Serie H brev nr 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Brevcirkeln" (Newsletter Circle), identified as Volume H, Issue 2, features an article titled "Nutidsmänniskan och Döden" (The Modern Person and Death) by Anna Lisa Helle. The issue is dated "Serie H - brev nr 2" and appears to be from the 1970s, likely around 1970.

The Modern Person and Death

The article begins by referencing Rainer Maria Rilke's "Om Gud" (On God), suggesting that modern humanity's alienation stems from pushing God and death out of their consciousness. Death, instead of being a natural part of life, has become a terrifying enemy. The author questions whether the indifference of many modern individuals towards God and the afterlife equates to a lack of fear of death. A study by the Religious-Sociological Institute in Stockholm revealed that most people are indeed afraid of death, with this fear being more repressed among the religiously indifferent, often linked to authoritarian upbringing where anxiety is suppressed.

The article notes a significant shift in attitudes towards death since the 1940s, with fewer people viewing the deceased at funerals and shorter mourning periods. This is attributed to a loss of faith in an afterlife, leading many to almost deny death's existence. Docent Berndt Gustavsson is quoted, mentioning the American tendency to make the deceased appear as lifelike as possible.

The text posits that the fear of death is deeply rooted in the persistent doctrine of hell. Pastor Erik Grönlund is cited for his strong belief in an eternal hell, referencing the Augustana 27 confession which states that the punishment of the condemned and the devil will never end. In contrast, Bishop Sigfrid Fjellander of the Liberal Catholic Church rejects the idea of an eternal hell, viewing it as incompatible with a religion of love. He believes death is not an end but a transition to another form of life, a continuation of development.

The article clarifies that the Swedish word "helvetet" (hell) has historically encompassed two distinct concepts in the Greek New Testament: Hades (or Sheol in the Old Testament), representing the underworld, and Gehenna, a place of fire and torment. Gehenna is described as the Valley of Hinnom, a place of child sacrifice to the god Moloch, later cursed and used as a refuse dump with a perpetual fire. It became a symbol for an eternal, unsalvageable state after death.

Beyond religious dogma, the article acknowledges natural causes for the fear of death, primarily the fear of the unknown. It suggests that those who abuse life's pleasures, engage in vices, or suppress their inner moral compass may have genuine reasons for fearing death and losing self-respect.

The Nature of Death and the Afterlife

Dr. Davies, a doctor with clairvoyant abilities, shares his observations of the dying process. He describes the physical body's struggle to retain life as the spiritual principle withdraws. He witnesses the brain intensifying its functions, absorbing life-giving energies, and a new, spiritual head forming around the physical one. This spiritual body then develops, shedding the limitations of the physical form. Davies emphasizes that this is not a painful process but a shedding of the earthly "garment." He observes a stream of bio-electricity connecting the physical and spiritual bodies before the final separation.

Davies interprets death as a birth into a higher plane of existence, akin to a child's birth. He notes that the life-force electricity flows back into the dying body and then into the nascent spiritual body, preventing immediate decay. The newly liberated spirit then begins to breathe in the spiritual atmosphere, developing organs similar to, but refined from, its earthly counterparts.

He concludes that death is merely a transition, not an end. The continuity of consciousness is maintained, and individuals are drawn to environments that match their inner spiritual state, much like a fish belongs in water. The concept of death as absolute annihilation is dismissed, aligning with the principle of the indestructibility of matter.

Philosophical Perspectives on Death

The article explores various philosophical viewpoints on death. It dismisses the idea of total annihilation, stating that everything is part of an infinite, ever-moving universe where nothing is truly lost. The concept of a "void" or "nothingness" is deemed as incomprehensible as infinity.

Maurice Maeterlinck's ideas on death are presented, offering four possible outcomes: total annihilation, continuation of current consciousness, continuation without consciousness, or continuation in a universal consciousness different from our current one. The article argues against total annihilation, asserting that everything is part of the universe and cannot be lost.

It is suggested that the fear of death might stem from a misunderstanding of the term "dead," which is applied to anything with a life dissimilar to our own. The article posits that even seemingly inert matter possesses a powerful, unseen energy.

Ancient beliefs about the afterlife are touched upon, including the Norse concept of Valhalla for warriors, Native American traditions of a hunting paradise, Eskimo beliefs about a land of plenty for the diligent, and Tongan beliefs about an island paradise for the elite. The Tibunambafolket of Brazil believe only virtuous souls go to a beautiful garden, while the wicked go to a place of torment. The Carib people envision a paradise for the brave, with slaves for their enemies.

The Conditional Immortality of the Soul

The article discusses the concept of conditional immortality, suggesting that the human soul's survival depends on one's spiritual development. It contrasts the theological Christian view of salvation through faith with the idea that even non-believers may experience eternal life, albeit as eternal torment. This is seen as a natural consequence of faith not having universally saved humanity.

Jesus's words about the narrow gate and the narrow path leading to life are interpreted as referring to the struggle of "fighting spirits" who strive to achieve spiritual realization. The path is described as a personal journey, requiring one to understand the true nature of reality and to walk it alone.

The first step on this path involves recognizing the outer, visible world as a reflection of the inner, divine spiritual reality. This leads to understanding the inner meaning of events and seeking the correct answers within oneself. As spiritual faculties develop, so does perception, leading to a gradual evolution that may eventually make reincarnation unnecessary.

The article highlights the increasing difficulty of reincarnation due to population growth. It presents a stark statistical scenario of being born in the present day, emphasizing the low probability of being born in favorable circumstances (e.g., America, with a white skin, or in a developed country).

It is stated that Buddha correctly identified suffering as a universal human condition. However, life is presented as a great gift, and despite difficulties, one should not forget its value. The article concludes that every human being, regardless of their perceived insignificance, deserves respect, as they may contribute to the realization of a "new" humanity, a goal envisioned by the "Master" (likely referring to Jesus), who urged his followers to "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of death, the afterlife, and the human condition in the face of mortality. The editorial stance appears to be one that challenges traditional religious interpretations of death and hell, advocating for a more philosophical and spiritual understanding. It emphasizes personal spiritual growth, the continuity of consciousness beyond physical death, and the idea that one's destiny is self-created through one's actions and spiritual development. The article promotes a view of death as a transition rather than an end, and encourages a focus on living a life worthy of existence.