Sokaren - 1969 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: No. 7, Volume 6
Date: 1969
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated July 1969, features a prominent cover story titled "VEM VAR JESUS?" (Who Was Jesus?), presenting the views of a Muslim, a Bahá'í, a Sufi, a Jew, and a Buddhist on the figure of Jesus. The magazine also includes articles on parapsychology, the Condon Report on UFOs, and a personal account of mediumship in music.

Vem var Jesus? (Who Was Jesus?)

The central theme of the magazine is an exploration of Jesus' identity and role from various religious perspectives.

Mahmud Eriksson, Muslim

Mahmud Eriksson, a Muslim, states that Muslims view Jesus as a prophet, not the son of God in the Christian sense. He explains that Jesus' mission was to reform Judaism and re-establish the correct interpretation of Moses' teachings. Eriksson emphasizes that God chooses prophets from all peoples, not just Israel. He clarifies that Jesus was not unique in being called a 'son of God,' as the Quran states that God called those to whom His word came 'gods.' Eriksson interprets Jesus' virgin birth as a sign that his prophetic mission was for a specific people, and that the prophecy would pass to another people. He addresses the crucifixion by stating that the Quran says Jews were mistaken in believing they crucified or killed Jesus. Eriksson suggests it may have been a state of apparent death from which Jesus recovered. He believes Jesus lived a long life and died a natural death, possibly in Kashmir, where a tomb attributed to him exists. Regarding the prophecy of a 'comforter' or 'helper,' Eriksson states that Muslims believe this refers to Muhammad, who, along with the Torah and the Gospel, was prophesied.

Sverre Holmsen, Bahá'í

Sverre Holmsen, a Bahá'í, describes Christ as one of the great luminaries in human history. He explains that Bahá'ís believe in progressive religion, recognizing all world prophets like Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá'u'lláh as divinely chosen messengers. Holmsen stresses that the core message of love is the same across these religions, though specific laws and teachings are adapted to different eras. He interprets Jesus' statement about not coming to abolish but to fulfill as acknowledging Moses while introducing milder injunctions. Holmsen criticizes the Christian concept of Jesus as the unique Son of God and the Trinity, attributing religious wars and persecutions to this exclusivity. He believes in a spiritual resurrection, not a physical one, and that Jesus appeared in a spiritual body after his crucifixion. Holmsen accepts Jesus' miracles as possible for such a spiritual figure, noting similar phenomena in the lives of other prophets and Bahá'í figures.

Karima Angström, Sufi

Karima Angström, a Sufi leader, explains that Sufis see the 'Christ spirit' as the divine presence in all beings, culminating in figures like Jesus, Buddha, and Krishna. She states that Sufis do not compare these figures but hold them in reverence. Angström views the concept of 'Son of God' as referring to someone who is aware of God as Father and has realized the divine within themselves. She believes Jesus' teachings were for his time and the future, but that the Trinity is a theological construct. Angström emphasizes the oneness of God, as stated in the Quran and by prophets. She interprets Jesus' statement about coming to God through him as meaning that one must follow the prophet chosen for their era. She highlights Bahá'u'lláh as a prophet who claimed to be the fulfillment of prophecies from all world religions. For Sufis, the divine, guiding spirit manifests in different forms throughout history to meet humanity's needs at various stages of development.

Morton Narrowe, Rabbi

Rabbi Morton Narrowe states that Judaism has always had diverse opinions and debates. He accepts Jesus as a teacher among many but finds it impossible to consider him more than human. Narrowe notes that Jesus made special claims about his identity. He mentions other historical figures who claimed to be the Messiah. He attributes the spread of Jesus' teachings partly to his disciple Paul and partly to the time being ripe for the world to accept Judaism's monotheism and teachings about salvation and an afterlife. Narrowe believes that through Jesus, the world has come closer to Judaism and has become better. He points out that many of Jesus' ethical teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, have parallels in Jewish scriptures, but questions the uniqueness of the 'turn the other cheek' teaching, noting that Jews have historically been forced to do so. He believes Jesus' teachings were not entirely novel but built upon existing Jewish thought. Narrowe accepts that Jesus was crucified but believes the New Testament account is influenced by Roman interests. He doubts the resurrection, stating that Jews do not believe in it. He finds contradictions in the New Testament and questions its historical value. He is skeptical of miracle stories, suggesting that psychosomatic healing through faith and divine inspiration is possible, but miracles are not sufficient proof of messiahship or prophethood. Judaism still awaits the Messiah, whom they expect to be a human representative of God, not a divine being.

Marcel Sirander, Buddhist

Marcel Sirander, a Buddhist, uses the parable of the blind men and the elephant to explain the Buddhist view of religion. He suggests that different religions offer partial understandings of a greater truth. Sirander emphasizes that Buddhism is not based on dogma but offers a technique to overcome 'blindness.' He believes that the value of faith in events like the crucifixion or miracles depends on whether it leads to happiness and compassion or intolerance and cruelty. He states that Buddhist ethics are based on avoiding suffering and increasing happiness for oneself and others. Sirander notes that while there are similarities between Buddhist and Christian ethics, the starting point differs, with Christian ethics based on divine commandments, while Buddhist ethics focus on results. He finds the Christian concept of hell and heaven as fixed places problematic. He also mentions that the Buddhist principle of not killing extends to all living beings, including animals, which would exclude Jesus if he sanctioned animal sacrifice.

Other Articles

Rosemary Brown: Tonkonstens mästare kommer tillbaka (Masters of Music Return)

Rosemary Brown recounts her experiences as a musical medium. She describes visions of composers like Liszt, Chopin, Schubert, Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schumann, Debussy, and Rachmaninov, who allegedly communicate new compositions through her. Brown, who had limited musical training, claims her hands are guided to play these pieces. She states that these composers are working together to prove the existence of an afterlife and to bring about peace and brotherhood. Several musicians have reportedly examined her work, with some expressing fascination and others skepticism about its origin. A foundation was established to promote this phenomenon.

Martin Johnson Berättar om Parapsykologin (Martin Johnson on Parapsychology)

Fil. lic. Martin Johnson, a parapsychology researcher at Lund University, discusses the methodological challenges and controversies surrounding parapsychology. He acknowledges that while numerous laboratory studies provide statistically significant evidence for phenomena like telepathy and clairvoyance, these findings are not widely accepted by the scientific community. Johnson addresses common criticisms, including the 'negatively defined' nature of phenomena, the possibility of sensory cues, statistical manipulation, experimenter bias, and fraud. He argues that many of these criticisms have been addressed through improved experimental controls, citing Helmut Schmidt's experiments with a quantum mechanical random number generator as particularly convincing. Johnson expresses a cautious but open view towards spiritualism, suggesting that mediums may possess heightened ESP abilities and interpretative skills, but he remains skeptical of claims of communication with the dead as a primary explanation.

Condonrapporten (The Condon Report)

This section reviews the Condon Report on UFOs, highlighting Professor Condon's initial reluctance to lead the project due to his existing commitments and concerns about the emotional engagement of UFO believers. The report suggests that many UFO sightings can be explained by atmospheric phenomena (AP effects) causing distortions in radio and light waves, and by misinterpretations of natural objects or phenomena. The report criticizes ufologists for not adequately considering the fallibility of human perception and for uncritically accepting witness testimonies. It emphasizes the need for alternative explanations beyond the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

HälsoRåd (Health Advice)

This section offers health advice based on natural living principles, advocating for a vegetarian diet (excluding meat and fish, but including dairy) and raw, unprocessed foods. It suggests that nature provides cues for what is healthy and that cooking or refining foods diminishes their nutritional value. The advice is presented as simple rules for achieving better health.

Silver Birch, En Indian (Silver Birch, An Indian)

This piece introduces Silver Birch, a spirit guide channeled by Maurice Barbanell. It describes Silver Birch's teachings as embodying the clearest expression of spiritualism's philosophy and faith. The article mentions that Silver Birch's wisdom has been published in numerous volumes and that his teachings emphasize the importance of compassion, understanding, and the pursuit of truth.

Varia

This section contains several short items:

• Den gamle kinesen (The Old Chinese Man): Discusses Li Chung Yun, who allegedly lived to 256 years old, attributing his longevity to herbal remedies like Fo Ti Tieng and ginseng. It also touches upon the scientific possibility of maintaining cell life indefinitely.
• Mätning av växters känslor (Measuring Plant Feelings): Reports on Cleve Backster's experiments using a polygraph to detect plant reactions to stimuli, suggesting plants may have emotional responses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to the spiritual, the paranormal, and alternative belief systems. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting diverse viewpoints and personal experiences, while also acknowledging scientific and critical perspectives. There is a clear interest in comparative religion and the potential for cross-cultural understanding of spiritual concepts. The magazine seems to encourage critical thinking while remaining receptive to phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. The inclusion of parapsychology, UFO reports, and spiritualist messages suggests a focus on the unexplained and the esoteric.