Do Good Works Matter for Salvation? Rev. David J. Fekete, Ph. D. April 26, 2017 You hear sometimes that faith alone saves, and that being good, doing good works—good deeds—don’t contribute to salvation. Sometimes you’ll even hear that good works don’t really matter. I’ve heard someone put it, “You...
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. James Lawrence, dean of the Center of Swedenborgian Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, explores the inner dimensions of the visionary experiences described in the Book of Ezekiel. Click below for a PDF version of Rev. Lawrence’s sermon: Rev. Dr....
Although one can find disparaging passages in Swedenborg’s writings about Paul, we need not assume prejudice against him ourselves. We will attempt to be a fair reader of both Paul and Swedenborg. When we find doctrinal opposition, we will lay out both sides of the argument. In this way, one...
In this message, delivered at Hillside, an Urban Sanctuary in El Cerrito, California, Swedenborgian seminarian Colin Amato addresses the global ecological crisis through a Swedenborgian lens. Click below for a PDF version of Colin’s message: Colin Amato: “The Ecological Samaritan” Colin Amato is a current student at...
In this sermon, Rev. Thom Muller discusses the significance of the character of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Swedenborgian theology and spirituality, and how the inner dimensions of biblical narrative can impact the way we view this archetypal image of motherhood. Click below for a PDF version...
Where Are Films, Society, Going? Rev. David Fekete, Ph.D. March 2017 I write this blog not as a film critic, nor as a religious authority, but as a spiritually-minded individual who likes watching movies. I am troubled by two of the highly-acclaimed Academy Award winners, “Moonlight,” and “Manchester by...
In this sermon, delivered at the Church of the New Jerusalem in Bath, Maine, Rev. George Dole speaks about Swedenborgian epistemology, and the need to approach existential questions with humility. Click below for a PDF version of Rev. Dole’s sermon: Rev. George F. Dole: “Answers and Questions” ...
In this sermon, delivered at the New Church of the Southwest Desert in Silver City, New Mexico, Rev. Jane Siebert reflects on the Swedenborgian idea of “faith”: Click below for a PDF version of Rev. Siebert’s sermon: “Blind Faith – Not!” -Rev Jane Siebert Rev. Jane Siebert...
In this message, Rev. Kit Billings, pastor at the LaPorte New Church in LaPorte, Indiana, reflects on the Swedenborgian spirituality of John Chapman, more commonly known as Johnny Appleseed, called “the American St. Francis” by some. Click below for a PDF version of Rev. Billings’ talk: “He Lived...
In this online conversation, Rev. Thom Muller, Junior Editor of “Our Daily Bread” talks with Curtis Childs, who has been working with the Swedenborg Foundation, running the “Off the Left Eye” YouTube channel, which features videos about subjects related to the works and thought of Emanuel Swedenborg. What are...
