Sokaren - 1972 No 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of Hökaren, dated August 1972, features a prominent cover story on Bishop John A. T. Robinson and his theological views, particularly his book "Honest to God." The magazine delves into his challenge to traditional Christian dogma and his reinterpretation of God as the ground of existence. The issue also includes articles on the ancient Chinese philosopher Mo Ti, the 'new age' movement exemplified by the Findhorn community, and a detailed discussion on UFOs and the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Bishop Robinson and God

The lead article introduces Bishop John A. T. Robinson as a phenomenon in the Anglican Church, unafraid to question traditional theology. His book, "Honest to God," translated into Swedish as "Gud är annorlunda," has gained significant attention. While not considered a groundbreaking thinker, Robinson's importance lies in his position as a bishop daring to question the meaning and validity of core Christian beliefs. He acknowledges the influence of German thinkers like Bonhoeffer, Tillich, and Bultmann, and asserts that many traditional Christian ideas cannot be reconciled with modern concepts of reality, necessitating a change in Christian dogma.

Robinson argues against the notion of God as a personal, supernatural being existing 'up there' or 'out there.' Instead, he posits that God is the fundamental ground of all life, the ultimate reality. He critiques the traditional theistic view that separates God from creation, suggesting that this anthropomorphic view of God is problematic and unnecessary for Christianity. He aligns with Paul Tillich's idea of replacing 'height' metaphors with 'depth' and 'ground of being' metaphors to describe God, emphasizing God's immanence rather than transcendence.

He also addresses the concept of Jesus, rejecting the idea of a supernatural, divine incarnation. While he sees the biblical narratives as myths, he finds beauty in them for expressing profound truths about existence. Robinson believes that the core of Christianity is not dependent on the belief in Jesus as God, but rather on the ethical teachings and the embodiment of love.

Mo Ti: A Forgotten Philosopher of Universal Love

An article by Ivar Wallensteen introduces Mo Ti, a Chinese thinker from around 500 BC, whose philosophy is presented as having striking similarities to Christianity. Mo Ti emphasized universal love and mutual aid, believing that Heaven desires the well-being of all people. His teachings advocated for treating others as oneself and condemned aggression and exploitation. The article contrasts Mo Ti's philosophy with Confucianism and highlights his emphasis on impartial love as the solution to societal problems. Mo Ti's ideas about a benevolent Heaven and the importance of love are presented as remarkably modern and relevant.

Paul Tillich: On the Boundary of Existence

An essay by Alf Ahlberg explores the philosophy of Paul Tillich (1886-1965), characterizing him as a thinker who lived and worked 'on the boundary' between various opposing concepts: city and country, theory and practice, theology and philosophy, etc. Tillich's work is described as striving for synthesis, earning him comparisons to Thomas Aquinas. The article outlines Tillich's view of religion as the 'depth dimension' of all human activities, not a separate function. He argues that the question of God's existence is wrongly framed, and that true religion is about 'ultimate concern.' Tillich also discusses religious symbols, myths, and the concept of 'non-being' as the source of existential anxiety.

UFOs: Extraterrestrial Origins

K. Gösta Rehn's article, "De flygande tefaten har utomjordiskt ursprung" (Flying Saucers Have Extraterrestrial Origin), argues for the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ET) of UFOs. Rehn points to the scientific possibility of organic life on other planets and the discovery of organic molecules in space. He cites numerous UFO reports, including observations of intelligent behavior, evasive maneuvers, and interactions with aircraft and vehicles. Rehn criticizes official denials of UFO phenomena, particularly from Swedish authorities like Dr. Tage Eriksson at FOA, and calls for a more open, scientific approach to the subject. He also discusses the presence of 'humanoids' associated with UFO sightings as a key piece of evidence supporting the ET hypothesis.

New Age and Findhorn

The magazine features an extensive section on the Findhorn community in Scotland, presented as an example of the 'new age' movement. Per Axel Atterbom, interviewed about his spiritual journey, discusses his transition from materialism to interest in spiritual movements, including Rudolf Steiner, Billy Graham, and Quakerism. He expresses his belief in reincarnation, seeing it as a logical explanation for the diversity of human experience and a means for spiritual evolution. Atterbom describes Findhorn as a community of people seeking a new spiritual order, living in harmony with nature and each other, guided by a divine principle they call God. The article details the community's origins, its philosophy of abundance and service, and its unique approach to living and working.

Christian Magazines in Sweden

Sven Magnusson provides an overview and personal assessment of various Christian magazines in Sweden. He categorizes them into 'folkreligion' (popular religion) publications, which he finds to be often simplistic and detached from modern scientific and philosophical thought, and more intellectually engaged magazines. He critiques the sectarian tendencies of some free church publications, noting their intolerance and anti-intellectualism. Magnusson also reviews "Vår Kyrka" (Our Church), the weekly magazine of the state church, finding it to be more informative and balanced than many free church publications, though still somewhat institutional and lacking in vital content.

Drug Research

A book review discusses Walter Houston Clark's "Chemical Ecstasy, Psychedelic Drugs and Religion," highlighting the scientific research into psychedelic drugs and their potential effects on religious and psychological experiences. The review touches upon the use of LSD in psychotherapy and its ability to induce profound, sometimes religious, experiences. It also notes the dangers associated with these substances and the ongoing debate within the scientific community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, and contemporary issues. There is a clear interest in challenging traditional religious doctrines and embracing new spiritual perspectives, whether through theological reinterpretation, ancient philosophies, or modern 'new age' movements. The issue also demonstrates a critical stance towards official denials of phenomena like UFOs, advocating for open inquiry and scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor a progressive, open-minded approach to understanding the human condition and the universe, encouraging individuals to seek deeper meaning beyond conventional dogma and societal norms.

This issue of "Sökaren" (Nr 8, 1972) is a Swedish magazine that delves into a variety of spiritual, philosophical, and psychological topics, with a particular focus on the intersection of religion, psychedelics, and ethics. The issue features articles comparing the teachings of Jesus and Gotama Buddha, exploring the concept of a 'natural religion,' and critically examining common misunderstandings about Buddhism. It also touches upon the controversial work of Timothy Leary and the research into psychedelic drugs.

Articles and Content

The Harvard Incident and Psychedelic Research

The issue extensively discusses the controversial activities of Timothy Leary at Harvard University. Leary, a professor of clinical psychology, became deeply involved with psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD, viewing them as tools for psychotherapy, spiritual insight, and societal change. His work, particularly his experiments with students, led to significant criticism and ultimately his dismissal from Harvard in 1963. The article highlights Leary's transformation from an academic into a 'mystic, poet, religious leader, and social critic.'

Stanislav Grof, a psychologist, is mentioned for his work in LSD psychotherapy, with statistics suggesting a high success rate and low incidence of harm. The magazine addresses criticisms leveled against Leary and psychedelic research, particularly from figures like clinical psychologist W. W. Lippert, who warned of potential brain damage. The article defends Leary by questioning the validity of extrapolating findings from rat experiments to human behavior and by distinguishing between drug-induced experiences and genuine religious ones.

Comparing Jesus and Gotama Buddha

An article titled "Jesus or Gotama?" by Gunnar Gällmo, explores the ethical teachings of Jesus and Gotama Buddha. It notes that while Christian ethics, particularly the principle of loving one's neighbor, has lasting value, its framework of reward and punishment is seen as outdated. Jesus's teachings, as recorded in Matthew, emphasize meekness, mercy, peace, and turning the other cheek, with a focus on gathering treasures in heaven. The article points out that Jesus, a product of his time, also included threats of hell.

Gotama Buddha's ethics, on the other hand, are presented as focused on understanding and overcoming suffering through mental discipline and the extinction of desire, rather than through adherence to divine will. While Buddhism prohibits killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and the use of intoxicants, its emphasis is on individual liberation from suffering. The article notes that Buddhism's focus on individual salvation might seem outdated in a modern Western context that values societal improvement and evolution. The strengths of Jesus's teachings are identified as the strong sense of compassion and love for one's neighbor, while Gotama's strengths lie in his emphasis on reason and the absolute prohibition of killing all living beings.

Misconceptions About Buddhism

Gunnar Gällmo also addresses common misunderstandings about Buddhism, particularly those found in Swedish academic and popular literature. He refutes the idea that all religions teach the same thing, arguing that Buddhism uniquely rejects the concepts of an immortal soul and resurrection, and does not rely on a belief in God. The article criticizes the notion that Nirvana is equivalent to heaven, explaining it as the absence of desire, whereas paradise is the satisfaction of desires. It also clarifies that the parable of the blind men and the elephant, often used to suggest that each religion holds a piece of the truth, was actually intended by the Buddha to distinguish himself (the awakened one) from the unenlightened.

Gällmo also counters the concern that Swedes becoming Buddhists would mean abandoning their cultural heritage, arguing that Buddhism does not seek to destroy existing cultural traditions and that the Christian church has been more destructive to cultural heritage. He also critiques the use of terms like 'incarnation,' 'divine,' and 'revelation' in relation to Buddhism, emphasizing its focus on self-discovery rather than divine pronouncements.

'A Natural Religion?'

An editorial piece titled "A Natural Religion?" reflects on the human condition of not knowing about God, the afterlife, or the ultimate meaning of life. It suggests that while theology and metaphysics are speculative, nature and parapsychological research offer hints of a higher intelligence and the possibility of continued existence. The article posits that the ultimate reality is a universal spirit or consciousness, and that individuals are manifestations of this 'all-soul.' It suggests that future religion will be less about theology and more about wonder, awe, and an ethical insight that love is prescribed. This natural religion is rooted in the concept of the spirit as sacred and deserving of reverence, fostering a sense of brotherhood among all living beings.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on "Sökaren" magazine itself, listing subscription prices, contact information, and upcoming events at "Klubb Kamelen," which include lectures on UFOs and religion, occult experiences, and graphology. There is also an advertisement for a book titled "Ett märkligt vittnesbörd! EN STOR MANS VÄG" by Gustav Leonard Lindquist, and a mention of "DE GUDOMLIGA PRINCIPERNA" by Young Oom Kim. A book review by Hans Åkerberg discusses the work of Clark and Leuner on psychedelic drugs and their connection to mystical consciousness.

Letters to the editor include a response from Per Glanell to Gunnar Gällmo's critique, defending his views on world religions and Buddhism. Another letter from Harald Bergestam discusses Billy Graham's views on heaven and hell, and criticizes his interpretation of biblical teachings. A brief mention is made of a book by Per Ragnar titled "Brevet till mormor" and another edited by him, "På väg mot en världsbild?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Sökaren" revolve around the exploration of alternative spiritual paths, the critique of established religious institutions, and the investigation of phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and religious paradigms. There is a clear interest in the potential of psychedelic drugs for spiritual insight and therapeutic purposes, as well as a critical examination of traditional religious doctrines. The magazine appears to advocate for a more open-minded and less dogmatic approach to spirituality, encouraging personal inquiry and the integration of insights from various traditions, while also cautioning against the dangers of misinformation and dogmatism. The editorial stance seems to favor a critical, investigative approach to religious and spiritual matters, open to exploring unconventional ideas and challenging established norms.