"Man was so created by the Lord as to be able while living in the body to speak with spirits and angels, as in fact was done in the most ancient times; for, being a spirit clothed with a body, he is one with them"
About this Quote
Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish theologian and mystic, presents a profound viewpoint on the nature of human presence in this quote. He recommends that humans were initially produced by the divine with the inherent capability to interact with spirits and angels, especially during their physical lives in the world. This idea reflects Swedenborg's belief in the double nature of human beings-- as both physical and spiritual entities.
By mentioning that male is "a spirit clothed with a body", Swedenborg highlights the concept that our real essence is spiritual, although we populate physical kinds. This perspective aligns with his broader doctrinal structure, which posits that the material world and the spiritual world are deeply interconnected. Swedenborg thought that in the earliest durations of human history, known as the "most ancient times", people naturally and consistently communicated with the spiritual world. This capability, according to him, has decreased in time due to the increasing concentrate on material existence and the separation between the physical and spiritual aspects of life.
Swedenborg's view recommends that the divine objective was for a continuous interaction between human beings and the spiritual realm, facilitating a deeper understanding of divine purposes and the afterlife. This connection intends to bridge the space between the earthly experience and spiritual knowledge, cultivating a more profound sense of purpose and positioning with divine will.
This concept challenges modern perceptions of human consciousness and spirituality, welcoming a reconsideration of the boundaries in between the tangible and intangible. Swedenborg's assertion that people are basically spirits highlights the potential for spiritual growth and expanded awareness, motivating people to explore and embrace their spiritual measurements. This expedition can cause a richer, more integrated understanding of existence and the universe's divine orchestration, echoing Swedenborg's more comprehensive doctrinal mission of lighting up the path to spiritual awakening and harmony with the divine.
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