Sokaren - 2007 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 3, 2007, årgång 44
Date: May 2007
Publisher: Sökaren
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, delves into topics of past lives, scientific research into consciousness, and philosophical debates on the origins of life.

Anna-Lena Mellblom: Memories of Previous Lives

The cover story features Anna-Lena Mellblom, who recounts her experiences with past-life regression therapy. Under the guidance of hypnotherapist Jörgen Sundvall, she experienced vivid memories of living as a man named Bernard in 18th-century Taranto, Italy. She describes detailed visual recollections of the city, its architecture, and the clothing of the era, noting a strong sense of familiarity with the location. She also recalls a brief regression to a life in 19th-century Western Värmland, Sweden, as a subservient wife. The article highlights how these experiences transformed her views on death and the afterlife, leading her to believe in reincarnation.

Ian Stevenson: A Pioneer in Reincarnation Research

This section pays tribute to the late Ian Stevenson, a researcher who dedicated his career to investigating cases of alleged reincarnation. It details his early interest sparked by a pamphlet in 1961 and his subsequent work at the University of Virginia. Stevenson's research primarily focused on children who spontaneously recalled memories of past lives, often with striking details that could be verified. His meticulous methodology and extensive documentation, including books like "Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation" and "Reincarnation and Biology," are highlighted. The article mentions his work on birthmarks and birth defects that corresponded to wounds from previous lives, and his extensive case studies, particularly from India and Sri Lanka.

Intelligent Design: A Paradigm Shift?

Authored by Stefan Svedberg, this article critically examines the theory of Intelligent Design (ID) as a challenge to Darwinian evolution. Svedberg argues that Darwin's theory lacks empirical evidence, particularly regarding the fossil record and the complexity of biological organisms. He criticizes the reliance on 'chance' as an explanation for life's complexity and highlights the concept of 'irreducible complexity' as evidence for design. The article contrasts the 'chance' hypothesis with the idea of an intelligent 'designer,' suggesting that the latter offers a more coherent explanation for the universe's order. It also touches upon the philosophical underpinnings of scientific naturalism and its resistance to concepts beyond material explanations.

Rolf Ejvegård's Commentary on 'Intelligent Design'

Rolf Ejvegård offers a commentary on the articles about Intelligent Design published in Lund University's magazine, LUM. He criticizes the LUM articles for misrepresenting ID and for their perceived bias against it. Ejvegård argues that the LUM articles fail to address the core arguments of ID, such as irreducible complexity and the lack of transitional fossils. He suggests that the resistance to ID within academia stems from a deeply ingrained materialistic worldview. Ejvegård also references astronomer Knut Lundmark's view that the universe is not a product of chance but is guided by a purposeful force.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: Research at the Threshold of Death

Authored by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this piece explores the life and work of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher in thanatology. It details her early life as a triplet, her profound childhood encounter with death, and her early experiences in a psychiatric hospital where she advocated for humane treatment. The article highlights her pioneering work in studying near-death experiences (NDEs) and out-of-body experiences (OBEs), particularly in children. Kübler-Ross's development of the five stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance) is discussed, along with her views on the importance of honesty, hope, and quality of life for the terminally ill. Her advocacy for AIDS patients and her experiences with the destruction of her Healing Waters farm are also mentioned. The article concludes with her philosophical reflections on death as a transition and the importance of unconditional love.

Visdomsbladet (Wisdom Pages)

This section features a collection of quotes from various figures, including Edwin Conklin, Albert Winchester, Zoroaster, Buddha, Muhammed, Anatole France, Beverly Nichols, Lao-Tzu, Cicero, Ernest Holmes, Julia Cameron, Gary Zukav, F.W.J. Schelling, William Arthur Ward, Richard Whately, Inayat Khan, Artur Lundkvist, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. These quotes touch upon themes of life, death, love, spirituality, and the nature of reality.

Eckankar in Sweden

A brief introduction to Eckankar, a spiritual organization that emphasizes the divine spark within each individual and the journey of the soul. It mentions their practices, including the chanting of 'HU,' and their availability of introductory materials and meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of consciousness, spirituality, and the unexplained, often presenting alternative perspectives to mainstream scientific and societal views. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth investigation into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, such as reincarnation, intelligent design, and the nature of death. There is a clear interest in research that pushes the boundaries of accepted knowledge and a willingness to give voice to those who hold unconventional beliefs or have had extraordinary experiences. The magazine seems to advocate for a more holistic and spiritual understanding of life and the universe, encouraging critical thinking and open-mindedness towards phenomena that may not fit within a purely materialistic framework.

This issue of "Sökaren" (Issue 3/2007, Volume 20) is a Swedish magazine focusing on topics related to spirituality, alternative health, and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features Dr. Annika Dahlqvist, a doctor known for her critical stance on conventional medicine, under the headline "Alternative methods for health in every issue!".

Key Articles and Themes

Health and Alternative Medicine

The magazine explores various alternative health practices and philosophies. An article titled "Terapier" (Therapies) critiques the dominance of materialism in modern medicine and highlights alternative approaches such as anthroposophical medicine, homeopathy, magnet therapy, and healing. It suggests that a "factor X" or intelligent design is behind the world's complexity, rather than purely mechanical processes.

Another significant piece discusses magnet therapy, detailing the case of Stina Nilsson, who reportedly recovered from cancer through the use of magnetic coils promoted by Ivan Troëng. The article notes that Troëng has shared this information with authorities without receiving a response.

Spirituality and Philosophy

A lengthy discussion titled "En belysande diskussion: Hjärnornas kamp" (An Illuminating Discussion: The Battle of the Brains) presents a debate between "Slumpen" (Chance) and "Kloke" (Wise) on the existence of a creator versus naturalistic evolution. "Kloke" argues for an intelligent design, citing the complexity of biological systems, while "Slumpen" defends the scientific view of evolution through mutation and natural selection.

Christian Science and its Origins

A detailed section, "Phineas Quimby och Mary Baker Eddy: Två av nyandlighetens pionjärer" (Phineas Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy: Two Pioneers of New Spirituality), delves into the lives and teachings of these influential figures. It traces Mary Baker Eddy's life, her struggles with illness, and her encounter with Phineas Quimby, a mesmerist and healer. The article explains how Quimby's ideas influenced Eddy, leading to the founding of Christian Science. It highlights Eddy's belief in the illusory nature of physical reality and the power of spiritual understanding and "mind" to achieve healing. The text also touches upon the criticism Christian Science has faced for its rejection of conventional medical treatment.

UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena

The "UFO-Aktuellt" section briefly mentions an interview with Liza Marklund in "Svenska Dagbladet," where she expressed interest in UFO phenomena. It also references Nick Pope, a former UK Ministry of Defence UFO researcher, who believes in alien existence and warns of a potential invasion.

Book Reviews (Bokfloden)

The "Bokfloden" section reviews several books:

• "Runmagi om din framtid" by Carl-Gustaf Hansson, a book on rune casting and divination.
• "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau, a new Swedish translation of his classic work on simple living and self-reliance.
• "Miraklet i Järna" by Jan Cederquist, which discusses anthroposophical medicine practiced at the Vidarkliniken in Järna.
• "Sovtempel - antika och moderna" (Sleep Temples - Ancient and Modern), a collection of texts on hypnotic sleep by Poul Bjerre, Ludwig Hevesi, and Otto Wetterstrand.

Reader Forum (Läsarforum)

This section includes letters from readers. One letter by Nils Arozenius critiques the magazine's previous statement about Islam being a threat, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of the religion. Another letter by Ernst Thysell discusses his experiences and thoughts on parapsychology and the work of Professor Torbern Laurent.

Science and Health

Several articles and sections touch upon the connection between the mind, emotions, and physical health. Research is cited suggesting that positive relationships and emotional well-being can strengthen the immune system and contribute to healing. The concept of "mind-body connection" and the power of positive thinking are recurring themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

"Sökaren" consistently promotes a critical perspective on mainstream science and medicine, advocating for alternative and holistic approaches to health and well-being. The magazine encourages readers to question established norms, explore spiritual and philosophical ideas, and consider the mind-body connection. There is a clear leaning towards alternative healing methods, spiritual insights, and an openness to paranormal and unexplained phenomena, often framed within a context of questioning materialistic worldviews. The editorial stance appears to favor individual inquiry and a belief in forces beyond conventional scientific understanding.