"Moreover, no one is judged from the natural man, thus not so long as he lives in the natural world, for man is then in a natural body; but everyone is judged in the spiritual man, and therefore when he comes into the spiritual world, for man is then in a spiritual body"
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Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish theorist, theologian, and mystic, offers a nuanced perspective on the nature of human judgment in his works. The quote suggests a dichotomy between the physical and spiritual worlds, which Swedenborg articulates through the lens of life and presence.
In the quote, "Moreover, no one is evaluated from the natural man, thus not so long as he lives in the natural world, for male is then in a natural body", Swedenborg begins by making a distinction in between the "natural guy" and the "spiritual male". The "natural man" describes our physical existence, governed by bodily needs and desires, and tethered to the temporal world. In this physical state, judgment is booked or kept since we are believed to be influenced by concrete, earthly aspects that may obscure our real spiritual character.
Swedenborg continues, "however everybody is judged in the spiritual guy, and for that reason when he enters the spiritual world, for guy is then in a spiritual body". Here, he introduces the "spiritual man", which represents the essence of a person that emerges after death, when the soul goes beyond the physical and goes into a metaphysical reality. In this spiritual world, people are comprehended to embody their real selves, unencumbered by worldly interruptions or constraints.
The core message of Swedenborg's quote is that real judgment is scheduled for the soul's presence in the spiritual world. It suggests that in life, we often act out of need or under the influence of external forces, which might not totally represent our inner moral and spiritual essence. In death, however, when one is in a "spiritual body", the soul is removed of its earthly constraints and is therefore based on a more real and comprehensive judgment based on its real nature and spiritual positioning.
Swedenborg's ideas promote the idea that human life is an evolutionary procedure toward spiritual awakening, and true judgment-- of both character and deeds-- comes when one is totally incorporated into the spiritual airplane. This viewpoint stresses the importance of internal advancement and spiritual growth, recommending that what really defines us exists beyond physical existence.
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