Your show seems to touch a lot of people in a positive way. You ask and answer most of the things we all wonder about. It’s difficult to believe that Emmanuel Swedenborg could have covered that much ground in his dreams, but he did. Thank you for providing good questions along with useful tools and satisfactory answers. I believe together we can give evil a good swift kick in the rear. Many thanks to Dr. Rose, Curtis Childs and the rest of the crew.
What a wonderful message! We do work hard to make sure our viewers feel supported, not only by engaging content but through replies to questions/comments on our channel. Your feedback really does encourage us, Jules! With love, the SF team
Hey guys! You never fail to use the perfect analogies to explain the topic on which you are speaking about. Your humor helps so much as well. Another much appreciated episode.
I have been watching these shows for a couple of years now and find them enormously helpful, especially the explanations of the Old Testament. I am very grateful to Curtis and all the team for their hard work in putting this teaching out.
Mary, thank you so much for reaching out. We are truly honored that you've decided to watch our shows for the past couple years! We wish you well, friend :)
To Megan for her question, and to Jonathan and Curtis for their answer, thank you! It is something I needed to hear, because it is of somewhere I am at, and have been for some time now. " ... is the person blind to their behaviour, or is it deliberate?" That's the question, and in simply posing it, you have given me the answer.
hello my friends am finally back to be able to watch and this was a very informative video. I found my husband 3 years ago and with the ups and downs it is still a very fulfilling life. My fight for growth in correctness of Gods word started at age 9 forward, it is growing and still strong in me. I continually thank God for bringing Swedenborg and all of you into my life so I can continue to grow. Blessings to all of you.
Hi Cheri! Great hearing from you, dear friend. It sounds like you have a very special relationship with you husband. We are so glad you're growing in God's Word and finding immense value in Swedenborg :)
I love the both of you conversing in teaching us and interacting with each other makes for a really good video I want to thank both of you you really unpack some things for me as well!
Wow!!! This was the most amazing content that I learned so much more from and gave me much insight. I've learned to understand people better, and though we cannot see inside their hearts, something Dr. Rose said really made me think. The more Divine a person's love, and the more wisdom they have, the more understanding they are toward others. This really hit me bc someone who I considered a true friend is showing opposite this....and it really hurt. So I'm trying to understand him better, see where he's coming from, and see how I can become better by trying harder to love and understand him--hoping that he will spiritually pick up on this (yes he is spiritual, and still growing, as we all are). This could be a great learning growth point for me as well. I truly loved how you brought science into this and it made so much sense. And the biblical passages also validate Swedenborg's words. What great food for the spirit this episode was! Watching it again at least 2 more times!
Wow! What an incredible message, Christine! It sounds like this episode is helping you to re-frame a recent encounter with a friend. I appreciate the approach you're taking in trying to understand him through a posture of love and patience. May God bless your path.
Thanks for another great show. What a shame that Swedenborg was not accepted by the religious leaders of his day. Finally his message can get out to the world, thanks to your work and the Internet. It does offer hope for those seeking truth. I am so glad that I came across this site. I had started to read "Heaven and Hell", but stopped years ago. Now I have downloaded a copy to take around with me on my phone.
Neil, The lack of receptivity by the religious leaders to Swedenborg's ideas just shows us the spiritual condition of those leaders. And what about the religious leaders of today? Are they any better? Religious leaders tend to blindly follow the blind religious leaders before them. They call it "tradition" and worship that tradition.
Thanks for another helpful video. Swedenborg's work is so very important. I never knew it existed until I found your channel. Thanks again for all your dedicated work to bring this information to the public's attention. It's helping more people than we could know.
We really appreciate your kind and encouraging words, alex! It means a lot to us to know that the information is resonating with you. Great to have you out there in the audience!
Melody A Robinson Especially since we were just having a conversation about people who commit heinous crimes, but perhaps their life circumstances "created" the desire for that particular criminal behavior.
Very good point from Curtis, Sometimes people act out of Character because of an underline medical problem. I know this for a fact because I suffer from an Anxiety disorder and before I was being properly treated with my disorder I was very moody and emotional, I would over react to things that most people would not react to or not at the level I would, I used to feel very bad about myself I did not understand why I was acting like this, I even felt like God was angry at me because I was not being the best person I knew I could be and all along it was just a chemical imbalance in my brain that was easily treatable once I found the right medication, I really suffered from this and I know other suffer to from illness and if they were properly treated they would overcome their problems.
Gerald Brush may I ask what helped you? As far as medication goes? I am dealing with very high volumes of stress due to my physical health and other issues and it causes me more depression than anxiety. I'm working toward getting better so I can feel better emotionally, but a lot of the time it's out of my control. I meditate, try to do things, but I have 4 young autistic children so it's kind of hectic. I love my kids and my husband. We just deal with a hell of a lot from many directions all at once like other people in life. Thanks for sharing, by the way. I'm glad you found a way to cope.
Hi Hella Quinn thanks for writing me and I am sorry you have so many issues in your life, I understand how hard it is although my issues are different from yours. I to practice meditation and prayer and it does help, But I have learned that you have to ask God directly for help Tell him what it is you need from him, God wants to help us but we need to ask him because he does not over rule the free will he has given us. Talk to God often and in private, Also talk to your Doctor about whats going on with you, We really need to nag our Doctors because they are very busy and they do not have a lot of time to examine us as they should, In other words the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I wish you the best, God bless, G.
Gerald Brush Thanks for the response. Yeah I have a pretty decent relationship with my Dr, actually for the most part. She is pretty busy because she's good at her job though. I've been through plenty of natural, medical and other remedies so I am trying anything and everything. It's not so much that life sucks, it's that I can't do a whole lot of 'normal' things that most can do because of the state of our children and my health issues. They've (the kids) dealt with a lot, so it's understandable. We've overcome a lot, however and I admit things could always be worse. But it does get more and more overwhelming on top of not having as much control over your physical body when dealing with health issues. I'm currently trying a new medication and it isn't very promising, hence why I asked. I know it's very personal so I apologize. But I genuinely appreciate your help and knowing I'm not the only one willing to admit life isn't always as simple or perfect as a positive attitude 100% of the time.
I'm on effexor it works pretty good for me but everyone's health issues are different my problems all stem from a thyroid disorder. Have you had your Thyroid tested? If not its a good idea to do so. I hope your Dr. finds something that works for you and you get well soon, I understand how hard it is I suffered for more then twenty years before I started feeling half way well again. God be with you, G.
So magical when you "stumble" on a answer to a question that has been in your mind!! The past week i have been wondering HOW on EARTH i knew God existed when I was very very very little :) I remember how i just knew there was a "something" where everything comes from (but i did not yet know the word "God". I felt the precense of this "being". I am today a christian but no one in my family are and they never talked to me about God, so that is not how i knew. Lately i have been wondering and sort ur doubting my own memory... until today! Thank you!!
Isn't it so cool to stumble onto those very things we need?! I'm so glad to hear that this episode helped to clarify your understanding of God, that he exists and loves you so very much.
I undestand for sure your passion for Swendenborg and also I, love the both of you conversing in teaching us and interacting with likeminded. You've got it for nothing give it for nothing in the name of Truth and knowledge and wisdom stay strong and happy Curtis
I’ve always enjoyed this episode, thank you so much! This video has always hit “ home” for me. Jonathan ( Dr. Rose) basically explained from a Swedenborgian perspective, that I’m not to blame for things that were out of my control. I’m not afraid to tell the truth. Because of the way I was born, I always mentally abused by my own mother ( the result of drugs) She made me feel useless, and alone as the only child without a father. This led to a depression at 9 years old and basically destroyed my life. It’s miracle of the Lord that I’m still here. I still pray to the Lord and ask for guidance and mercy on a frequent basis. I’ve witnessed many things in my life and others people’s lives also. Where they quit, I didn’t. I’m not afraid to go forward as long as the Lord is with me . ❤️❤️😊
Julian, you clearly were born into some very difficult conditions, and I'm so sorry for your suffering. No child deserves that, but it happens all too often. I'm so glad you're still with us here, and hope you feel now how loved and important you are, and how sad it is that your own mother didn't get to see your radiance and vitality because she was too immersed in her own misery. I suppose she missed out on her own value as well. I hope you know now how much you matter and that you deserve love, my friend. I always enjoy your insights, words, and perspective - already you share so much that helps others, even just on this channel! God bless you.
@@offTheLeftEye Thanks❤️ that meant a lot to me. ...I have seen a lot of suffering and destruction in the world, not with just myself, but with other people, animals and the natural environment. It can be overwhelming at times. We can only go forward, do the best we can and ask Jesus or God for strength. ....God bless you also! ❤️😊
@@julianbristow4793 yes, there's so much about this world that is so hard to witness or experience. We all feel the weight of that too, here, and try to maintain some hope for the future! I do think we can see a lot of good, and love, and hope - but it's often harder to find. And you are so right - just keep asking God for strength! Thank you! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
All I can say Curtis, and Dr. John that if this is not the truth then it makes so much sense that it should be, because this sounds like God being pure wisdom and love would think this way and not the unforgiving and vengeful God that a lot of Christian teachings that are happening still today, Swedenborg just makes more sense that the ultimate intelligence which is our lord, would be more likely to be than the other way, so thank you guys so much for getting this truth out to the people, which I believe that God surly knew would happen.
Curtis, I loved your expression 'long drawn out inner agony.' I recognized something in myself the minute you expressed this concept. Excellent show guys!
Yes, we always hear "life isn't fair, deal with it" or "how is life fair?" But, man, this show REALLY offered a lot of information and incredible insight into this. And how we really shoudn't compare our lives with others. What a great topic to hold in a church service as someone earlier mentioned doing.
offTheLeftEye I I'm sure it was! But I couldn't think of a better way to handle the topic than the way you guys did. I've never seen it spoken of in such a way. You guys should celebrate big time after that one. Could not have been easy.
Thanks! It is original music we created in-house. We've had it in mind to release it someday as it's own downloadable recording. If we do, you'll hear about it!
Yes, many people find it helpful to watch more than once. And in reading Swedenborg's books, too, I realize new things every time I re-read. It is indeed a lot to absorb! We're so glad you enjoyed it.
Less than a minute into the show, my mind felt wired, and then up pops Curtis looking like a giant and says to Jonathan: "This might look silly, but I'm actually rewiring my brain right now!" Ha! Anyway, the immediate thought I had on seeing just the title of this episode was, that a Testimony of Faith is a test o' many fears. I will leave you with that gem of a thought as I go back to listen to the episode :)
Wonderful - as usual! O, and please make that show! How we react to others (words/violence/cruelty) might well illuminate much about ourselves as well as those others. And - about how Dive Love can work through us (and them). Thank you to all of you.
You're very welcome, Tim. Your encouraging responses always mean a lot to us! Yes, that would be an important and challenging kind of show to make, looking at actual ways to respond to negative behavior in others. So many different scenarios and situations. You may find at least some partial answers to that question in these two shows: "3 Simple Ways to Love Everyone" th-cam.com/video/pl7s8kiLrhE/w-d-xo.html "How to Love" th-cam.com/video/i1vLrF-BeGY/w-d-xo.html P.S. I recommend a lot of shows to you, and won't remember which ones I've already recommended, so please disregard when I repeat any recommendations! :)
Thank you - I watched 'How to Love'. I will check out Three Simple...etc. But I have a number of your videos lined up to watch! And I haven't even checked out the one re music yet! But I have time! :)
Oh my goodness. I just rewatched this episode on my own recommendation LOL! The show that I was guest on came up in the cue and I rewatched that, which was trippy. Watching this again reminds me of how I was frustrated by the title and thought I wasn't going to get what I desperately came that night needing. As I remembered how discouraging my week had been and how lost I felt I decided I better watch anyway. And then it is just like y'all wrote this show for me. I had even listened to a podcast just that day about how senses could come in from a different way. Anyway. Thank you. Great show. It was a lifeboat for me at the time.
@@offTheLeftEye It's almost like there is a Divine Providence motivated by Infinite Love and Wisdom that is always at work. :P You guys have helped me feel that personal, comforting feeling of DP actually caring about me. I believed in it before, but was just starting to believe that while all is well and good will win, my own heartbreaking and painful situation was not something I could expect direct help concerning. I could expect help in transforming the pain etc. but maybe not with the situation. I was even feeling like maybe my spiritual path was just in my imagination. There is no logical reason why you would reach out to me and want to talk to me. Now it feels like God letting me know He sees me. :)
@@joyborazjani2355 It's so profound to get that realization, even just for a moment, that God really, really knows us and really, really cares. And how beautiful that God allows us to be the agents of that love!
The explanation that “simple people” would be instructed by angels in the afterlife gives the idea that we can’t take any credit for our wisdom a whole ‘nother meaning! That was a relief for me to hear because I did have concern over those who were more simple-minded in my view. I am very curious as to why certain people are drawn to higher spiritual ideas while on Earth while other people may live a primarily material and/or carnally-oriented existence. Why some souls and not the other? I would love to know what made the choice/intention before being born here. I can’t thank OTLE enough for this fabulous episode! 😄
I'm so glad this episode was spiritually nourishing for you, Esther! I, too, am curious about the vast variety in human beings -- in ALL kinds of ways. Swedenborg doesn't talk about a "pre-life" state, where we commit to a specific path here on earth, but it's a very popular idea, I know. It's all so fascinating to ponder!
On the Internet people discuss subjects of a spiritual nature and there are many different opinions. Listening to various points of view that come from different levels, I like to listen to ideas that are full of light. Having this larger picture helps bring understanding and wisdom. Many times I hear the same ideas from different sources. It underlines those particular thoughts, making them worth a second look. These ideas reach a deep level within our spirit. It’s a way to become educated showing the many ways people look at God.
That sounds like a great approach, Bill! Yes, different perspectives on the one God. And some ideas do seem to resonate at a very deep level in our spirits. Thanks for sharing this reflection...of the light! :)
This was a very good lesson for me it increases my hope in heaven and does help me forgive myself for those things I did in stupidity stage. What will call my ox stage. But you must be careful with trying to understand and overlook those who are out to do you harm with love. Because those "types of evil" is dangerous to your person. You cannot be unaware there those who have murder in their hearts. I am dealing with someone who I been observing to have sociopathic behavior. These type of people are everywhere. You must be aware how far they fallen away from goodness.
It sounds like this episode is helping you to hold the past in a more merciful way. We all certainly have stages in our development that are "less smart" than other stages (haha). I honor your caution towards those who pose the possibility of harming you. Sometimes we have the opportunity to help steer others towards a better path, yet in other instances it's advised to just keep a distance. I'll be praying for you with regards to this individual, that you may discern what is best for your continued growth. Wishing you well, my friend.
Jonathan makes a profound point that we should basically try to understand where a person is coming from. So, if a person is a diabetic maniac -- take that into consideration, that extremes in blood glucose have an effect on behavior, or if a person has a biological defect or a lack of a crucial development, we can understand -- although we do not excuse the behavior, we forgive it more readily. A cousin of mine was telling me last night that a man grabbed a doctor by the neck -- but the doctor could not hold the patient, who was without wit and understanding, logic or rational thought, accountable. We are not left so frustrated when we gain insight as to why people misbehave -- is it a brain malfunction? Is it premeditated -- or not. How did a person find him or herself in the world early on? Additionally, I like the explanation about the ox. It is symbolic. It is an example of how Swedenborg is trying to explain rational thought. Irrational thought without logic would be to take that story literally. To not eat the flesh means we are not to identify with bad behavior. I believe with my entire heart if everyone listens to these discussions they will gain an education and understanding they did not have before. We have to reach for rational and logical thought and remember that chaos is always a design of hellish ways. We have biological component -- the brain, we must not be lazy. We must study the Bible as it was intended and not read into it delusional thought.
What a profound reflection on this episode! I truly appreciate your insights on the nature of perspective, and rational vs. irrational thought. It's really cool to note how you're growing via Swedenborg. Blessings, my friend.
I started coming into the channels of off the left eye after a very disturbing experience. my only daughter was a crime victim. she flat lined twice during her mercy flight to the emergency room. I got the call from the surgeons that they were clamping off an artery, and the best case scenario was that she would not have an arm. my daughter's injuries were very extensive, and did not seem to match watch the state police and others said happened. even more frightening wears what she had to say in the following months of recovery. while in icu she astutely stated her senses where all messed up. having had a serious head trauma ,and brain bleed, I just listened. I noted she couldn't see at all for the first week. her taste was gone and everything was just as she said. ...messed up. then after her release(she spent a month in icu) she started talking about the near death experience. mind blowing. she said... forgiveness was salvation, that the afterlife was wonderful, and she felt more love and acceptance. she should there were no words on earth to describe it. she said she had seen my mother, and her father ( both dead). this off the left eye is making me more confused. this all happened at the solar eclipse, and felt extremely evil. except for one thing. I dropped to my knees many times and prayed that she would live. I also spoke blessings over her, and her life to be happier than before. six days earlier she had broken up with an abusive boyfriend. th st past is gone for her, but I am still baffled at what evil does. any insights? ???
Thank you for sharing this story, Cynthia. Wow, what an intense experience-first the pain and trauma of your daughter's injuries, and then the wonder of what your daughter saw in her near-death experience. There is a world beyond the physical world, and life beyond the physical world. All the trauma we experience here on earth is temporary, and the promise is that eventually all pain and trauma can be healed and washed away. Evil doesn't make any sense because evil is insanity. It is simply the insanity that happens when people make the goals and actions of their lives all based on selfishness and greed. That is turning away from the realities that come from God, which are altruistic love, compassion, connectedness, and usefulness to others. Evil can seem very powerful sometimes on earth, but in spiritual reality, evil is very weak. The only real and lasting Power comes from heavenly love and usefulness, which are the things that can keep us growing and expanding and healing and learning forever. Here are some thoughts we shared a while back about how to have some perspective about the harsh things of earthly life: th-cam.com/video/UIMfRE0wmOA/w-d-xo.html
@@offTheLeftEye EVIL IS LIFE SPELLED, OR LIVED BACKWARDS....So going towards the good brings more good..moving towards evil brings more evil...so it's like the ole numbers line...-,+...towards good =towards heaven...away from good-,= less good, = more evil... Like a seesaw or tug of war...of thoughts aren't always true...but the TRUTH never lies... Free will lets one choose each day whom they will serve...it will reflect in your life...like when Mr Rose says, "DON'T EAT IT" !!!
@@offTheLeftEye wow..you get it...I'm old school, always wated to understand HOW things work..always asked...but was never told...so while in grade school, I decided to learn all I could...I could feel the change around the mid 70's...kept hearing, IGNORANCE IS BLISS.... WHAT YOU DONT KNOW WONT HURT YOU ...UNTILL YOU FIND OUT.. since I had to go to school, I'd better keep it...so I Learned. PUT YOUR WEALTH INSIDE YOUR MIND...AND NO MAN CAN ROB YOU...thank you ...for allowing me to share what works for me... Your videos are like a soul security manual...it flips a script on tthem ole demons..makes me turn the lights on in this brain of mine, which is indeed a pleasure.🙈🙉🙊
A wonderful show and great explanations from Swedenborg. Not only are we tested by the circumstances of our own lives, but we are also tested by the circumstances of those who are close to us, or even all of society. "Fair" probably isn't a concept which applies to life, unless you're a 12 year old. Kids always complain about things not being fair. Accepting life as it is is a quality of maturity. The challenge is to bring into being a society in which we look at the good qualities of others and help each other to be better people. Present society tends to do the opposite. I think we see this being played out in public view right now in the U.S. and most other countries. The forces of selfish individualism are arrayed against the forces of love, compassion and self-sacrifice, and altruism. Those who are aware of the Director of this spiritual drama know how it well end. Just as our divine potential needs our lower animalistic nature to struggle against and overcome, so does a divinely oriented society need the individualistic and selfish centered society to struggle against in order to become consciously aware of who we are and what we need to do. Thanks for doing such a great job!
I agree we must learn to over come hard obstacles its like super man trying to save everyone well if he did we would rely on him and we wouldnt try to improve for our on self and help our selfs with anything Like getting mental help or trying to be more active
Another excellent show. Some of the concepts were so important and so vital , I needed to go back and listen to them a couple of times so I could really internalize them. Thank you , again, for this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow spiritually. *by the way--a great way to support OTLE financially it to sign up for Amazon.smile---it is completely free, and a percentage of whatever you buy on Amazon is dedicated to the charity of your choice, in this case, the Swedenborg Foundation. *
I'm so happy to hear about your experience with this video. It's cool to note how you're taking this information and really trying to internalize it- that's the goal! Thanks for the heads up about Amazon Smile! I will certainly let the team know about it. Warm wishes, my friend.
This video touches on one of those deep childhood questions that many of us have asked, but no one seems to be able to answer, including anyone in science or religion. Some call it the "why-am-I-me" question, or to rephrase: "why was I born into my body instead of another, with my situation and perspective on the world, instead of another?". Why do I experience reality continuously from that perspective instead of another? Why not the person next to me, or someone in another country, or an animal, or an alien in another galaxy, or a being in another universe? Reality could be vastly different from another perspective, with different experiences and abilities, a different grasp of truth, right and wrong, conception of God, etc. Everything depends on perspective, so why this body and brain, at my specific location in the vastness of space and time? Ok, it's actually a consciousness question - that much I understand. Science won't ever give you an answer because science assumes there is no "preferred" perspective on the world. But your experience of reality contradicts that assumption. If you are a conscious being, there most certainly is a preferred perspective: yours. I haven't heard any good answers from science or religion. If you're a materialist and you think the answer is some kind of a dice roll, then what exactly is being rolled and how? Or if you think you have a soul, then why is it bound to your specific body and perspective, with all your strengths and weaknesses, invisible tendencies, etc? Swedenborg seems to have touched on some spiritual common ground at the core of our existence, but did he shine any light on the original haunting question: why am I me? Everything depends on it. I think I first asked the question when I was 7 or 8 years old. I'm in my fifties now, and still asking.
Great questions, Jeff, and I'm glad you wonder about the big picture! Here are a couple of shows that relate to your questions. See if you find any helpful thoughts. "Does My Life Matter?" th-cam.com/video/33FfPQsf_zU/w-d-xo.html and "How to Find Your True Self" th-cam.com/video/3m9uAecvftM/w-d-xo.html
I'm glad you approve of The Big Questions. Some science-minded folks think they're a meaningless waste of time. Some religious-minded folks think you should be careful about asking them, and cite the book of Job. Thanks for the video links. They seem to be saying or implying that my specific body and life were reserved for me. They were taylor-made for my unique needs, to allow me to advance spiritually enough to function and be happy in a better world (heaven?). So this world is a essentially a kindergarten for immature spirits. I think that's a good answer. Of course, all of this implies that there's a unique, non-physical part of me (a soul?) that I take with me into the next world. It also implies that this world is deceptive, and not what it appears to be at first. Maybe that's ok too. Part of the education. Most folks wouldn't be ready for it. I'm not sure I like the body analogy, though. I hope I'm not going through all of this so I can be the gallbladder of God :) Free will and all that... But thanks again. I really enjoyed the videos and I think you're basically right.
I think this world is an arena for development, a realm whereby we "learn the ropes" and begin to discern what really matters to us. What really drives us. In other words, a "kindergarten for immature spirits"! Haha. Our bodies are only vestments of our spirit, which lives on and is eternal (our true self). What's interesting is that here in the natural world, things can certainly be deceptive. This is because we have the freedom to think one way and act another. We can create fronts or wear masks in our interactions, which hide the authentic feelings inside. When we enter the world of spirits upon dying, this can still be the case. People can fluctuate between their "true" inner selves and their "not-so-true" external selves. But eventually, as these individuals journey closer to either heaven or hell, they shed that external mask and live fully into who they really are. No more deception. I chuckled at your last comment about the body analogy. I suppose a member of the gallbladder would be better than the intestines or rear-end! ;)
Some body parts are more disreputable than others. I still need 'em tho ;) I imagine Heaven as a place without deception. Maybe there's telepathy in some form. A deceptive or hateful soul in heaven would stand out like a screaming baby in church. So I guess the purpose of our stay here on Earth is to advance beyond a spiritually infantile stage, so we can at least remain in the presence of mature spirits. But by "deceptive" in my previous post, I actually meant the physical world. It's not what it appears to be, since our souls are not visible (consciousness is not observable by science). Therefore, most of us are led to believe that the brain is the cause of our awareness, even though there is no conceivable way for any physical process or algorithm to become conscious. It's not just a technical hurdle. Any good explanation of consciousness will require a deep re-think of the fundamental structure of the world. Also, some of the latest experiments in quantum physics (variants of the double-slit experiment) are seriously calling "realism" into question, suggesting that we live in a world of appearances - a world not fully fleshed out and much smaller than it appears to be. To me, that's a deceptive world at a fundamental level. I hope its creators are not as deceptive. BTW, I'm actually writing a fictional novel with these ideas (and others) in the background narrative. Swedenborg is also influencing me more and more, thanks to your videos. Some big themes and lots of good stuff to draw from.
Ugh, I'm sorry you've suffered, Alexa! I know how you feel. I believe that we are all being led to a place with clearer air, fresher water, and abundant opportunity to enjoy our lives as useful beings -- but that we must also be willing to go through bogs and forests and deserts to find new life. Sending you love and refreshment for your journey, my friend!
Without heartache and hardships, we would live an unbeautiful life. Nature teaches this - yes? - where a trauma beneath the earth's surface will produce a beautiful mountain range over what otherwise might appear to be a flat, non-descript surface without personality. Suffice it to say, as cruel as life can seem at times, the "cruelty" is often character building. I like to think of myself as the very mountain I am meant to scale.
I agree, there needs to be a whole show based on this (elaborating on when someone hurts you and how to deal with it) ....so, did you guys make 1 since this video? If so, which 1?... what's the title?
Hmmm.... Not sure about that, Soul Love, but this one might offer some thoughts on that topic: "What Turning the Other Cheek Really Means" -- th-cam.com/users/liveCP8GAlRMWaI If this doesn't do it for you, ask again!
And here's a few more that might feel helpful, Soul Love! A short clip, "How to Use Positive Energy To Deal With Someone's Negative Behavior" th-cam.com/video/7KheK_sW1YE/w-d-xo.html and, "How Do We View People?" th-cam.com/video/Jq9kSmzEX30/w-d-xo.html Some full length episodes that may help are: "A Protective Barrier from Evil Spirits" th-cam.com/video/LkmSesd9vw8/w-d-xo.html "How to Respect Spiritual Boundaries in Relationships" th-cam.com/video/p1QAWnVZh1k/w-d-xo.html "Overcoming Divisiveness" th-cam.com/video/DcVU5rYAJtg/w-d-xo.html "3 Simple Ways to Love Everyone" th-cam.com/video/pl7s8kiLrhE/w-d-xo.html Happy Watching!
This is my point of view of life being “fair” because if you think about it life CANT be fair for one reason.that reason is then we would all be the same we would have the same strength,intelligence,speed,looks, feelings, simply life can’t be fair if it was then none of us would have freedom the choice to think for our selves we couldn’t choose where we would go in life or choose our paths what we want to do so in conclusion if you ever think life isn’t fair it is better because it gives us the ability to choose how we live our lives (pretty sure no one saw this sooo um...)
'For me personally it should be unfair through it we can acknowledge God's mystery and fullness,,. here on earth, so we can always think of this wondrous life why is it like that and this and etc..., till you will realize your potential and understands who you are, and what is the life porgression we need to cooperate and share, or what you can contribute, in so many ways, but generally in the eyes of God, we species human being we're all equal our every dignity to Him,. Our God creator 'for God in his Kingdom then, everything is fair,.".🙏. . Spirit World with our God. FAIR all in all".☺
What a wonderful point of view! Thank you so much for sharing this. It reminds me of a quote from Helen Keller: “I thank God for my handicaps. For through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.”
How about when you just say the heck with it and sin anyway knowing exactly what you are doing? Next if you have every privilege and fail is it held against you? How does you episode relate to the parable of the seeds falling on fallow ground versus the rocks?
Great questions! No, we can't just say the heck with it and sin, knowing that it is wrong. Remember, sin is always about things that hurt ourselves and others, so, if we really know something is hurtful, we have the spiritual responsibility to try to resist it. We might mess up sometimes, but we have to keep trying to get back on track. To say "I don't care if it's hurtful. I enjoy it" is not compatible with heaven. Again, we're going to mess up sometimes, but it's about a general direction. We have to have the intention to be less harmful and more loving, and then make real efforts in that direction. Otherwise, we won't even be able to handle the atmosphere of heaven, because it is all about altruistic love! Earthly privilege or lack of it does not matter at all in the end. All that matters is, do I take whatever situation I'm in and use it to try to become less hurtful and more loving and useful? The parable of the sower is about states of mind. The seeds are good ideas from God about how to live in love toward God and the neighbor. We have to make an effort to have a state of mind that will receive those ideas and apply them to life, because then they will grow into results that are nourishing and life-giving.
I am still struggling to understand extreme unfairness like extreme child abuse, diseases, etc. Is it simply that these children are enduring suffering to be made stronger?
Yes, Luke, what an agonizing, heartbreaking topic! No, I don't think God allows children to suffer because it makes them stronger. The people who abuse children are defying God's word, and doing something they will answer for, if not in this life, then they will in the next. You might like an episode we did a while back about justice, "What Happens With Unsolved Crimes in the Afterlife" th-cam.com/video/JOEiAETaQug/w-d-xo.html If we become stronger, more compassionate people because of our problems, THAT is God intervening to bring use and love to us in spite of our hardships. It's God doing the best possible to bring goodness out of a bad situation. But it's not because God intends for any of us, least of all innocent children, to suffer. Here's a little background on the spiritual reasons these things occur on earth -- and why we can be part of the change to stop it: God is CONSTANTLY sending messages to humanity that children are precious and should be valued, cared for, loved, protected!!! It's just that long ago, humanity corrupted the channel to tune into that intuition by losing interest in it and turning to external messages instead of internal messages. There is a powerful aura constantly emanating from God inspiring feelings of love for children and a desire to protect children, but we have to make individual and collective effort to open up that channel. We have to be willing to receive it. We talk about the God-given intuition that was created into humanity at the beginning, how it got blocked, and how we can make the effort to get it back in our episode "How To Find True Intuition" th-cam.com/video/UYJBmb1TYR8/w-d-xo.html The earliest humans received direct inflow from God, direct auras and messages of love and kindness for all, right into their hearts. They were willing to be guided by that direct inflow. But slowly, humanity became enamored with external life and lost interest in internal life. Slowly, that gave rise to selfishness and materialism, which created more and more spiritual pollution blocking out God's auras and inflow of compassion and empathy. So God adapted things and sent those calls to compassion in other ways -- through scriptures written down by people who could still hear God's voice. But still, the cravings for selfishness and greed grew, and the meanings of those original scriptures was lost and twisted and corrupted to justify cruelty and domination. So God did more adaptions, sending strict rules to be followed such as were given to the Israelites through Moses, but they could not be received purely. They were received in ways that matched the state of minds of humans at that time, because we can only receive what we're willing to receive. There were strict laws in there against incest and against sacrificing children in religious rituals. But still so much of that continued to happen, because humanity insisted on it. So God manifested on earth as Jesus. Jesus said powerful things about kindness and compassion, calling people back in that direction. Jesus was extremely tender with children, called attention to the heavenly state of a little child, and warned that those who hurt children will suffer dire spiritual consequences: "Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there" (Matthew 19:13-15) "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me'" (Matthew 18:1-5) And then comes the warning to any perpetrators. ("Believe in Me" means to innocently believe in the kind of goodness and compassion Jesus embodied. "To sin" here means all the trouble that would come out of wrongs done to someone innocent. Notice the warning is to the perpetrators, not the victims who might then fall into trouble): "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matthew 18:6-7) And today, God is urging compassion toward children constantly through the hearts, minds and actions of anyone willing to open their hearts to that and take up that cause. God has been working over the past centuries to raise awareness of the needs of children, and the existence of abuse toward children, so that we can wake up to it and DO something about it! We need to make efforts to support agencies and people who are making that effort, and to do whatever we can to end the scourge of child abuse and open humanity back up to the flow of God's immense love for children. No one hurts more than God when people hurt children. No one wants it to stop more than God. God needs agents on earth to bring this compassion into the world and allow it to grow. God can't come down and blast it away any more than the sun could come down to earth and blast away all the germs. That would blast away everything else, too. But the sun can shine down constantly to inspire the growth of good things, and we can learn to stop adding to the pollution that blocks that influence, and allow the Love to have more power here on earth. For why God can't come down and stop it, see "What God Can't Do" th-cam.com/video/IlXJLOkOi1A/w-d-xo.html "Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it. But, I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.” ― Brandon Hatmaker, Barefoot Church: Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture “We need to stop clinging to the “idea” of being transformed, and honestly, mournfully, and humbly ask him to break our hearts for the things that breaks his.” ― Brandon Hatmaker, Barefoot Church: Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture I hope these ideas are useful to you. Such a heartbreak to think any child suffers this way, and I truly hope we can all find meaningful ways to bring an end to these things in our world, and believe every small effort can help. Blessings as you ponder these hard things, Luke!
In hell there is relief in utter helplessness, not so in earth. Not simply the suffering but the expectation and requirement that you pick yourself up after the torture. I heard and witnessed a lot, and came to realization inevitably that anything that can be imagined has happened. Babies raped and burned, psych patients that swallowed razors and skinned themselves in their madness. Everything that happens in hell also happens on earth. And of course in a way, the evil person is the biggest victim. How could God let someone be this way - I can only answer that it is for strength, or as you said on a video, simply: It is happening therefore it must be part of God's plan. That's why I say I can only justify the innocent being tortured with absolutely no mercy as providing strength. Can there really be any answer deeper than this? Although we feel intuitively that it is wrong to say - to say to a tortured child by terminal disease or abuse "Be well, this was all just to empower you." Because the experience in the flesh is the exact opposite. Everything has been taken from you. Perhaps only then it is the same as Helen Keller - from losing providence or 'the good', you gain sight or 'truth'. We cannot draw a line at which suffering is bearable and which suffering is overwhelming. Because mere suffering alone is only a bleeding leg you did not notice in the heat of the moment. If I had come as a doctor and restored Keller's sight and hearing I am robbing her of her spiritual opportunity. So all has to be in balance in 'karma'. Every spiritual answer is extremely annoying: The perpetrator and the hero to the perpetrator, had not only raped the victim and the perpetrator physically (by 'punishment'), but raped them for the cause of their own spiritual development. Again, why I can only conclude it is for power: That those who experienced the true evil and pain became stronger. Because an angel that has not been tortured is weak and intrinsically fearful like most humans. Again we cannot draw the line: We go out in our lives and suffer for exchanges and rewards, the extreme tortures can only be the same ultimately. I feel this is the same statement as the example you gave with the sun against germs. If we painlessly kill the children who had many congenital defects is it good or bad - yet again we can't draw a line at which defect is too much or at what age. If a man gets severe brain damage that is making him suffer immensely, and so on. The answer can only be that it is simultaneously good and bad. This is the one issue I take with idealistic religion. So focused on heaven that the rest of creation is missed. God did not directly create these sufferings yet they did make all of them nonetheless. Just as our skin hardens with age, the real transcendent being is very much - not a satan and a devil, yet has cultivated and experienced that raw darkness as much as they are angel. They are a yinyang, and take great pleasure in destruction and masochism. Krishna the destroyer of worlds just as much a creator. A fine but solid line between God delighting at all the extreme pain they cause through natural disaster and eventually destruction of all creation, and evil. So close, like birth and death being either side of 12 O'clock, they are opposite yet almost touching, separated by the encounter with the infinite. God is very much sadistic. A person would be incomplete without hatred, though clearly their hatred should be less than their love. The only way God can be 100% love is if he also loves his wrath and utter indifference.
@@lukecronquist6003 did you read my response? I offer a different point of view - that God doesn't want this suffering for us, and that the evil that exists in this world and harms the innocent is a byproduct of human selfishness, evil, and cruelty - things that God did not create at all. Evil is the absence of God - not the opposite of God, and not a balance to God. It is what exists WITHOUT God, so it is not possible for God to create this. It is allowed because we wanted it, our ancestors and people still today - as a species - wanted a life without God. God works constantly to create and bring balance to the world in spite of this evil, and because of it. Just because God can create use out of something evil, doesn't mean God created the actual evil, and it doesn't mean God sanctioned it. Again, see the episode link I included in my last response, "What God Can't Do." I am struck by your statement about babies in hell - in Swedenborgian theology, this is impossible. All children go directly to heaven, where they are raised by angels. There are no babies in hell, it is impossible for the innocent to be damned and left to be abused in the spiritual world. Because in the spiritual world, our state creates our reality, a baby who is in pure innocence could not possibly create or desire an atmosphere of hell, nor could an innocent being be made to suffer when he or she has had no opportunity to choose evil as his or her preferred lifestyle. See this short clip, "All Children Who Die Go To Heaven" th-cam.com/video/ONO7VgUMlyM/w-d-xo.html It sounds as if you've had some disturbing visions, and I wonder what source would want you to believe that babies are tortured in hell? Certainly not a being that cares about truth, for the whole concept defies logic and is devoid of love. It is not possible in a world where God is love. See our episode, "The Lies Evil Spirits Tell Us," th-cam.com/video/Qaqd9Fhsxpg/w-d-xo.html for some insight into the ways evil spirits create fear and anxiety in us and use this to manipulate and influence us. The way I think about evil in the physical world is that it is much like the toxins and pollution we have created, which now exist in our atmosphere as a result of careless and destructive human lifestyles. So, we live in a world with pollution and toxic waste. I did not create it, but I still have to live with it. I can be mad about it, and feel hurt and resentful, but that won't change anything. I think it is my obligation to try to help fix it, to help change it, and clean it up for the next generation. I don't think it's something I can or will accomplish single-handedly, but I think every effort to improve this world makes a difference, and is worth doing, if only to inspire one other person to care a little more and effect some small, meaningful change. I believe evil is the same thing - something that others have created, that some people will fight and some will perpetuate. By trying to clean up the world from evil, we make an impact on its influence. We can make the world less toxic for everyone by getting our hands dirty and cleaning things up. It will not change unless we make it change. What I do think about "why" is in my previous response. It's not a simple answer. But I do not believe God wants evil to exist, and in fact I believe God mourns with us even more deeply every time we are hurt or hurt each other. So I focus on the "how." How can I help? How can I make it better? Knowing that I CAN make a difference is very powerful for me personally. I hope that is helpful to you, Luke! You might also like our episode, "Spiritual Freedom" th-cam.com/video/1alL7mRL5zA/w-d-xo.html for some tangible ways we can make changes in our own hearts and minds and see how that applies to the world around us. God bless you!
I wanted to re visit this episode again and examine my own life condition. Sometimes I’m thinking we are being tested in someway to see how strong our faith really is. I would think those who have difficult lives or suffer in them would be more open to spiritual guidance than people “born with the silver spoon” so to speak. In any case, it is a thoughtful study of our direction in life...... . In Spiritual Experiences 4382, Swedenborg speaks of a little child of 3 years in the place of a certain land....... Was he ( Swedenborg ) speaking of the spiritual world or of the earthly plain? 😃👍🏻😃🌸
I'm glad you find this to be a good episode for contemplating how God can work with us no matter what situation and background we are coming from! Concerning Spiritual Experiences 4382, it's a little hard to tell, but I think he is talking about a child on earth. He seems to be talking about the kinds of angels that are present with children who are on earth.
@@offTheLeftEye the technology that allows the blind to see images with their tongue. Although this is an older show so maybe that technology has been scrapped, I'm not sure. The idea of getting images that way reminds me of when I first heard about cochlear implants. Exciting news!🥰
Yes reminds me of the promise in the Isaiah, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." Amazing stuff, Simsane.
Yes reminds me of the promise in the Isaiah, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." Amazing stuff, Simsane.
It might seem like that sometimes here on Earth, but that is a very temporary situation. Life on Earth is just a tiny blip in the whole story. In the afterlife, what you put out come back at you in a very immediate way! See our episode "Is The Law Of Attraction Real?" th-cam.com/video/mIMKCKRC7rI/w-d-xo.html And also, if you haven't yet watched this video yet, "Life Isn't Fair.. Or Is It?" please do! We describe how anything lacking during Earthly life can be provided in the afterlife.
I really appreciate and honor your message, Victor. It can be really stressful when we are unaware of our spiritual stage of development. But there are things we feel that are indicators of God's presence with us. Here's a passage from Swedenborg's theology that describes what it feels like to have God's forgiveness: "Some signs that our sins have been forgiven (that is, put aside) are the following: we sense a pleasure in worshiping God for God’s sake and in helping our neighbor for our neighbor’s sake, which means in doing good for its own sake and in speaking truth for its own sake. We do not want credit for our caring or our faith. We reject and turn our backs on evils like enmity, hatred, vindictiveness, adultery, and even the very thoughts that go along with intentions in such directions." We obtain forgiveness (which is a stage in spiritual development) when we live a life aligned with heaven, such as practicing repentance (th-cam.com/video/5_-zxnqG_sg/w-d-xo.html), and doing good works based on our faith. It's important to keep in mind that this is a lifelong process, and simply having the willingness to begin the journey is really powerful! Keep the faith, my friend, and feel free to continue reaching out with questions/comments!
Would people who delight in evil in this world and are surrounded by evil spirits who feed upon them and encourage evil actions, not be held accountable upon death; but would turn away from the light and love of the divine and choose hell because their spirit delights in evil?
It IS all about what our spirit delights in, Debra. Some people do "bad" things for good reasons (like Jean Valjean in Les Miserables) -- and they don't DELIGHT in evil. What was the TRUTH and LOVE behind his stealing of bread? We will have to come to terms with what we have done, but in the end (that is, in the afterlife) it comes down to what we turn toward or turn away from -- heaven or hell. God doesn't "throw" us anywhere -- it's a matter of where we feel like we belong. What do you think?
My question if my mother who passed away reincarnates and comes back here how will i be able to be with her again wen i go to the after life how does this work just a question
Hi Zennia, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. It sounds like you were close to her. According to Swedenborg, upon death we enter the spiritual world where we journey to either heaven or hell. That being said, we wouldn't come back to earth again via reincarnation. I believe that you and your mother will meet again in the spiritual world, particularly if you shared a loving relationship with her. For spirits, thought brings presence. Just thinking about a loved one brings them to you. In fact, the interactions we have there are even more real than even here on earth. I hope that information helps, Zennia. If you're still interested in exploring the concept of reincarnation from a Swedenborgian perspective, check out this show we did: th-cam.com/video/kVYKEfpnxj0/w-d-xo.html
Think of the Spiritual Realm as the lecture hall and the Earth as the laboratory. We all are injured souls, and in our healing (ourselves and others), we become stronger.
Leaning back in my chair here, I can think of plenty of people who have better things going than I do: money, looks, charm, all in spades. Yet, their lumps of good fortune are the source of discontent by those who see them. And ironically, they themselves are less happy than those who wish to walk in their shoes. Yeah, sure, there’s a lot of things wrong in the world right now, bigotry, poverty, violence, you name it. But, well, I don’t know, it’s certainly better than the past. Any pressing of rewind would feel like a mistake, if ya asked me. Is life fair? Well. Stop for a second. Look around you. Look outside. Listen to the sounds. Poke yourself. Take a deep breath. Do you feel that? You are alive, my friend. Do you know how amazing that is?
Curtis, you said that the most painful is to be rejected by a peer, a fellow human being. Perhaps - and as I have experienced - it is themselves they are rejecting, but their hurt causes them to project their rejection outwardly. Similarly, it is the person who lashes out who is pain - yes? That they then cause pain to others is merely their way of appeasing their own. It is the recognition of that, that allows us to show mercy and to forgive, if we have but the forgiveness first within us to do so. I wonder how much (if at all) Megan's question might deal directly with narcissism, and the disordering of personality it causes ...
Great thoughts, Phillip. We are planning a show in the future about forgiveness, and I agree that thinking about where the other person might be coming from is an important tool for cultivating an attitude of forgiveness.
Yes, it's a really good idea to just look at whatever life you've got as something you can use to learn specific ways to help and to serve! And we sure do all learn a lot from each others' stories and each others' experiences.
Then why does the bible say, nobody is given in marriage, in the holy bible Matthew 22:30, Jesus says : Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven. But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you:…
It's an excellent question, and here's what Swedenborg had to say about it: "Did Jesus Say There's No Marriage In Heaven?" th-cam.com/video/Nfy6JNC4BwQ/w-d-xo.html
The thing I struggle with is I know about how if you don’t find a soul mate in this life, you can in the next. Which is beautiful but I still feel it is unfair. In that I wanted to have children. And I won’t by no fault of my own. I also feel it is a great injustice that, I work in an ICU, and I have seen parents who neglect children and beat them. Even kill them. And it feels like they are rewarded kids time and time again and I am left alone and told to just wait (I have grown so much by letting God lead me and I am thankful for my life) . But how is that equally watching out for us both? Does he want the angelic nature he has formed in me over a life time fade away? And to continue their spiritual lineage? It seems wrong. And the darkness is trying to get in through that opening. Like I need to take matters into my own hands. Can this question be answered?
What a painful place to be in, Aaron. My heart goes out to you. I know others who missed the chance to have children, and it is a heavy and sorrowful weight to bear. Truthfully, I don't know if the question can be answered -- at least to human satisfaction. What comes to mind is the scripture from Isaiah, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." From our limited human perspective, we can't grasp the ways of the Divine. I'm thinking he loves the angelic nature forming in you, and perhaps it's being played out in your work in the ICU - benefitting your patients every day. Life doesn't FEEL "fair" sometimes, for sure. Our lives are not all equal and the same. What if being "fair" meant that you had to have the same kind of life as those neglectful parents? So for me it comes down to some kind of trust or faith that God IS looking out for me, guiding me, and bringing me towards eternal happiness -- even if his plan looks different than my own plan for my life. Seems to me that no spiritual growth or evolution is wasted, even if it doesn't get genetically passed down. And they always need "foster" parents in heaven! Sending prayers for peace and some bit of acceptance and trust in your heart. Blessings to you.
Thank you I cane to peace with it last night. As you say I trust in God. My story isn’t over yet and he knows best. I will serve him no matter what. He saved me from the hells. Thank you for replying. He definitely is at work with me with my patients. It is beautiful to watch it unfold. People tell me I am a light there and blessing. Both staff, family, and patients. But I know it is God, not me. I am just happy to be warm and taken along for the ride.
Also thank you for existing. I think I would have lost my soul if not for you all. I am exmilitary and before that even I saw a lot of killing, cheating, adultery, theft, corruption, hate on a massive scale. Women passed me around like a piece of meat. I know most men think that is great but is dehumanizing. I saw children violated, among many horrific things in the hospital and it was just an overwhelming darkness. Demons were trying to take me. But you were a light. Don’t doubt your work. I am thankful for you. You showed me it is about loving my fellow brothers and sisters. That that is what I was called to do and regenerate. For the first time since my childhood I have hope and I can breathe, I feel peace. I walk in the warm light of God. He is real. He is truth and love. I feel him always.
@@aaronoliver9086 Thank you for expressing this so beautifully... being taken along for the ride on God's loving warmth. I am so glad to hear that your patients and their families and the staff appreciate you and how dedicated you are to the children in your care. THANK YOU! My son was in the hospital for 11 days as a baby and a year later I took a big basket of treats to the nurses to try to thank them. Too small, I know but they impacted my life deeply. Bless you for being that kind of caregiver in the ICU where the needs are so great.
@@aaronoliver9086 Wow Aaron you have seen a lot of pain and suffering in your life. I am so sorry that you were treated like that by women, and that you saw children being violated. Those are deep sadnesses to carry. We are glad to be even a part of your new hope, and fresh breath. We hope you can rise above the darkness that threatens to swallow you. God is love! He does care deeply for you!!
Mina Smith karma would be an aspect of inherited evil. Past actions in past or other lives and how they influence the present life suddenly would be karma.
So glad you enjoyed it, Mina! We talk about the concept of karma in this show, "Do We Reincarnate?" at about the 16 minute mark. th-cam.com/video/kVYKEfpnxj0/w-d-xo.html
So, if an unconscious person is a consummate thief throughout his life, but lacks "understanding" that he was wrong, the Lord would "soften and excuse these crimes'? Wouldn't that mean that this person could occupy the same place in heaven that conscious non thieves occupy? Why wouldn't the thief occupy a place in Spirit of that which he loves, thievery? Don't we have an obligation to be responsible for our actions at some point? Otherwise, heaven would look very similar to this world, where the conscious and unconscious commingle. Blessings
Hi Robert. Great question! If the thief was truly unaware of his affect on others, the hurt he caused, but intended good, he will have the opportunity to face this truth and change his ways in accordance with what he intends. So if what he intended and loved was helping people, he just never learned how, he will study, learn, and do the work to repent of his bad habits in the world of spirits, and replace them with good ones, thus coming into alignment with his true spiritual self and in alignment with heaven. If he truly loved being a thief, and decides he loved this more than helping, he will continue to be a thief and will go to the spiritual place that suits him, likely hell if he wills destruction or the hurt of others with his actions. Does that make sense? Our final resting place is determined by our loves and intentions, more than our actions. Check out, "How You End Up in Heaven or Hell" th-cam.com/video/H-wnqBqa6xM/w-d-xo.html or "The World of Spirits" th-cam.com/video/qoaPwhzDHWM/w-d-xo.html to learn more!
That's a rough life experience to bear! I don't recall Swedenborg talking specifically about break-ups, but there are general principles that I draw from his books about dealing with life crises and pain that can apply. Take only what seems helpful, because I can't know exactly what a person will need in their particular situation and circumstances! -try to resist impulses to indulge things that turn you toward the dark side, like anger, resentment and bitterness. -be patient with yourself, because there's a transition time between the end of one phase and the beginning of another that can feel tumultuous, confusing and painful. -be understanding of yourself because of the pain, because the deeper part of it is that longing for your true soul-mate, and that is a good thing to wish for. -see what you can learn from the experience. A relationship that didn't work out can teach you things you need to know to be better ready for the relationship that WILL work out someday. The most important thing to learn in life is how to love genuinely, and because it's so important, there is a lot for each one of us to learn! -have a goal of forgiving yourself and your ex, so you can move on. -but also, give time for adjustment and healing. A break-up is a loss, and a person usually needs some time to grieve. -be assured that there is a soul-mate for everyone who wants it, and that there is plenty of time to find that person. Everyone will find that person when the time is right, and they are truly ready, whether that be during earthly life or in the afterlife.
May I add, give yourself time to heal. In 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc., your mind will get clearer and clearer, and you will realized you "dodged a bullet" that you didn't marry that person! Instead of thinking in terms of "good guy/bad guy," realize you weren't right for each other.
On the earthly level, there is truth to that, RG. But we are free in our minds and hearts to make the best of any situation. Did you watch the video? Did anything in it strike you?
@@offTheLeftEye no its just learned that life is not gonna be fair so u have to learn to work hard for waht u want so i yr down kind of person the universe will respind to it will bring that to u so i mean its all on u if u want to be fair or it will bring challenges like for me
@@reapergrim1611 we do need to work hard for what we want, and I do think the universe provides what we NEED - which isn't always the same as what we WANT. Many people have all the wealth and material things they could ever wish for. But it doesn't guarantee happiness, or successful relationships, or a rich spiritual or social life... I think many people who have a great deal of wealth are actually very lonely, confused people, to be honest. Those things can make it very hard to see what really matters -- and even harder to relate to most of the rest of us! I think the more we grow and work to love others, the more we will get for our efforts! I hope you feel that sense of possibility for yourself, my friend, because no matter what our circumstances, we are all born with infinite potential to make our lives what we wish, where it really counts! Check out this episode because it expands on that, and let me know how it resonates!
I often think about that ( talking about the Bible and the killer Ox Johnathan was talking about) So what happens to the soul of someone who has been put to death? A person commits a murder or murders and is sentenced to death, does their crime stay with the body and the soul go back to Heaven? or dose the condemned person have to ask for forgiveness and ask the Lord to take his sins? Just wondering?
Gerald Brush, I think the circumstances have a lot to do with the outcome. Did the person put his heart and mind into murdering? Was it revenge and did the person enjoy the killing? or did the person commit murder to protect other people or self defense but disliked the act of doing it? So the motive is important and if the action is paired with the heart/mind. If an action is paired with heart and mind we take it in our souls and make it part of us because we enjoy doing it. Those are my thoughts with what I have read from Swedenborg so far, may be other people have more to add that I am not aware of.
I think Happy Heaven has answered it well. Only God knows the heart, what the person truly loves and wants on a deep level. Look at the difference between the two criminals that were being crucified next to Christ. Both had committed crimes. One seemed to keep his anger and resentment to the end, the other seemed to have truly found humility, and Jesus assured the latter that he would be led to heaven. We can never tell from the outside, but this story is a reminder that God will be looking at the heart, the motivations and goals, and will be taking all the outer circumstances into consideration. Only those who truly and deeply choose hatred, control, and greed over any kind of love of others will end up in hell. For all others, God will provide a process to learn and be purified, and be led toward heaven.
I love the concepts, long time fan of Off The Left Eye and S&L, but with respect, you are saying the word "conjugial" wrong. You say it as "conjujial", but actually the G is a hard G, like in the word glass. Here's what Mirriam Webster dictionary site says. conjugial adjective con·ju·gi·al \kənˈjügēəl\ If it was supposed to be said your way, the pronunciation would say "ken jujeal". But I am not able to put the inverted e's into the text.
Are you sure that you don't mean the word "conjugal" instead of the word "conjugial"? I don't find "conjugial" in the dictionaries that I check. Only the word "conjugal", and I agree that for that word, the G should be a hard G. As far as I know, Swedenborg was using a new word because "conjugal" has to do with very earthly aspects of marriage, while he was using a word that he presented to mean very spiritual and eternal aspects of marriage.
Thanks for your reply. The link I saw does state this this is a uniquely Swedenborg term, but they could be wrong on their pronunciation, since they are not well versed in his works. Here's what I saw. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjugial
Interesting! I didn't know the word appeared in any dictionary. It seems like the G should have a soft sound if there is an "i" after it, according to the usual rules of English pronunciation, so, I think I will continue to choose the soft G pronunciation. But thank you so much for this link! Very cool to know that this word has made it into a modern dictionary.
I'm popping in to say that the Latin word "conjugialis" is pronounced "con-YU-ghee-ALL-is" with a hard "g." So maybe that's how the Merriam-Webster people transliterated it into English? "Con-JU-ghee-ul." In English, I have only ever heard it pronounced with a soft "g" as well - "con-JU-jal." I love linguistics - just had to chime in! :)
I guess you can decide that for yourself, Trevor! Every human being gets to come to terms with life, in one way or another. We can choose what matters to us or not!
"Excuse" evil actions coz someone cant help being evil? I dont think so. Sure, it helps to understand why people do bad things that hurt others, but they are also accountable.
Yes, Debra, we need to take responsibility in this world for the harm we do to others. Is that what you mean by accountable? But the act ITSELF is not always something that sends you to either heaven or hell. It's the motivation or intention behind it that we are SPIRITUALLY responsible for. Does that make sense?
@@offTheLeftEye thanks for your comment! What I meant by held accountable is making reparations, or being tried & sentenced to serve time; aka corporations who pollute air and water that cause disease and suffering in communities and devastate the natural environment and other living creatures; or politicians who incite crowds to riot; there are many other examples, many which are "above the law", where harmful actions are made legal without reparation, and/or with vengeance sought toward those who attempt to seek justice or call them out on their evil actions. Intention in these cases are apparently for power and money, and not caring about the devastation or harm caused by actions. And yes, what you said about intention makes perfect sense!!
@@debralee1401 Glad that made sense! This video is about spiritual accountability, meaning, no one is condemned in the afterlife for doing harm if they truly couldn't understand or realize that it was harmful at the time. But that is different from physical world accountablity, meaning, once it has been made clear that harm has been done, the person or group or business that caused it needs to be accountable to help fix the situation, whether their motivations were sinister or not!
I have no imagination well I can't see in my imagination all I see is black, but sometimes see what I wanna see. Disappears in less then a second though wonder why I can't see in my imagination
Last Chance I have that exact same thing. I was told it has a name but it escapes me. However when I meditate I can see amazing colors etc. The blank mind makes a clean palate.
We all have things that come more easily, and other things that come harder or don't come at all during earthly life. I understand the frustration, but try not to worry about it too much. Notice what you can do well, and what comes more easily, and then remember that all that matters in the end is doing the daily work of trying to resist self-centeredness and materialism and to act with kindness and usefulness. If you're doing that at all, your heading toward heaven and all the joyful abilities that are part of a heavenly life.
It's the concepts that he wrote about that speak to us. They resonate. They work when we apply them to our lives. They present a way of understanding the Bible that makes sense to us. They present an idea of God, and of eternal life, and of the purpose of life on earth, that make sense to us. They make life feel meaningful and hopeful to us. So, when we present them, we aren't asking people to automatically make a decision about what they believe Swedenborg did or did not experience. We hope people will take in the concepts, think about them, compare them with other explanations out there, and see what makes the most sense to their hearts.
This still does not explain WHY some people are born into a prosperous family with access to everything versus a child in a slum in India. 40,000 children die of starvation on planet Earth every day. I honestly don't think this video's views would comfort people who live in such low consciousness and misery. These views may comfort a warm clothed middle class American who may feel some guilt at his/her good fortune, but it does not explain who gets put into great misery versus great potential. This is why reincarnation is a better fit for the placement of people on Earth. No one is created at birth, which Swedenborg seems to infer from Christianity. In this video, Curtis says at one point that we begin our spiritual journey here on Earth and then continue forever after in 1 of Swedenborg's heavens. But we are actually eternal souls who take on a series of lives on Earth to develop certain traits. Some come here after great growth and depth elsewhere. Others come here as what we'd call baby souls. This does not refer to their physical age, but to their lack of experience. You could think of Earth as a home gym that can be used to develop certain muscle groups. You pick the exercises that will lead to your physical body sculpting goals. Therefore, someone may choose to be born in a slum in India because that awful environment offers that soul a chance to experience poverty and from this learn empathy or other spiritual traits. There are probably many other reasons to choose this that we could not understand now. But none of this is arbitrary. Placement in life is based on what lessons an eternal soul wants to work on next. Like some eHarmony computer system, your growth requirements are loaded into a cosmic database and you are then paired with the perfect life to accomplish that growth. This explains (and much of the world takes this for granted outside Christianity and Islam) where we are born. Otherwise, no matter how much Curtis and Rose assure us that ultimately everything will be peachy keeno, there is no rationale for why you were born to loving parents who teach you about God while someone else is born to child abusers who sell you into pedophilia at 4. I realize that Swedenborg could not accept reincarnation since it was too distant from his time and geography. As wide as his spiritual travel may have been, in reality he lived in the 18th century when there was little cross-pollination of Eastern religion into the West. For all we know, Swedenborg may have traveled no higher than the various levels of the astral plane, so he was seeing levels within that plane alone, while having no correspondence with the higher planes of existence where future lives may be planned and executed. Modern OBE travelers have mentioned that in the astral level, most people go to the places that fit their comfort level. But what the modern OBE travelers often mention also is that eventually people seem to be plucked from those groups. In a strange sense, they are "raptured" out of their communities to return to Earth for another life of challenge and growth. Swedenborg assumed all such community placement was eternal. But modern OBE travelers, not filtering what they saw through a strong Christian bias, instead report that people in the astral seem to mature until a point when they feel called upon or an internal yearning to return to Earth until the reincarnational cycle is complete. So anyone can value greatly from Swedenborg without assuming that he saw everything there was to see. I come to Swedenborg for his inspiring words about Jesus Christ and our spiritual purpose. But I am not here to simply put on his belief system like a uniform with a big "S" for Swedenborg on the chest. He is a wonderful conduit to Christianity, since so much of modern Christianity is extremely narrow minded, right wing, and (frankly) nasty and filled with malice and hypocrisy. In that sense, nothing has changed since Swedenborg's time. If this intrigues you, check out Tom Campbell, an elderly physicist who has been able to go out of body like Swedenborg all his life. He works with the Monroe Institute, which researches out of body states. Here are some short clips. This may appeal to people who have a logical mind, like me, working in the sciences all my life. Note that when he mentions ""MY BIG TOE", he is referring to his trilogy of books that document his theory based on a life time of out of body experiences. So in that sense, he is like Swedenborg and also a scientist. But he is in the 21st century (with our much wider perspective) rather than the 18th. Note that when he mentions "avatar" or "Elf"he is using a video game term. The avatar is each physical body that we use to live temporarily in this dimension of reality. "Entrophy" is a technical term that can be translated as "Chaos". So Tom talks about each life being intended to lower chaos and bring increasing order to the universe. He isn't a guru or New Age phony. He simply relates what he has experienced and taken from it, just like Swedenborg. But again, unlike Swedenborg, he does not need to filter everything through Christianity first. But either gentleman will get you to the same place = an intention of LOVE. th-cam.com/video/CY7A5n6-Rog/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/VmkPBrHwQWI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/hylwPP1_heA/w-d-xo.html
Many people feel the way you do about this, Will, that the concept of reincarnation makes more sense, and I totally respect that. Thank you for sharing the links so people can check out other points of view. On the other hand, many people find the idea of reincarnation to be horrifying (coming back again and again to this confusing earth plane where evil people can hurt good people) and so actually a number of people from new-age type backgrounds have expressed relief to us to be able to consider a different way. It's amazing that everyone has such different impressions of what feels fair and loving in a "big picture" view, and I'm glad that there are many theories out there to choose from, because you are so right: the main thing that matters is to go toward living in an intention of LOVE, and to be able to believe in a Grand System that is operating from Divine Love. The only thing I'll point out is that Swedenborg's view of heaven and the life of heaven is not the static, black and white concept that has been the traditional Christian view. We try to convey that in the show "The Heaven Project" th-cam.com/video/LX4zanR4OgA/w-d-xo.html and in other ways. But in the end, we hope everyone will use the philosophies-and parts of philosophies-that best help them to become more compassionate and forgiving and useful to humanity.
@arizona, And regardless, I'm not convinced. I am by no means in favor of holding the victim accountable for every single unintentional terrible thing that he or she goes through in his or her life. So if a person's whole family is shot, people like you would accuse that poor person of doing something in a "past life" to deserve it instead of condemning the killer. If something bad happened to you, would you want others to blame you for it in terms of what you supposedly did in a "past life." Because, I sure didn't appreciate that type of cold shoulder that some reincarnation believers gave me when I lost a parent at a young age. You need to accept the fact we live in an unfair and unjust world as we know it since it's never G-d's plan nor his will to allow murders, inequality, racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, inter-religious conflicts, wars, famine, all forms of abuse, political corruption, animal cruelty, anti-disability discrimination, health problems, etc.! We wouldn't have poverty, kids dying, infant mortality, etc. if equality existed and greed didn't exist. You think one life can't correct things but what's so fair about repeatedly coming down here to re-experience mortality and its nuisances. Even living a life like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Donald Trump, Ms. Oprah, and them doesn't make us immune to illnesses, aging, dying, losing relatives, falling prey to strange people, and having to put up with a strange world like this. And this is why I believe this is the only chance there is, why I believe it's a person's own willful decision to not spiritually elevate oneself due to lust money and being lazy, and for every bad thing that a person goes through and misses out on in life, he or she will be recompensated for it in a better heavenly world after this one.
Some people choose to be born into severe suffering because they are spiritually advanced. It has been my experience that about one half of those with intellectual deficits are on a very high spiritual plane, volunteering to be intellectually disabled to teach compassion to their families and others around them. This is also true with physical disabilities, such as people born without limbs. Others were born into severe poverty, and their overcoming it inspires all around them. Some may be explained as poor karma, but many are because of their volunteering due to be on a very high spiritual plane. Also, some can be explained as souls wanting to make the most of their time on Earth.
@@monicaperez2843 what i hate about the idea of reincarnation is that "you are not you. your ego is your avatar while the real you is in heaven. It means im a puppet. a video game character. ment to suffer and die so the guy pulling the strings can elevate himself. the very idea of it sickening. makes me want to hate myself frankly. Thats coming from someone who has suffered from autism. was used by her mother to give her life purpose and gain sympathy from others. Idk whats worse, the idea that god chose to make me autistic or the idea that i chose this for myself. neither of these brings peace to my life. The only thing that does is the idea of going to sleep forever. The idea that no one will be able to manipulate me or control me anymore whether human or god.
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I'm so very grateful this channel exists. Reminds me, daily, that there are still plenty of thoughtful, kind, ethical, good people in the world.
And we're so grateful for your kind, encouraging words! Thank you.
Your show seems to touch a lot of people in a positive way. You ask and answer most of the things we all wonder about. It’s difficult to believe that Emmanuel Swedenborg could have covered that much ground in his dreams, but he did. Thank you for providing good questions along with useful tools and satisfactory answers. I believe together we can give evil a good swift kick in the rear. Many thanks to Dr. Rose, Curtis Childs and the rest of the crew.
What a wonderful message! We do work hard to make sure our viewers feel supported, not only by engaging content but through replies to questions/comments on our channel. Your feedback really does encourage us, Jules!
With love,
the SF team
offTheLeftEye Jonathan Rose reminds me of a brilliant and profound theology philosopher.
I FEEL SO GOOD LISTENING TO YOU//// POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING///
I'm so glad to hear that, Vicki!
Ww w I love wwes
Hey guys! You never fail to use the perfect analogies to explain the topic on which you are speaking about. Your humor helps so much as well. Another much appreciated episode.
Thanks so much for letting us know, Lisa! We are really honored to have you with us :)
I have been watching these shows for a couple of years now and find them enormously helpful, especially the explanations of the Old Testament. I am very grateful to Curtis and all the team for their hard work in putting this teaching out.
Mary, thank you so much for reaching out. We are truly honored that you've decided to watch our shows for the past couple years! We wish you well, friend :)
To Megan for her question, and to Jonathan and Curtis for their answer, thank you! It is something I needed to hear, because it is of somewhere I am at, and have been for some time now. " ... is the person blind to their behaviour, or is it deliberate?" That's the question, and in simply posing it, you have given me the answer.
hello my friends am finally back to be able to watch and this was a very informative video. I found my husband 3 years ago and with the ups and downs it is still a very fulfilling life. My fight for growth in correctness of Gods word started at age 9 forward, it is growing and still strong in me. I continually thank God for bringing Swedenborg and all of you into my life so I can continue to grow. Blessings to all of you.
Hi Cheri! Great hearing from you, dear friend. It sounds like you have a very special relationship with you husband. We are so glad you're growing in God's Word and finding immense value in Swedenborg :)
I love the both of you conversing in teaching us and interacting with each other makes for a really good video I want to thank both of you you really unpack some things for me as well!
It's an honor and a privilege, Margie! Thanks :)
Wow!!! This was the most amazing content that I learned so much more from and gave me much insight. I've learned to understand people better, and though we cannot see inside their hearts, something Dr. Rose said really made me think. The more Divine a person's love, and the more wisdom they have, the more understanding they are toward others. This really hit me bc someone who I considered a true friend is showing opposite this....and it really hurt. So I'm trying to understand him better, see where he's coming from, and see how I can become better by trying harder to love and understand him--hoping that he will spiritually pick up on this (yes he is spiritual, and still growing, as we all are). This could be a great learning growth point for me as well. I truly loved how you brought science into this and it made so much sense. And the biblical passages also validate Swedenborg's words. What great food for the spirit this episode was! Watching it again at least 2 more times!
Wow! What an incredible message, Christine! It sounds like this episode is helping you to re-frame a recent encounter with a friend. I appreciate the approach you're taking in trying to understand him through a posture of love and patience. May God bless your path.
Thank you, that mean a LOT,
Thanks for another great show. What a shame that Swedenborg was not accepted by the religious leaders of his day. Finally his message can get out to the world, thanks to your work and the Internet. It does offer hope for those seeking truth. I am so glad that I came across this site. I had started to read "Heaven and Hell", but stopped years ago. Now I have downloaded a copy to take around with me on my phone.
Awesome, Neil! So glad we could inspire you to dive back into Swedenborg's books. It's great to have you here in our audience!
Neil, The lack of receptivity by the religious leaders to Swedenborg's ideas just shows us the spiritual condition of those leaders. And what about the religious leaders of today? Are they any better? Religious leaders tend to blindly follow the blind religious leaders before them. They call it "tradition" and worship that tradition.
Thanks for another helpful video. Swedenborg's work is so very important. I never knew it existed until I found your channel. Thanks again for all your dedicated work to bring this information to the public's attention. It's helping more people than we could know.
We really appreciate your kind and encouraging words, alex! It means a lot to us to know that the information is resonating with you. Great to have you out there in the audience!
To Curtis-Thanks for wearing my shirt, and to Sharon- yes I did need this episode!
Melody A Robinson Especially since we were just having a conversation about people who commit heinous crimes, but perhaps their life circumstances "created" the desire for that particular criminal behavior.
So glad to see Jonathan!
Great episode's full of wisdom improving my daily living. Thanks Curtis.God's blessings to all.
I'm so glad it's been of use to you, Betty! Blessings to you too!
Very good point from Curtis, Sometimes people act out of Character because of an underline medical problem. I know this for a fact because I suffer from an Anxiety disorder and before I was being properly treated with my disorder I was very moody and emotional, I would over react to things that most people would not react to or not at the level I would, I used to feel very bad about myself I did not understand why I was acting like this, I even felt like God was angry at me because I was not being the best person I knew I could be and all along it was just a chemical imbalance in my brain that was easily treatable once I found the right medication, I really suffered from this and I know other suffer to from illness and if they were properly treated they would overcome their problems.
Gerald Brush may I ask what helped you? As far as medication goes? I am dealing with very high volumes of stress due to my physical health and other issues and it causes me more depression than anxiety. I'm working toward getting better so I can feel better emotionally, but a lot of the time it's out of my control. I meditate, try to do things, but I have 4 young autistic children so it's kind of hectic. I love my kids and my husband. We just deal with a hell of a lot from many directions all at once like other people in life. Thanks for sharing, by the way. I'm glad you found a way to cope.
Hi Hella Quinn thanks for writing me and I am sorry you have so many issues in your life, I understand how hard it is although my issues are different from yours. I to practice meditation and prayer and it does help, But I have learned that you have to ask God directly for help Tell him what it is you need from him, God wants to help us but we need to ask him because he does not over rule the free will he has given us. Talk to God often and in private, Also talk to your Doctor about whats going on with you, We really need to nag our Doctors because they are very busy and they do not have a lot of time to examine us as they should, In other words the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I wish you the best, God bless, G.
Gerald Brush Thanks for the response. Yeah I have a pretty decent relationship with my Dr, actually for the most part. She is pretty busy because she's good at her job though. I've been through plenty of natural, medical and other remedies so I am trying anything and everything. It's not so much that life sucks, it's that I can't do a whole lot of 'normal' things that most can do because of the state of our children and my health issues. They've (the kids) dealt with a lot, so it's understandable. We've overcome a lot, however and I admit things could always be worse. But it does get more and more overwhelming on top of not having as much control over your physical body when dealing with health issues. I'm currently trying a new medication and it isn't very promising, hence why I asked. I know it's very personal so I apologize. But I genuinely appreciate your help and knowing I'm not the only one willing to admit life isn't always as simple or perfect as a positive attitude 100% of the time.
I'm on effexor it works pretty good for me but everyone's health issues are different my problems all stem from a thyroid disorder. Have you had your Thyroid tested? If not its a good idea to do so. I hope your Dr. finds something that works for you and you get well soon, I understand how hard it is I suffered for more then twenty years before I started feeling half way well again. God be with you, G.
Gerald, thank you for sharing this. It's such an important thing to remember, that these physical factors have to be taken into account!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your episodes yet i really really appreciate this one, thank you all !!!!!!!🥰
Frances, I'm so glad you've enjoyed them and have found this one especially powerful! We're so grateful to have you here!
So magical when you "stumble" on a answer to a question that has been in your mind!! The past week i have been wondering HOW on EARTH i knew God existed when I was very very very little :) I remember how i just knew there was a "something" where everything comes from (but i did not yet know the word "God". I felt the precense of this "being". I am today a christian but no one in my family are and they never talked to me about God, so that is not how i knew. Lately i have been wondering and sort ur doubting my own memory... until today! Thank you!!
Isn't it so cool to stumble onto those very things we need?! I'm so glad to hear that this episode helped to clarify your understanding of God, that he exists and loves you so very much.
This was SO comforting, hopeful and encouraging !! My heart has always grieved for the horrible things that some people go through in this life.
That is one of the toughest things about this world, Soul Love, for sure. I'm so glad this video could ease your heart just a bit on the topic!
thank you, great talk, great lesson, I feel lighter !
What a wonderful thing to hear! I'm grateful for you, Christine :)
I undestand for sure your passion for Swendenborg and also I, love the both of you conversing in teaching us and interacting with likeminded.
You've got it for nothing give it for nothing in the name of Truth and knowledge and wisdom stay strong and happy Curtis
Your support and encouragement means a lot to us!
I’ve always enjoyed this episode, thank you so much! This video has always hit “ home” for me. Jonathan ( Dr. Rose) basically explained from a Swedenborgian perspective, that I’m not to blame for things that were out of my control. I’m not afraid to tell the truth. Because of the way I was born, I always mentally abused by my own mother ( the result of drugs) She made me feel useless, and alone as the only child without a father. This led to a depression at 9 years old and basically destroyed my life. It’s miracle of the Lord that I’m still here. I still pray to the Lord and ask for guidance and mercy on a frequent basis. I’ve witnessed many things in my life and others people’s lives also. Where they quit, I didn’t. I’m not afraid to go forward as long as the Lord is with me . ❤️❤️😊
Julian, you clearly were born into some very difficult conditions, and I'm so sorry for your suffering. No child deserves that, but it happens all too often. I'm so glad you're still with us here, and hope you feel now how loved and important you are, and how sad it is that your own mother didn't get to see your radiance and vitality because she was too immersed in her own misery. I suppose she missed out on her own value as well.
I hope you know now how much you matter and that you deserve love, my friend. I always enjoy your insights, words, and perspective - already you share so much that helps others, even just on this channel! God bless you.
@@offTheLeftEye Thanks❤️ that meant a lot to me. ...I have seen a lot of suffering and destruction in the world, not with just myself, but with other people, animals and the natural environment. It can be overwhelming at times. We can only go forward, do the best we can and ask Jesus or God for strength. ....God bless you also! ❤️😊
@@julianbristow4793 yes, there's so much about this world that is so hard to witness or experience. We all feel the weight of that too, here, and try to maintain some hope for the future! I do think we can see a lot of good, and love, and hope - but it's often harder to find. And you are so right - just keep asking God for strength! Thank you! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
My kids asked me to do a church service about this very question. I'm going to use this. Thanks!
How cool! I hope this episode serves you well, Nadine.
All I can say Curtis, and Dr. John that if this is not the truth then it makes so much sense that it should be, because this sounds like God being pure wisdom and love would think this way and not the unforgiving and vengeful God that a lot of Christian teachings that are happening still today, Swedenborg just makes more sense that the ultimate intelligence which is our lord, would be more likely to be than the other way, so thank you guys so much for getting this truth out to the people, which I believe that God surly knew would happen.
We're so happy to know that the ideas resonate with your heart, Jimmy. We totally agree that a God who is Pure Love makes so much more sense!
great Show, great information.. you guys are the best! Thanks for being here spreading this word...
I'm so glad to hear that, Linda! Thanks for taking the time to let us know :)
very important show for me............again, thanks for spreading these ideas !
We're so glad, Gonda!
Curtis, I loved your expression 'long drawn out inner agony.' I recognized something in myself the minute you expressed this concept. Excellent show guys!
Amazing! I appreciate you sharing that connection with us. Sending love, my friend!
Good show on an important topic.
Thanks!
Thanks Darryl!
Yes, we always hear "life isn't fair, deal with it" or "how is life fair?" But, man, this show REALLY offered a lot of information and incredible insight into this. And how we really shoudn't compare our lives with others. What a great topic to hold in a church service as someone earlier mentioned doing.
I'm so glad it made sense to you, Christine! It's a challenging topic to address.
offTheLeftEye I I'm sure it was! But I couldn't think of a better way to handle the topic than the way you guys did. I've never seen it spoken of in such a way. You guys should celebrate big time after that one. Could not have been easy.
Thankfully we have a team of really creative people who can put things like this together. I will let them know about your support!
I wish I had the name of your music in the beginning . Love it.
Thanks! It is original music we created in-house. We've had it in mind to release it someday as it's own downloadable recording. If we do, you'll hear about it!
great show!!! really enjoyed, and going to rewatch, so much deep information couldn't absorb in one watch
Yes, many people find it helpful to watch more than once. And in reading Swedenborg's books, too, I realize new things every time I re-read. It is indeed a lot to absorb! We're so glad you enjoyed it.
Less than a minute into the show, my mind felt wired, and then up pops Curtis looking like a giant and says to Jonathan: "This might look silly, but I'm actually rewiring my brain right now!" Ha! Anyway, the immediate thought I had on seeing just the title of this episode was, that a Testimony of Faith is a test o' many fears. I will leave you with that gem of a thought as I go back to listen to the episode :)
Wonderful - as usual! O, and please make that show! How we react to others (words/violence/cruelty) might well illuminate much about ourselves as well as those others. And - about how Dive Love can work through us (and them). Thank you to all of you.
You're very welcome, Tim. Your encouraging responses always mean a lot to us! Yes, that would be an important and challenging kind of show to make, looking at actual ways to respond to negative behavior in others. So many different scenarios and situations. You may find at least some partial answers to that question in these two shows:
"3 Simple Ways to Love Everyone" th-cam.com/video/pl7s8kiLrhE/w-d-xo.html
"How to Love" th-cam.com/video/i1vLrF-BeGY/w-d-xo.html
P.S. I recommend a lot of shows to you, and won't remember which ones I've already recommended, so please disregard when I repeat any recommendations! :)
Thank you - I watched 'How to Love'. I will check out Three Simple...etc. But I have a number of your videos lined up to watch! And I haven't even checked out the one re music yet! But I have time! :)
Oh my goodness. I just rewatched this episode on my own recommendation LOL! The show that I was guest on came up in the cue and I rewatched that, which was trippy. Watching this again reminds me of how I was frustrated by the title and thought I wasn't going to get what I desperately came that night needing. As I remembered how discouraging my week had been and how lost I felt I decided I better watch anyway. And then it is just like y'all wrote this show for me. I had even listened to a podcast just that day about how senses could come in from a different way. Anyway. Thank you. Great show. It was a lifeboat for me at the time.
God's timing is amazing, isn't it? Bringing things that might not look like what we were hoping for, but turn out to be just right!
@@offTheLeftEye It's almost like there is a Divine Providence motivated by Infinite Love and Wisdom that is always at work. :P You guys have helped me feel that personal, comforting feeling of DP actually caring about me. I believed in it before, but was just starting to believe that while all is well and good will win, my own heartbreaking and painful situation was not something I could expect direct help concerning. I could expect help in transforming the pain etc. but maybe not with the situation. I was even feeling like maybe my spiritual path was just in my imagination. There is no logical reason why you would reach out to me and want to talk to me. Now it feels like God letting me know He sees me. :)
@@joyborazjani2355 It's so profound to get that realization, even just for a moment, that God really, really knows us and really, really cares. And how beautiful that God allows us to be the agents of that love!
The explanation that “simple people” would be instructed by angels in the afterlife gives the idea that we can’t take any credit for our wisdom a whole ‘nother meaning!
That was a relief for me to hear because I did have concern over those who were more simple-minded in my view.
I am very curious as to why certain people are drawn to higher spiritual ideas while on Earth while other people may live a primarily material and/or carnally-oriented existence. Why some souls and not the other? I would love to know what made the choice/intention before being born here.
I can’t thank OTLE enough for this fabulous episode! 😄
I'm so glad this episode was spiritually nourishing for you, Esther! I, too, am curious about the vast variety in human beings -- in ALL kinds of ways. Swedenborg doesn't talk about a "pre-life" state, where we commit to a specific path here on earth, but it's a very popular idea, I know. It's all so fascinating to ponder!
On the Internet people discuss subjects of a spiritual
nature and there are many different opinions. Listening to various points of view that come from different levels, I like to listen to ideas that are full of light.
Having this larger picture helps bring understanding and
wisdom. Many times I hear the same ideas from different sources. It underlines those particular thoughts, making them worth a second look. These ideas reach a deep level within our spirit. It’s a way to become educated showing the many ways people look at God.
That sounds like a great approach, Bill! Yes, different perspectives on the one God. And some ideas do seem to resonate at a very deep level in our spirits. Thanks for sharing this reflection...of the light! :)
This was a very good lesson for me it increases my hope in heaven and does help me forgive myself for those things I did in stupidity stage. What will call my ox stage. But you must be careful with trying to understand and overlook those who are out to do you harm with love. Because those "types of evil" is dangerous to your person. You cannot be unaware there those who have murder in their hearts. I am dealing with someone who I been observing to have sociopathic behavior. These type of people are everywhere. You must be aware how far they fallen away from goodness.
It sounds like this episode is helping you to hold the past in a more merciful way. We all certainly have stages in our development that are "less smart" than other stages (haha). I honor your caution towards those who pose the possibility of harming you. Sometimes we have the opportunity to help steer others towards a better path, yet in other instances it's advised to just keep a distance. I'll be praying for you with regards to this individual, that you may discern what is best for your continued growth. Wishing you well, my friend.
A very deep topic.... It does clear up some of the thoughts I've had on this for a long time! Thanks :-)
A deep topic, indeed. I'm glad the episode was valuable to you :)
Jonathan makes a profound point that we should basically try to understand where a person is coming from. So, if a person is a diabetic maniac -- take that into consideration, that extremes in blood glucose have an effect on behavior, or if a person has a biological defect or a lack of a crucial development, we can understand -- although we do not excuse the behavior, we forgive it more readily. A cousin of mine was telling me last night that a man grabbed a doctor by the neck -- but the doctor could not hold the patient, who was without wit and understanding, logic or rational thought, accountable. We are not left so frustrated when we gain insight as to why people misbehave -- is it a brain malfunction? Is it premeditated -- or not. How did a person find him or herself in the world early on? Additionally, I like the explanation about the ox. It is symbolic. It is an example of how Swedenborg is trying to explain rational thought. Irrational thought without logic would be to take that story literally. To not eat the flesh means we are not to identify with bad behavior. I believe with my entire heart if everyone listens to these discussions they will gain an education and understanding they did not have before. We have to reach for rational and logical thought and remember that chaos is always a design of hellish ways. We have biological component -- the brain, we must not be lazy. We must study the Bible as it was intended and not read into it delusional thought.
What a profound reflection on this episode! I truly appreciate your insights on the nature of perspective, and rational vs. irrational thought. It's really cool to note how you're growing via Swedenborg. Blessings, my friend.
I started coming into the channels of off the left eye after a very disturbing experience. my only daughter was a crime victim. she flat lined twice during her mercy flight to the emergency room. I got the call from the surgeons that they were clamping off an artery, and the best case scenario was that she would not have an arm. my daughter's injuries were very extensive, and did not seem to match watch the state police and others said happened. even more frightening wears what she had to say in the following months of recovery. while in icu she astutely stated her senses where all messed up.
having had a serious head trauma ,and brain bleed, I just listened. I noted she couldn't see at all for the first week. her taste was gone and everything was just as she said. ...messed up. then after her release(she spent a month in icu) she started talking about the near death experience. mind blowing. she said... forgiveness was salvation, that the afterlife was wonderful, and she felt more love and acceptance. she should there were no words on earth to describe it. she said she had seen my mother, and her father ( both dead).
this off the left eye is making me more confused. this all happened at the solar eclipse, and felt extremely evil. except for one thing. I dropped to my knees many times and prayed that she would live. I also spoke blessings over her, and her life to be happier than before. six days earlier she had broken up with an abusive boyfriend. th st past is gone for her, but I am still baffled at what evil does. any insights? ???
Thank you for sharing this story, Cynthia. Wow, what an intense experience-first the pain and trauma of your daughter's injuries, and then the wonder of what your daughter saw in her near-death experience. There is a world beyond the physical world, and life beyond the physical world. All the trauma we experience here on earth is temporary, and the promise is that eventually all pain and trauma can be healed and washed away.
Evil doesn't make any sense because evil is insanity. It is simply the insanity that happens when people make the goals and actions of their lives all based on selfishness and greed. That is turning away from the realities that come from God, which are altruistic love, compassion, connectedness, and usefulness to others.
Evil can seem very powerful sometimes on earth, but in spiritual reality, evil is very weak. The only real and lasting Power comes from heavenly love and usefulness, which are the things that can keep us growing and expanding and healing and learning forever.
Here are some thoughts we shared a while back about how to have some perspective about the harsh things of earthly life: th-cam.com/video/UIMfRE0wmOA/w-d-xo.html
@@offTheLeftEye EVIL IS LIFE SPELLED, OR LIVED BACKWARDS....So going towards the good brings more good..moving towards evil brings more evil...so it's like the ole numbers line...-,+...towards good
=towards heaven...away from good-,= less good, = more evil...
Like a seesaw or tug of war...of thoughts aren't always true...but the TRUTH never lies... Free will lets one choose each day whom they will serve...it will reflect in your life...like when Mr Rose says,
"DON'T EAT IT" !!!
@@dianematlock7922 Well said, Diane! Thank you!
@@offTheLeftEye wow..you get it...I'm old school, always wated to understand HOW things work..always asked...but was never told...so while in grade school, I decided to learn all I could...I could feel the change around the mid 70's...kept hearing,
IGNORANCE IS BLISS.... WHAT YOU DONT KNOW WONT HURT
YOU ...UNTILL YOU FIND OUT..
since I had to go to school, I'd better keep it...so I Learned. PUT YOUR WEALTH INSIDE YOUR MIND...AND NO MAN CAN ROB YOU...thank you ...for allowing me to share what works for me... Your
videos are like a soul security manual...it flips a script on tthem ole demons..makes me turn the lights on in this brain of mine, which is indeed a pleasure.🙈🙉🙊
@@dianematlock7922 We're so glad to have you here! And it touches our hearts to know that these concepts are really feeding you spirit.
A wonderful show and great explanations from Swedenborg. Not only are we tested by the circumstances of our own lives, but we are also tested by the circumstances of those who are close to us, or even all of society. "Fair" probably isn't a concept which applies to life, unless you're a 12 year old. Kids always complain about things not being fair. Accepting life as it is is a quality of maturity. The challenge is to bring into being a society in which we look at the good qualities of others and help each other to be better people. Present society tends to do the opposite. I think we see this being played out in public view right now in the U.S. and most other countries. The forces of selfish individualism are arrayed against the forces of love, compassion and self-sacrifice, and altruism. Those who are aware of the Director of this spiritual drama know how it well end. Just as our divine potential needs our lower animalistic nature to struggle against and overcome, so does a divinely oriented society need the individualistic and selfish centered society to struggle against in order to become consciously aware of who we are and what we need to do. Thanks for doing such a great job!
Wow, beautifully expressed, Harlan. Thank you, my friend!
I agree we must learn to over come hard obstacles its like super man trying to save everyone well if he did we would rely on him and we wouldnt try to improve for our on self and help our selfs with anything Like getting mental help or trying to be more active
Another excellent show. Some of the concepts were so important and so vital , I needed to go back and listen to them a couple of times so I could really internalize them. Thank you , again, for this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow spiritually.
*by the way--a great way to support OTLE financially it to sign up for Amazon.smile---it is completely free, and a percentage of whatever you buy on Amazon is dedicated to the charity of your choice, in this case, the Swedenborg Foundation. *
I'm so happy to hear about your experience with this video. It's cool to note how you're taking this information and really trying to internalize it- that's the goal! Thanks for the heads up about Amazon Smile! I will certainly let the team know about it. Warm wishes, my friend.
This video touches on one of those deep childhood questions that many of us have asked, but no one seems to be able to answer, including anyone in science or religion. Some call it the "why-am-I-me" question, or to rephrase: "why was I born into my body instead of another, with my situation and perspective on the world, instead of another?". Why do I experience reality continuously from that perspective instead of another? Why not the person next to me, or someone in another country, or an animal, or an alien in another galaxy, or a being in another universe? Reality could be vastly different from another perspective, with different experiences and abilities, a different grasp of truth, right and wrong, conception of God, etc. Everything depends on perspective, so why this body and brain, at my specific location in the vastness of space and time?
Ok, it's actually a consciousness question - that much I understand. Science won't ever give you an answer because science assumes there is no "preferred" perspective on the world. But your experience of reality contradicts that assumption. If you are a conscious being, there most certainly is a preferred perspective: yours.
I haven't heard any good answers from science or religion. If you're a materialist and you think the answer is some kind of a dice roll, then what exactly is being rolled and how? Or if you think you have a soul, then why is it bound to your specific body and perspective, with all your strengths and weaknesses, invisible tendencies, etc? Swedenborg seems to have touched on some spiritual common ground at the core of our existence, but did he shine any light on the original haunting question: why am I me? Everything depends on it. I think I first asked the question when I was 7 or 8 years old. I'm in my fifties now, and still asking.
Great questions, Jeff, and I'm glad you wonder about the big picture! Here are a couple of shows that relate to your questions. See if you find any helpful thoughts. "Does My Life Matter?" th-cam.com/video/33FfPQsf_zU/w-d-xo.html and "How to Find Your True Self" th-cam.com/video/3m9uAecvftM/w-d-xo.html
I'm glad you approve of The Big Questions. Some science-minded folks think they're a meaningless waste of time. Some religious-minded folks think you should be careful about asking them, and cite the book of Job.
Thanks for the video links. They seem to be saying or implying that my specific body and life were reserved for me. They were taylor-made for my unique needs, to allow me to advance spiritually enough to function and be happy in a better world (heaven?). So this world is a essentially a kindergarten for immature spirits. I think that's a good answer. Of course, all of this implies that there's a unique, non-physical part of me (a soul?) that I take with me into the next world. It also implies that this world is deceptive, and not what it appears to be at first. Maybe that's ok too. Part of the education. Most folks wouldn't be ready for it.
I'm not sure I like the body analogy, though. I hope I'm not going through all of this so I can be the gallbladder of God :) Free will and all that...
But thanks again. I really enjoyed the videos and I think you're basically right.
I think this world is an arena for development, a realm whereby we "learn the ropes" and begin to discern what really matters to us. What really drives us. In other words, a "kindergarten for immature spirits"! Haha. Our bodies are only vestments of our spirit, which lives on and is eternal (our true self). What's interesting is that here in the natural world, things can certainly be deceptive. This is because we have the freedom to think one way and act another. We can create fronts or wear masks in our interactions, which hide the authentic feelings inside. When we enter the world of spirits upon dying, this can still be the case. People can fluctuate between their "true" inner selves and their "not-so-true" external selves. But eventually, as these individuals journey closer to either heaven or hell, they shed that external mask and live fully into who they really are. No more deception.
I chuckled at your last comment about the body analogy. I suppose a member of the gallbladder would be better than the intestines or rear-end! ;)
Some body parts are more disreputable than others. I still need 'em tho ;)
I imagine Heaven as a place without deception. Maybe there's telepathy in some form. A deceptive or hateful soul in heaven would stand out like a screaming baby in church. So I guess the purpose of our stay here on Earth is to advance beyond a spiritually infantile stage, so we can at least remain in the presence of mature spirits.
But by "deceptive" in my previous post, I actually meant the physical world. It's not what it appears to be, since our souls are not visible (consciousness is not observable by science). Therefore, most of us are led to believe that the brain is the cause of our awareness, even though there is no conceivable way for any physical process or algorithm to become conscious. It's not just a technical hurdle. Any good explanation of consciousness will require a deep re-think of the fundamental structure of the world. Also, some of the latest experiments in quantum physics (variants of the double-slit experiment) are seriously calling "realism" into question, suggesting that we live in a world of appearances - a world not fully fleshed out and much smaller than it appears to be. To me, that's a deceptive world at a fundamental level. I hope its creators are not as deceptive. BTW, I'm actually writing a fictional novel with these ideas (and others) in the background narrative. Swedenborg is also influencing me more and more, thanks to your videos. Some big themes and lots of good stuff to draw from.
Great Show! 👏 Good People! 🙏🏻💕 And Yes ... Life Is Very Unfair. To me it was. 😰😢
Ugh, I'm sorry you've suffered, Alexa! I know how you feel. I believe that we are all being led to a place with clearer air, fresher water, and abundant opportunity to enjoy our lives as useful beings -- but that we must also be willing to go through bogs and forests and deserts to find new life. Sending you love and refreshment for your journey, my friend!
@offTheLeftEye Thankxx So Much For The Friendship And Kindness 🙏🏻💕Curtis Childs! Bless You. 🙏🏻☀️
All my concerns were addressed in the above discussion, I should try to remember all that was addressed and explained, in most logical fashion.
We're so glad the concepts made sense to you! Thank you for watching.
Without heartache and hardships, we would live an unbeautiful life. Nature teaches this - yes? - where a trauma beneath the earth's surface will produce a beautiful mountain range over what otherwise might appear to be a flat, non-descript surface without personality. Suffice it to say, as cruel as life can seem at times, the "cruelty" is often character building. I like to think of myself as the very mountain I am meant to scale.
Very well said, my friend. I think your insights will be valuable to many of our community members.
I agree, there needs to be a whole show based on this (elaborating on when someone hurts you and how to deal with it) ....so, did you guys make 1 since this video? If so, which 1?... what's the title?
Hmmm.... Not sure about that, Soul Love, but this one might offer some thoughts on that topic:
"What Turning the Other Cheek Really Means" -- th-cam.com/users/liveCP8GAlRMWaI
If this doesn't do it for you, ask again!
And here's a few more that might feel helpful, Soul Love!
A short clip, "How to Use Positive Energy To Deal With Someone's Negative Behavior" th-cam.com/video/7KheK_sW1YE/w-d-xo.html
and, "How Do We View People?" th-cam.com/video/Jq9kSmzEX30/w-d-xo.html
Some full length episodes that may help are:
"A Protective Barrier from Evil Spirits" th-cam.com/video/LkmSesd9vw8/w-d-xo.html
"How to Respect Spiritual Boundaries in Relationships" th-cam.com/video/p1QAWnVZh1k/w-d-xo.html
"Overcoming Divisiveness" th-cam.com/video/DcVU5rYAJtg/w-d-xo.html
"3 Simple Ways to Love Everyone" th-cam.com/video/pl7s8kiLrhE/w-d-xo.html
Happy Watching!
@@offTheLeftEye Yayyy! Thanks so much ! ❤❤❤
We are hear to help you find what you need, SOUL.
WOW, sensing and brain ports, super cool.
Yeah, amazing, isn't it? Thank you for watching!
This is my point of view of life being “fair” because if you think about it life CANT be fair for one reason.that reason is then we would all be the same we would have the same strength,intelligence,speed,looks, feelings, simply life can’t be fair if it was then none of us would have freedom the choice to think for our selves we couldn’t choose where we would go in life or choose our paths what we want to do so in conclusion if you ever think life isn’t fair it is better because it gives us the ability to choose how we live our lives (pretty sure no one saw this sooo um...)
I love this perspective. Thank you so much for sharing these insights!
How about being unmolested by astral spirits and exiles to the 3d realm?
'For me personally it should be unfair through it we can acknowledge God's mystery and fullness,,. here on earth, so we can always think of this wondrous life why is it like that and this and etc..., till you will realize your potential and understands who you are, and what is the life porgression we need to cooperate and share, or what you can contribute, in so many ways, but generally in the eyes of God, we species human being we're all equal our every dignity to Him,. Our God creator 'for God in his Kingdom then, everything is fair,.".🙏. . Spirit World with our God. FAIR all in all".☺
What a wonderful point of view! Thank you so much for sharing this. It reminds me of a quote from Helen Keller: “I thank God for my handicaps. For through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.”
How about when you just say the heck with it and sin anyway knowing exactly what you are doing?
Next if you have every privilege and fail is it held against you?
How does you episode relate to the parable of the seeds falling on fallow ground versus the rocks?
Great questions!
No, we can't just say the heck with it and sin, knowing that it is wrong. Remember, sin is always about things that hurt ourselves and others, so, if we really know something is hurtful, we have the spiritual responsibility to try to resist it. We might mess up sometimes, but we have to keep trying to get back on track. To say "I don't care if it's hurtful. I enjoy it" is not compatible with heaven. Again, we're going to mess up sometimes, but it's about a general direction. We have to have the intention to be less harmful and more loving, and then make real efforts in that direction. Otherwise, we won't even be able to handle the atmosphere of heaven, because it is all about altruistic love!
Earthly privilege or lack of it does not matter at all in the end. All that matters is, do I take whatever situation I'm in and use it to try to become less hurtful and more loving and useful?
The parable of the sower is about states of mind. The seeds are good ideas from God about how to live in love toward God and the neighbor. We have to make an effort to have a state of mind that will receive those ideas and apply them to life, because then they will grow into results that are nourishing and life-giving.
I am still struggling to understand extreme unfairness like extreme child abuse, diseases, etc. Is it simply that these children are enduring suffering to be made stronger?
Yes, Luke, what an agonizing, heartbreaking topic! No, I don't think God allows children to suffer because it makes them stronger. The people who abuse children are defying God's word, and doing something they will answer for, if not in this life, then they will in the next. You might like an episode we did a while back about justice, "What Happens With Unsolved Crimes in the Afterlife" th-cam.com/video/JOEiAETaQug/w-d-xo.html
If we become stronger, more compassionate people because of our problems, THAT is God intervening to bring use and love to us in spite of our hardships. It's God doing the best possible to bring goodness out of a bad situation. But it's not because God intends for any of us, least of all innocent children, to suffer. Here's a little background on the spiritual reasons these things occur on earth -- and why we can be part of the change to stop it:
God is CONSTANTLY sending messages to humanity that children are precious and should be valued, cared for, loved, protected!!! It's just that long ago, humanity corrupted the channel to tune into that intuition by losing interest in it and turning to external messages instead of internal messages.
There is a powerful aura constantly emanating from God inspiring feelings of love for children and a desire to protect children, but we have to make individual and collective effort to open up that channel. We have to be willing to receive it. We talk about the God-given intuition that was created into humanity at the beginning, how it got blocked, and how we can make the effort to get it back in our episode "How To Find True Intuition" th-cam.com/video/UYJBmb1TYR8/w-d-xo.html
The earliest humans received direct inflow from God, direct auras and messages of love and kindness for all, right into their hearts. They were willing to be guided by that direct inflow. But slowly, humanity became enamored with external life and lost interest in internal life. Slowly, that gave rise to selfishness and materialism, which created more and more spiritual pollution blocking out God's auras and inflow of compassion and empathy.
So God adapted things and sent those calls to compassion in other ways -- through scriptures written down by people who could still hear God's voice. But still, the cravings for selfishness and greed grew, and the meanings of those original scriptures was lost and twisted and corrupted to justify cruelty and domination.
So God did more adaptions, sending strict rules to be followed such as were given to the Israelites through Moses, but they could not be received purely. They were received in ways that matched the state of minds of humans at that time, because we can only receive what we're willing to receive. There were strict laws in there against incest and against sacrificing children in religious rituals. But still so much of that continued to happen, because humanity insisted on it.
So God manifested on earth as Jesus. Jesus said powerful things about kindness and compassion, calling people back in that direction. Jesus was extremely tender with children, called attention to the heavenly state of a little child, and warned that those who hurt children will suffer dire spiritual consequences:
"Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there" (Matthew 19:13-15)
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me'" (Matthew 18:1-5)
And then comes the warning to any perpetrators. ("Believe in Me" means to innocently believe in the kind of goodness and compassion Jesus embodied. "To sin" here means all the trouble that would come out of wrongs done to someone innocent. Notice the warning is to the perpetrators, not the victims who might then fall into trouble):
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matthew 18:6-7)
And today, God is urging compassion toward children constantly through the hearts, minds and actions of anyone willing to open their hearts to that and take up that cause. God has been working over the past centuries to raise awareness of the needs of children, and the existence of abuse toward children, so that we can wake up to it and DO something about it! We need to make efforts to support agencies and people who are making that effort, and to do whatever we can to end the scourge of child abuse and open humanity back up to the flow of God's immense love for children.
No one hurts more than God when people hurt children. No one wants it to stop more than God. God needs agents on earth to bring this compassion into the world and allow it to grow. God can't come down and blast it away any more than the sun could come down to earth and blast away all the germs. That would blast away everything else, too. But the sun can shine down constantly to inspire the growth of good things, and we can learn to stop adding to the pollution that blocks that influence, and allow the Love to have more power here on earth.
For why God can't come down and stop it, see "What God Can't Do" th-cam.com/video/IlXJLOkOi1A/w-d-xo.html
"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it. But, I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”
― Brandon Hatmaker, Barefoot Church: Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture
“We need to stop clinging to the “idea” of being transformed, and honestly, mournfully, and humbly ask him to break our hearts for the things that breaks his.”
― Brandon Hatmaker, Barefoot Church: Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture
I hope these ideas are useful to you. Such a heartbreak to think any child suffers this way, and I truly hope we can all find meaningful ways to bring an end to these things in our world, and believe every small effort can help. Blessings as you ponder these hard things, Luke!
In hell there is relief in utter helplessness, not so in earth. Not simply the suffering but the expectation and requirement that you pick yourself up after the torture. I heard and witnessed a lot, and came to realization inevitably that anything that can be imagined has happened. Babies raped and burned, psych patients that swallowed razors and skinned themselves in their madness. Everything that happens in hell also happens on earth. And of course in a way, the evil person is the biggest victim. How could God let someone be this way - I can only answer that it is for strength, or as you said on a video, simply: It is happening therefore it must be part of God's plan. That's why I say I can only justify the innocent being tortured with absolutely no mercy as providing strength. Can there really be any answer deeper than this? Although we feel intuitively that it is wrong to say - to say to a tortured child by terminal disease or abuse "Be well, this was all just to empower you." Because the experience in the flesh is the exact opposite. Everything has been taken from you. Perhaps only then it is the same as Helen Keller - from losing providence or 'the good', you gain sight or 'truth'. We cannot draw a line at which suffering is bearable and which suffering is overwhelming. Because mere suffering alone is only a bleeding leg you did not notice in the heat of the moment. If I had come as a doctor and restored Keller's sight and hearing I am robbing her of her spiritual opportunity. So all has to be in balance in 'karma'. Every spiritual answer is extremely annoying: The perpetrator and the hero to the perpetrator, had not only raped the victim and the perpetrator physically (by 'punishment'), but raped them for the cause of their own spiritual development. Again, why I can only conclude it is for power: That those who experienced the true evil and pain became stronger. Because an angel that has not been tortured is weak and intrinsically fearful like most humans. Again we cannot draw the line: We go out in our lives and suffer for exchanges and rewards, the extreme tortures can only be the same ultimately. I feel this is the same statement as the example you gave with the sun against germs. If we painlessly kill the children who had many congenital defects is it good or bad - yet again we can't draw a line at which defect is too much or at what age. If a man gets severe brain damage that is making him suffer immensely, and so on. The answer can only be that it is simultaneously good and bad. This is the one issue I take with idealistic religion. So focused on heaven that the rest of creation is missed. God did not directly create these sufferings yet they did make all of them nonetheless. Just as our skin hardens with age, the real transcendent being is very much - not a satan and a devil, yet has cultivated and experienced that raw darkness as much as they are angel. They are a yinyang, and take great pleasure in destruction and masochism. Krishna the destroyer of worlds just as much a creator. A fine but solid line between God delighting at all the extreme pain they cause through natural disaster and eventually destruction of all creation, and evil. So close, like birth and death being either side of 12 O'clock, they are opposite yet almost touching, separated by the encounter with the infinite. God is very much sadistic. A person would be incomplete without hatred, though clearly their hatred should be less than their love. The only way God can be 100% love is if he also loves his wrath and utter indifference.
@@lukecronquist6003 did you read my response? I offer a different point of view - that God doesn't want this suffering for us, and that the evil that exists in this world and harms the innocent is a byproduct of human selfishness, evil, and cruelty - things that God did not create at all.
Evil is the absence of God - not the opposite of God, and not a balance to God. It is what exists WITHOUT God, so it is not possible for God to create this.
It is allowed because we wanted it, our ancestors and people still today - as a species - wanted a life without God.
God works constantly to create and bring balance to the world in spite of this evil, and because of it. Just because God can create use out of something evil, doesn't mean God created the actual evil, and it doesn't mean God sanctioned it. Again, see the episode link I included in my last response, "What God Can't Do."
I am struck by your statement about babies in hell - in Swedenborgian theology, this is impossible. All children go directly to heaven, where they are raised by angels. There are no babies in hell, it is impossible for the innocent to be damned and left to be abused in the spiritual world.
Because in the spiritual world, our state creates our reality, a baby who is in pure innocence could not possibly create or desire an atmosphere of hell, nor could an innocent being be made to suffer when he or she has had no opportunity to choose evil as his or her preferred lifestyle. See this short clip, "All Children Who Die Go To Heaven" th-cam.com/video/ONO7VgUMlyM/w-d-xo.html
It sounds as if you've had some disturbing visions, and I wonder what source would want you to believe that babies are tortured in hell? Certainly not a being that cares about truth, for the whole concept defies logic and is devoid of love. It is not possible in a world where God is love.
See our episode, "The Lies Evil Spirits Tell Us," th-cam.com/video/Qaqd9Fhsxpg/w-d-xo.html for some insight into the ways evil spirits create fear and anxiety in us and use this to manipulate and influence us.
The way I think about evil in the physical world is that it is much like the toxins and pollution we have created, which now exist in our atmosphere as a result of careless and destructive human lifestyles.
So, we live in a world with pollution and toxic waste. I did not create it, but I still have to live with it. I can be mad about it, and feel hurt and resentful, but that won't change anything. I think it is my obligation to try to help fix it, to help change it, and clean it up for the next generation.
I don't think it's something I can or will accomplish single-handedly, but I think every effort to improve this world makes a difference, and is worth doing, if only to inspire one other person to care a little more and effect some small, meaningful change.
I believe evil is the same thing - something that others have created, that some people will fight and some will perpetuate. By trying to clean up the world from evil, we make an impact on its influence. We can make the world less toxic for everyone by getting our hands dirty and cleaning things up. It will not change unless we make it change.
What I do think about "why" is in my previous response. It's not a simple answer. But I do not believe God wants evil to exist, and in fact I believe God mourns with us even more deeply every time we are hurt or hurt each other.
So I focus on the "how." How can I help? How can I make it better? Knowing that I CAN make a difference is very powerful for me personally.
I hope that is helpful to you, Luke!
You might also like our episode, "Spiritual Freedom" th-cam.com/video/1alL7mRL5zA/w-d-xo.html for some tangible ways we can make changes in our own hearts and minds and see how that applies to the world around us.
God bless you!
I wanted to re visit this episode again and examine my own life condition. Sometimes I’m thinking we are being tested in someway to see how strong our faith really is. I would think those who have difficult lives or suffer in them would be more open to spiritual guidance than people “born with the silver spoon” so to speak. In any case, it is a thoughtful study of our direction in life...... . In Spiritual Experiences 4382, Swedenborg speaks of a little child of 3 years in the place of a certain land....... Was he ( Swedenborg ) speaking of the spiritual world or of the earthly plain? 😃👍🏻😃🌸
I'm glad you find this to be a good episode for contemplating how God can work with us no matter what situation and background we are coming from! Concerning Spiritual Experiences 4382, it's a little hard to tell, but I think he is talking about a child on earth. He seems to be talking about the kinds of angels that are present with children who are on earth.
nice
Thanks for these concise messages of affirmation, Larry!
That technology is SO exciting!
Can you remind me which technology you're referring to, Simsane? Haven't watched this episode in a long time! :)
@@offTheLeftEye the technology that allows the blind to see images with their tongue. Although this is an older show so maybe that technology has been scrapped, I'm not sure.
The idea of getting images that way reminds me of when I first heard about cochlear implants. Exciting news!🥰
Yes reminds me of the promise in the Isaiah,
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." Amazing stuff, Simsane.
Yes reminds me of the promise in the Isaiah,
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." Amazing stuff, Simsane.
The righteous get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked get what the righteous deserve.
It might seem like that sometimes here on Earth, but that is a very temporary situation. Life on Earth is just a tiny blip in the whole story. In the afterlife, what you put out come back at you in a very immediate way! See our episode "Is The Law Of Attraction Real?" th-cam.com/video/mIMKCKRC7rI/w-d-xo.html And also, if you haven't yet watched this video yet, "Life Isn't Fair.. Or Is It?" please do! We describe how anything lacking during Earthly life can be provided in the afterlife.
The issue is that we don't know in what level we are in our spiritual development or how you will be judge . I'm confused🤔
I really appreciate and honor your message, Victor. It can be really stressful when we are unaware of our spiritual stage of development. But there are things we feel that are indicators of God's presence with us. Here's a passage from Swedenborg's theology that describes what it feels like to have God's forgiveness: "Some signs that our sins have been forgiven (that is, put aside) are the following: we sense a pleasure in worshiping God for God’s sake and in helping our neighbor for our neighbor’s sake, which means in doing good for its own sake and in speaking truth for its own sake. We do not want credit for our caring or our faith. We reject and turn our backs on evils like enmity, hatred, vindictiveness, adultery, and even the very thoughts that go along with intentions in such directions." We obtain forgiveness (which is a stage in spiritual development) when we live a life aligned with heaven, such as practicing repentance (th-cam.com/video/5_-zxnqG_sg/w-d-xo.html), and doing good works based on our faith. It's important to keep in mind that this is a lifelong process, and simply having the willingness to begin the journey is really powerful! Keep the faith, my friend, and feel free to continue reaching out with questions/comments!
Would people who delight in evil in this world and are surrounded by evil spirits who feed upon them and encourage evil actions, not be held accountable upon death; but would turn away from the light and love of the divine and choose hell because their spirit delights in evil?
It IS all about what our spirit delights in, Debra. Some people do "bad" things for good reasons (like Jean Valjean in Les Miserables) -- and they don't DELIGHT in evil. What was the TRUTH and LOVE behind his stealing of bread? We will have to come to terms with what we have done, but in the end (that is, in the afterlife) it comes down to what we turn toward or turn away from -- heaven or hell. God doesn't "throw" us anywhere -- it's a matter of where we feel like we belong. What do you think?
My question if my mother who passed away reincarnates and comes back here how will i be able to be with her again wen i go to the after life how does this work just a question
Hi Zennia, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. It sounds like you were close to her. According to Swedenborg, upon death we enter the spiritual world where we journey to either heaven or hell. That being said, we wouldn't come back to earth again via reincarnation. I believe that you and your mother will meet again in the spiritual world, particularly if you shared a loving relationship with her. For spirits, thought brings presence. Just thinking about a loved one brings them to you. In fact, the interactions we have there are even more real than even here on earth. I hope that information helps, Zennia. If you're still interested in exploring the concept of reincarnation from a Swedenborgian perspective, check out this show we did: th-cam.com/video/kVYKEfpnxj0/w-d-xo.html
Think of the Spiritual Realm as the lecture hall and the Earth as the laboratory. We all are injured souls, and in our healing (ourselves and others), we become stronger.
Thanks for sharing this awesome reflection with us, Monica!
Leaning back in my chair here, I can think of plenty of people who have better things going than I do: money, looks, charm, all in spades.
Yet, their lumps of good fortune are the source of discontent by those who see them.
And ironically, they themselves are less happy than those who wish to walk in their shoes.
Yeah, sure, there’s a lot of things wrong in the world right now, bigotry, poverty, violence, you name it.
But, well, I don’t know, it’s certainly better than the past. Any pressing of rewind would feel like a mistake, if ya asked me.
Is life fair?
Well.
Stop for a second.
Look around you. Look outside.
Listen to the sounds. Poke yourself.
Take a deep breath.
Do you feel that?
You are alive, my friend. Do you know how amazing that is?
This is beautifully said, John. Thank you so much!
Curtis, you said that the most painful is to be rejected by a peer, a fellow human being. Perhaps - and as I have experienced - it is themselves they are rejecting, but their hurt causes them to project their rejection outwardly. Similarly, it is the person who lashes out who is pain - yes? That they then cause pain to others is merely their way of appeasing their own. It is the recognition of that, that allows us to show mercy and to forgive, if we have but the forgiveness first within us to do so. I wonder how much (if at all) Megan's question might deal directly with narcissism, and the disordering of personality it causes ...
Great thoughts, Phillip. We are planning a show in the future about forgiveness, and I agree that thinking about where the other person might be coming from is an important tool for cultivating an attitude of forgiveness.
I will look forward to that show. Forgiveness is the surest way to finding peace. Blessings, friend.
Life isnt fair for some bc there purpose of life is to be a life lesson to others.
Yes, it's a really good idea to just look at whatever life you've got as something you can use to learn specific ways to help and to serve! And we sure do all learn a lot from each others' stories and each others' experiences.
Then why does the bible say, nobody is given in marriage, in the holy bible Matthew 22:30, Jesus says : Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven. But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you:…
It's an excellent question, and here's what Swedenborg had to say about it:
"Did Jesus Say There's No Marriage In Heaven?" th-cam.com/video/Nfy6JNC4BwQ/w-d-xo.html
The thing I struggle with is I know about how if you don’t find a soul mate in this life, you can in the next. Which is beautiful but I still feel it is unfair. In that I wanted to have children. And I won’t by no fault of my own. I also feel it is a great injustice that, I work in an ICU, and I have seen parents who neglect children and beat them. Even kill them. And it feels like they are rewarded kids time and time again and I am left alone and told to just wait (I have grown so much by letting God lead me and I am thankful for my life) . But how is that equally watching out for us both? Does he want the angelic nature he has formed in me over a life time fade away? And to continue their spiritual lineage? It seems wrong. And the darkness is trying to get in through that opening. Like I need to take matters into my own hands. Can this question be answered?
What a painful place to be in, Aaron. My heart goes out to you. I know others who missed the chance to have children, and it is a heavy and sorrowful weight to bear.
Truthfully, I don't know if the question can be answered -- at least to human satisfaction. What comes to mind is the scripture from Isaiah, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." From our limited human perspective, we can't grasp the ways of the Divine. I'm thinking he loves the angelic nature forming in you, and perhaps it's being played out in your work in the ICU - benefitting your patients every day.
Life doesn't FEEL "fair" sometimes, for sure. Our lives are not all equal and the same. What if being "fair" meant that you had to have the same kind of life as those neglectful parents? So for me it comes down to some kind of trust or faith that God IS looking out for me, guiding me, and bringing me towards eternal happiness -- even if his plan looks different than my own plan for my life. Seems to me that no spiritual growth or evolution is wasted, even if it doesn't get genetically passed down. And they always need "foster" parents in heaven!
Sending prayers for peace and some bit of acceptance and trust in your heart. Blessings to you.
Thank you I cane to peace with it last night. As you say I trust in God. My story isn’t over yet and he knows best. I will serve him no matter what. He saved me from the hells. Thank you for replying. He definitely is at work with me with my patients. It is beautiful to watch it unfold. People tell me I am a light there and blessing. Both staff, family, and patients. But I know it is God, not me. I am just happy to be warm and taken along for the ride.
Also thank you for existing. I think I would have lost my soul if not for you all. I am exmilitary and before that even I saw a lot of killing, cheating, adultery, theft, corruption, hate on a massive scale. Women passed me around like a piece of meat. I know most men think that is great but is dehumanizing. I saw children violated, among many horrific things in the hospital and it was just an overwhelming darkness. Demons were trying to take me. But you were a light. Don’t doubt your work. I am thankful for you. You showed me it is about loving my fellow brothers and sisters. That that is what I was called to do and regenerate. For the first time since my childhood I have hope and I can breathe, I feel peace. I walk in the warm light of God. He is real. He is truth and love. I feel him always.
@@aaronoliver9086 Thank you for expressing this so beautifully... being taken along for the ride on God's loving warmth. I am so glad to hear that your patients and their families and the staff appreciate you and how dedicated you are to the children in your care. THANK YOU! My son was in the hospital for 11 days as a baby and a year later I took a big basket of treats to the nurses to try to thank them. Too small, I know but they impacted my life deeply. Bless you for being that kind of caregiver in the ICU where the needs are so great.
@@aaronoliver9086 Wow Aaron you have seen a lot of pain and suffering in your life. I am so sorry that you were treated like that by women, and that you saw children being violated. Those are deep sadnesses to carry. We are glad to be even a part of your new hope, and fresh breath. We hope you can rise above the darkness that threatens to swallow you. God is love! He does care deeply for you!!
great show!!! what about karma?
Mina Smith karma would be an aspect of inherited evil. Past actions in past or other lives and how they influence the present life suddenly would be karma.
Michael Smith thank you 😇
So glad you enjoyed it, Mina! We talk about the concept of karma in this show, "Do We Reincarnate?" at about the 16 minute mark. th-cam.com/video/kVYKEfpnxj0/w-d-xo.html
So, if an unconscious person is a consummate thief throughout his life, but lacks "understanding" that he was wrong, the Lord would "soften and excuse these crimes'? Wouldn't that mean that this person could occupy the same place in heaven that conscious non thieves occupy? Why wouldn't the thief occupy a place in Spirit of that which he loves, thievery? Don't we have an obligation to be responsible for our actions at some point? Otherwise, heaven would look very similar to this world, where the conscious and unconscious commingle. Blessings
Hi Robert. Great question! If the thief was truly unaware of his affect on others, the hurt he caused, but intended good, he will have the opportunity to face this truth and change his ways in accordance with what he intends. So if what he intended and loved was helping people, he just never learned how, he will study, learn, and do the work to repent of his bad habits in the world of spirits, and replace them with good ones, thus coming into alignment with his true spiritual self and in alignment with heaven. If he truly loved being a thief, and decides he loved this more than helping, he will continue to be a thief and will go to the spiritual place that suits him, likely hell if he wills destruction or the hurt of others with his actions. Does that make sense? Our final resting place is determined by our loves and intentions, more than our actions.
Check out, "How You End Up in Heaven or Hell" th-cam.com/video/H-wnqBqa6xM/w-d-xo.html or "The World of Spirits" th-cam.com/video/qoaPwhzDHWM/w-d-xo.html to learn more!
Does swedenborg give advice on getting through a breakup?
That's a rough life experience to bear! I don't recall Swedenborg talking specifically about break-ups, but there are general principles that I draw from his books about dealing with life crises and pain that can apply. Take only what seems helpful, because I can't know exactly what a person will need in their particular situation and circumstances!
-try to resist impulses to indulge things that turn you toward the dark side, like anger, resentment and bitterness.
-be patient with yourself, because there's a transition time between the end of one phase and the beginning of another that can feel tumultuous, confusing and painful.
-be understanding of yourself because of the pain, because the deeper part of it is that longing for your true soul-mate, and that is a good thing to wish for.
-see what you can learn from the experience. A relationship that didn't work out can teach you things you need to know to be better ready for the relationship that WILL work out someday. The most important thing to learn in life is how to love genuinely, and because it's so important, there is a lot for each one of us to learn!
-have a goal of forgiving yourself and your ex, so you can move on.
-but also, give time for adjustment and healing. A break-up is a loss, and a person usually needs some time to grieve.
-be assured that there is a soul-mate for everyone who wants it, and that there is plenty of time to find that person. Everyone will find that person when the time is right, and they are truly ready, whether that be during earthly life or in the afterlife.
May I add, give yourself time to heal. In 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc., your mind will get clearer and clearer, and you will realized you "dodged a bullet" that you didn't marry that person! Instead of thinking in terms of "good guy/bad guy," realize you weren't right for each other.
I believe life ain't fair because some work hard to get were they are and some just get lucky but it depends all on u that's what i believe
On the earthly level, there is truth to that, RG. But we are free in our minds and hearts to make the best of any situation. Did you watch the video? Did anything in it strike you?
@@offTheLeftEye no its just learned that life is not gonna be fair so u have to learn to work hard for waht u want so i yr down kind of person the universe will respind to it will bring that to u so i mean its all on u if u want to be fair or it will bring challenges like for me
@@reapergrim1611 we do need to work hard for what we want, and I do think the universe provides what we NEED - which isn't always the same as what we WANT.
Many people have all the wealth and material things they could ever wish for. But it doesn't guarantee happiness, or successful relationships, or a rich spiritual or social life... I think many people who have a great deal of wealth are actually very lonely, confused people, to be honest. Those things can make it very hard to see what really matters -- and even harder to relate to most of the rest of us!
I think the more we grow and work to love others, the more we will get for our efforts! I hope you feel that sense of possibility for yourself, my friend, because no matter what our circumstances, we are all born with infinite potential to make our lives what we wish, where it really counts! Check out this episode because it expands on that, and let me know how it resonates!
I often think about that ( talking about the Bible and the killer Ox Johnathan was talking about) So what happens to the soul of someone who has been put to death? A person commits a murder or murders and is sentenced to death, does their crime stay with the body and the soul go back to Heaven? or dose the condemned person have to ask for forgiveness and ask the Lord to take his sins? Just wondering?
Gerald Brush, I think the circumstances have a lot to do with the outcome. Did the person put his heart and mind into murdering? Was it revenge and did the person enjoy the killing? or did the person commit murder to protect other people or self defense but disliked the act of doing it? So the motive is important and if the action is paired with the heart/mind. If an action is paired with heart and mind we take it in our souls and make it part of us because we enjoy doing it. Those are my thoughts with what I have read from Swedenborg so far, may be other people have more to add that I am not aware of.
I think Happy Heaven has answered it well. Only God knows the heart, what the person truly loves and wants on a deep level. Look at the difference between the two criminals that were being crucified next to Christ. Both had committed crimes. One seemed to keep his anger and resentment to the end, the other seemed to have truly found humility, and Jesus assured the latter that he would be led to heaven. We can never tell from the outside, but this story is a reminder that God will be looking at the heart, the motivations and goals, and will be taking all the outer circumstances into consideration. Only those who truly and deeply choose hatred, control, and greed over any kind of love of others will end up in hell. For all others, God will provide a process to learn and be purified, and be led toward heaven.
Well said, Happy Heaven! Thanks.
I love the concepts, long time fan of Off The Left Eye and S&L, but with respect, you are saying the word "conjugial" wrong. You say it as "conjujial", but actually the G is a hard G, like in the word glass. Here's what Mirriam Webster dictionary site says.
conjugial
adjective con·ju·gi·al \kənˈjügēəl\
If it was supposed to be said your way, the pronunciation would say "ken jujeal". But I am not able to put the inverted e's into the text.
Are you sure that you don't mean the word "conjugal" instead of the word "conjugial"? I don't find "conjugial" in the dictionaries that I check. Only the word "conjugal", and I agree that for that word, the G should be a hard G. As far as I know, Swedenborg was using a new word because "conjugal" has to do with very earthly aspects of marriage, while he was using a word that he presented to mean very spiritual and eternal aspects of marriage.
Thanks for your reply. The link I saw does state this this is a uniquely Swedenborg term, but they could be wrong on their pronunciation, since they are not well versed in his works. Here's what I saw.
www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjugial
Interesting! I didn't know the word appeared in any dictionary. It seems like the G should have a soft sound if there is an "i" after it, according to the usual rules of English pronunciation, so, I think I will continue to choose the soft G pronunciation. But thank you so much for this link! Very cool to know that this word has made it into a modern dictionary.
I'm popping in to say that the Latin word "conjugialis" is pronounced "con-YU-ghee-ALL-is" with a hard "g." So maybe that's how the Merriam-Webster people transliterated it into English? "Con-JU-ghee-ul." In English, I have only ever heard it pronounced with a soft "g" as well - "con-JU-jal." I love linguistics - just had to chime in! :)
Ah, that makes sense, Chelsea. Thank you!
What if it doesn't really matter🤔🤫🤓🧐👽😇
I guess you can decide that for yourself, Trevor! Every human being gets to come to terms with life, in one way or another. We can choose what matters to us or not!
"Excuse" evil actions coz someone cant help being evil? I dont think so. Sure, it helps to understand why people do bad things that hurt others, but they are also accountable.
Yes, Debra, we need to take responsibility in this world for the harm we do to others. Is that what you mean by accountable? But the act ITSELF is not always something that sends you to either heaven or hell. It's the motivation or intention behind it that we are SPIRITUALLY responsible for. Does that make sense?
@@offTheLeftEye thanks for your comment! What I meant by held accountable is making reparations, or being tried & sentenced to serve time; aka corporations who pollute air and water that cause disease and suffering in communities and devastate the natural environment and other living creatures; or politicians who incite crowds to riot; there are many other examples, many which are "above the law", where harmful actions are made legal without reparation, and/or with vengeance sought toward those who attempt to seek justice or call them out on their evil actions. Intention in these cases are apparently for power and money, and not caring about the devastation or harm caused by actions. And yes, what you said about intention makes perfect sense!!
@@debralee1401 Glad that made sense! This video is about spiritual accountability, meaning, no one is condemned in the afterlife for doing harm if they truly couldn't understand or realize that it was harmful at the time. But that is different from physical world accountablity, meaning, once it has been made clear that harm has been done, the person or group or business that caused it needs to be accountable to help fix the situation, whether their motivations were sinister or not!
I have no imagination well I can't see in my imagination all I see is black, but sometimes see what I wanna see. Disappears in less then a second though wonder why I can't see in my imagination
Last Chance I have that exact same thing. I was told it has a name but it escapes me. However when I meditate I can see amazing colors etc. The blank mind makes a clean palate.
We all have things that come more easily, and other things that come harder or don't come at all during earthly life. I understand the frustration, but try not to worry about it too much. Notice what you can do well, and what comes more easily, and then remember that all that matters in the end is doing the daily work of trying to resist self-centeredness and materialism and to act with kindness and usefulness. If you're doing that at all, your heading toward heaven and all the joyful abilities that are part of a heavenly life.
Why do you put so much faith in Swedenborg? Most people now a days have never heard of him. Why do believe that he really experienced these things?
It's the concepts that he wrote about that speak to us. They resonate. They work when we apply them to our lives. They present a way of understanding the Bible that makes sense to us. They present an idea of God, and of eternal life, and of the purpose of life on earth, that make sense to us. They make life feel meaningful and hopeful to us. So, when we present them, we aren't asking people to automatically make a decision about what they believe Swedenborg did or did not experience. We hope people will take in the concepts, think about them, compare them with other explanations out there, and see what makes the most sense to their hearts.
2nd
This still does not explain WHY some people are born into a prosperous family with access to everything versus a child in a slum in India. 40,000 children die of starvation on planet Earth every day. I honestly don't think this video's views would comfort people who live in such low consciousness and misery. These views may comfort a warm clothed middle class American who may feel some guilt at his/her good fortune, but it does not explain who gets put into great misery versus great potential.
This is why reincarnation is a better fit for the placement of people on Earth. No one is created at birth, which Swedenborg seems to infer from Christianity. In this video, Curtis says at one point that we begin our spiritual journey here on Earth and then continue forever after in 1 of Swedenborg's heavens.
But we are actually eternal souls who take on a series of lives on Earth to develop certain traits. Some come here after great growth and depth elsewhere. Others come here as what we'd call baby souls. This does not refer to their physical age, but to their lack of experience.
You could think of Earth as a home gym that can be used to develop certain muscle groups. You pick the exercises that will lead to your physical body sculpting goals.
Therefore, someone may choose to be born in a slum in India because that awful environment offers that soul a chance to experience poverty and from this learn empathy or other spiritual traits. There are probably many other reasons to choose this that we could not understand now. But none of this is arbitrary. Placement in life is based on what lessons an eternal soul wants to work on next. Like some eHarmony computer system, your growth requirements are loaded into a cosmic database and you are then paired with the perfect life to accomplish that growth.
This explains (and much of the world takes this for granted outside Christianity and Islam) where we are born. Otherwise, no matter how much Curtis and Rose assure us that ultimately everything will be peachy keeno, there is no rationale for why you were born to loving parents who teach you about God while someone else is born to child abusers who sell you into pedophilia at 4.
I realize that Swedenborg could not accept reincarnation since it was too distant from his time and geography. As wide as his spiritual travel may have been, in reality he lived in the 18th century when there was little cross-pollination of Eastern religion into the West.
For all we know, Swedenborg may have traveled no higher than the various levels of the astral plane, so he was seeing levels within that plane alone, while having no correspondence with the higher planes of existence where future lives may be planned and executed. Modern OBE travelers have mentioned that in the astral level, most people go to the places that fit their comfort level. But what the modern OBE travelers often mention also is that eventually people seem to be plucked from those groups. In a strange sense, they are "raptured" out of their communities to return to Earth for another life of challenge and growth. Swedenborg assumed all such community placement was eternal. But modern OBE travelers, not filtering what they saw through a strong Christian bias, instead report that people in the astral seem to mature until a point when they feel called upon or an internal yearning to return to Earth until the reincarnational cycle is complete.
So anyone can value greatly from Swedenborg without assuming that he saw everything there was to see. I come to Swedenborg for his inspiring words about Jesus Christ and our spiritual purpose. But I am not here to simply put on his belief system like a uniform with a big "S" for Swedenborg on the chest. He is a wonderful conduit to Christianity, since so much of modern Christianity is extremely narrow minded, right wing, and (frankly) nasty and filled with malice and hypocrisy. In that sense, nothing has changed since Swedenborg's time.
If this intrigues you, check out Tom Campbell, an elderly physicist who has been able to go out of body like Swedenborg all his life. He works with the Monroe Institute, which researches out of body states. Here are some short clips. This may appeal to people who have a logical mind, like me, working in the sciences all my life.
Note that when he mentions ""MY BIG TOE", he is referring to his trilogy of books that document his theory based on a life time of out of body experiences. So in that sense, he is like Swedenborg and also a scientist. But he is in the 21st century (with our much wider perspective) rather than the 18th. Note that when he mentions "avatar" or "Elf"he is using a video game term. The avatar is each physical body that we use to live temporarily in this dimension of reality. "Entrophy" is a technical term that can be translated as "Chaos". So Tom talks about each life being intended to lower chaos and bring increasing order to the universe. He isn't a guru or New Age phony. He simply relates what he has experienced and taken from it, just like Swedenborg. But again, unlike Swedenborg, he does not need to filter everything through Christianity first. But either gentleman will get you to the same place = an intention of LOVE.
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Many people feel the way you do about this, Will, that the concept of reincarnation makes more sense, and I totally respect that. Thank you for sharing the links so people can check out other points of view. On the other hand, many people find the idea of reincarnation to be horrifying (coming back again and again to this confusing earth plane where evil people can hurt good people) and so actually a number of people from new-age type backgrounds have expressed relief to us to be able to consider a different way. It's amazing that everyone has such different impressions of what feels fair and loving in a "big picture" view, and I'm glad that there are many theories out there to choose from, because you are so right: the main thing that matters is to go toward living in an intention of LOVE, and to be able to believe in a Grand System that is operating from Divine Love.
The only thing I'll point out is that Swedenborg's view of heaven and the life of heaven is not the static, black and white concept that has been the traditional Christian view. We try to convey that in the show "The Heaven Project" th-cam.com/video/LX4zanR4OgA/w-d-xo.html and in other ways.
But in the end, we hope everyone will use the philosophies-and parts of philosophies-that best help them to become more compassionate and forgiving and useful to humanity.
@arizona, And regardless, I'm not convinced. I am by no means in favor of holding the victim accountable for every single unintentional terrible thing that he or she goes through in his or her life. So if a person's whole family is shot, people like you would accuse that poor person of doing something in a "past life" to deserve it instead of condemning the killer. If something bad happened to you, would you want others to blame you for it in terms of what you supposedly did in a "past life." Because, I sure didn't appreciate that type of cold shoulder that some reincarnation believers gave me when I lost a parent at a young age. You need to accept the fact we live in an unfair and unjust world as we know it since it's never G-d's plan nor his will to allow murders, inequality, racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, inter-religious conflicts, wars, famine, all forms of abuse, political corruption, animal cruelty, anti-disability discrimination, health problems, etc.! We wouldn't have poverty, kids dying, infant mortality, etc. if equality existed and greed didn't exist. You think one life can't correct things but what's so fair about repeatedly coming down here to re-experience mortality and its nuisances. Even living a life like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Donald Trump, Ms. Oprah, and them doesn't make us immune to illnesses, aging, dying, losing relatives, falling prey to strange people, and having to put up with a strange world like this. And this is why I believe this is the only chance there is, why I believe it's a person's own willful decision to not spiritually elevate oneself due to lust money and being lazy, and for every bad thing that a person goes through and misses out on in life, he or she will be recompensated for it in a better heavenly world after this one.
Some people choose to be born into severe suffering because they are spiritually advanced. It has been my experience that about one half of those with intellectual deficits are on a very high spiritual plane, volunteering to be intellectually disabled to teach compassion to their families and others around them. This is also true with physical disabilities, such as people born without limbs. Others were born into severe poverty, and their overcoming it inspires all around them. Some may be explained as poor karma, but many are because of their volunteering due to be on a very high spiritual plane. Also, some can be explained as souls wanting to make the most of their time on Earth.
@@monicaperez2843 what i hate about the idea of reincarnation is that "you are not you. your ego is your avatar while the real you is in heaven. It means im a puppet. a video game character. ment to suffer and die so the guy pulling the strings can elevate himself. the very idea of it sickening. makes me want to hate myself frankly. Thats coming from someone who has suffered from autism. was used by her mother to give her life purpose and gain sympathy from others. Idk whats worse, the idea that god chose to make me autistic or the idea that i chose this for myself. neither of these brings peace to my life. The only thing that does is the idea of going to sleep forever. The idea that no one will be able to manipulate me or control me anymore whether human or god.
Sorry We live in a FALLEN world and its NOT Fair !!!💓💞🙏✝🔥
We sure don't have equal opportunities and we don't all get to have the same experience. But could a Loving Hand be guiding the long-term story?