Medlemsblad 13

Magazine Overview

Title: BREVCIRKELN.
Issue: 13
Volume: MB
Date: August 1964 (8.64)
Publisher: BSRA
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Brevcirkeln, a Swedish-language bulletin, focuses on comparative religion, spirituality, and paranormal phenomena, with a particular emphasis on UFOs and the potential impact of space exploration on religious doctrines.

Contents

Editorial and Announcements

The issue begins with a greeting to the "VÄNNER!" (Friends!), noting that summer is ending and the next mailing will be approximately four weeks later. A supplementary address list (2A) is included, dated June 27, 1964. The bulletin also addresses inquiries regarding 'Serie D', stating that due to the number of responses, a split into sub-series is not feasible, and all participants will receive the same material.

Ifological Society, Stockholm - Autumn Activities

The Ifological Society in Stockholm is undergoing changes, with its board having resigned and an interim board established. This interim board, consisting of Fru Anna-Lisa Helle, Mr. Johan J. Bergren, Mr. Dag Fjällback, and Mr. Christer Jansson, will manage affairs until the extra general meeting on September 24, 1964, where a new board will be elected and annual fees set. The schedule for Autumn '64 includes lectures and discussion evenings, with a lecture by Research Engineer Ivan Trong on September 11th (a Friday) and an extra general meeting on September 24th (a Thursday). All meetings are scheduled for 7:30 PM at KFUK, Brunnsgatan 3, Stockholm.

Malmö Interplanetary Society - Autumn Activities

The Malmö Interplanetary Society (MIS) will hold discussions and lectures on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 PM in Ungdomens Hus, Sal 4, Skolgatan 10 B, Malmö.

Brevcirkeln's Book Service

Readers are encouraged to utilize Brevcirkeln's book service, with the address provided as Box 12029, Malmö 12.

Letters to the Editor

"Buddhism as a Precursor to Christianity?"

This section features a letter discussing a radio series interviewing representatives of various world religions. The author notes a strong negative reaction from listeners to the perceived coldness and lack of empathy in the Buddhist teachings, questioning where love fits into the system. The letter then delves into a comparison of Buddhist and Christian principles, suggesting that while Buddhism starts with wisdom and develops love, Christianity begins with love which, in some interpretations, has led to self-interest. The author posits that the human experience of God is evolving, and that while Christ emerged from love, the path to wisdom was fractured. The letter concludes by suggesting that the Christian church must overcome its historical arrogance before it can be considered equal to other religions.

Response to L. Naeslund regarding "Christ or Paul?"

Elisabeth Lansénor responds to a query about the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." She argues that this is not merely a passive statement but an active principle, and that the common perception of Jesus as a "gentle little Jesus" is a misrepresentation. Lansénor portrays Jesus as a powerful and courageous figure who challenged the established religious order and faced martyrdom for his ideas. She emphasizes that true humanity, as described by Martinus, involves recognizing one's divine identity. The response further elaborates on Jesus' teachings of ancient wisdom, stressing that the Golden Rule is an invitation to actively strive to be like our neighbors, offering understanding, encouragement, and forgiveness. The author laments that humanity often makes life difficult for each other, citing the two World Wars as a consequence of failing to apply this principle, and warns of a potential "annihilation cry" if this continues.

Religious Ethics - The Golden Rule Across Religions

This section presents the Golden Rule as interpreted by various religions:

• Buddhism: "Do not do unto others what would cause you pain."
• Hinduism: "This is the sum of duty: Do not do to others what would cause you pain."
• Judaism: "What is harmful to you, do not do to your fellow man. This is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and study."
• Confucianism: "Is there any one rule of conduct that can be used as the guiding principle for one's whole life?" Confucius's reply: "There is the word 'reciprocity': do not do to others what you would not have them do to you."
• Mohammedanism: "None of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
• Taoism: "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss."
• Zoroastrianism: "Only the nature that knows its duty to not do to another what is not good for its own self is good."

Anna-Lisa Helle adds her own formulation, prioritizing a positive phrasing of the Master's loving offering.

Notiser (Notices)

• Mark Age: A new translation from Mark Age material, titled "Doctor, Heal Yourself!", is available upon request for 150 copies.
• New Book: "Del 2 av den fantastiske virkelighed" (Part 2 of the Fantastic Reality) by Pauwels and Bergier is now available for 29.75 Danish Kroner.
• BB (Brevcirkeln's Book Service): An updated catalog of BB literature will be included in the next mailing. Books for BB should be sent to Yngve Freij, Box 12029, Malmö 12.
• Literature List: A catalog of approximately 1200 titles in New Age, Metaphysics, UFO, and related literature is available from Understanding Unit No. 1 for 1 Swedish Krona in stamps.
• Magazines: A list of foreign UFO magazines is provided, with subscription costs and direct ordering information. Included are "Flying Saucer Review" (UK), "Saucer News" (USA), "The A.P.R.O. Bulletin" (USA), "Orditt" (England), "Flying Saucers" (USA), "The Little Listening Post" (USA), "Australian Flying Saucer Review" (Australia), "Saucers, Space & Science" (Canada), and "Space Review" (England).

Sankt Josef - Antigravitationshelgon! (St. Joseph - Antigravity Saint!)

This article discusses the implications of space exploration for orthodox Christianity, suggesting that the church will face significant doctrinal changes. It highlights the Catholic Church's hesitant acceptance of space travel and their consideration of St. Joseph of Cupertino as a patron saint for space travelers. St. Joseph, a Franciscan monk, was known for his alleged ability to levitate, ignore gravity, and fly, performing numerous public feats. The article cites a biographical account from Benedictine monks in Ramsgate, England, detailing these extraordinary events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of comparative religion, the search for spiritual truth, and the growing interest in UFO phenomena and the implications of space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, encouraging readers to consider different perspectives on spirituality and the paranormal, while also acknowledging the challenges these bring to established religious beliefs. There is a clear emphasis on the Golden Rule as a universal ethical principle and a call for greater empathy and understanding among people.