Sokaren - 1969 No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 10
Volume: 6
Date: 1969

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published in October 1969, offers a diverse range of articles exploring spiritual, philosophical, and unexplained phenomena. It features in-depth pieces on Persian mysticism, UFO sightings, and various religious and spiritual movements.

Farid Ud-Din Attar and His Poem 'Mantiq Ut-Tair'

The lead article, written by Anna-Greta Karima Ångström, introduces Farid Ud-Din Attar, a prominent Persian sufi poet and merchant from the 12th century. Attar, whose name means 'the perfumer', left his worldly life after a profound encounter with a dervish, dedicating himself to spiritual studies. His most famous work, 'Mantiq Ut-Tair' (The Conference of the Birds), is detailed as an allegorical journey of birds seeking the mythical bird Simurgh, symbolizing the soul's quest for divine union. The article recounts legends surrounding Attar's life and death, and places him within the context of Persian mystical poets like Sanai, Omar Khayyam, and Jelal Ud-Din Rumi, noting that many of his works on sufi saints have been translated.

Open Letter to Swedish Bishops

Thor-Leif Dahnielson contributes an 'Open Letter' dated August 13, 1969, addressed to Swedish bishops and church leaders. He raises the issue of millions of people worldwide reportedly seeing unexplained luminous objects in the sky over the past 20 years, linking these phenomena to ancient texts and biblical accounts of 'chariots of fire' and 'Sons of God'. Dahnielson suggests these might be extraterrestrial visitors, possibly from other planets, and questions the church's response, urging them to welcome such 'heavenly messengers' and their wisdom.

Kristet Samfund (Christian Community)

Bo R. Ståhl provides an overview of Kristet Samfund, a movement for religious renewal that originated in Germany in the early 20th century, inspired by anthroposophy and its founder, Rudolf Steiner. The article explains that the movement, also known as 'Christengemeinschaft', seeks to offer a renewed understanding of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of the seven sacraments, prayer, and meditation. It highlights the movement's lack of fixed dogmas, allowing for individual interpretation and spiritual experience. The article notes the influence of anthroposophy on its teachings and its belief in reincarnation.

Bekännelsefriheten i Kristet Samfund (Freedom of Confession in Kristet Samfund)

Karl Engqvist, the leader of Kristet Samfund in Sweden, discusses the principle of freedom of confession within the movement. He argues that true Christian community is built on shared spiritual experience and the presence of Christ in one's thinking, rather than on rigid doctrines or dogmas. Engqvist emphasizes that this freedom is essential for the spiritual work of the church and for humanity's salvation in the current global crisis.

Unity School of Christianity

Bo R. Ståhl and Bertil Persson introduce the Unity School of Christianity, a movement that emerged in the USA around the turn of the century, with roots in Christian Science, theosophy, and spiritualism. They explain Unity's belief that while illness is real, it can be overcome through thought and prayer, and that prosperity can be attracted through 'prosperity meetings'. The article clarifies that Jesus is seen as God's thought about humanity, not divine himself. Unity's practices include 'waterless' baptism with rose petals and emphasizes positive thinking and spiritual development.

Other Articles and Sections

• 'Venskab med alt levande' (Friendship with all Living Things): A review of J. Allen Boone's book, which explores direct mental contact between humans and animals, using anecdotes about a housefly named Freddie Fluga and ants.
• 'Kombinationslåset - Ett Survivaltest' (The Combination Lock - A Survival Test): This section discusses methods for testing mediumistic communication with the deceased, focusing on the use of combination locks and coded messages as a way to verify survival after death.
• 'Varia' (Various): This section includes a report on George de la Warr's alleged 'time-camera' capable of photographing past events, and information on the anti-aging preparation 'Gerovital' and its German equivalent 'K.H.3'. It also mentions 'Buddha-Bulletin', a new Swedish Buddhist publication.
• 'Lysande UFO över Sverige' (Luminous UFO over Sweden): A report detailing multiple sightings of unidentified flying objects across Sweden in early October 1969, describing their appearance and movement.
• 'Kritik och vänlighet' (Criticism and Kindness): An editorial by Sven Magnusson emphasizing the importance of constructive and kind criticism in spiritual and intellectual discourse, contrasting it with negative or hostile approaches.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mysticism, spiritual seeking, and the unexplained. There is a clear interest in alternative spiritual movements and a willingness to question established religious doctrines. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to consider phenomena beyond conventional understanding, while also advocating for critical thinking and respectful dialogue. The publication aims to provide a platform for diverse spiritual perspectives and reports on paranormal and esoteric subjects.