Sokaren - 1983 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR6
Volume: 20
Date: 1983
Cover Headline: Jesus - ideal for our time?

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine, presents a collection of articles and discussions on religion, theology, and critical perspectives on faith and spirituality. The content ranges from theological debates and critiques of religious figures to explorations of new spiritual movements and psychological research.

Ny religion i Storkyrkan? (New Religion in Storkyrkan?)

This section features a letter from 'SM' responding to Gustaf Lundgren's critique of Pastor Ludvig Jönsson. SM defends Jönsson, arguing that his approach is a 'religious rethinking' and a 'realistic interpretation of life' that moves away from old, naive beliefs. SM praises Jönsson's understanding of the commandment of love, particularly in his services for homosexuals, stating that it's a relief for many to hear that being homosexual is not an unforgivable sin in God's eyes. SM criticizes Lundgren for lacking understanding of Jönsson's 'religious ethics' and for dismissing 'new spirituality' as 'false prophets' and 'platitudes'. SM agrees with Lundgren that Jönsson's ideas are suitable for debate in Sökaren and includes the first three chapters of Lundgren's book as a starting point.

Morgonböner i ny tonart (Morning Prayers in a New Key)

This article by Gustaf Lundgren discusses Ludvig Jönsson's radio broadcasts from December 1975. Lundgren describes Jönsson's messages as 'pathetic pronouncements about a completely new religion' that shocked listeners. Jönsson declared that we live in a 'post-Christian,' 'post-religious' world and questioned where to find 'what we call God,' stating God is not 'up there' as previously imagined. Jönsson's 'andakt' (devotion) strongly opposed transcendence, defining concepts like 'prayer' and 'resurrection' as ways to live 'here and now' on this earth, not related to 'another world.' Jönsson argued that this 'post-religious' era was ideal for 'realizing what we call God,' such as community and revolutionary struggle. Lundgren contends that Jönsson severed religion's 'life nerve' by dismissing the 'invisible transcendent world' that was as real to believers as their everyday lives. Jönsson's shift to 'reality' and 'here and now' was at the expense of this fundamental aspect of faith. Lundgren notes Jönsson's assurance that he didn't intend to take away anyone's faith, but his actions seemed to have 'burned his bridges.'

Ett teologiskt manifest (A Theological Manifesto)

This article continues the critique of Ludvig Jönsson, focusing on his book 'Pilgrim i välfärden' (Pilgrim in Welfare) published in November 1976. The author acknowledges Jönsson's insight into modern society and his role as a cultural critic, but finds his theological views highly unconventional. Jönsson's concept of the origin of faith suggests that humans learned to 'dream of another world' to escape the pain and injustice of their own, and that belief in God is a 'flight from the tasks one faces in the 'only life that is hers'.' Jönsson views God as an 'outdated figure' or 'satellite,' no longer relevant to the modern, liberated human. He proposes abandoning the word 'God' and traditional symbols for a period to pave the way for a 'total rediscovery of the divine reality.' In its place, Jönsson offers 'horizontalism,' where the sacred has 'descended from the clouds and the Milky Way's heights' and is found within human relationships and actions.

Utmaningar (Challenges)

This section details a 1977 TV program called 'Utmaningen' (The Challenge), which featured critical discussions on various topics. Ludvig Jönsson participated in an episode themed 'The Unnecessary Religion.' Jönsson argued that the preached religion is unnecessary for people's needs and questions today. He claimed the church piles symbol upon symbol without reaching reality and that people no longer understand the priests. Jönsson advocated for freeing ourselves from 'vertical' dependence and focusing on 'the reality we have on the horizontal plane.' He accused the church of wanting a 'monopoly' on religion and binding religious forces through dogma rather than promoting liberation. Bishop Helge Brattgård attempted to correct Jönsson's distorted perspective, but without success. The article also mentions a subsequent TV debate in 1979 between Jönsson and Archbishop Olof Sundby, where Jönsson called for a revision of the Christian image of God, dismissing the concept of God 'up there.' Sven Stolpe commented on this debate, criticizing Jönsson for losing faith in God and wanting to 'repair, prune, and modernize' the image of God.

Hjalmar Söderberg en anti-Krist (Hjalmar Söderberg an anti-Christ)

This article, written by Gustaf Lundgren, analyzes the religious criticism of the Swedish author Hjalmar Söderberg (1869-1941). Lundgren notes that Söderberg, known for his literary works, also wrote critically about Christianity, including books like 'Jahves eld' (Yahweh's Fire) and 'Jesus Barabbas.' Söderberg is described as a skeptic who viewed the world without illusions. While critical of Söderberg's one-sidedness and his apparent desire to make Jesus unappealing, Lundgren acknowledges that some of Söderberg's points are valid. Söderberg questioned the historical existence of Jesus, but ultimately accepted that the Gospels contain 'peculiar small details' suggesting historical reality. He believed that if non-Christian writings from that era don't mention Jesus, it's due to Christian censorship. Söderberg's unique contribution is his conflation of Jesus of Nazareth with Jesus Barabbas, suggesting Barabbas was a name for Jesus and that the crowd's cry to free Barabbas actually referred to Jesus, who was then released by Pilate. Söderberg posited that Jesus was a political messiah, a rebel against Rome, and that his concept of the 'kingdom of God' was a political upheaval. His ethical teachings are seen as derived from late Judaism, emphasizing kindness and love for one's neighbor, but lacking originality. Söderberg believed Jesus preached a 'moral of reward,' with motivation for good deeds being future compensation in the afterlife.

Andreas Edwien, kristendomskritiker (Andreas Edwien, Religion Critic)

This section features an article by Andreas Edwien, who views Jesus of Nazareth not as divine but as a human preacher, moral teacher, and doomsday prophet of his time. Edwien argues that Jesus is not a suitable role model for today due to his cultural and religious context. He points out Jesus' contradictions, such as warning against judgment while harshly condemning opponents, and his simplistic division of humanity into 'good' and 'evil.' Edwien criticizes the 'cult of personality' surrounding Jesus today, arguing that elevating him to a divine status is the fault of Christian churches. He asserts that the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection is lacking, calling it a 'historical lie.' Edwien believes that the church continues to propagate this 'illusion' to maintain its power and influence. He also discusses the ethical implications of animal testing, criticizing the lack of transparency and the perceived bias in ethics committees.

Omprogrammering av människor (Reprogramming of Humans)

This article discusses the controversial practice of 'deprogramming,' where individuals are removed from new religious movements and persuaded to abandon their beliefs. It highlights the case of Magnus Petersson, who was deprogrammed from the 'Unification Church.' The article notes that deprogramming involves not only presenting facts but also potentially distorting information and disrespecting deeply held beliefs. It mentions that while deprogramming is legal in some US states, it is forbidden in others, and its practitioners have faced legal consequences. The article suggests that individuals are susceptible to deprogramming due to their inexperience with life philosophies and the natural human desire for conformity. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and acquiring information before joining any religious movement.

Försöksdjursetiska nämnder (Animal Experiment Ethics Committees)

This brief report discusses the role and function of six animal experiment ethics committees in Sweden, established in 1979. These committees, composed of researchers, animal experiment personnel, and laypeople, are tasked with pre-screening planned animal experiments from an ethical standpoint. The article notes that the committees primarily handle applications for experiments, with a three-person group making initial decisions. It also points out that only a fraction of animal experiments are subject to this pre-screening, with others being merely reported. The report includes critical perspectives from lay representatives who feel the committees are biased towards researchers and lack transparency, suggesting they legitimize animal testing rather than genuinely scrutinizing it.

TM gör yngre (TM Makes Younger)

A short piece reporting on a study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience suggesting that regular practitioners of Transcendental Meditation (TM) may have a biologically younger age than non-meditators.

Deprogrammering hos Rajneesh (Deprogramming at Rajneesh)

This brief note mentions that the Rajneesh community in Oregon, USA, offers deprogramming courses for individuals seeking to free themselves from the negative effects of cult membership. It highlights that Swami Prem Siddha, a former psychiatrist, leads the program, and the Rajneesh organization sees this as a necessary service.

Hör Gud bön? (Does God Hear Prayer?)

This is a call for readers to share their experiences with prayer and divine responses. Rektor Gunnar Hillerdal of Katedralskolan in Växjö is collecting these accounts for a study by the Institute for the Study of Religion in Stockholm.

Dialog med hjärnan (Dialogue with the Brain)

This article features insights from Robert Masters, a researcher at 'The Foundation for Mind Research' in New York. Masters, who has conducted pioneering research on altered states of consciousness and psychosomatic processes, discusses the importance of body awareness and the mind-body connection. He explains that through specific exercises, one can 'teach' the brain to influence the body, leading to improved physical function and a greater sense of well-being. Masters emphasizes that many health issues stem from poor posture, incorrect movement, and a lack of body awareness. He also touches upon the concept of 'psychophysical re-education' as a method to counteract the negative effects of aging, suggesting that negative beliefs about aging contribute to its perceived decline.

Robert Masters psykofysiska metod (Robert Masters' Psychophysical Method)

This section elaborates on Robert Masters' work, focusing on his 'psychophysical re-education' methods, which are based on the principles of Alexander and Feldenkrais. These techniques aim to improve physical mobility and mental capacity, even in older individuals. Masters believes that through conscious effort and specific exercises, one can achieve a better state of health and vitality, challenging the notion that aging inevitably leads to decline. The article highlights the collaboration between Robert Masters and his wife, Jean Houston, a prominent figure in humanistic psychology.

Åldrandet kan motverkas (Aging Can Be Counteracted)

This article, attributed to Robert Masters, discusses how subjective beliefs about aging can influence its reality. Masters argues that the common perception of old age as a time of weakness, senility, and loneliness is a self-fulfilling prophecy. He advocates for challenging these negative mental images and promoting a 'revolution in aging.' Masters suggests that factors like diet, meaningful work, social engagement, and a positive outlook can significantly impact the aging process. He criticizes societal attitudes that devalue the elderly and fail to provide them with opportunities for contribution and recognition.

Jacques Lusseyran: Och det blev ljus (And There Was Light)

This is a review of Jacques Lusseyran's autobiography, 'And There Was Light.' The reviewer, Åsa Freij, describes the book as a testament to an inner life, detailing Lusseyran's experiences as a blind man who became a hero in the French Resistance and survived the Buchenwald concentration camp. Freij highlights Lusseyran's ability to find an 'inner light' and live by it, transforming his blindness into a gift that provided a new way of perceiving the world. The review emphasizes Lusseyran's philosophy of 'mentalism,' where reality originates within consciousness, and his belief in the power of love and harmony with one's surroundings. Lusseyran's experience of overcoming fear and finding strength in his inner light, even in the face of extreme adversity, is presented as a profound message.

Koestler död (Koestler Dead)

A brief obituary for Arthur Koestler, a renowned intellectual and author, who died by suicide with his wife Cynthia. Koestler was known for his critical examination of political ideologies and his later work on parapsychology. He donated a significant sum to parapsychological research.

Undermedvetna signaler (Subconscious Signals)

This short piece reports on a study where college students exposed to subconscious messages like "Mamma and I are one" or "my professor and I are one" received higher grades than a control group. The messages were too brief to be consciously perceived, suggesting the influence of subconscious communication on performance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and questioning stance towards traditional religious institutions and beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on intellectual inquiry, psychological exploration, and the examination of new spiritual movements. The articles often challenge established doctrines, advocate for individual critical thinking, and explore alternative perspectives on faith, consciousness, and human potential. The editorial stance appears to be one of open debate and a willingness to engage with controversial ideas, as evidenced by the inclusion of diverse and often critical viewpoints on Christianity and other religious phenomena.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1983, is dedicated to the theme "LIVETS MÅL OCH MENING" (Life's Goal and Meaning). It presents a collection of 113 anonymous subscriber responses to a survey on this profound question, alongside in-depth explorations of spiritual and philosophical figures and concepts.

Subscriber Responses: Life's Goals and Meaning

The core of the issue features a numbered list of 96 subscriber responses, detailing their personal goals and perceived meanings of life. These range from spiritual and intellectual development, helping others, achieving inner peace, and understanding existence, to more practical aspirations like personal growth, family well-being, and contributing positively to society. Many responses reflect a search for deeper understanding, self-realization, and connection to a higher purpose.

Featured Thinkers and Philosophies

Kahlil Gibran

The magazine highlights the works of Kahlil Gibran, particularly his book "Profeten" (The Prophet). Johan Wretman, who co-translated a new Swedish edition, discusses Gibran's background and the enduring impact of his writings. An excerpt from "Profeten" focusing on love is included, emphasizing its transformative and challenging nature.

Inayat Khan

Sufi teacher Inayat Khan is also featured, with Johan Wretman noting the similarities between his teachings and Gibran's philosophy of universal truth accessible through various paths. A selection of Inayat Khan's aphorisms is presented, touching on the value of life, simplicity, truth, and individual personality.

Bo Yin Ra

Josef Anton Schneiderfranken, writing under the pseudonym Bo Yin Ra, is introduced through an excerpt from his book "Om lyckan" (On Happiness). The article emphasizes that true happiness stems from creative acts and the joy of bringing something into existence, contrasting it with mere passive waiting or external circumstances. Svante Widing, publisher of Bo Yin Ra's books, discusses the author's life and the universal nature of his teachings, which encourage readers to test the truths within themselves.

Eva Jagrell: Poet of the Search

Poet Eva Jagrell is profiled, with her poems and reflections on life, love, and death. Jagrell describes her poetry as an expression of her life experiences and reactions, often inspired by her work as a religion, history, and Swedish teacher. She emphasizes the importance of yoga and meditation in her creative process. Her work explores themes of spirituality, the common ground between religions, and the acceptance of life's natural rhythms, including death, which she views as a continuation rather than an end.

Olle Wedholm: The Sixth Man

Olle Wedholm, a figure associated with the modernist literary group "De fem unga" (The Five Young Ones), shares his background and spiritual journey. His early life was marked by personal illness and family hardship, leading him to seek answers in spiritual teachings, particularly through the "universal services" led by Elsa Ulma-Haglund. Wedholm discusses his connection to the group, his literary work, and his ongoing interest in spiritual and philosophical questions.

Zen and Filokalia

Sten Rodhe explores the parallels between Zen Buddhism and Christian hesychasm (Jesus Prayer meditation) as described in "Filokalia." He highlights shared practices such as inner stillness, constant prayer or mantra repetition, detachment from thoughts, and the pursuit of inner peace and spiritual transformation. The article suggests that despite different origins, these traditions offer similar paths to spiritual awakening.

Special Features and Reviews

Spiricom: What Happened Next?

This section revisits the "Spiricom" project, which involved alleged communication with extraterrestrial intelligence via electronic voice contact. It discusses voice analysis, the formation of the Life-Beyond-Death Research Foundation to support further research, and the ongoing efforts to re-establish contact.

Astrology Study at Chalmers

A research project conducted at Chalmers University is described, which tested the validity of astrology by having astrologers identify murderers and secretaries based on their horoscopes. The results are presented as statistically significant, suggesting that astrological knowledge played a role beyond mere chance.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes several book reviews, covering topics such as: "Kosmisk gryning" (Cosmic Dawn) on the origins of matter and life, "Nordiska Samfundet Mot Plågsamma Djurförsök 1882-1982" (Nordic Society Against Cruel Experiments on Animals 1882-1982), "Den gyllene tråden" (The Golden Thread) on esoteric traditions, "Offer för 'Children of God'" (Victim of 'Children of God') about a religious cult, and "Vägen till lycka" (The Way to Happiness) by L. Ron Hubbard.

Other Content

The issue also features a "Sökarguiden" (Seeker's Guide) listing various courses and events related to spirituality, yoga, meditation, and alternative lifestyles. There are also short philosophical reflections and a section on "Tankar om Tänkvärda Ting" (Thoughts on Thought-Provoking Things) with aphorisms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren consistently explores themes of personal growth, spiritual seeking, the search for meaning, and the interconnectedness of life. The editorial stance appears to be open to diverse spiritual and philosophical perspectives, encouraging readers to explore their own paths to understanding and fulfillment. There is a clear interest in alternative lifestyles, esoteric knowledge, and the potential for human transformation. The magazine also engages with contemporary issues such as UFO phenomena and the scientific validation of parapsychology, reflecting a broad curiosity about the unknown and the unexplained.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 6, 1983
Date: June 1983
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 102 SEK for a full year (10 issues)

This issue of Sökaren, an independent journal for life-view issues, focuses on the theme "What is a prophet?" The cover asks this question directly, suggesting a deep dive into the concept and its relevance in contemporary society.

The Nature of a Prophet

The lead article defines a prophet as a believer with exceptional sensitivity and a profound religious understanding, characterized by a pure heart and clear vision. Prophets are seen as God's spokespersons, messengers of divine will, who possess authenticity, intense faith, courage, and talent. They might be perceived as eccentric or even "mad with God," potentially leading to ostracization, imprisonment, or the founding of new religions.

The article notes that while "true" and "false" prophets have existed throughout history, citing Jesus and Muhammad as examples, contemporary society is seen as lacking genuine prophets. Instead, it is populated by priests, evangelists, gurus, and therapists. The author suggests that modern culture, being too enlightened, is not conducive to the emergence of prophets. The culture, it is argued, honors scientists, authors, thinkers, artists, and performers, but not prophets.

A Prophet's Message Today

The article speculates on what a modern prophet, akin to John the Baptist or Jesus of Nazareth, might preach. Such a prophet would likely condemn the church's material wealth and elaborate structures, arguing that they are human inventions rather than divine mandates. The core message would be about love, contrasting it with the current emphasis on rituals and sermons. Prophets would also highlight global suffering and the unequal distribution of resources, questioning why abundance is not used to help the needy and why people do not believe.

They would praise acts of kindness as sparks of divine love while lamenting the coldness in people's hearts, especially among those who claim to believe. The call would be for actions and deeds, particularly for the benefit of those in need. The article concludes that the kind of faith exemplified by Jesus is absent in this era, and God feels distant.

Contemporary Society and Spirituality

The issue presents a list of articles exploring various spiritual and religious themes. "Ny religion i Storkyrkan?" (New religion in the Great Church?) by Gustaf Lundgren suggests a shift in religious landscapes. "Hjalmar Söderberg en anti-Krist" (Hjalmar Söderberg an anti-Christ) by SM delves into literary and theological critique. Andreas Edwien, identified as a critic of Christianity, examines "Jesu uppståndelse – kyrkans livslögn" (Jesus' resurrection – the church's life lie), questioning core tenets of Christian belief.

Further articles by Åsa Freij explore "Att se utan ögon" (Seeing without eyes) and "Dialog med hjärnan" (Dialogue with the brain), touching on perception and consciousness. Peter R. Meyer contributes "Profetiska toner om lyckan" (Prophetic tones on happiness), "Eva Jagrell, sökarpoet" (Eva Jagrell, seeker poet), and "Den sjätte mannen" (The sixth man). Sten Rodhe discusses "Zen och filokalia" (Zen and Philokalia), bridging Eastern and Christian mystical traditions. Nils-Olof Jacobson explores "Spiricom - hur gick det sedan?" (Spiricom - how did it go then?), likely referencing a communication phenomenon.

Editorial Information

The magazine is edited and published by Sven Magnusson. The editorial address is Östra Kanalgatan 18, 652 20 Karlstad, Sweden. Contact is available via phone at 054/11 16 89. Subscription prices are listed, along with postgiro and bankgiro details. Advertising rates are also provided, with prices for full-page, half-page, and small ads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren appears to adopt a critical and questioning stance towards established religious institutions and societal values. It champions a more authentic, action-oriented spirituality, emphasizing love and compassion over dogma and ritual. The magazine seems to be a platform for exploring alternative spiritual paths, challenging conventional beliefs, and seeking deeper meaning in life, particularly within the Swedish context. The focus on prophecy suggests an interest in divine guidance and the role of individuals who challenge the status quo.