Sokaren - 1971 No 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Läkaren" (The Doctor), dated Nr 7 1971, features a prominent cover story titled "KRISTUS - MYT ELLER HISTORIA?" (Christ - Myth or History?) by Alf Ahlberg. The issue delves into theological and historical debates surrounding the existence of Jesus, alongside articles on parapsychology, religious movements, and UFO phenomena.

Christ - Myth or History?

Alf Ahlberg's main article examines the 'Christ myth' theory, which questions Jesus's historical existence, positing him as a mythical figure. He references earlier proponents like Arthur Drews and Georg Brandes, and discusses contemporary scholarship that seems to grant more historical credibility to the Gospels than earlier 'liberal' theology. Ahlberg critically reviews two recent books: J.M. Allegro's "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross" and G.A. Wells's "The Jesus of the Early Christians."

Ahlberg finds Allegro's theory, which links Jesus and the Gospels to a secret cult centered around the 'sacred mushroom' (Amanita muscaria), to be 'learned madness.' He argues against Allegro's premise that religion originates from fertility magic, stating that modern science considers religion constitutive to human existence, not derived from magic. Ahlberg also critiques Allegro's etymological arguments, finding them unconvincing.

In contrast, Ahlberg considers G.A. Wells's work more seriously, although he disagrees with Wells's conclusion that Christianity can be explained without a historical Jesus. Wells suggests that a mythical savior god was gradually attributed historical existence. Ahlberg counters Wells's arguments, particularly regarding the silence of Roman and Jewish historians like Tacitus and Josephus, by pointing out the limitations of historical records and the potential for bias in their omission or alteration.

Ahlberg defends the reliability of the New Testament, citing the early dating of Paul's letters and the Gospels, and the existence of eyewitness accounts. He argues that the early Christian movement gained traction among the lower classes and that the lack of mention by some historians is not proof of Jesus's non-existence. He also addresses the 'Anten case,' a reported UFO incident, and a magazine's claim that it was a hoax, presenting evidence from UFO researchers that refutes the hoax theory.

Other Articles and Sections

"Vettig Föda" (Sensible Food) by Nils Kalén: This section recommends a lacto-vegetarian diet for health, aligning with the principles of Are Waerland and the Hälsofrämjandet movement.

• "Sökarens Förlag" (Seeker's Publishing House): This section reviews several books available from the publisher, including:
• "Jagets Eld" (The Ego's Fire) by Denis Lindbohm, a book about reincarnation.
• "Det Ockulta Problemet" (The Occult Problem) by John Björkhem, discussing parapsychological phenomena.
• "Mystiker i Vällingby" (Mystics in Vällingby) by Carl-Martin Edsman, exploring mystical experiences.
• "Bakom Ridan till Det Okända" (Behind the Curtain to the Unknown) by Berndt Hollsten, based on interviews with the psychic Olle Jönsson.
• "Vettig Föda" (Sensible Food) by Nils Kalén, a guide to healthy eating.
• "Vår Tids Mirakler" (Miracles of Our Time), a collection of articles on the supernatural.
• "Jord Skred?" (Landslide?) by Birgit Lange, discussing out-of-body experiences and reincarnation.
• "Den Osannolika Verkligheten" (The Unlikely Reality) by Olle Holmberg, a skeptical yet open-minded exploration of parapsychology.
• "Liv Efter Döden?" (Life After Death?) by Nils-Olof Jacobson, examining parapsychology, mysticism, and death.
• "Måste Vi Döda För Att Leva?" (Must We Kill to Live?) by Edgar Kupfer-Koberwitz, a plea for animal welfare.
• "Människor Som Söker Gud" (People Seeking God) by Christopher Mayhew, exploring different religious faiths.

"Doktor Warrens Teori" (Doctor Warren's Theory): This article discusses Dr. D.I. Warren's sociological study on UFO observers, suggesting that individuals with uneven social status are more likely to report seeing UFOs, attributing this to social alienation.

"Dr Wests Mening" (Dr. West's Opinion): This piece summarizes Dr. D.J. West's view that while parapsychological research faces challenges due to the elusive nature of its phenomena, it should not be dismissed. He notes that parapsychologists often maintain higher standards of rigor than researchers in conventional social and psychological sciences.

"U Thant Ingen UFO-Supporter" (U Thant No UFO Supporter): This section reports on a correspondence with U Thant's office, clarifying that the UN Secretary-General did not make certain public statements about UFOs and that the UN is not involved in UFO research.

"Proprius Förlag" (Proprius Publishing House): This segment highlights Jacob Boëthius's publishing house, which specializes in spiritual and religious literature, including works on Hinduism and other faiths, promoting interfaith understanding.

"Kulter Sekter Samfund" (Cults Sects Societies) by Bo R. Ståhl and Bertil Persson: This article introduces a book by Ståhl and Persson that inventories religious minorities in Sweden, focusing on their beliefs and practices.

"Det Eviga Nuet" (The Eternal Now) by Alfred Svanqvist: This review discusses a book presenting cases of precognition, astral projection, and other paranormal phenomena, interpreted as evidence of an spiritual afterlife.

"Fasteboken" (The Fasting Book) by Olof Thorborg: This review highlights a book on fasting and dietary changes for health, written by a health advisor and advocate for vegetarianism.

"Waerland-Böcker" (Waerland Books): This section promotes books by Are Waerland, focusing on his health philosophy and natural healing methods.

"Eckankar - en högre esoterisk skola" (Eckankar - A Higher Esoteric School): This article introduces Eckankar, describing it as an ancient path to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization, emphasizing the concept of 'Soul Travel' and total consciousness.

"Är Anten-fallet en bluff?" (Is the Anten Case a Hoax?): This investigative piece by Björn Högman of G.I.C.O.F.F. refutes a claim made by the magazine "Lektyr" that the Anten UFO incident was a hoax. Högman presents evidence, including experiments with gas burners and spotlights, to show that the marks on the ground and the light phenomena could not have been artificially created as described by "Lektyr."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Läkaren" consistently explores the intersection of science, religion, and the unexplained. It exhibits a critical yet open-minded approach to controversial topics like the historical existence of Jesus, UFO sightings, and parapsychological phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and evidence-based reasoning, while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional explanation. There is a clear interest in presenting diverse perspectives, from academic scholarship to personal testimonies of extraordinary experiences. The magazine also promotes health and spiritual well-being through reviews of relevant literature and discussions of various religious and philosophical movements.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 7
Volume: 8
Date: 1971

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published in Sweden, covers a range of topics including a controversial UFO case, health and diet advice, ethical considerations, book reviews, and religious and philosophical discussions.

The Enebacken Case: Conflicting Accounts

The lead story delves into the Enebacken case, presenting an interview with Tom Svensson, who claims to have been involved in a UFO-related incident. Svensson's account is scrutinized, particularly regarding the use of a gas burner to create markings and the presence of other individuals. Björn Högman, chairman of G.I.C.O.F.F., provides commentary, noting that Svensson's claims about the gas burner's effect (creating dust rather than ash) align with their findings. However, Svensson's narrative is challenged by photographer Ola Marklund, who states that only Svensson was present during the photography session, contradicting Svensson's earlier claims of boys being present. The article also questions Svensson's need to reconstruct the event with rented equipment if the original items were still available. The magazine notes that attempts to contact the 'boys' through Lektyr were unsuccessful.

An editorial piece by the magazine's staff concludes that the Antenn case remains unresolved. They acknowledge the possibility of a genuine UFO landing but also entertain the idea of a student prank. The editorial criticizes Lektyr's publication of anonymous sources and calls for any involved parties, besides Tom Svensson, to come forward to validate the claims.

Health and Well-being with Henning Karström

Henning Karström contributes an article titled 'Vägen till Hälsa IX' (The Path to Health IX), focusing on practical dietary advice. He advocates for simple, natural, and minimally processed foods, preferably raw or gently cooked. Karström stresses the importance of a substantial breakfast, suggesting it should be the largest meal of the day, citing research from Iowa State College that links hearty breakfasts to better academic performance in children. He advises against complex food combinations and recommends eating no more than three different dishes per meal. The article also highlights the benefits of chewing food thoroughly and making meals a calm, family-oriented experience. Karström also cautions against late-night meals and between-meal snacks, attributing health problems like obesity and headaches to these habits. He suggests that for most adults, two meals a day are sufficient, with at least five to six hours between them.

Ethical Considerations and Moral Dilemmas

Under the heading 'SM: Etik' (SM: Ethics), the magazine explores the complexities of morality. The author suggests that the ethical circle, when drawn only around oneself, is easy to maintain. However, as the circle expands to include more individuals, the moral imperatives become stronger and more difficult to fulfill. The piece questions the extent of one's duty to help others, particularly in a world filled with suffering, and contrasts the effort required to alleviate global needs with the comfort of personal convenience. It touches upon the idea of 'doing unto others as you would have them do unto you' but notes the ambiguity in interpretation and application. The author acknowledges that while many may strive for ethical behavior, the satisfaction derived from being a 'good person' is often forgone, and small acts of charity are the most that can be expected from most.

Book Reviews and Social Commentary

The issue features a review of Barbro Soller's book 'Djurfabriken' (The Animal Factory), which exposes the harsh realities of industrial animal farming. The review details the cramped, unsanitary conditions, stress, and suffering endured by animals in such environments, highlighting the prioritization of profit over animal welfare. The book is described as a factual account that reads like a grim fairy tale.

Another significant piece is a review of 'Alternativ till världens undergång' (Alternatives to the World's Downfall) by Andrej Sacharov, a prominent Russian scientist. The review praises Sacharov's courage in criticizing the Soviet system, even comparing him to figures like Oppenheimer and Teller. It discusses Sacharov's sharp critique of Stalin and Mao, as well as his observations on the ongoing, albeit slow, movement towards democracy and justice within the current Russian society. The article notes Sacharov's belief that the ideological differences between the USA and the Soviet Union are diminishing and that internal pressures from intellectuals and other groups could lead to further convergence and reforms in both systems, potentially paving the way for a more peaceful world order through global cooperation and disarmament.

Religious and Philosophical Discussions

Bo R. Ståhl contributes an article titled 'Om kulter, sekter, samfund' (About Cults, Sects, and Communities), exploring various spiritual and religious movements. He expresses a universalist Christian perspective, acknowledging that Christ reveals himself in many ways across different religions, while maintaining the absolute truth of Christianity. He finds value in the insights offered by non-Christian religions but believes that the complete truth is found in Christ.

An excerpt from a letter by Anagarika Vajira, secretary of 'Buddhismens vänner' (Friends of Buddhism), addresses a previous article by Bernhard Hegardt concerning Buddhism. Vajira clarifies that Buddhism significantly differs from Vedantism, particularly in its rejection of spiritual pride and the Hindu caste system. He emphasizes that Buddhist meditation is intrinsically linked to its ethical teachings, making it a practical and realistic worldview that has contributed to making 'Asia mild.'

Personal Reflections and Other Content

The magazine also includes a personal reflection titled 'Det är någon jag söker' (There is Someone I am Looking For), a poignant piece about searching for an unknown individual with whom the author feels a deep connection. There is also a section on 'GAVOR' (Donations), listing contributions from readers, and an advertisement for 'LAPIS LINGUA,' a 'Tur-stone' described as a Mexican, shimmering turquoise gem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren include a critical examination of societal issues, such as industrial farming and political systems, alongside a focus on personal well-being through diet and ethical conduct. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical thinking, open inquiry into phenomena like UFOs, and a balanced approach to health and spirituality. There is a clear interest in exploring alternative viewpoints and challenging established norms, whether in the realm of science, religion, or ethics. The editorial stance seems to be one of seeking truth and promoting a more conscious and responsible way of living, while acknowledging the complexities and ambiguities inherent in these pursuits.