Sokaren - 1998 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 2, 1998, Årgång 35
Date: March 1998
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), a Swedish magazine for life questions, delves into a variety of spiritual, parapsychological, and philosophical themes. The cover prominently features Tomas Frankell, who is described as critical of certain aspects of the New Age movement in Sweden. The magazine explores the growing interest in the occult, the work of the Society for Parapsychological Research (SPF) on its 50th anniversary, and personal journeys into spirituality and self-development.

Etikens grund (The Basis of Ethics)

This section discusses the critique of the New Age movement for being overly individualistic, focusing on personal well-being rather than broader social concerns. However, it contrasts this with the original, 'wise' New Age idea of fundamental identity, where all beings are seen as one. This concept of universal identity is presented as a potential foundation for an ethic that surpasses Christian ethics, extending love and compassion to all beings, including animals. The article also touches upon the idea of a planned universe, guided by an intelligent factor, rather than a random occurrence.

Tomas Frankell: "New age moget för självrannsakan" (Tomas Frankell: "New Age Mature for Self-Examination")

An interview with Tomas Frankell, a long-time figure in the New Age movement, conducted by Eva Sanner. Frankell discusses the evolution of New Age from an underground movement to a mass phenomenon. He acknowledges a collective 'shadow' within New Age, where unrealistic expectations can arise due to a lack of competence in handling individuals' experiences. He stresses the importance of not leaving people alone with difficult experiences and warns against grandiosity, where spiritual authority leads to a loss of connection with human vulnerability. Frankell suggests that the tendency to focus only on the 'light' can be an unconscious avoidance of dealing with human relationships and feelings of inadequacy. He advocates for embracing one's 'damaged' or 'dark' sides with love as a path to healing and wholeness. He also notes the increasing acceptance of practices like qi-gong and yoga, which are no longer labeled as 'New Age' in the media, suggesting a move towards a more universal spirituality.

Ockultism på frammarsch (Occultism on the Rise)

Anders Haag writes about the increasing interest in the occult and paranormal in Sweden. According to religious sociologist Ulf Sjödin, phenomena previously considered paranormal are now becoming normalized, partly due to the spread of New Age ideas. Sjödin's research indicates a significant portion of the Swedish population believes in phenomena like premonitions, telepathy, and astrology. Notably, younger generations show a higher belief in occult practices and extraterrestrial visitors compared to older generations. The article also discusses the potential disconnect between scientific explanations and public perception, with many feeling that science is insufficient to solve all problems and that its answers are often relative.

SPF 50 år (SPF 50 Years)

Eva Sanner interviews Göran Brusewitz, chairman of the Society for Parapsychological Research (SPF), on its 50th anniversary. Brusewitz expresses satisfaction with recent scientific experiments, particularly in Sweden, that provide strong support for the telepathy hypothesis. He emphasizes the importance of replicable experiments with statistically significant deviations from chance. The article touches upon the ongoing debate between parapsychologists and skeptics regarding evidence and the challenges of funding parapsychological research. It also mentions the influence of figures like Carl Sagan and the ongoing research into psi phenomena, including ganzfeld experiments and the concept of 'psi-tracks'.

Resenär i tid och rum (Traveler in Time and Space)

An interview with Dénis Lindbohm by Anna-Lena Carlzon. Lindbohm, an author of books on magic and past-life experiences, shares his lifelong journey of exploring his 'occult' experiences. He recounts memories of past lives, including that of a girl named Esta who died at age four. Lindbohm discusses his mother's spiritual background and her warning against speaking openly about his experiences. He describes his travels in time and space, his understanding of magic, and the ethical considerations involved. He recounts a negative experience with 'black magic' and the entity 'Belial,' which led him to renounce practicing magic for others. Lindbohm also touches upon the concept of reincarnation and the idea that the universe might be a hologram.

Meditationer (Meditations)

Bengt Petersen offers short reflections on themes of loneliness, the stranger, time, and the first light of dawn. These pieces are poetic and introspective, touching on the human condition and the search for meaning.

Drömmen (The Dream)

Joseph Jaworski, in an excerpt from his book "Synkronicitet" (Synchronicity), recounts his transformative experiences that led him to question his career as a lawyer and embrace a new path. He describes profound experiences of expanded consciousness and a realization of the interconnectedness of all things, which he found lacking in traditional leadership models. He was inspired by Erich Fromm's concept of 'being' versus 'having' and Robert Greenleaf's idea of 'servant leadership'. Jaworski's journey led him to conceptualize the American Leadership Forum, an organization aimed at fostering servant leadership and developing future leaders.

Funderingar längs vägen (Reflections Along the Way)

Jan Torberntsson reflects on the human condition, the challenges of life, and the potential for a new way of thinking based on love and interconnectedness, contrasting it with the 'old way' of fear and hierarchy. He discusses the resistance to new paradigms and the importance of breaking new ground for a different society. Torberntsson shares his vision of a world where all beings are seen as parts of a greater whole, leading to a sense of unity and mutual support.

Samtal med Gunnila Freudenthal (Conversation with Gunnila Freudenthal)

Eva Tuvhav interviews Gunnila Freudenthal, who is undertaking the significant task of translating "A Course in Miracles" into Swedish. Freudenthal shares her background, her initial struggles with the text, and how her understanding deepened over time. She discusses the challenges of translation, particularly in capturing the nuances of the original English text and its theological and psychological depth. She highlights the collaborative effort involved, including a review process with a group of experts and the Foundation for Inner Peace. Freudenthal expresses her motivation to make this influential spiritual text accessible to a wider Swedish audience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the search for meaning beyond conventional paradigms. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge materialistic worldviews, including parapsychology, occultism, and alternative spiritual paths. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking while also embracing the possibility of experiences and realities beyond the scientifically established. The magazine provides a platform for diverse voices, from academic researchers to individuals sharing personal spiritual journeys and transformative experiences. There is a recurring emphasis on the importance of inner work, ethical considerations in spiritual practice, and the potential for a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Sökaren, issue 2/1998, is a Swedish magazine focusing on spirituality, parapsychology, and alternative beliefs. This issue delves into theological questions surrounding Jesus, explores phenomena like reincarnation and out-of-body experiences, and discusses personal development.

Vem var Jesus? (Who was Jesus?)

This section critically examines the divinity of Jesus. It references the 1977 book "The Myth of God Incarnate" by seven English theologians, including Professor Maurice Wiles and editor Professor John Hick. They argue that Jesus should be viewed as a human chosen by God, not as God himself. John Hick suggests that the Christian narrative of God's Son coming from heaven and being born as a human baby is a religious myth that expresses the profound significance of encountering someone who makes us feel God's presence. Hick also notes that Christianity has always adapted to new cultural contexts, leading to theological variations. He highlights two major shifts in the 19th century: the acceptance of human evolution and the understanding that the Bible's books were written by different authors under various circumstances, not as literal divine word.

Professor Wiles questions whether the traditional Christian belief in Jesus' divine incarnation is necessary, proposing a Christianity without this doctrine. He points out that the New Testament does not directly state Jesus' incarnation but rather presents it as a theological construction based on certain scriptural elements. The authors of "The Myth of God Incarnate" believe that acknowledging Jesus as a human appointed by God, rather than God himself, is a necessary change. They argue that the traditional belief in Jesus as God incarnate is a mythological and poetic way to express his importance.

Frances Young, a female theologian, is quoted stating that believers generally see something of God in Jesus, but this is experienced in different ways. Even within a single Christian congregation, interpretations of Christ vary. Young emphasizes that traditional forms of Christology, rather than expressing revealed divine truth, describe what believers in a specific historical context thought. She suggests that cultural factors shaped the dogmatic forms of Christ's belief, leading to theological constructs with inherent difficulties.

Young also notes that titles like Messiah, Christ, Son of Man, Son of God, Lord, and Logos, often attributed uniquely to Jesus, actually existed in the ancient world before Christians used them. These titles were filled with new meaning when applied to Jesus to express the believers' certainty of salvation. Jesus himself did not regularly claim these titles, except possibly "Son of Man," whose meaning remains uncertain. The article suggests that the idea of Jesus as the one path for all people might be abandoned if the concept of incarnation is dropped, leading to a less supremacist and more challenging attitude towards other religions.

Kristus av Toorop (Christ by Toorop)

This section briefly mentions a painting by Toorop, possibly related to the theme of Christ.

The Cultural Context of Divine Figures

Frances Young explains that in ancient times, individuals perceived to have extraordinary powers or authority were often considered divine. Legends of miraculous births were common, as were claims of bodies disappearing after death (ascension). Therefore, it was natural for those who believed in Jesus as a savior to attribute divine nature to him, especially given the potential rivalry with pagan gods like Heracles and Dionysus. Young highlights that the cultural atmosphere, which allowed certain individuals to be regarded as gods, permeated both pagan and Jewish circles at the time Christianity emerged. This environment was conducive to the belief that a person with exceptional qualities was a god.

Ditlef Nielsen and Paul Fiebig on Miracles

Ditlef Nielsen, in "The Original Jesus," discusses how, during Jesus' time, individuals were believed to perform miracles. Paul Fiebig from Leipzig, using extensive Jewish literature, demonstrated that prominent teachers in Palestine were credited with miraculous deeds similar to those in the Gospels, such as feeding multitudes, walking on water, and raising the dead. This suggests that such stories about Jesus likely circulated after his death among the populace.

Historical Obscurity of Jesus

Due to the prevalence of miracle-workers and messianic figures in antiquity, Jesus was not initially recognized by ancient historians and became lost among them.

Philip Toynbee on Jesus's Ethics

Philip Toynbee is quoted as saying that the Jesus of the Gospels is not without sin. Despite preaching a gospel of love, he could condemn those who refused to believe him to eternal hell, which is seen as an act of wrath and intolerance. Toynbee also points out a deficiency in Jesus's ethics: animals are not included in his love and are not mentioned in his teachings, leading to significant suffering for animals in Christian countries.

Vad är GUD? (What is GOD?)

This section features an article by John A. T. Robinson, a bishop in the Anglican Church, who challenged the traditional view of God as a personal, supernatural being distant from humanity. In his book "Honest to God," Robinson argues that God is not an external "highest being" but the ground of all life. He suggests that if atheists are correct and there is no God "out there," it doesn't end Christianity but rather dispels a false image of God. Robinson views God as the inexhaustible depth from which all life originates, the ultimate reality, and the creative ground of existence.

He proposes replacing the concept of God "up there" with God "in depth," signifying God's presence within life. "The word God denotes the ultimate depth of our existence, the creative ground and meaning of our entire existence." Robinson believes that theological statements are not descriptions of a "highest being" but indicators of the significance of love in personal relationships. Believing in God means trusting in the "divine" qualities of love, wisdom, and righteousness. He asserts that an atheist denies the divine qualities in humanity, such as love, justice, and brotherhood.

Robinson rejects the idea of a supernatural Jesus as a divine incarnation, calling it a myth. However, he sees beauty in religious myths that express profound truths about existence and our highest values. He argues that the New Testament does not present Jesus as God, and the idea that Jesus claimed divinity is a theological invention. Instead, Jesus claimed to be a perfect expression of God's will, allowing God to speak and act through him. This led to the understanding of God being in Jesus and Jesus being in God, and Jesus being the Son of God.

Robinson questions whether Jesus claimed to be "the Son of God." He writes, "Jesus is 'the man for others,' the one in whom love has become completely dominant, the one who is completely open to and united with the ground of his existence." This union with our existential ground, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, is what we mean by heaven, while estrangement from the ground of existence through hate and egoism is what we call hell.

Regarding Jesus's ethical teachings, Robinson states they are not laws but illustrations of what love can demand. Jesus's aim is the transformation of humanity through love, not by providing specific rules for every situation. The only prescription is love.

När silversträngen brister... (When the silver cord breaks...)

This article discusses out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and the concept of the "silver cord." It references Robert Crookall's book "Intimations of Immortality," which notes commonalities in descriptions of OBEs. The "silver cord" is often described as a thin, luminous strand connecting the soul-body to the physical body during an OBE. The article recounts several cases where individuals reported seeing this cord, sometimes feeling it was about to break, signifying the end of life. Examples include a doctor named Wiltse, a psychologist named A. Graham Ikin, and various other witnesses who observed or experienced this phenomenon during near-death or altered states of consciousness.

Födelsemärken och kroppsliga missbildningar hos barn som minns tidigare liv (Birthmarks and physical deformities in children who remember past lives)

This section focuses on the research of Dr. Ian Stevenson, a psychiatrist and parapsychologist. Stevenson investigated cases of children who, from around age two, began recounting details of a previous life. A significant finding is that in about 35% of approximately 900 cases studied, children had birthmarks or congenital defects that corresponded to the manner of death in their alleged past lives. Examples are given of a boy with birthmarks on his chest matching gunshot wounds and a boy born with finger stumps corresponding to an accident involving machinery. Stevenson's research aims to provide medical and physical support for the concept of reincarnation.

Brev från helvetet (Letter from hell)

This article presents a text allegedly received by Adolf Hoess's computer on Christmas Eve 1994. The message, written in German and translated into Swedish, is attributed to Rudolf Hoess, the commandant of Auschwitz. The text describes immense suffering, guilt, and despair, with pleas for prayers and warnings against racism. It speaks of gas-filled environments, locked doors, and the inability to feel God's presence. The article includes biographical information about Rudolf Hoess, detailing his role in the Nazi regime and his execution in Poland. Ernst Senkowski, who comments on the text, suggests three possible interpretations: that Hoess himself wrote it (either consciously or in a trance state), that it's a result of psychokinesis and telepathy, or that it's a genuine message from another dimension.

Sörj mig inte! (Don't mourn me!)

This piece recounts an anecdote from Rosalind Heywood, author of "The Sixth Sense." She describes an experience where she encountered the apparition of a young woman who had died in a plane crash. The apparition expressed distress over her mother's excessive mourning, stating she was happy and could not bear the grief. Heywood also mentions the research of Sir William Barrett, who collected cases of dying individuals recognizing deceased friends and even people believed to be alive but who had recently passed away.

Två timmar i dödsriket (Two hours in the realm of death)

This article shares the account of a young woman named Jill who experienced two hours in what she describes as "eternity" after being declared clinically dead following an accident. She reported seeing deceased relatives and feeling a profound sense of compassion, even for the driver of the car that hit her. Her experience involved a vision of the accident scene and a plea to return to life, which she believes was heard.

Anden svävar (The spirit floats)

Dr. E.E. Bernard, an American psychologist, is cited as stating that astral projection (OBEs) is common, with about one in a hundred people having experienced it. He describes it as the consciousness leaving the body and being able to travel great distances, sometimes perceiving the physical body as if it were dead. Bernard believes these experiences are not hallucinations and that individuals can indeed leave their bodies.

Vetenskaplig borddans (Scientific table-tipping)

This section reports on research by K.J. Batcheldor into table-tipping phenomena. The experiments, involving participants sitting around a table, showed that when a specific individual, Mr. W.G. Chick, was present, the table would move, tilt, and even levitate. The phenomena were observed to be independent of Mr. Chick's direct physical manipulation, suggesting a parapsychological influence. The researchers concluded that table levitation was a genuine phenomenon.

Klärvoajans på sjukhus (Clairvoyance in hospitals)

A clairvoyant named Ursula Roberts shared her experiences of seeing spiritual beings in the presence of hospital patients, assisting them in their final moments.

Bokfloden (Book Flood)

This section contains several book reviews:

• Klara svar från andevärlden (Clear answers from the spirit world) by Marie-Louise and Robert Hahn: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book presents messages allegedly from "the Holy Spirit" and "Jesus Christ," which include teachings on reincarnation and karma, and an ethical stance against eating animals. Jacobson critiques the book for not referencing parapsychological research and for presenting a Christianized version of reincarnation that he finds incompatible with Jesus's teachings.
• Talar andar till oss? (Do spirits speak to us?): A review by SM, this piece discusses the nature of spiritual messages. It distinguishes between messages from recently deceased individuals and those from higher spiritual beings. The reviewer emphasizes evaluating the inner value of the messages rather than solely focusing on their origin, citing opinions from a doctor/parapsychologist, a medium, and a poet.
• Andra sidan döden (The other side of death) by Jan Price: This book is reviewed as a near-death experience (NDE) account. The author, who had prior experience with spiritual topics, recounts her NDE after a heart attack, including visiting a "temple of knowledge" and receiving new insights.
• Dem jag älskade (Those I loved) by Göran Grip and Lena-Marie Broman: This book is reviewed as a story about alleged past-life memories of a Jewish woman in Vienna during the Nazi era. The reviewer notes that while some details were corroborated, others, particularly concerning locations and family history, did not align with historical records, suggesting the memories might stem from the subconscious.
• Synkronicitet. Att fånga livets sammanträffanden (Synchronicity. Capturing life's coincidences) by Joseph Jaworski: Reviewed by SM, this book is described as a "new age" work by a successful lawyer who advocates for a new form of "serving leadership." Jaworski's experiences of synchronicity and "flow" are highlighted, along with his belief in a coming golden age contingent on a shift in leadership consciousness.
• Martinus om födan (Martinus on food) by Martinus: This book, based on Martinus's worldview, discusses food as composed of "microcosmic life units." It advocates for a diet of fruits as ideal, or a purely vegetarian diet as a practical alternative, emphasizing harmony with these life units and minimizing suffering.

På kurs för inre utveckling (On a course for inner development)

This is a reportage by Åsa Freij about an ISA (Institute of Self Actualization) course. The author describes her experience attending a two-day course costing 3,700 SEK (or 650 SEK for repeat participants). The course, created by Ole Larsen (formerly associated with EST), focuses on self-discovery and personal growth. Freij notes the emphasis on personal responsibility, overcoming resistance, and recognizing one's inner potential. She recounts exercises involving self-discipline, visualization, and sharing personal experiences. The reportage highlights the course's transformative effect on participants, with some describing profound "aha" moments and a shift in their outlook on life.

Samtal med en ISA-veteran (Conversation with an ISA veteran)

This section features an interview with Yvonne, a long-time participant and volunteer for ISA courses. She emphasizes the value of repeated attendance for deeper understanding and personal growth. Yvonne shares an exercise where participants recounted happy and unhappy events from their lives, first as victims and then as agents of their own experiences, highlighting the difference in life quality resulting from each perspective.

Videokassetten Hypnos-terapi-spiralen (Video cassette Hypnosis-therapy-spiral)

This is an advertisement for a 25-minute video cassette offering hypnosis for self-improvement, including increasing self-confidence, overcoming phobias, quitting smoking, and managing stress. It describes different phases of the hypnosis process and includes testimonials from satisfied users.

Other sections:

• Sökarnyheter (Sökaren News): Short news items and quotes on various topics, including animal rights, mental preparedness for understanding animal consciousness, and ethical considerations.
• Läsarforum (Readers' Forum): Includes a letter warning against witchcraft and black magic, a piece on the potential benefits of Vitamin E for the elderly, advice on keeping the brain active to prevent Alzheimer's, and a discussion on the nature of "New Age."
• Sökaren i marginalen (Sökaren in the margin): A commentary on the magazine's struggle for funding from the Swedish Cultural Council, highlighting its focus on "essential life questions" and "truth-seeking."
• Announcements: Various advertisements for spiritual courses, healing services, massage equipment, essential oils, and a call for donations for Parkinson's disease research.
• Ur 60-talets Sökaren (From the 60s Sökaren): Reprints of older articles, including one on Stefan Ossowiecki, a medium with telekinetic and clairvoyant abilities, and another on "The Silver Cord" and out-of-body experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, the nature of consciousness, life after death, and personal transformation. There's a critical yet open-minded approach to religious and spiritual claims, encouraging readers to question and seek their own understanding. The editorial stance appears to favor alternative perspectives and research into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and religious paradigms. The magazine also promotes self-help and personal growth, often through courses and alternative therapies. There's a recurring emphasis on ethical considerations, particularly concerning animal welfare and a compassionate approach to life. The inclusion of book reviews and reader contributions suggests an aim to foster a community of like-minded individuals engaged in spiritual and philosophical inquiry.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 2/1998
Cover Headline: Etik, bevis (Ethics, proof)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Sökaren, published in Swedish, focuses on the intersection of ethics, religion, and the nature of proof. The editor's column, 'Ord från redaktören' (Words from the editor), sets a contemplative tone, using contemporary events to explore deeper philosophical and moral questions.

Editor's Column: Ethics and Proof

The editor begins by reflecting on the execution of Karla Faye Tucker in Texas, USA, on February 3, 1998. Tucker was put to death for a murder committed years prior. The editor questions the ethical justification for capital punishment, arguing that while an individual committing murder is abhorrent, the state doing so is presented as 'justly' as retribution. This is contrasted with the principle of 'an eye for an eye,' which the editor traces back to a more primitive time and notes that Jesus condemned this moral code, advocating for forgiveness and turning the other cheek. The editor suggests that those who supported Tucker's execution may be 'pseudo-Christians' for not embracing the core tenet of Christian love and forgiveness. Tucker's personal transformation and embrace of Christianity during her imprisonment, along with her final words, "I love you all," are highlighted.

The column then shifts to a case in Iran, where a German businessman was reportedly sentenced to death by stoning for kissing an Iranian Muslim woman. The woman received a lesser punishment. The editor criticizes the religious leaders in Iran, stating that their interpretation of religion leads to a view of God as cruel and devoid of mercy, a belief system the editor hopes is outdated.

The editor then delves into the definition of 'proof.' True proof, according to the editor, exists only when a single conclusion is logically necessitated by all known relevant facts. Applying this to reincarnation, the editor states that there is no proof because we cannot be certain that all relevant facts are known. While one might have inner, non-rational reasons to believe in reincarnation, this always leaves a question mark, suggesting that this uncertainty is what sustains the search for answers.

Regarding the existence of God, the editor asserts that it cannot be proven in a definitive way, as we lack a complete overview of reality and its interconnectedness. We live in 'the great uncertainty.' However, the editor finds the conclusion that the universe appears 'planned' to be unavoidable, though some uncertainty remains. The editor suggests that an 'intelligent factor' behind the universe does not necessarily equate to the God of religion. Citing Bishop Robinson, the editor proposes that God is likely 'different.' The editor's personal conception of God is that of a fundamental spiritual being that creates the universe and divides itself into an almost infinite number of living beings, all of whom are 'God' at their core.

Calendar Tips

The magazine includes a section of upcoming events, primarily lectures and workshops, scheduled for March and April 1998, hosted by organizations named Akal, Gaia, and Jupiter. These events cover a range of topics including creativity, positive thinking, Buddhist philosophy, past lives, animal communication, light meditation, and mental health. Specific dates, times, locations in Stockholm, and prices are provided for each event.

• March 9, 19:00 (Akal): Peter Lundblad on creativity.
• March 10, 19:00 (Jupiter): Christina St Claire on positive thinking.
• March 11, 19:00 (Gaia): Staffan Hammers on Buddha's teachings.
• March 16, 19:00 (Gaia): Göran Grip on past lives.
• March 17, 19:00 (Jupiter): Mia Mattsson on communicating with animals.
• March 24, 19:00 (Jupiter): Viola Sandelin and Stig Svensson on light meditation and Sai Baba.
• April 6, 19:00 (Akal): Johan Wretman on mental health.
• April 27, 19:00 (Akal): Göran Grip on his near-death experience and its impact on his worldview.

Contact information for Gaia Center, Akal Center, and Jupiter is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ethics, the nature of proof, and the philosophical and theological concept of God. The editorial stance appears to be critical of rigid, retributive moral codes and literal interpretations of religion, advocating instead for compassion, forgiveness, and a more nuanced understanding of spiritual and existential questions. The magazine encourages critical thinking and a search for deeper meaning beyond conventional explanations, particularly concerning religious beliefs and the possibility of phenomena like reincarnation.