Sokaren - 1983 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR7
Volume: ÅRGÄNG 20
Date: 1983
Publisher: Timo förlag
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 12:00 inkl. moms

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1983, features a striking cover image of Mahatma Gandhi and a headline emphasizing his non-violent struggle as relevant for contemporary world improvers. The magazine delves into several significant themes, including societal trends, philosophical concepts, and spiritual teachings.

John Naisbitt's Vision: Megatrends

The magazine features an extensive article on John Naisbitt, author of the bestseller "Megatrends." Naisbitt, an optimist, sees the current era as a transition between the industrial age and the information society. He identifies ten key trends shaping America and, by extension, the world:

1. Industrial society to information society: A shift from manufacturing to intellectual work involving the creation, processing, and distribution of information.
2. Forced technology to high-tech/high-touch: Technology is becoming more human-oriented.
3. National economy to global economy: Increased participation in a worldwide economy.
4. Short-term to long-term planning: A move towards future-oriented planning.
5. Centralization to decentralization: Power and decision-making shifting from central authorities to local levels.
6. Institutional help to self-help: Individuals taking more responsibility for their own well-being.
7. Representative to participatory democracy: A move towards greater citizen involvement.
8. Hierarchical structures to network structures: Communication and decision-making becoming more horizontal.
9. North to South migration: A demographic shift within the US.
10. Few options to multiple options: A society offering a wider range of choices.

Naisbitt's conclusions are based on content analysis of millions of local newspaper articles. He highlights "indicator states" like California, Florida, Washington, Colorado, and Connecticut as hubs for new ideas. The transition to an information society is marked by a decline in manufacturing jobs and a rise in information workers. Naisbitt also notes the growing importance of electronics in communication and the shift from trading money to trading information.

The Soul's Needs in a High-Tech Society

While high-tech offers benefits, Naisbitt stresses the need to balance it with human needs. Reactions against overly technological approaches are seen in movements like home births and hospice care. The rise of group therapy reflects a need for personal development and human connection.

Developing Nations Take Over Industry

Naisbitt predicts that developed nations will increasingly cede traditional industrial tasks to developing countries, which will adopt new technologies to produce goods more affordably. Western nations, in turn, must focus on developing new technologies like electronics, biotechnology, and alternative energy sources.

World Trade Fosters World Peace

Economic globalization, according to Naisbitt, leads to interdependence, which he sees as a major hope for peaceful development. Increased economic ties between nations make conflict less likely.

Decentralization

The political landscape is shifting from Washington to state and local governments. This trend is also reflected in the decline of large, general-interest magazines in favor of specialized publications.

Self-Help

Americans are increasingly relying on self-help rather than institutional support, particularly in healthcare, leading to a greater focus on preventative care and holistic treatments.

Vinoba Bhave: Reformer Beyond Death

An article by Bertil Falk explores the life and legacy of Vinoba Bhave, considered Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual successor. Bhave's "Bhoodan-movement" (land gift movement) aimed to redistribute land to the landless. While described as a "sublime failure" due to issues with land quality and distribution, the movement is seen as a significant humanitarian initiative. Bhave's death by fasting also sparked debates on suicide and euthanasia. His ashram, Brahma Vidya Mandir, continues to operate on principles of collective work, spiritual development, and self-sufficiency, emphasizing women's empowerment and non-violence.

The Significance of Jainism: The Origin of Non-Violence

This section, also by Bertil Falk, traces the origins of the non-violence principle (ahimsa) to Jainism, an ancient Indian religion predating Buddhism. Jainism emphasizes extreme asceticism and a strict adherence to non-violence, including prohibitions against harming any living being. The article discusses the two main sects, Digambaras and Svetambaras, and how Jainism's principles influenced its followers' choice of professions, leading many into finance and trade. Mahatma Gandhi adopted and adapted Jainism's ahimsa, making it a powerful tool for political and social change.

Non-Violence: The Film and Gandhi

Bertil Falk also reviews the film "Gandhi," noting its critical acclaim and its impact on audiences, particularly the youth in India. The article discusses the film's portrayal of Gandhi's non-violent struggle and the debate surrounding the effectiveness of non-violence against oppressive regimes, contrasting the British Empire's rule in India with Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The article acknowledges the debate on whether non-violence is most effective against less oppressive powers.

The Self-Actualized Human Being

An article by Ami Lönnroth discusses Abraham Maslow's concept of the "self-actualized person." Maslow, a psychoanalyst, focused on the characteristics of psychologically healthy individuals. These individuals are described as realistic, spontaneous, engaged in broader issues, independent, democratic, and creative. They possess a deep sense of connection to humanity and a philosophical sense of humor.

Krishnamurti: Seeking Together

Karin Rebel-Ahlqvist writes about Jiddu Krishnamurti, a spiritual teacher known for his emphasis on self-discovery and freedom from conditioning. Krishnamurti advocates for a direct, personal search for truth, free from dogma, rituals, and external authority. He stresses the importance of observing one's own mind, thoughts, and emotions to achieve inner order and a transformation of consciousness. His teachings are presented as a path to liberation from anxiety and conflict.

Judaism in the Old Testament

This section provides a critical examination of Judaism as depicted in the Old Testament. It highlights the religion's origins as a tribal and nationalist faith, with a concept of a covenant between God and the Jewish people. The article points out the presence of racial elements and aggressive, warlike passages in the scriptures, citing instances where God commands the extermination of other peoples to grant land to the Israelites. It questions the ethical implications of these texts and suggests a connection between these ancient scriptures and modern Israeli expansionist policies.

How Israel Conquered Palestine 1200 BCE According to the Book of Joshua

Östen Kjellman recounts the biblical narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan as described in the Book of Joshua. The text details God's command to Joshua to drive out the inhabitants of the land and describes the destruction of cities like Jericho, where all inhabitants were killed except for the prostitute Rahab and her family. The concept of "cherem" (devoted to destruction) is explained as a divine command for total annihilation of enemy populations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren consistently explores themes of societal transformation, individual empowerment, and spiritual seeking. The magazine presents a forward-looking perspective, analyzing contemporary trends and offering philosophical and spiritual insights. There is a clear emphasis on self-reliance, critical thinking, and the pursuit of inner peace and understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages readers to question established norms, engage with complex societal issues, and seek personal growth through introspection and a broader understanding of humanity and the world.

This issue of "Bibel läsning" (Bible Reading), volume 1, issue 21, dated January 1983, with a cover price of 15.00, explores the diverse aspects of religion under the main headline "Religionens många ansikten" (The many faces of religion). A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "Jesu uppståndelse" (The resurrection of Jesus), examining its theological significance and historical evidence.

The Conquest of Canaan

The issue begins with a detailed account of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua, as described in the Old Testament. It recounts the destruction of cities like Ai and Mackeda, the battles fought, and the divine intervention, such as the hailstones falling from the sky during the battle of Gibeon. The text emphasizes that Joshua fulfilled God's command to conquer and destroy the inhabitants of the land, leaving no one alive. The distribution of the land among the tribes is also mentioned, with a note that the planning for these campaigns was documented for approximately 3000 years.

Critique of Biblical Narratives

A critical perspective is presented on the Book of Joshua, questioning the historical accuracy of its accounts and the ethical implications of the described violence. The article notes that scholars believe the book was written around the 10th century BCE, about 300 years after the events, and suggests its purpose was to foster a sense of racial purity among the Israelites. The author expresses concern about modern interpretations that might use these biblical accounts to justify current political actions.

The Resurrection of Jesus: Faith vs. History

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus. It questions the historical certainty of this event, drawing on scholarly analysis of the Gospels. The article highlights that Mark's Gospel, considered the oldest, does not mention anyone seeing Jesus alive after his crucifixion, but rather a 'young man' in white announcing his resurrection. The author suggests that the later additions to Mark's Gospel, which describe appearances of Jesus, might be later fabrications. The article posits that the belief in Jesus' resurrection might stem from visions or hallucinations rather than objective historical events, and that the empty tomb does not definitively prove resurrection.

The Apostle Paul and the Resurrection

The role of the Apostle Paul in spreading the message of Jesus' resurrection is discussed. His letters, written about ten years before Mark's Gospel, are examined. The article notes that Paul's account of seeing Jesus after the crucifixion is presented as a vision, similar to how he describes his own conversion experience on the road to Damascus. The author suggests that Paul might have been influenced by legends rather than direct eyewitness testimony.

Other Religious and Esoteric Topics

The magazine also touches upon other religious and esoteric subjects:

• Dreams and Psychology: Poul Bjerre's theory of dreams as a healing force and a manifestation of the soul's striving for unity is presented. The article contrasts this with Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic approach, which focused on the unconscious and repressed desires. Obrad Doncic's book "Drömmar. Om drömforskning och drömtolkning" (Dreams. On dream research and dream interpretation) is reviewed, discussing various theories of dream interpretation from ancient times to modern psychology, including the work of Carl Jung.
• Astrology in India: An article explores the state of astrology in India, where it has deep historical roots. It discusses the challenges posed by scientific criticism and the efforts by Indian astrologers to establish a code of ethics and gain recognition for their practice. The article mentions the debate about whether astrology is a science or a pseudoscience.
• Out-of-Body Experiences: Susan Blackmore, a parapsychologist, argues that out-of-body experiences are psychological phenomena that can be explained within a scientific framework, rather than paranormal events. She suggests that these experiences are a way to explore the world of human imagination and that the concept of an astral body is not necessary for understanding them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of religious beliefs, particularly Christianity, and the exploration of phenomena often considered paranormal or esoteric. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, questioning historical claims, analyzing different interpretations, and seeking scientific or psychological explanations for phenomena like the resurrection, dreams, and out-of-body experiences. The editorial stance appears to favor rational inquiry and critical thinking when approaching religious and spiritual topics, while acknowledging the enduring human need for meaning and belief.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 7
Volume: 1983
Date: July 1983
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
ISSN: 0038-0504
Cover Headline: Är kristendomen sann? (Is Christianity True?)

This issue of Sökaren, an independent magazine for life-view issues, critically examines Christianity and explores alternative spiritual and philosophical paths. It features a prominent article on the life and religious views of Swedish poet Dan Andersson, alongside discussions on Indian religions, ancient mysteries, and personal development.

Dan Andersson and Christianity

The issue dedicates significant space to the complex relationship between the poet Dan Andersson and Christianity. It highlights his internal struggles with the strict, dark, and fearful religious upbringing he received, which he often revolted against. Despite this, he maintained a deep respect for the concept of the cross as a symbol of suffering and a profound truth about life, though he rejected the literal interpretation of Christian dogma and the atonement doctrine. His friend Waldemar Bernhard noted Andersson's reverence for the Gospels but his disdain for Paul and official Christianity, a sentiment echoed by Andersson's own critique of a pessimistic and fearful view of human life inherent in some religious doctrines. Andersson's religious quest was not about questioning God's existence but about reconciling his childhood's harsh God-image with a higher, inexpressible reality. He sought the deepest meaning in the Bible, viewing it as a carrier of eternal truths and a path to absolute reality beyond the earthly and human.

The article posits that theologian Jan Arvid Hellström best understood Andersson's religious worldview, suggesting it was rooted in Western Christian dualism (earthly/eternal, bodily/spiritual) and influenced by Neoplatonism and medieval Christian mysticism, particularly Meister Eckhart. While Andersson used religious language and terms like "the highest song" (den allra högsta sången), which echoed Eckhart's concepts of purification, illumination, and union, he struggled to accept a personal God. He also read Thomas à Kempis and Jakob Böhme. Jesus appears infrequently in his poetry, and when he does, he is seen more as a teacher than a savior, with the cross symbolizing human suffering rather than atonement.

Dan Andersson and Indian Religion

In the later years of his life, Dan Andersson developed a strong interest in Indian religions, notably studying the "Bhagavad Gita." He attended lectures by Sri Ananda Acharya in Stockholm, finding the Indian philosophy profoundly inspiring and more directly communicative than Western philosophy. He was particularly drawn to the concept of "Bhakti" – the path of devotion and love – which he saw as a divine force that could be received. Bhakti offered him a way to transcend feelings of guilt and sin, presenting God as an exalted, all-encompassing love. However, Andersson also expressed the difficulty of practicing Indian wisdom, finding it challenging to achieve the stillness and detachment required. A poem attributed to him in early 1920 suggests a return to Christian grace for peace, though this interpretation is debated by his friend Bernhard, who maintained Andersson remained an agnostic seeker until the end.

A pivotal scene in his novel "David Ramms arv" (1919) describes a mystical experience where Andersson perceives the divine in all aspects of existence, from the mundane to the sublime, from beauty to ugliness. This experience is interpreted differently by critics: Gösta Ågren sees it as reflecting the monistic, impersonal God of Indian philosophy, while Jan Arvid Hellström views it as a clear manifestation of Christian mysticism. The article concludes that Andersson likely drew from both Christian and Indian mysticism to transcend earthly limitations and the anthropomorphic image of God, seeking a higher reality beyond contradictions.

Other Articles and Features

How Were the Pyramids Built?

Chemist Joseph Davidovits proposes a new theory that the ancient Egyptian pyramids were not built by hauling massive stone blocks but by casting them in situ. He bases this on the non-layered nature of the limestone used in the pyramid interiors and higher zeolite concentrations on the surface of mantel stones. His theory suggests a process involving crushed limestone mixed with aluminum salt and an alkaline substance, which hardened into stone within wooden forms. This method, he claims, explains the tight fit of blocks and is supported by his own experiments and observations of similar techniques used by Bolivian shamans.

Soviet Woman Imprisoned for "Cosmic Message"

A report from Moscow details the imprisonment of Maja Koljada, a geologist who practiced Eastern mysticism. She was accused of slandering the Soviet state by promoting yoga, vegetarianism, and lectures on cosmic forces, urging followers to purify themselves from modern civilization. Her arrest and prosecution highlight the Soviet Union's stance against alternative spiritual movements.

Reviews and Announcements

The magazine includes various announcements for events and courses related to meditation, Tibetan medicine, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), dream work, astrology, and yoga. It also features reviews of books, including Nils Kalén's "Kristendomens hedendom" (The Paganism of Christianity), which critiques Christian theology by tracing its origins to pagan beliefs, and Arthur C. Clarke's "Gåtefulla värld" (Enigmatic World), which explores unsolved mysteries.

Gandhi Film and Non-Violence

An article discusses the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons and global conflicts. It emphasizes the need for strong public opinion to support non-violent activism and notes that while challenging, Gandhi's ideas remain influential.

Self-Actualization

A piece inspired by Abraham Maslow's theories discusses self-actualized individuals, highlighting their ability to integrate opposites, accept imperfections, and live with a sense of wholeness. It suggests that a world populated by such individuals would be free from polarization and conflict.

Vinoba Bhave

A brief mention of Vinoba Bhave, an Indian activist known for his land reform movement, noting his continued influence and the debates surrounding his legacy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical inquiry into established religious doctrines, particularly Christianity, and an exploration of alternative spiritual traditions, mysticism, and philosophical ideas from both Eastern and Western sources. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages independent thought and personal evaluation of spiritual and life-view questions, presenting diverse perspectives and challenging conventional beliefs. There is a clear interest in the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and ancient knowledge, as evidenced by the articles on Dan Andersson, pyramid construction, and various self-development courses. The editorial stance is one of open investigation rather than dogmatic assertion, inviting readers to form their own judgments.