreciation the life membership offers. Third, many thanks for the documentation details
on Swedenborglans. There is one particularly we’d like to discuss with Emeritus
Professor Leon Edel, the world renowned biographer of Henry James. Since we gave a seminar
on William James five years ago we’re interested in tracing Swedenborgian ideas into
American psychology through the James’. Fourth, we’re glad to find out that you
are an artist, especially that you work with mystical representations, since in mystical
we see the spiritual. Our son Rex is sending you some of his mystical studies of Hebrew
letters. In this connection, our daughter Joy also decided to share a letter with you.
Incidentally, all materials we send you including tapes are copies for you to keep or
dispose, unless specifically stated otherwise. We will not be attending transpersonal
psychology meetings, but a colleague in the department, Dr. Abraham Arkoff, will be
attending. We discovered that he is interested in teaching and promoting transpersonal
psyÐchology in Hawaii. However, we also discovered that this does not go as far as
Swedenborg (yet!). Finally, we received all books and requested pamphlets; we are very
grateful for your generosity. They shall be well used. We acknowledge receipt of the check
for $17.59; If it’s easier from now on you may simply credit us for any overpayments.
About our writing a
Logos article: great. We’d like to tell how we became promoters of Swedenborg’s
ideas and give details on the various projects ongoing. If that is ok we expect to send
the article to you by the end of August or before.
We are enclosing a
church announcement to indicate some of our activities. We plan to have a discussion after
the movie and will allow people to borrow books from us. Incidentally, a local
distributing company called Film Services Hawaii provides the film. They have all three
films and they say the films are not much in demand (till now!). We hope they will be
getting “Images of Knowing” which we are expecting with great excitement.
Perhaps one day you
will fill us in on you and Swedenborg: is your interest aesthetic, historical, scientific,
religious? Have you read a lot of him? Do you proselytize? How do you take his reports
about men on the moon? What about creationism? What about evangelism?
With only good
wishes,
Diane and Leon
James
Mr. John R.
Seekamp, President
Swedenborg
Foundation, Inc.
139 East 23rd
Street
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Mr. Seekamp,
We are honored and
delighted by the news that we have been elected life members of the Swedenborg Foundation.
It was only recently that Providence guided us to the shelf in Hamilton Library, which had
the theological works of Emanuel Swedenborg, a name we knew nothing of. Both of us started
reading him with total absorption. All day and practically all night -- we couldn’t
stop. It was the good news right fresh from Heaven which we instantly recognized, and
drank in with avid thirst, with great enthusiasm, with relief, of such relief, praise be
to God.
A few months later we
discovered the Swedenborg Foundation and, with great excitement shared by our two teenaged
children, we began corresponding with Mr. Paul Verhaeren, whom we now consider a good
friend. And now comes the beginning of our official ties to you. We are willing and eager
to make it easier for others to appreciate Swedenborgian ideas and to use them for
improving life and for spiritualizing the intellect.
During the past two
years we have (i) incorporated Swedenborgian ideas in our research, writings, and
teaching; (ii) we have helped our two teenaged children read and understand
Swedenborg’s writings; (iii) we have been actively challenging and discussing and
informing our friends and our Holy Nativity Church members (Episcopal), including Sunday
School which we both teach. More in the future with the Lord’s permission.
We are especially
looking forward to the time when we will meet you and others who might pass through here.
We say, “pass through here” because we do not anticipate any travel in the near
future (we managed not to travel for the past six years! there is so much to read and do
right here!). We enjoyed seeing your photo in Logos, and finding out your biographical
details (including your war time stay here).
With only good
wishes, Aloha.
Leon and Diane
James
Prof. Leon James
Dept. of Psychology
University of
Hawaii
2430 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Leon,
I am so happy to hear
from you, and also from Rex and Joy. I found their correspondences to be charming and very
heart warming. I am also pleased to hear that you want to do the lead article for LOGOS.
We will need a picture of you and maybe some action photos of things illustrating your
point.
I will send copies of
your correspondence to the Board. They will be pleased to hear of your work, and to note
also Rex and Joy‘s comments. I always feel we should listen more closely to what
others say, there are good suggestions everywhere if we listen.
Generally, the
Foundation tries not to proselytize, but sometimes it is very hard not to, and sometimes
things we do in the way of assistance can be construed as such, hard as we try to keep it
differently.
Looking forward to
seeing the article, I know it’s going to be a good one.
Best wishes,
Paul V. Verhaeren
Office Manager
430 E. 87th St. 3A
New York, NY 10028
Dear Leon,
You asked how I
came to Swedenborg. Since the matters related will be my own opinions and beliefs and not
those of the Foundation, I am writing to you under separate cover to explain.
I purchased a
volume of Swedenborg many, many years ago. It was in French, and I was not so proficient
in the language then. The book fascinated me. After I moved to N.Y.C. I became disgusted
with financial institutions and decided for a change of field - this was no doubt due to
my reaching the age of 40 and mid-life crisis. I sent out numerous resumes, many to
publishers, received back replies for 3 Interviews. Each interview went well but they all
paid low salaries, lower than I was then earning. Swedenborg Foundation seemed interested
but the salary was low also. I “spoke” to Swedenborg himself, more or less -
Jung would call it active imagination - and I told him the salary I wanted which was some
2-3,000 $ more than offered. It took a year for the Foundation to offer more.
As far as his reports
of people on other planets, this is also a Theosophical society belief, there are a lot of
things we don’t see and cannot comprehend. I don’t think that this detracts in
any way from his teachings. The Theosophists feel that there are inhabited planets but
that we have not attained the vibratory level to be on the same plane. I believe in this
also. All things, though they appear solid, are not, but are something like mist. We live
in parallel worlds and sometimes; through the crossing of vibrations we contact them. If
one knew how to step up one’s vibration one could feasibly disappear into another
world. (I have always felt this was true.)
This is all in
keeping with Eastern Philosophy, since the Vedas speak of the world being formed from the
milk of the celestial cows, which was churned until it formed matter, as we know it. I
wrote recently to a young writer whose book I’d read, it was about the Tao of
Physics. In it he relates how our consciousness affects the outcome of particle physics
experiments, by our wanting to believe that something would happen in a specific way.
Since Eastern religions have existed far longer than Christianity, much of what they say
is true. Christianity is important for us because Christ showed us how to live and from
him and through him a new breed of mankind will result. I feel that there is truth in all
religion, but by crystallization into dogma, the truth ii perverted. We have to believe in
mystical religion or we die from within. Dogmas chain man to the earth and bind him to
heaven or hell. I do not feel that this is right. Oral or mystical transmission of truth
is far more powerful than written. Since Christ is also the Word, it is like believing in
a shadow of the Divine Figure if one puts too much emphasis on it, rather than on what one
must do to better life for others as well as us. Love is important. It is not necessary to
understand to love. Love makes allowances for the differences in religions and races which
otherwise would be abhorrent to us.
I am more or less an
Episcopalian. I belong to the church but almost never go. I am more interested in
fundamental Christianity than organized churches. I feel that if all the churches would
well their property, they could feed and care for the poor more effectively than any other
thing they could do. Through my travels I came across a little group in Maine called the
Carpenter’s Boat shop. It is run by a Methodist Minister and his wife (also a
minister). They allow people to live free of charge in their place, learn the skills of
boat building, and learn Christian values first hand. To me there is nothing like
Christian example rather than constantly harping on how one should live.
I admire you and
Diane, because it must have taken a tremendous courage to give up the religion one was
trained in. I used to be Catholic, but found the whole thing a bit like spiritual
blackmail; especially the part of it, which says to leave the church, is the worst sin of
all. I have a very prominent Jupiter in my own horoscope and feel the need for religion
very strongly, but perhaps the Aquarian/Uranus has tinged the chart in a way which puts
the emphasis on a different type of religion, more humanistic and somewhat erratic, or
eccentric.
When Christ said that
indeed there were many mansions in heaven, I take this literally. Something as immense as
the human experience, taken in the whole, has to be something which we as humans cannot
even faintly dream of as truth. Swedenborg does have a very Jewish concept in Adam Kadman.
It is perhaps a very logical concept, and similar to St. Therese who said that we cannot
all be roses, there are needed also other flowers and herbs to complete the garden.
Rather than rattle on
and on. I’ll end for now. I realize that my own concepts to someone else may seem a
bit bizarre; this is one reason why I do not reveal much of it to others unless I have a
rapport with them. Something I feel to you and Diane, since I feel that you are both
working in this same manner as many others like me. We seem to be a hidden part of
God’s working, which is more or less silently being done and without fanfare.
Best wishes to you
both, and my love to Rex and Joy.
Love,
Paul
Dear. Paul,
We want to thank you
for the kindness and interest you are showing Joy and Rex. Your friendship means a lot to
all of us. Incidentally, Leon has lived in Antwerp (1949-1954) where he went to Jewish
parochial school with Flemish, French, German, and Spanish as languages, not counting
Hebrew, Latin, Greek, which were also standard fare. By the time he got to Canada, English
at age 16 became his eleventh language (with Yiddish, Hungarian, and Rumanian in the early
childhood background). So having multilingual background amidst us we know what you are
discussing about your own family.
We want to respond to
Matt Schwartz’s circular you were so kind in sharing with us. Also in your letter you
somewhat endorse the idea that “prophecy today is being fulfilled.” A word of
caution is in order here. Prior to our encounter with Swedenborg’s writings about two
years ago, we too were quite involved intellectually in this idea of Bible prophecy being
fulfilled in world events today. And we read Eric Sauer (we recommend him to you) and were
members of the 7000lub, and rooted for creationism in schools, and listened to Evangelists
on the radio, and attended Jesus rallies on campus, and other such things. However all of
this has ceased since our beginning to read Swedenborg every day and study the Word
through his writings. Therefore we want to share with you the reasons Swedenborg himself
explicitly teaches that one ought not to try to confirm current events from Scripture. We
shall run down the points as they occur to us but we’d happy to find the actual
references and send them to you later. But for now we rely on memory.
(1) The general
attitude Jesus taught was not to be anxious about tomorrow and He Himself was reticent in
disclosing the future when His disciples asked. So it isn’t health to cultivate this
curiosity since it detracts from one’s freedom of choice - a necessary ingredient for
being saved (conjoined to the Lord through good and truth).
(2) Jesus taught
that He Himself came to fulfill all of the Word. There is no good or truth in the attempt
to select passages in the literal sense and apply them to events that are happening in
history. Today’s Bible interpreters are totally ignorant of the inner sense of the
Word hence it is quite natural to see the Bible as a historical document, even if
inspired. But Swedenborg shows very extensively that the historical details of the Bible
(literal sense) are carefully chosen by the Lord to be representative of events in the
spirit world and in heaven, and that their historical meaning is not at all the purpose
for which these particular details are in the Bible. Those who are aware of the inner
sense do not see in the literal sense the fulfillment of historical events at all, but
rather see these as representative. The Swedenborgian writers you publish also share this
point of view.
(3) Swedenborg
specifically cautions against using single passages of the Bible to confirm any theory or
interpretation (exegesis) that anyone may have, and shows that anything whatsoever
(almost) can be confirmed. Instead Swedenborg insists that the Lord Himself guides each
reader of the Word and reveals its inner meaning. And the meaning, which is thus revealed,
shows that the message is always about the spirit and not about earthly affairs.
Swedenborg indicts severely those who use the Bible to confirm historical predictions and
asserts that the reason that motivates them to do this stems from the self and is ungodly.
They are known in the Book of Revelation as the Dragon, advocate faith without charity,
and are devils who try to mislead all -- as Swedenborg himself talked to them in the after
life. So beware, friend, and be forewarned!
We hope you do not
find these paragraphs offensive. We are not condemning Matt or any of the people involved,
but we are cautioning that Matt and others who labor under this illusion might very well
reconsider the matter in the light of Swedenborg’s writings. We are convinced of the
truth Swedenborg describes that all of us are victims of Babel, namely the tendency of our
rational to meddle with things higher though the rational is completely in the dark about
the spiritual; instead, the rational can see truth when it is animated by higher on which
is love or affection. As Swedenborg shows in many places, truth is the outer form of love.
In Genesis Ch.16, the story of Hagar in the desert represents the Lord’s rational
banned in Ishmael to be a wild-ass, which is one who continually fights against others and
is useless. Whereas Isaac is the truth animated from good, hence the New Church is to be a
faith that springs from love and not just a faith with love a consequence of faith.
Another point. People
who talk about Bible prophecy being fulfilled also talk in this way: “The Holy Spirit
directed me to... as in Matt’s circular. Swedenborg specifically rejects this idea as
a dangerous fantasy that we must shun. Swedenborg teaches that the Lord is One, and that
it is He Himself Personally who operates in each one of us and in each event, process,
object, etc. Hence only the Dragonists (he says) have this false idea that the Holy Spirit
is a Person and God, separate and equal, to the Son and to the Father. But this is
pernicious atheism and people in the other life who come there with this belief hate Jesus
and cannot be saved. Swedenborg says that they are this way because they want to act from
themselves and have this separate relation with the Spirit, which they then see as
replacing Jesus. Swedenborg also shows how spirits can induce the fantasy that they are
the Holy Spirit.
These are very
weighty matters but for a Swedenborgian it’s OK. We hope you understand. Useful
materials on these points will be found in AC, TCR, and LJ.
We are working on the
Logos article and will have it in time for you. We’ve started all over about four
times already! Peace and understanding are available now in the Lord God Jesus,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, whom we love more daily with thankfulness.
With love,
Leon and Diane
Dr. Leon James
Univ. of Hawaii at
Manoa
2430 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dear Leon,
How are things coming
with the article? Hope we will be seeing it soon, or have you hit a snag?
We are getting bids
for adding another 4 extra pages to LOGOS, and so if you want larger picture space we may
be able to accommodate this. It will depend on the price to print those 4 extra pages.
Incidentally how many of the LOGOS do you want for your distribution, or do you prefer
that we handle it from here? We can have someone type labels or envelops to whomever you
choose and we would also pay the postage this way,
How are things with
you and Diane? And the children? Got a note from Joy that my parcel arrived O.K. I thought
the kids would get a kick out of the dogs, and hope Diane liked the other two moderns.
Sold all thirty of the paintings at the exhibit, though funds will be tied up for a while,
yet.
My next project is
organizing a filmmaking shoot for someone who wants an already trained crew. Seems that
they have money to spend and will probably want to do more than one. (At least I am hoping
for more than one.) All the members of the crew are Fordham University alumni from the
film classes, and the shoot is scheduled for October some time.
Best of wishes to
Diane and the kids. Will be awaiting your reply soon.
Sincerely,
Paul V. Verhaeren
P.S. Don’t
mean to rush you. I’m just working with deadlines set by Darrell, so officially this
is my enquiry for the article. Unofficially, we will see it then we get it.
Mr. Paul Verhaeren,
Swedenborg
Foundation,
139 East 23rd
Street,
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Paul,
It is with pleasure
that we are enclosing our LOGOS article for the winter issue, and hopefully on time. It is
about 2800 words plus some diagrams. If you need cuts because it is too long for the issue
you’re planning, please let us know, or if you think of any corrections or changes;
it would take very little time for us to accommodate it to your wishes, then we’ll
send it right back. About the diagrams: they are important, but their size or proportion
is not at all fixed, so that you may redraw them free hand if you like to suit the style
you had in mind. The only important thing about them is the particular set of words in
them, and of course, in the relative positions indicated. If you can work with colors, the
inmost circle should be red/orange, the intermediate blue/green, and the outermost
white/gray.
The last diagram is
the largest and is optional, in case there is room for it, if not, leave it out. There is
also a photograph of us all, which we will send you in a few days, as soon as we have it.
Thank you for your
very kind and interesting letters to us and Rex and Joy. We shall take up in due course
all the issues you raise and will write personally to you a little later. In the meantime,
please be assured of our best wishes and sincere Aloha.
Leon and Dian James
Prof. Leon James
Univ. of Hawaii at
Manoa
2430 Campus Rd.
Honolulu, III 96822
Dear Leon,
Thank you for swiftly
sending the article. I am sending you a copy of the article back so that you can rework it
a bit. What we need is something, which can focus on those who have an average high school
education, for one thing. Secondly, those parts marked in red, are the best parts, aid are
going to be the most interesting for the reader. Thirdly, I like how you bring in the
children, and the model of the three-fold order.
What must be cut is
the list of sciences, some of the technical language on Paradigms - I’m afraid that
some readers may not know what one is! How Swedenborg was/is-isn’t classified is
interesting, this can be expanded on if you like. Perhaps practical application of
Swedenborgian techniques or concepts would be interesting if included, and a little
something on how you aid Diane got involved with Swedenborg. I have no biographical info
on either of you - I need something like, how long you’ve lived in Hawaii, etc. for a
small profile at the end of the article. (Hobbies? Anything else of interest).
Another - (have a
borrowed typewriter, and certainly not the best! — please bear with me.) thing which
I would like to do is send the article as it is to the Studia Swedenborgiana people for
reckoning there interest In. your material. (And, Leon and Diane, remember the more
material I have of yours, the better we can see how to fit it into our printing program.
Perhaps if something is really good we can put it in monograph form, and test market it.
Also, it should be aimed a bit lower intellectually, if all possible.
Can we have the
reworked article in a couple of weeks? I know you must be awfully busy, but I’m
thinking of the typesetting, etc. Oh, one other thing, it’s a bit long so when
cutting, don’t add appreciably to the length, better shorter than anything - this way
the pictures will be bigger, more interesting. I would normally, cut and rework myself,
but you stated in your letter you wanted to do it - plus if I did it you probably
wouldn’t recognize it anymore!
Hope this gives you
some idea.
Best wishes,
Paul V. Verhaeren
P.S. Got typewriter
back but still doesn’t work – Love to all.
Mr. Paul Verhaeren,
Swedenborg
Foundation,
139 East 23rd
Street,
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Paul,
We are enclosing the
latest version of the proposed Winter Logos issue. It is in a totally different style and
we hope it might be more at the level you intended. However feel free to return it to us
with further instructions until we have just what you desire. Also, feel free to combine
the two versions. You may want to send us the final draft you come up with and we’ll
be sure to send it back to you within 24 hours.
Regarding reprints,
if you can send us 50 extra copies, that’ll take care of our needs. We usually just
give them to colleagues and friends so you need not mail them except send them to us.
As for other writings
we have, everything is still in the preparation and ideas stage, but we’ll be sure to
send you anything we have as soon as it’s in a presentable form (probably in two
years or so!).
Rex just wrote to you
and we are sending a letter to your home address. With best regards,
Cordially,
Leon and Diane
James
October 20, 1982
430 East 87th St.
3A
New York, N.Y.
10028
Dear Leon &
Diane,
Thank you for your
kind words and your love. I have written you many letters both in my mind and on paper,
and each time I have destroyed them. This is not uncommon with me. I wish to be accurate
in my thoughts, and not lead anyone, especially you two, away from teachings which you
have espoused and which assist you in making progress in the spiritual world.
You are both loved by
God very much, as evidenced by what you have been given in the way of talents, in the way
of zeal, and in the way of understanding others. These are indeed His marks, which show up
later in ones fruits, which the trees bear.
Your words about the
red dragon are well taken. I can see the love, which prompted them, and the concern that
anyone else should be caught in a grave error. If you knew my stand, you perhaps
wouldn’t even have bothered to think about my involvement with Matt Schwartz. I am
decidedly anti-organized religion. I see all of the bad things about it, particularly in
churches, which gather in money and do not feed the poor or house the sick, in fact, all
of the Christly admonitions to His followers.
As for the 700 club,
I do not espouse any doctrine which denies anyone basic human rights, or the love which
they deserve in Christ. These people, from what I know, do just that. A Pollyana-ish
attitude is not either the right approach to life.
I was prompted by God
to attend my own church recently. I went, and I was appalled by the state of it. The
confusion over the Trinity is perhaps the most offensive. I see why the Arabs term the
Christians “heathen”. For not only is the church filled with wealth, and
sumptuosity, but also filled with statues and representations of beings who have candles
put in front of them and are prayed to.
I went into a
synagogue on the Day of Atonement, and saw no statues inside, nor were there
representational objects in the stained glass windows. But the sumptuosity was the same as
the Christian churches. I happen to know that there are strict admonitions in the Jewish
community to assist others, etc. I see why God loves these people of all of the rest.
But I have thought of
the Bible and the creation story. If we all stem from Adam and Eve, then why do we
mistrust each other, and hate? Why can’t we attempt to understand one another, and
love one another as brothers and sisters? Are we not all God’s children? Doesn’t
a father or mother naturally favor one child over another in a human family? Does this
hurt the child?
Oftentimes the father
is proud of the son who is boastful and crude, but he nonetheless disciplines the child to
right living, as a father should. Because a child is weak or sickly or is sensitive to the
beauties of nature does not make that child less human or less of God’s own beloved
creation.
We are now receiving
a new message from God. This is a new era, and as He has decreed, each new era must have a
new law, and the people must sing a new song. This is one of the reasons why all of the
churches have changed their liturgies, in keeping with the new age, whether they felt this
consciously or unconsciously does not matter. What we believe to be the Truth is the
Truth, even if we are wrong, since our own hearts hold the key to the Redeemer’s
secrets. This is why many people fulfill different functions in life and have different
needs, as well as different religions.
You could say, that
if God had wanted us all to be the same not only would He not have troubled to make blue,
green, red, or any other color, He would have sat us down and said “Thou shalt not
have any other religion but Catholic” (or whatever). By observing the vastness of
nature and the variety, it should be evident to man/woman that it is meant to be a
varietous world, and to be taken in joyfully and with gusto, to be enjoyed as the most
beautiful, physical expression of God’s creation. Yet many try to deny the world as
being sinful and impure. We are coming to an age, which has redeemed the world, and
redeemed the land and its entire people back to God. We must therefore know that as the
expression of God, as with the physicality of our bodies, so too the world is HOLY. We
must treat it as such since all things reside in the immensity of God, that nothing is
outside of God!
If there is error in
the world, then we should try to change it. But Love has to be the motive. Love has to
pick up the downtrodden and clothe and feed them. Love has to change the corporate
structure so that all men and women benefit equally and are not run over by the giant
wheels of the industry that they serve. Governments must begin to understand that we, as
free individuals, and. as God’s chattels alone, are, the individual atoms supporting
all government. People can refuse to go to war if they genuinely recognize it as immoral;
they have a right to strike if their rights are infringed upon.
Above all, nothing is
allowed by God, which has the power to ruin a person’s soul. If we are taken into
bondage it is so that we will know what slavery is like; if we are allowed to be a pariah,
it is to know what a pariah feels; if we are allowed to starve in the midst of plenty,
then it is so that we can know that plenty is given by God and taken away by Him for our
knowledge and benefit.
I used to weep for
the sufferer, and bleed for the sick. I was told that it was a grave mistake, that I was
suffering more and that I was sicker than the person I saw. But in empathy is often a
mystical thing, which the coming to terms with serves as a catalyst for greater action.
Empathy and love will change the world to one of pleasure and enjoyment when we no longer
PERSONALLY see people in need or want. This is the separation of Heaven from Hell, and the
Final Judgment. This will indicate that we have achieved our purpose of living God’s
law. How long will it take us to gather in the homeless, the hungry, and the sick? We will
then know how long we are from final glory of knowing God personally by mystical union.
I have always been a
mystic, even from childhood. I used to go out in the fields and pray, hoping to see angels
or wonders. It has taken me well over35 years to know that they are everywhere around us,
and we are blind to them. This is what Christ meant by the blind being cured, the lame
walking, etc. It is not so much the physical side of this, but that we are cured
internally, since it is our core or heart seed, which is the most important part of us.
As for Christ, He was
the pattern and prototype of what the new man should be. By all appearances, though we are
told that He was Divine, He was also filled with anger, sorrow, etc. Shouldn’t this
tell us that what He was human. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the
life.” He is here saying that He is the way (to live), He is the truth (to know) and
He is the life (sustenance). He also states that no one approaches the Father but through
Him, i.e. using Him as an example or prototype. We will begin to see more like Him
everyday that passes from now on. Those born under the sign of the Human Being will begin
to act now and bring about a great change in the world. Those who wish to cling to wealth
or power for their own sake, had best watch out; but those who assume these for the sake
of the rest from the principles of Brotherhood and in Love only will be allowed to keep
both.
I must apologize for
this letter sounding like an Epistle, but ever since my mother named me Paul for a lack of
any other name, I have carried his traditions and his mark. It seems to prove to me that
as it is stated in the Bible, God gave the name calling function to man as one of the
primary gifts. In calling others sinners, or in calling them fools, we name them so and
they then become that in our eyes. Intolerance seems to thrive on this name-calling. If we
would just call one another beloved, or brother, or sister, it would make much more sense.
These last few weeks
I have felt pressured by God. I denied my own self, knowing that I have a tendency to
pride and being puffed up, the acceptance of power and authority for its own sake. I am
right in believing that it is a wrong thing to covet. But I was told that by assuming the
place where I should be, accepting responsibility for my life, I could benefit many more
people than I ever have before. Naturally I said yes. This all holds true at the
Foundation also. By remaining there, I would not have the power and the authority to act
which I need in order to institute the coming of the new age, or the New Jerusalem, as you
call it. It, I can assure you, is definitely descending from Heaven on the world, and the
world doesn’t know it! This is a supreme irony indeed. You also Diane and Leon are
part of this process, whether you know it or not. It is like the spiritual finally taking
root in the physical, from which it will not leave again. Day by day we shall be feeling a
genuine feeling of oneness carpeting the world.
As to who I am, I
don’t know. But I wouldn’t worry. What is most important is the love that we
bring to the world, and the sense of justice, which is fair to all people alike. If that
isn’t the New Jerusalem descending, then I don’t know what is. I particularly
like the phrase in the Bible, which goes, “see how they love one another.” To me
it is the epitome of Christianity, and since God is love, what better expression of His
existence in the physical realm than this, that we all love one another and unite the
world?
I hope this serves to
clarify me to you both. I live in an ever present now, which says that we are now living
eternity. Why wait till tomorrow to love, or tomorrow to do something of value, do it
today!
All my love,
Paul
P.S. As to your
article, I thought it was marvelous as written. I think it is a grave miscalculation to
judge others on a high school education level. We should feed people, even though they
don’t understand the vitamins or not. Much love to you all. I received a charming
letter from Christine, she is such a sweet person.
Dear Mr. Ruhl,
I am writing because
of an idea I have to expand the Swedenborg Foundation’s areas of media. So far we
have books, pamphlets, newsletters, videotapes and films. What can be missing from this
impressive list, you ask? COMPUTER SOFTWARE.
Recently, while
composing an artwork on the inner meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the Statue, I
came across a few problems. I wanted specific information on the various correspondences
of this passage (such as the meaning of iron, rock, feet, gold, etc.). So I picked up the
Dictionary of Bible Imagery and a few volumes of the Swedenborg Concordance. You can
imagine the enormous amount of references that were featured! It took hours to get the
right passages.
Now picture this: A
practical, modern, and popular method of finding the perfect address of the user’s
topic in a matter of seconds.
Millions of families
now own a personal computer, whether it is an APPLE, or an ATARI, or an IBM, or a RADIO
SHACK (like us). And in the near future, nothing will be excluded from the computer’s
influence. This includes the Foundation. Maybe you can take a poll in one of the
newsletters to see what percentage of the Swedenborg readers have a computer. In any case,
the computer- -age is not ahead-- it is NOW.
A good program can be
made to fit almost any need. The Dictionary and the Concordance are two examples that can
be transferred into a BASIC program that takes the place of a space-age librarian. A
person doesn’t have to be professional (or an adult, for that matter) .to design
this. What is necessary is an understanding of the language with which to program (BASIC
or MACHINE are the ideal). The Swedenborg Foundation can hire a few enthusiasts to come up
with some universal programs to fit the most popular home computers. Have this de-bugged,
mass copied on disks, advertised, and finally distributed! (By the way, a thousand dollars
is enough to get the show on the road I estimate).
I assume that an
investment in a software branch is too big a step to take right away. Some extensive
research and experimenting must first be considered. Anyhow, this is my main point:
I am willing to
volunteer 100+ hours designing for the Foundation during this summer. Under my parents
supervision and a bond with the foundation, I am sure I have the capability and initiative
to make a full-fledged program that can be used with the TRSÐ80, APPLE, ATARI, and any
home computer with standard BASIC and about 16K memory (all mentioned above excess in this
amount). This isn’t a light offer, and you should take into consideration that
Highschoolers are usually the ‘brains’ behind most software independently
produced. Our family has a Radio-Shack Color Computer granted by the University here. It
has all the capabilities of producing a BASIC program to match what I have in mind.
Also, I have some
friends who are even more computer-orientated than I who can assist me. A programmed
Dictionary of Bible Imagery can be used by anyone. The user might enter the subject or
specific passage he wants, and then be given excerpts from that category. References can
be labeled and stored. Color-coding is a possibility. An entire program can be stored on a
cassette tape and copied. The cassettes are prone to malfunction, however. A better method
is the use of a disk drive and a floppy disk, which the majority of computer users own. A
disk drive is a fast and effective way of storing and selling a program. And to make a
good program that is lengthy, a Disk system is required.
Unfortunately, we
don’t have one. The TRS-80 Disk Drive is from 400$-600$ dollars. If we could be
loaned a drive in return for working on a given project during the summer, then the entire
project can be set in motion. The possibilities are boundless!
I can make any
program desired within limits. I have already made a few video games (one of which I am
entering in a contest). And my main objective will be to help increase the usage of
SwedenÐborg’s materials. My career after college will be based on programming.
CONSIDER AND
REPLY!!!
Lord be with you,
Rex Jakobovits
Darrell Ruhl,
Executive Director,
Swedenborg Foundation,
139 East 23rd Street,
New York, N.Y.
10010
Dear Mr. Ruhl:
I’ve been
meaning to write to you for a long time and now at last the occasion has materialized.
First I want to express my belated thanks for the Logos article about our discovery of the
Writings. Several people from the New Church wrote to us as a result of the article and we
made some invaluable contacts.
In your June 18, 1982
letter you ask about my reactions to Van Dusen’ s Presence of Other Worlds. I was
finally able to read It recently and was very Impressed by it. In fact I had it ordered
for my Social Psychology class next semester (enrollment: about 100) and want to try it
out for several semesters. I hope you have them stocked! I aim very curious to see how
students will adjust to it. They’ll have two texts, one a traditional treatment of
the psychology of self (E. Krupat (Ed.), Psychology Is Social. Glenview, Ill.: Scott
Foresman, and Col, 1982), the other will be Van Dusen, Krupat book presents the negative
bias in science (non-spiritual) while Van Dusen presents the positive bias (non-spiritual
and spiritual). This is an experiment and I know of no other such attempt. Naturally
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Our university has
purchased a copy of Images of Knowing. We have not as yet seen the Blake film, though we
heard good things about it! We continue to show The Man Who Had to Know to all my classes
in Social Psychology and it is always a big hit. Only about 10% want to accept it
literally, but the majority are Impressed by Swedenborg’s a person and find his ideas
useful in various ways. With there reading Van Dusen next semester, I expect a more
intense involvement.
A man called the
other day who had seen The Man Who Had to Know aired on KHON, then had called the
Swedenborg Foundation in New York, obtained hi name. Unfortunately I couldn’t be of
much help to him as he was interested in spiritism rather than the Lord. The innate
opposition people show towards the literalness of Swedenborg’s descritioqeography
continuously impresses me. One day you might consider a popular magazine project (like say
Psychology Today, or Scientific American) wick might be called Spiritual Geographic, or
something like that, and would present Swedenborg’ s Memorable Relations, the Grand
Man, Scientific Correspondences, Bible Exegesis, as well as Swedenborgiana In Literature,
and so on. It should have beautiful glossy pictures (diagrams, paintings, photographs,
charts, tables, etc.). There are many New Churchmen who could contribute articles and
materials.
I’ve been
meaning to ask you about our university library’s holdings in Swedenborg. Hamilton
Library has the 1902 Rotch edition, and nothing else. There is a need for such things as:
Potts’ Concordance, Spiritual Diary, Searle’s Index, the Bible Image Dictionary,
and others. I wonder what the Foundation’s policy on this might be if you decide you
can donate the books I would send your list to Hamilton Library to prepare them for there
reception and cataloguing. Because I anticipate a growing student interest in the Writings
It would be good if we could have as many of the books you can make available for this
purpose.
You mention you might
visit Hawaii in 1983, but we have not heard from you. Be sure to look us up when you come
across this way! Aloha!
Sincerely yours,
Leon A. James
Professor of
Psychology
Regards from Diane,
Rex, and Joy!