Serie A No 480

Magazine Overview

Title: ARCA NU
Issue: Serie A Brev 480
Date: 1979

This issue of ARCA NU presents excerpts from Axel Fredenholm's book, "Så har jag hört" (So I have heard). The content focuses on spiritual and philosophical reflections on religion, God, and the nature of existence, particularly the transition of death.

"Så har jag hört" - Selections from Axel Fredenholm's Book

The article begins with a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln, who, when asked why he never joined a church, stated that he found it difficult to accept complex doctrines. Lincoln would only join a church that proclaimed Jesus' words: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Fredenholm aligns with this sentiment, stating that his God is not a vengeful punisher but perfect love, loving all His children equally.

He quotes the Bhagavad Gita, which states that God is the same for all people, and those who serve other gods are unknowingly serving Him, and He rewards them all. Augustinus is cited as writing that the Christian religion was known by the ancients and has always existed since the beginning of mankind. Krishna is quoted as saying that regardless of the form a devotee gives to their faith, Krishna alone helps them maintain their steadfastness.

Fredenholm recounts an experience where he was denied the opportunity to give a lecture on Indian religions in a country proud of its culture. He was told that if one 'heathen' sect were allowed to present its teachings, others would soon follow. He clarified that he belonged to no sect and that his talk was historical, not propaganda. However, he was informed that only officially recognized religious communities adhering to essential points of their faith would be granted such opportunities.

Reflecting on his youth, Fredenholm recalls reading Max Müller's "Lectures on Science and Religion," where he found the words: "On Earth, people fight for their religions, but in heaven, they will see that there is only one religion: the worship of God's Spirit." He suggests that religion begins where theological disputes end.

Fredenholm clarifies that his philosophical and religious views are based on what he has heard and seen, and he believes them to be without error, similar to Muhammed's view of the Quran. He emphasizes that his rejection of certain aspects is not directed at people but at their ignorance and prejudices. He loves people but dislikes their dogmas and teachings, asserting that people are inherently better than their religions.

He posits that God reveals Himself through the Spirit residing within us. Wherever the voice of love speaks, there speaks God. All of God's works testify to His presence, but only a few have their eyes opened to see it. The journey through life leads to the divinity within, to one's "higher self." He encourages readers to look within to find the kingdom of heaven, as everyone holds the keys to their spiritual inheritance. He reminds readers that they are "god-born," with their souls being a ray of the divine Spirit, quoting Abu Ali of Scinde: "I went from one god to another until I heard the call: 'Tat twam asi' – you are THAT, the boundless."

In contrast to the Western notion that humanity is inherently evil, Fredenholm recalls Jesus' words to the Jews: "Is it not written in your law, 'I have said that you are gods'?" He also references the Bhagavad Gita, where it is stated that the divine "I AM" resides in the hearts of all beings, being the beginning, middle, and end of all life.

Fredenholm asserts that humans are divine and that the doctrine of original sin is a theological construct. He quotes Böhme: "God is in everything and everything rests in God." He agrees with Max Müller's statement that humans are already gods, and what we perceive as the physical body is merely a temporary tool for the invisible spiritual essence.

The spiritual realm governs the psychic and astral, which in turn govern the physical. We identify with our essence, not our physical parts, saying "I have an eye" rather than "I am an eye." Just as a lamp uses electricity to shine, the life force uses the physical body as a tool for a specific purpose.

The Nature of Death

Fredenholm addresses the topic of death, which he notes is rarely discussed and often feared due to teachings of original sin. He argues that death is not an enemy but a good friend, and for many, the greatest happiness. He believes that what is not worthy of continuing ceases to exist, while the spirit is eternal. After death, a person remains as they are, their inner life manifesting freely without disguise.

He mentions intermediate stages, known to Tibetans as Bardo, suggesting that even after death, there is a path for humans to follow. He clarifies that when he says a person becomes themselves after death, he means their essential self. He quotes his mother, who, on her deathbed, said, "I shall soon change my attire."

A story is shared about a four-year-old girl who, upon seeing a graveyard, asked her father what the mounds were. When told they belonged to those who had died and gone to heaven, she remarked, "Then these are the places where they left their clothes."

Fredenholm concludes that death only takes away what we can do without, and only what is eternal will endure. He quotes Victor Hugo, who wrote that upon entering his grave, one can say they have finished their day's work but not their life. The grave is seen not as a dead end but as a main street that closes in twilight and reopens at dawn. He reiterates that all that lives is spirit, and all that dies is dust.

He references Pythagoras' golden verses, urging readers to remember that death is the lot of all, to obey divine counsel with thought and reason, and that by following the law of life, one will not die in bondage but will break free and become a victorious God.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the universality of religion, the inherent divinity of humanity, and a spiritual interpretation of death. The editorial stance, as presented through Fredenholm's writings, is one of love, spiritual enlightenment, and a rejection of dogmatic and fear-based religious doctrines. The magazine promotes a perspective that emphasizes inner spiritual truth over external religious structures and encourages a positive and accepting view of life and death.