Serie D brev nr 26

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BREVCIRKELN." (Series D, Letter No. 26) is titled "NÄR VÅR TRO STÄRKES" (When Our Faith is Strengthened). It is a Swedish-language publication that explores the nature of faith and its relationship with knowledge and certainty.

The Nature of Faith and Belief

The article begins by discussing how language typically assigns fixed meanings to words, including abstract nouns like 'faith'. It contrasts this with the ancient practice of symbolizing divine attributes, noting that faith itself, being an abstract quality, has not been easily represented in a concrete, symbolic form. This difficulty might stem from faith's elusive nature, which could be challenging to depict convincingly through art.

The author highlights the remarkable ambiguity of the word 'tro' (faith/belief) in the Swedish language. It can signify uncertainty ('Jag tror det' - 'I believe it,' implying doubt) or absolute conviction ('Jag tror' - 'I believe,' meaning unwavering certainty). The context and emphasis determine its meaning.

The text posits that this ambiguity arises because faith is not firmly grounded. Drawing a parallel to Christ's teaching of building a house on a rock, the author asserts that faith must have a solid foundation. It should not be forced upon individuals but should emerge from within as a compelling drive to action. The Christian church is criticized for its simplistic approach to faith, citing a catechism definition of faith as 'holding as true things that are not seen.' This rigid approach, with its potential for punishment, is seen as a reason for the word's wavering meaning.

The Role of Knowledge and Understanding

True faith, the article argues, must be built on the bedrock of knowledge. It should become one with this bedrock, representing a synthesis of all good qualities. To achieve this, one must acquire knowledge. Without knowledge and a love for it, faith cannot grow, leading to the hesitant 'perhaps' that characterizes many people's trust in religious dogmas. The author equates commanding faith without knowledge to commanding ignorance, which is a milder expression for sin.

Knowledge is presented as the key that unlocks the confidence of faith. Those who seek to understand the world are told that to be certain, one must learn the laws governing events. This clarity leads to a conviction built on what is known, making one at one with wisdom, which explains the inexplicable by revealing the underlying laws of patterns.

The Path to True Faith

Gaining knowledge is not effortless; it requires struggle and suffering, which forge the foundation of faith. Suffering acts as a drill that creates a secure hold for faith. Once wisdom is firmly rooted, it will be proclaimed as truth, spreading like the Great Pyramid of Giza, a symbol of light in darkness. This inner light of faith will illuminate humanity when all other lights—sun, moon, stars, and artificial light—have failed.

The article emphasizes that this inner light of faith radiates from the solid mass of the spiritual bedrock. It guides humanity towards the source of knowledge, which is the origin of All, the living principle of Divinity: Will, Love-Wisdom, and Creative Power.

To be one with what one wants to achieve is to be the bedrock of faith. The task is to spread knowledge and light to a world in darkness, guiding people towards clarity and faith. This is described as a 'flaming sword' that will cut through the boil of ignorance, and its flame will purify the corrupted and the sick, bringing certainty and light into every human mind.

The Mission of the Strong-Willed

The authors identify themselves and like-minded individuals as the 'strong-willed' who are tasked with this mission. They acknowledge their numbers may be small but assert that quantity does not determine value. Their work is not driven by financial gain but by a will that possesses the steadfastness of a rock and the gentleness of love.

Faith will be the tool for their endeavors. They believe that when the crown of victory is awarded by the goddess Nike, they will create an image of the goddess of faith from the stone mass, an image that has not yet been conceived by the world's artistic geniuses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of faith, the indispensable role of knowledge in its development, and the idea of an inner spiritual strength. The editorial stance is one that advocates for a faith grounded in understanding and personal experience, rather than blind adherence to dogma. It promotes a proactive approach to spiritual growth, emphasizing personal responsibility and the power of knowledge to overcome ignorance and bring about inner light and conviction.