Was Swedenborg Crazy? - Swedenborg and Life First Anniversary Show

So we’ve been talking about Emanuel Swedenborg and his accounts of the material and spiritual worlds for a full year now, but there may be some people wondering how his claims to have visited the afterlife could possibly be true. When this 18th-century Swedish Renaissance man wrote and published volumes of firsthand accounts of heaven and hell, evil spirits, and heavenly angels, did he really see all of those things? Was it all in his head? In this special anniversary episode, host Curtis Childs from the Swedenborg Foundation utilizes the help of an esteemed psychologist and theological scholars to explore Swedenborg and the historical and anecdotal evidence of his sanity and character.
Discussion points:
--Who is Swedenborg?
--Was Swedenborg Insane?
--Evidence of Swedenborg’s Sanity
--Nature of Swedenborg’s Writings
--What it All Means
Listen to an audio-only podcast of this episode - swedenborgandl...
Special thanks to our featured guests: Dr. Soni Werner, Associate Professor of Psychology, Bryn Athyn College; Dr. Jonathan S. Rose, Series Editor of the New Century Edition Works of Emanuel Swedenborg; Dr. Jim Lawrence, Professor of Spirituality and History, Pacific School of Religion and Graduate Theological Union
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References and Downloads:
See the blog that we got that "Swedenborg" graffiti tag from here: swedenborgsoci...
We got the images for the story of the girl, the angel, and the mirror here: newchurchhistor...
Read "The Swedenborg Epic" by Cyriel Sigstedt online at the Swedenborg Digital Library: www.swedenborgd...
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[@jacquelinerivera7598]

My beloved son passed away 14 months ago, two months before your videos began. By the time I came across them I had already read countless literature on heaven, watched numerous videos on NDE's, read biblical scriptures, learned about quantum theory, parallel universes, as well as various religious interpretations of the afterlife. However, nothing has given me more comfort then the detailed accounts of spiritual life in heaven that Swedenborg has shown us in his writings. The Swedenborg Foundation is doing a tremendous service to mankind by putting this information out there, which otherwise would not have been as easily available or as easily interpreted. Thank you, and congratulations on this first year of such meaningful work.

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

love Swedenborg!!! After my mom passed last Oct I started with Hospice near death experiences ....then other NDE and that lead me here.....I'm definitely.... addicted....

[@closetpsychologist4027]

Jacqueline Riviera- Isn't this information amazing? Your temporary separation from your son must be beyond what Any one can comprehend unless they have experienced it. Swedenborg was a true prophet. So happy you are feeling closer to your son through these means. Hug to you. He's waiting for you on the other side xxoo

[@lindaduke6751]

@@closetpsychologist4027 😍

[@michaelmcchesney8608]

Jacqueline Rivera may your sons love & wisdom blossom eternally in heaven I just lost my sister to a brain aneurism and it has been hard so I feel your pain but will not feel quote unquote sorry for me or you just rest in the fact that they made it to heaven and keep tuning in to Swedenborg and life amazing people amazing show blessings and take care bye 👋

[@julianbristow4793]

Jacqueline Rivera ....I’m sorry for your loss, I can understand the emptiness that can bring, but I’m glad you are getting the inspiration from watch these Swedenborg videos. By faith, we will be with our beloved again🙏🌸❤️

[@leisacallander8520]

I just want to add, I have been living with stage 4 cancer for 2 and a half years and your show has bought me hope and comfort. Thank you Curtis and all the team for getting the message out there.

[@DeepValueOptions]

I strongly suggest you try a shamanic retreat. Ayahuasca is a powerful alternative to traditional medicine not just for physical means but for psychological.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Leisa Callander Wow, it makes me so happy to hear that our videos could be a positive force for you while you're going through that. Thank you so much for sharing! It inspires me to keep trying to get better and better!

[@sebas1494]

+Leisa Callander i know people who have cure cancer with canibus oil give it at shot

[@DeepValueOptions]

sebas1494 doesnt hurt to try everything

[@Jarrodotus]

I just heard of Swedenborg a couple days ago and since then have been binge watching this KZbin channel. I am in love.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Awesome, JDrawbaugh! So glad to hear you are enjoying the channel!

[@benjimccoy759]

Same thing I had no idea who he was. I had trouble with some parts of my faith but I was not counting on leaving or anything and I have pretty solid evidence to look back on when I have doubts but this channel is helping me understand scripture and the afterlife and is slowly erasing my doubts. Thanks have a nice day

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@benjimccoy759 Hello, Benji! I'm so glad our videos are feeling helpful in your life journey. We're very glad to have you in the audience, and we're wishing you a nice day, too!

[@Lisa-zs2iy]

I found this page 2 yrs ago - changed my life !

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@Lisa-zs2iy thank you for saying that, we're honored to be of use to you! God bless!

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

I assume many NDE people (such as myself) that find this channel will agree that Swedenborg was not crazy in the least. His ability to put to paper, his body of work is a true and amazing gift - for us all. Thanks to OTLE for all you do. You are a gift as well.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Thanks for this affirmation, Jeff -- from someone who's experienced the reality of the spiritual world personally! We're so happy that these ideas are reaching people who are thirsty for them!

[@noreenburton5172]

I doubt anyone's idea that Swedenborg might be insane would entirely disappear until they experience the transformative effect of his words on the heart and mind of the reader

[@offTheLeftEye]

So true! Great point.

[@petramarie5809]

I've just learned of Swedenborg from this channel last night , I've been binge watching these episodes for hours and I am just in awe, in tears, laughing just in awe.. I thank God for leading me to this channel. Thank you all for sharing these wonderful books, and all yall do with this channel.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hello, and welcome, my friend! Wow! What an absolutely wonderful comment to read today! I am smiling in my home, looking out into the orange dawn of the sky behind my house. I am blessed to read about your discovery of Swedenborg and am excited for all the learning and living to come! May your journey hold in store for you much, much more joy and an abundance of light! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-TlGSnlKiUaK8

[@petramarie5809]

@@offTheLeftEye Awe!! Thank you my friend! This channel has made such an impact on me, I've been telling anyone I know about how incredible these writings of Swedenborg are, how kind, funny and informative everyone I've seen on the channel is. I didn't even know the name God until I was 18, In a jail cell, a lost, broken little girl who had to grow up fast, with 4 first degree felony charges and a huge bond. I will never forget the awe , wonder and joy I experienced the day I accepted Christ as my Savior, I have experienced some incredible spiritual and terrifying evil things, I've backslid idk how many times, but this love this incredible, incomprehensible love has always kept me going amist the worst of trials and I can say with 100% God uses evil for good. For so long I struggled with this. I've been attacked my entire life . I've felt like an imposter in my own flesh, I've had many lessons and 💔. Several things Swedenborg says abd you awesome experts break down were like OH!!! moments for me the past few days. I have read LITTERLY hundreds of spiritual books, NDE, different translations of the Bible and I've learned and grown from them all but the writings of Swedenborg in 3 days and how you and your Swed family explain heven, Angels, Jesus , The devine plan and soooo much more has reawakened that awe I had as a broken 18 year old just meeting Jesus. So again thank you... ❤

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@petramarie5809 Oh, my, what a journey you've been on. My heart goes out to you! It affects me deeply to learn stories of people who go through intense confusion and hardship, and are able to come through that and see how God has been leading them. Thank you SO much for sharing this story of yours. We hope that this information from Swedenborg's books can continue to bring you hope, healing and clarity! 💖

[@petramarie5809]

@@offTheLeftEye ❤

[@Postulatedstate]

@@offTheLeftEye dude hes an occultist. Read the bible u talk about this fool like hes jesus. How many books does he have and how thick are they

[@lesliemayer6645]

Happy anniversary! I'm new to Swedenborg and enjoy these videos soooo much! I don't even remember how I came across these but everything "clicked" and all of the puzzle pieces finally fit. I now have a membership and look forward to a new year learning from you guys. Curtis, you are a great host and any thanks to all of those behind the scenes as well.

[@nzmagpie1]

I am definitely a believer in Swedenborg. My life has been enriched by the discovery of his writings, which are the essence of true spirituality. I also believe that if his writings are true, then there will be others who can corroborate them, as this is how divine truth is confirmed. I see his teachings as fitting nicely within the modern corpus of spiritual literature.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Terry Anderson Well said!

[@Postulatedstate]

Dude the best book on the bible is the bible

[@candicemessenger3943]

Thank you for these videos . I've learned so much and think more people should open their eyes that there is more to life . These videos have helped me with my deep depression and darkness and scary thoughts after losing my husband . I think everyday I can make it if I know he's ok and in a beautiful place living on and waiting on me.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Candice, I'm so grateful that you reached out to us. You are such a valuable member of this community, and I hope you know this is a safe space to post questions or ask for support. The love you share with your husband crosses beyond the boundaries of this life-- and will be the means of your beautiful reunion with him, when the time is right. God bless you, dear friend.

[@williamflack5767]

@@offTheLeftEye of

[@pamelahughes3383]

Thank you Curtis and all of the people who put these videos together, congratulations on your first year, I am now a member and would urge anyone to join, so this good work can continue, as my Aunt said " when you are lifted up by a revelation and a philosophy of profound wisdom and beauty, your desire is to tell the world so that all people can share it with you " Swedenborg did this with his great works. I thought the graffiti art work, on a wall somewhere in London was great ,and would look neat transferred on to a T-shirt, that would get people asking WHO, WHAT is Swedenborg

[@offTheLeftEye]

Pamela Hughes So great having you involved with this show and the Swedenborg Fondation! That's a great idea for a shirt!

[@sarahkruger7588]

It is now 2 weeks i came across Swedenborg works. I just started the journey and because i am a truth seeker all my life.i believe deeply and totally connected to what he experienced. Thankyou for what you shared thus far.

[@offTheLeftEye]

You're very welcome, Sarah! I'm so glad the concepts we share from Swedenborg's writings are resonating with you. I hope you will continue to enjoy exploring our library of videos and Swedenborg's books!

[@sarahkruger7588]

@@offTheLeftEye most definitely i will. Thanks for your response.

[@mewantmusicnow88]

I'm new to this show but I've been catching up on the episodes for a few weeks and I'm LOVING it; I get excited when I know it's filming live lol. Anywhoo, congrats on your one year anniversary and keep up the awesome work! 😊

[@offTheLeftEye]

Great to have you on board mewantmusicnow88!

[@lindaduke6751]

That kind of proliferation really and truly is Supernatural. That is beyond the realm of human possibility no matter how much energy you have or how little you sleep! I now believe that Swedenborg had angels helping him to write these manuscripts and to copy them!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Linda, I don't doubt it! And without computers! He sure did a lot.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

Love your show. Emmanuel Swedenborg did believe that the revelation he presented to us was the second coming, Yeshua did come to him in the inn in London, Emmanuel said a number of times that he didn't expect Yeshua to come after that. I believe that Swedenborg was right in that, the Lord did come, but the revelation that He presented to Swedenborg was the BEGINNING of the second coming, which is continuing to the present day. Swedenborg's final comment regarding the second coming was, 'we shall have to wait and see.' If he could see the amazing fulfilment of end-time bible prophecy happening all around us, I think he would say that the Lord's literal second coming is definitely a strong possibility. I am very confident that we shall in the end, have a world wide church based on Swedenborg's stupendous quality and quantity of accurate information of the 'greater reality that surrounds us all. He is my finest teacher. One other thing is that Swedenborg said clearly that we should be keeping the commandments, the forth of which, is keeping the weekly Sabbath on the proper sanctified day which is Saturday. Although Swedenborg doesn't mention keeping the weekly Sabbath specifically, it was not part of his mission, it is a practice that strongly enhances human spirituality, as I will personally testify from over twenty years of experience. We were not made for the Sabbath, the Sabbath was made for us, and keeping it holy is a most precious gift. I hope all students of Swedenborg will try this for themselves and see how wonderful and powerful it is to sanctify a sanctified day. Not Sunday, this practice, Sunday Sabbath keeping, was instituted by the Roman church in the name of the Roman love of dominion, and is not a sanctified day. We should also remember that Swedenborg repeatedly states that the MAN is the church. How could it be any other way? Keep up the fine work.

[@margiemassar-fjeld3845]

Curtis not only was he writing volumes and thousands of pages but he was also having the spiritual interaction at the same time! that's phenomenal. He was already becoming an angel giving credit to the Lord God Almighty. Giving of himself to mankind freely and without earthly reward to me is a kind of angel especially with his genius and dedication. Why he's not more revered in our society is beyond me.

[@offTheLeftEye]

I totally agree, Margie!

[@dianematlock7922]

@@offTheLeftEye the shame-o- meter was not invented at the time of this video...lol

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@dianematlock7922 ;)

[@dianematlock7922]

@@offTheLeftEye , Good Day to you, thank you for the smile.😊☕🍩

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@dianematlock7922 Wishing a good day to you, too!

[@malmaison12]

Curtis, you rock! I can perceive the same love of Swedenborg within you as has sustained me since 1971. It is the way he explained Jesus to me that confirmed how I felt since a child. Keep on keeping on -- your presentations are so inspiring :0)

[@offTheLeftEye]

Thanks very much malmaison12! Always great to talk to someone who shares a passion for Swedenborg's message. Thanks for the support!

[@petramarie5809]

Aww I love how you Curtis, described remnants. Wow such an amazing, loving account.God is so incredible!! I love Him and everyone!!🤗❤❤❤

[@offTheLeftEye]

Your kind words mean a lot to us all! And we're sending love right back to you. 💖

[@effaforkuorichmond9934]

Fantastic. I have been blessed watching each one of your videos. it really enlightens.

[@offTheLeftEye]

This is wonderful for us to know, effa. Thank you so much. We are blessed to have you in the audience!

[@petrahattingh8013]

Wow Curtis....Swedenborg was a BLESSING!!!!!!!!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Petra Hattingh Agreed!

[@arneberg9261]

From the first day, back in 1979, since I first met Swedenborg trough August Strindberg, this man been my light of inspiration. So I'm endlesly content hearing you defending him by this clearence of his life- by aspects of circumstances I had ni idea of.

[@offTheLeftEye]

arne berg So glad we could help out! It's great to have you watching!

[@dapemarots7583]

His psyche and maturity and mental capacity levels are the reason he was choosen to do this work!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Swedenborg himself felt that he was prepared by his life for this work, and it sure seems plausible to me, dapemarots!

[@grandmanancy4719]

There is so much information in your videos, I find myself rewatching the series more than one time. Thank you for all your hard work in helping the average person understand Swendenborg!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Bless you Grandma Nancy. You sound like an extraordinary person to me, not average. You are trying to bring these true ideas to life.

[@henrikpersson1962]

As a Swede I can honestly say that few Swedes know much about this man, I cannot remember that I ever wrote a word about him in school.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Interesting, Henrik! Yet he was an important figure in his time, I gather. And I thought he was recently acknowledged by some Swedish national organization as a kind of "cultural treasure...." I'll see if I can chase that down.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Got the info! In 2006, UNESCO deemed Swedenborg's works a "world memory," and the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences hosted a Swedenborg Symposium in 2010 -- attended by our own Dr. Jonathan Rose. He explained that basically, the world memory designation means that it is not only Swedes who benefit from his works, and therefore for the whole world's sake they should be preserved and studied. So, there's some kind of awareness, even if it didn't trickle down to all Swedes, I guess!

[@samuelk636]

That's true, unfortunately. I also live in Sweden (actually in Uppsala) and i'm sure most people here are not aware of him...

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@samuelk636 I think his theological work made him rather unpopular in his day (-; But I am glad YOU have found him, perhaps you will help bring some life back to his legacy! He certainly was a fascinating person!

[@MariA-ev8uy]

You're doing lots of good work. The video is really great. The way you approach all the different points of view that people can have on this matter is a great way to defend Swedenborg's honour and this writings. I greatly admire J. Rose's expertise in Swedenborg's work too. The only thing that could be better in this video, has to do with issues that have nothing to do with Swedenborg's work, so it is understandable. But there are lots of people in present days STILL suffering from this same fenomen that happened with Swedenborg, affecting the whole world: 1 - being accused of being evil when you've done no harm, and without any evidence whatsoever. While actually ignoring the evidence in contrary, that is, all the evidence that someone is the opposite of evil, being dismissed and ignored. 2 - being accused of having some kind of "mental disorder". Again, without any evidence, ignoring all the proves in the contrary. It's not only that Swedenborg was completely healthy mentally. It's also that mentally illness was and is thanks God, a very rare and extreme thing. Made worst and more common nowadays by all kinds of an atrocious systematic intoxication of Humanity. But nevertheless, some 95% If not more of what is nowadays being considered as "mental illness" is nothing then complete and utter charlatanism, and falseness. A few guys sitting on the world's throne, dictate into "a book", their inventions of some new fancy names, which the whole world is forced to accept as "scientific diagnostics". The same happens about the poisons to enforcibly "treat", these utterly fake accusations ("diagnostics", which are no more then life long distructive calumnies), which the administrators themselves admit have never ever "treated" anybody of anything whatsoever, because they threaten with life punishments if these otherwise completely healthy victims of theirs, manage yet to refuse to take said poisons for life. Mostly, they are enforced, and their refusal isn't accepted. On the other hand, if needed they let without proper accompaniment and Justice, the worst true criminals or psychopaths of this world, even those that build their empires of dollars and power, on the torture of these innocent people who would like to be no more and no less then good citizens, and live their lives. I hope this helps to make clear to readers, the urgency, big dimension of this issue, also spiritually speaking. Human spirit, is in fact being emprisioned. To stop this atrocity is very related to Swedenborg's mission, and certainly a big responsibility. Best regards to you. Maria

[@MariA-ev8uy]

Above described poisons, by their sellers called "medicines", make the spiritual process described by Swedenborg as regeneration, impossible. They either harm it greatly, stop it, interrupt it, or never let it happen. Nevertheless, they're being universally enforced into people's bodies against their knowledge or expressed will, no matter how much people supplicate not to be submitted to all the harm they do, from children to old people. It's thus one of the biggest hindrances, if not the biggest, to the second comming of Christ, as you described it. Sincerely, and honestly.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Thank you so much for sharing this important perspective, Mari, that is indeed so relevant to today! There are many things that can get diagnosed as mental illness that really should not be called that.

[@ehecken]

Wow, 9 yrs ago. First of all this was a great clip. Something that I noticed is how in 2024 we question the people from the past and sometimes call them names. I wonder if people would call me crazy if they knew that several years ago before my wife passed away the spirit of her deceased father was seen in our living room. Would they call me crazy because of the experience I had as a 6-year-old or the experience I had when I was 21? When I was younger and didn't know or have any experience I guess I might have called Sweden board crazy too but knowing what I know today, I don't believe Sweden board was crazy. His experiences do not hold the inconsistencies of a crazy person. I saw a short clip that Curtis did and he talked about how up above us is actually our reality and made reference of Earth being like soil in a jar and we are seeds planted here to grow. That is one of the best examples I've heard. And actually makes perfect sense. Anyway, I don't believe Swedenborg was crazy!!

[@offTheLeftEye]

We are with you in that assessment, ehecken. Yes, the spiritual world is much more vivid and real than this one, and yet like a seed under the soil we are not ready to live there yet. You have been blessed by those experiences, it sounds like.

[@mrsmith7741]

I can't believe how articulate and clear you all are. This Swednborg is quite the dude! Amazing. Just wondering what the God thing is and how he put that idea forward. Infinite love -sure Our fundamental nature - sure Creator - nope Some objectified being - Nope.

[@offTheLeftEye]

OK mrsmith -- Take what you like and leave the rest!

[@michaelmusavage2849]

Cool video, It's befuddling to think that Emanuel Swedenborg lived long ago and was so aware. And now several centuries later, we don't seem anymore aware than people of his time. What went or what is going wrong that people are not advancing in their understanding of life.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Michael Musavage Hopefully the rest of us will catch up soon!

[@debramercer5896]

Would you guys put up a link for the first 3 broadcasts please? I would very much like to see them.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hi, Debra! When you say "first 3 broadcasts", do you mean the very first three episodes of the Swedenborg and Life show? Or are you referring to something Curtis said in this video? If so, where in the video was that? (This was made back in 2015, and it's hard to remember the content of the hundreds of videos in our library! ☺)

[@debramercer5896]

@@offTheLeftEye I meant the very first, second and third show you guys did when you first started. Thanks!

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@debramercer5896 not sure what those videos are, but if you go to the Off The Left Eye KZbin Channel page, there is a tab that says "Videos," and after you click that, you'll see 3 lines and the words "SORT BY" on the right. You can then sort by "OLDEST" and start from the beginning! Hope that helps!

[@mr.hazamayukiterumi2909]

This was like the Joseph Smith of his day, but from everything Im seeing, he seems like a very intellectual guy. Its a shame that many ppl can't realize that the world doesn't revolve around just "one philosophy/religious world view" Not only that, but he seems to balance science and religion, which is great! As a theistic evolutionist, I can't stress enough how hard to balance the two

[@offTheLeftEye]

Interesting perspective, Mr. Hazama -- from a theistic evolutionist. Glad it seems reasonable to you!

[@mr.hazamayukiterumi2909]

@@offTheLeftEye Thank you ^^

[@malmaison12]

“[Swedenborg] turned away from the splendors of fame and spent twenty-nine years - one third of his life - in comparative poverty, comforting the hurt souls of his fellow men with a humane, reasonable doctrine of faith and life.” Helen Keller - Light in My Darkness {My Religion}

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

wow!!

[@jammingw9663]

He did NOT live in poverty. He may have lived modestly but by NO stretch of the imagination was he poor!

[@julianbristow4793]

No, I don’t think he was crazy. He had an overwhelming sense to search for the truth and he wasn’t getting it in his time. But, truth eventually found him through faith. It’s easy to understand that what we see and hear today is the ‘twisted’. knowledge of long ago. There’s very little originality left in it. It’s amazing that the more people that get involved in anything, it eventually gets twisted out of shape. There’s constant change in people, the environment, etc. You can’t really get the truth from what you see or hear, you must have faith and that comes from the heart! ❤️

[@offTheLeftEye]

Yes, Julian, take our human studies with a grain of salt! Truth can be hard to find, but it's out there and within you! Have you seen, "How to Find True Intuition?" kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4qtc6CYZrmMiJo

[@julianbristow4793]

offTheLeftEye ..... No I haven’t, but I will now! THANKS!..........It was a good video, I learned a few things , but I will probably need to watch it over again a few times. Peter Rhodes offered some good thoughts as well as Dr. Rose and Curtis. All I can say is Swedenborg had a rare gift, to be able to do the things he did in his time and to pass that on to future scholars, students or people simply interested in finding the truth. He’s probably an angel now in the highest Heaven 😃❤️👍🏻🌸

[@AnastasiaMonet]

I am extremely late on learning about SWEDENBORG. I was looking up symptoms on spiritual awakening, and his name popped up on Google. Most of what he spoke about were things I was experiencing, and then I came across this video. This was interesting to watch and will definitely be watching more episodes.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Welcome Anastasia. Maybe you are right on time. You have been searching all your life it sounds like, and growing in many ways. Perhaps God times your introduction to Swedenborg perfectly. In any case we look forward to hearing your voice in the conversation. Your name means rebirth, right?

[@malmaison12]

Swedenborg: “So as to luxury, riches, station, which I had pursued. All this I found to be vanity, and that he is happier who has none of it in possession but is contented than he who has it.” Swedenborg’s Journal of Dreams[165]

[@harlanlang6556]

A great analysis supporting Swedenborg as genuine. As you know, my own criteria would include Baha'i teachings. If Swedenborg's ideas correspond to Baha'u'llah's teachings, then in my view it is reality. And it does, and it is, in my view. Baha'u'llah faced the same accusations as Swedenborg and actually was from a similar social background as Swedenborg. Baha'u'llah's father was a minister in the court of the Shah of Persia and Baha'u'llah was expected to follow in his path. Baha'u'llah as a child and young man was well known by the aristocracy of Persia. But Baha'u'llah turned down the offer to succeed his father in the government position when his father died. Like Swedenborg, he was a man of wealth but thought of it as of no importance except to help the poor. In the end he lost his wealth and country when the Shah expelled Him from Persia because of His teachings. Your definition of evil is exactly the same as Baha'u'llah's, but there are nuances such as a rattlesnake's poison might be seen as evil from a human standpoint, but from the standpoint of the rattlesnake his poison is not evil but a blessing because it allows it to catch food. There are probably human examples of this where a human catastrophe might be seen as evil in the short term but benevolent in the long term. Not seeing physical death as an evil thing changes a lot of our perceptions of what is evil.

[@travisjoseph7888]

Dr Cindy trimm

[@charlottekey8856]

How interesting..I have been interested in Swedenborg for a while and I have been a Baha'i for years. I see nothing that disagrees with Baha'i teachings and much that describes Baha'u'llah's teachings about the afterlife in details easy to grasp.

[@mandygoodwin108]

I love following you Curtis, and learning , Thankyou,

[@offTheLeftEye]

You're very welcome! So glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@malmaison12]

“The thought occurred to Swedenborg that there might be those who would take him for a holy man and not only venerate him as such but even adore him as a saint. This would be an enormous sin. Earnestly he entreated the Lord that he might have no part in so great a sin. Christ alone is to be adored.” Swedenborg Epic 186

[@FaithofMelchizedek]

Do you see the correspondence between Swedenborg's indexing and cross referencing and his descriptions about the connections of all things in heaven? The Love and Truth needed for sharing knowledge? Wow, my brain is hurting...lol. I am surprised that he wasn't killed by the Catholic Church. He obviously was kind and loving...no ego for such a brilliant man...Hugs

[@offTheLeftEye]

+Be Strong and Take Heart The Lord is with You, that's a cool way to look at it! I hadn't thought about it that way before. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@lziomek1]

My go to channel when life hands me trials!!!!!!!! Please stay online...You r an inspriration to me!!!!!

[@offTheLeftEye]

+L zio I'm so glad to hear that!! Thanks for taking the time to let us know. Yes, we'll certainly keep going!

[@pt8219]

ES wrote that angels often guided his hand and actually dictated what to write - this kinda explains his speed of writing and very small number of mistakes or editing of content (was there even any?). Is there any research on how much time he spent on writing Principia (for example) compared with time spent on writing "dictated by angels" book of the same volume? I bet the time difference will be serious, and then we should compare it with how much time a modern writers will waste to produce a book of such size and complexity.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Intriguing question, Bashar! We'll have to consult Jim Lawrence or Jonathan Rose about this, who have done a lot of studying about Swedenborg's life and practices.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Bashar, by consulting with a couple of scholars who have studied Swedenborg's life and writings, I learned that the idea of Swedenborg doing automatic writing stems from a certain biographer named Toksvig who presented it that way. But other scholars have looked closely and see that, though Swedenborg did occasionally state that he felt his hand being guided, most of the time he was using his rational mind to digest, understand, and present the information. There are more cross-outs and rewrites in his manuscripts than people might realize. And the amazing speed by which he could churn out books is partly due to the fact that he often reused information from an earlier book or his diary to flesh out and restate in different context in later books. It is still a staggering body of work that could only be achieved by someone who had gained advanced skills over his lifetime, and who had the dedication to spend the time required. I don't think this takes away from the power of how this revelation was coming to him. He asserts that he was being taught "by the Lord alone" as he observed, learned, and wrote, and he was also constantly aware of angels and spirits commenting on or affirming what he wrote. But I think this was a new kind of revelation that required a new kind of revelator. While Bible-times prophets often couldn't understand what they were seeing, hearing or writing, Swedenborg was chosen as someone with a mind who could understand a good deal about spiritual phenomena. As written over the door of a temple Swedenborg saw in the spiritual realm, "Now it is permitted to enter with understanding into the mysteries of faith." Automatic writing seems to bypass the writer's own mind. Yet the Lord seemed to choose Swedenborg as someone who's mind could actually participate in the process, opening the way for a new era of spiritual maturity in which we can really begin to rationally understand our place in the grand scheme of things, and how to engage in a relationship with God. So, there are some thoughts to ponder and add into the mix! Thank you so much for the good question.

[@pt8219]

I agree, thanx for researching this. Anyway it`s much faster to write down revealed information than to synthesize it or research from scratch.

[@cheridavies5851]

I love listening to Dr. Rose and Dr. Soni the 3 of you explain Swedenborg so clearly and doing this video truly helped in understanding how all this began. The work you all do is so wonderful truly appreciated I pray you are able with the Lords blessing able to continue for a very long time.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Thanks for such kind words! I will make sure they see this comment personally.

[@owl6218]

You have made a good case.true such consistency that is based on good values is indicative of genuineness

[@offTheLeftEye]

I'm glad you think so, owl!

[@leisacallander8520]

Congratulations on turning 1! I've loved every show and enjoyed being on the journey with you. It's 9.50am Tuesday morning here in Perth Australia so iv2 stayed up the longest 😆

[@offTheLeftEye]

Leisa Callander Yes, I guess that makes you the record holder! It's been great having you with us, Leisa!

[@austinevplab7167]

I’m taken by the thought that some of my spiritual experiences have been documented in recordings, so I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Swedenborg who had nothing but his word to stand on. Swedenborg’s writings are completely relevant today because they are underpinned with the truth.

[@offTheLeftEye]

We agree with you, Austin. It resonates and helps us live better lives. So you have had your own spiritual experiences. They have helped you find your spiritual path, I am sure.

[@austinevplab7167]

@@offTheLeftEye Thank you. I’m Robert Ansley btw. Sometimes I forget to change profiles!

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@austinevplab7167 It is good to know your name Robert. Welcome to the conversation.

[@ryandudley3616]

I live near where Swedenborg had his “don’t eat too much” moment in London; went down there on my way back from work one night, and had some very strange dreams later when I fell asleep.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Interesting, Ryan! Is that place still a functioning place of business? Did you learn anything from those dreams?

[@ryandudley3616]

The original building is gone, although you can see roughly where it would have stood. I don’t know if it was because it was late at night, or because I was on my own with nobody else there, or because I was tired, or a bit ill; but I had this really weird feeling the whole time I was there. I eventually got back to my house, got into bed and fell asleep. I then had a kind of strange ‘outer body’ type dream where, I was awake in my bedroom, but from under the door - which leads out into the upstairs landing - this very intense light was coming through. Like the whole of the landing was being lit up, and the light became so bright and so intense, it was like a nuclear explosion. And the impact of that intensity of light on me (coming from underneath my bedroom door) woke me up, somewhat startled. Really weird. Tbf I’d been having very strange dreams before this though, so wasn’t necessarily an isolated thing.

[@offTheLeftEye]

@@ryandudley3616 That is very interesting, and you say its been happening for awhile. Maybe it will start to make sense to you.

[@julianbristow4793]

Well, in my own opinion, you have to look at the facts of Swedenborg’s life. He grew up in a religious environment, his father was a bishop, and he was well educated. Because of that, I would think that since he was brought up in a religious atmosphere, reading the Bible was a frequent thing with Swedenborg. As soon as he “retired” from his other duties and responsibilities, he decided to try and figure out what the Bible meant. I believe his Biblical dreams where connected to his reading and research. Most of is dream. Sometimes when we need to solve problems, it usually and mysteriously comes to us in a dream. All these out of body experiences and communications could have been real or fancied imagination, it depends on how you look at the problem. But I feel Swedenborg definitely was trying to learn the truth and a lot of his sayings make s lot of sense.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Great insights here, Jules. I'm fascinated by the events of his life, particularly as they relate to the preparation of his "call". Here's an extract from a letter Swedenborg wrote to a friend: "I will now give you an account of my first youth: From my fourth to my tenth year I was constantly engaged in thought upon God, salvation, and the spiritual diseases (passiones spirituales) of men; and several times I revealed things at which my father and mother wondered; saying, that angels must be speaking through me. From my sixth to my twelfth year I used to delight in conversing with clergymen about faith, saying that the life of faith is love, and that the love which imparts life is love to the neighbour; also that God gives faith to every one, but that those only receive it who practise that love."

[@bettyabote4229]

True OTLE is life changing since I started watching this channel my life is full of I would say heavenly comfort the power of Love. Thanks Curtis

[@offTheLeftEye]

What a beautiful testimonial, Betty! Such an amazing gift in your life! I forgot how you found us, but I'm so glad Divine Providence led you to these ideas! Continued blessings to you!

[@nancytisdale5528]

Could you please do a show on why animals suffer? It seems only humans would suffer when we die animals do not "sin".

[@carinfelska5774]

Humans are evil .

[@haroldcalderon9030]

He was selected by God to show us the real truth about after life. God is doesn’t pay attention how you get to him. What he cares about is about faith and love among each other. However, salvation is personal and you must repent and grow spiritually. That’s the keyword! We need a solid foundation with God!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Well said, Harold! It comes down to our own individual willingness to put in the spiritual work. By the way, what part of Texas do you live in? You might be able to find scattered people who are like-minded....

[@rachelkerr4976]

did he have cataracts? i just learnt on radio 2 that it can cause hallucinations. This is so interesting ♡

[@offTheLeftEye]

Rachel, I do not remember reading that Swedenborg had cataracts. Neither have I heard of them causing hallucinations. I believe that what Swedenborg experienced for many years was vastly more genuine and permanent than what we typically refer to as hallucinations. We are glad you find this video interesting.

[@jimjohns3124]

thanks curtis looking foward to next episode i would like to have an episode of jonathan explain how he went from pastor to swedenborg editor i think his story would be interesting for the audience and myself

[@jimjohns3124]

wow 1 year ,godd stuff im thankfull that we are going to get another year of sweedenborg thanks to the s/f and alot of unseen work that was done to make this all possible!

[@itosart]

Hello there, do you know of any resources on the scientific contributions of Emanuel Swedenborg? Or could you do a video on his research and perhaps things he got right and what he got wrong?

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hi, Ramirez! One video you may find compelling is about brain science and Swedenborg's contributions to it! It's called, "The Spiritual Link Between the Human Brain and Consciousness." kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6abh5iDZqmgZqM

[@itosart]

@@offTheLeftEye thank you I will

[@doctoream]

About if Swedenborg had a wife, although he was not physically with a wife he did know who his conjugal partner was who was actually a woman that was with another man at the time of Swedenborgs life so it would stand that she is his partner now in Heaven, cant remember her name at the moment but you can get pictures of her.

[@offTheLeftEye]

+Mukunda Das Yes, I'd heard reports that he suspected it would be her as well.

[@Janie0914]

Happy Anniversary and keep it coming !!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Thanks Janie0914! Will do!

[@rickrouse7865]

I agree that Swedenborg wasn't a liar or crazy there is no evidence to support either claim. Not agreeing that what Swedenborg did is possible is not itself evidence to the contrary. Swedenborg didn't violate physics or logic, it's not like he claimed to have created a perpetual motion machine or that he met a married bachelor. If you don't know where something came from or how it came about then you judge it by the fruits of it's merits. Swedenborg writings are consistent, lucid and applicable to our world.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Rick Rouse Well said!

[@55millionmonkeys20]

Thank you for informing me about Swedenborg

[@offTheLeftEye]

You're welcome Swanzi, thanks for watching!

[@sharonmcilvenna4899]

Great show ! Very interesting ! Love the way you present every show !!

[@offTheLeftEye]

+Sharon Mcilvenna, thanks so much! It's great to hear you're enjoying the show!

[@Limagris912]

I don't know much but I think Allan Kardec years later also wrote about the spiritual world in a very similar way, and a few centuries before Swedenborg, I think saint Teresa de Avila also wrote about the hereafter, so he wasn't the only one, he was the most accurate for sure....

[@offTheLeftEye]

I believe Kardec was linked with the genesis of Spiritism, correct? It's interesting to note that Swedenborg's writings on the spiritual world fueled a great deal of Spiritist activities in the 19th century, particularly after the American Civil War where as many as 600,000 soldiers perished. There was a heightened desire to connect with lost loved ones during that period of destruction and despair.

[@ehecken]

Gotta get to sleep but thank you Swedenborg for sharing your experiences!!🙏

[@offTheLeftEye]

Ehecken, it is our pleasure to share what Swedenborg experienced. It has improved our lives.

[@chips1972]

Curtis, do you have any personal experience that confirms the validity of Swedenborgs' reporting? Is "Believing" really the way to go? What is one to do with this knowledge? I find his stories fascinating , and they stimulate my imagination...I dont think that believing is necessary to enjoy his work... just an open mind..Thanks for all your effort in putting these videos out there.... P.S. entheogenic compounds can bring about spiritual awakenings, and should not be referred to as "dope"...

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hey chips1972! Thanks for the questions. As far as personal experience confirming Swedenborg, I'd say yes and no. I haven't had any kind of "overt" spiritual experience--seeing spirits, tunnel of light, ect. However, on the more practical side--using is insights as a life guide and organizing principle for labeling things in the mind--I've had far more success with his material than with anything else, which has been very compelling to me. That said, yes, I don't think "believing" is a prerequisite to getting something positive out of his material. Glad to hear that you're finding the videos stimulating, and thanks for taking the time to let me know!

[@lyndamartin7584]

It's Been Awesome 💜 Tk 💜💭 YOU💜🌈🌹😎Curtis You Are Amazingly 💜 Beautifull 💜 Pure💜Soul

[@offTheLeftEye]

:) thanks Lynda! Glad you're enjoying the videos! -Curtis

[@JaythePandaren]

Anybody who thought outside of the bible was considered crazy or worse a Heretic. But there is more to Swedenborg though and this video helped realised that. He is a magnificent man who helped bring peace to thousands of people who thought they were gonna burn in hell for simply not being good enough. And Yet What Swedenborg saw and heard proved otherwise. I imagine he was a huge threat to the church back in the day over his writings.

[@offTheLeftEye]

He did experience rejection, yes, Demented. Yes the message was important enough to overcome that.

[@decovendwanbenton-bell1416]

I just wanted to comment on the question of evil. The writings state that there is no independent origin of evil, and like Curtis says, everything that comes from God is love and truth. The Divine life of love and truth proceeds from God through the heavens, into the spiritual world, and finally down into the hells where it is changed to evil and falsity. Since all human life has its essence from the spiritual realm, within our freedom, we are subject to both the evil from hell and the good from God via heaven, yet are human/hereditary inclination is toward the evil. So evil does not really have an origin, it is simply the good from God, mutated into evil.

[@mjdhpd]

Curtis, very informative!!! Really enjoyed the video!!! Learned a whole lot. Keep up the great job!!! Thank you for these videos.

[@offTheLeftEye]

That's so great to hear! I'm thankful that you found the this episode to be enjoyable and informative. Wishing you well, Milton!

[@malmaison12]

It's interesting that A Course in Miracles, who Helen Shucman was the scribe of who she states is the historical Jesus (Who Swedenborg also said inspired his Writings, includes the concept of "remains", which Rev. Dr. Bruce Rogers said is considered a Swedenborgian original term: Here it is in A Course in Miracles (Original Ed.): “I [Jesus] have saved all your kindnesses and every loving thought you have had. I have purified them of the errors which hid their light and have kept them for you in their own perfect radiance. They are beyond destruction and beyond guilt. They came from the Holy Spirit within you, and we know what God creates is eternal. What fear has hidden still is part of you.” Text 5:45

[@rachelkerr4976]

these are all 1hr long wow i struggle to find 1hr so thank you because this is my new study!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Rachel there are many videos that are shorter. I will put a few links here. This one is Things Heard and Seen Explained and is 15 minutes long. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmUqaalebdqitU This one is only a minute long! It is about seeing heaven in nature. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5vPpISifdemp7s This one is called Who are Angels? and is 5 minutes long. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6HHkHVna8Z1qZI Good luck, Rachel!

[@tawneenielsen4080]

I'm LDS and a lot of ideas Joseph Smith said were his, were actually Swedenborgs. I've found these a lot of fun to listen to

[@offTheLeftEye]

So glad you've been enjoying these videos, Tawnee! I'd heard there were some parallels between Smith and Joseph, so it's interesting to hear you say straight up that Smith borrowed from Swedenborg. Between the two of them, I hope you've gathered some ideas that help you live your life in a meaningful way. Blessings to you!

[@fancynancylucille]

So recently I learned that one of the New Jerusalem Churches (can't remember which one!) doesn't let women preach based on something Swedenborg said about how when women preach as men do , they tend to get interested in "crazes" (not the only thing he said). Well, not that I want to preach or anything, but I am a woman, and I like Swedenborg, and people who know me think it is a "craze".

[@offTheLeftEye]

+fancynancylucille Swedenborg never made any efforts to start a church organization, and church organizations are always just people organizing around a certain human interpretation of a spiritual/religious text. It is true that there is a certain church organization based on Swedenborg's books that does not allow the ordination of women. There are other "Swedenborgian" churches that do allow the ordination of women. Like you, I really like Swedenborg's books. And I happen to believe that it is a misinterpretation of his books to say that women should not be ordained. Interestingly, Swedenborg himself said that we humans will often interpret scripture according to what we already feel and believe! It's good that this world offers a big variety of religious organizations and spiritual philosophies (including social media discussions as an alternative to formal organizations), so that we can look for spiritual community that we resonate with and interpretations that make sense to us.

[@debramercer5896]

Wow, I think Swedenborg was so smart and had studied practically everything, that he had no other avenues to explore so he looked to the Heavens! 😁✌️An epistomologist.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Yes, he graduated into the realm of spiritual science! It's good that he had had all that background of being a physical scientist for so long, because that helped him have a mind ready for even deeper study. I very grateful for all that study and writing that he did. Quite a gift from God to the rest of us! 😊

[@debramercer5896]

@@offTheLeftEye It sure is a very loving, wonderful gift.

[@owl6218]

I was not aware of him and his large work.i was listening to jason gorjani discussing 'philosophy and psychical reasearch'.he mentioned how kant and descartes terminated the trend of scientists investigating spiritual matters, how kant initially studied the 'spiritualist' swedenborg, then turned upon him and worked hard to discredit him, and that the official church used kant and descartes to stop scientists from ever taking interest in matters of the soul. Anyway, that's how i heard about swedenborg and his work. The list of artists and writers influenced by him is impressive...

[@offTheLeftEye]

owl, yes, Immanuel Kant at first seemed interested in Swedenborg and then worked hard to show his dislike! Very interesting! Swedenborg has certainly had his followers and his critics over time! So cool you heard about him that way and decided to look further. What do you think?

[@owl6218]

@@offTheLeftEye so he is the first one to come up with this cosmology.i have earlier come across some books written in the Victorian times which are supposed to contain communications from departed relatives, as written using automatic writing by their living close relatives.they all speak of the same theme of a continued journey of growth.questions like 'are they making it up?' I found senseless at some point.what matters is , is the approach to life which can be derived from their world view very sensible and harmonious? It is. Consistently. Most likely the universe is as they say it is

[@owl6218]

But there are traditions which acknowledge that the universe is indeed so, with an interplay of duality, as in good and bad, but it is more worth while to go above the duality.so, be good not because it is the opposite of good, but in going above the good and bad, one sheds the separate self which causes us to make selfish choices. People like rupert spira teach this very efficiently.you may want to explore. In fact that may be the only practical method of learning to transform....'there be angels, there be devils, I have seen them' may not be very efficient teaching tool....just my thoughts not meant to offend

[@lindaduke6751]

37:34: Dr Rose comments that people marveled at the fact that Swedenborg traveled without Servants of any kind and did not keep servants although he was a very wealthy nobleman. He didn't need human servants because his angels waited on him and cared for him constantly!

[@offTheLeftEye]

I suppose that's true and a nice way to think about it! Although I don't know about them waiting on him, certainly they were caring for him and protecting him and leading him towards good and love of the Lord, as they do for everyone!

[@robdavidson1876]

Would you guys please do a story on William Blake and Swedesborgs influence and Blake's separation

[@libramoon2]

What did Rudolf Steiner say about Swedenborg?

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hi, libramoon2 W! Thank you for the question. In Googling the two names together, I found an archive of Rudolph Steiner lectures. I am assuming you're referring to the founder of the Waldorf movement, right? If so, maybe the search results will be helpful! Here is a link to a lecture given by Steiner in 1915, titled: "Swedenborg: An Example of Difficulties in Entering Spiritual Worlds." wn.rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA253/English/AP1991/19150912p01.html

[@ChristopherJohnsonbowtie]

I don't know if he's a prophet but he's clearly one of the most interesting men in history.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Christopher Johnson agreed!

[@tendormotar1335]

I red many Swedenborgs books and did not find that he was crazy. Contrary, what he writes have very much sense for me.

[@offTheLeftEye]

That's how we feel, too, Tendor! Glad to know you've had first-hand experience of reading his works.

[@Secular-Serenity]

My question would be why did spirits come to him in God/Lord/Jesus? It’s because that’s all he knew at that time? A Buddhist most likely would not have that reference nor other religions. I also have a problem personally with the word God. I’ve heard all my life ‘you will go to hell if you do this, you will go to hell if you don’t worship him, you will go to hell if you take his name in vain, you will go to hell, you will go to hell’. I find myself replacing the word God that you use with ‘the Source’ and then I’m better.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hi KT -- You're certainly not alone in having "God" be a triggering word. We believe that God is Love and Mercy Itself, but many people have been beaten down with fear of an angry and damning God. So, so sad. So I'm glad that you've found a term that works for you in "the Source." Yes, Swedenborg's spiritual experiences were in the "cultural language" of his times. But one thing he was taught is that all religions are valuable, and appeal to different kinds of mindsets. They can all lead heavenward, as they just about all have guidelines similar to the Golden Rule or the Ten Commandments, for instance. Loving God/Source/Higher Power and willing well to others are the key, and that can be applied in any faith tradition. Blessings to you!

[@CherylSllane]

Not crazy at all, if I compare it to my NDE. This is as close to facts and death with out dying you can get. I don’t care who calls me crazy, I know what I experienced. This channel has been amazing.

[@offTheLeftEye]

We are delighted to hear that the ideas on this channel have been so affirming of your own NDE experience, Cheryl! I (Chara) was amazed back in the '70s when Raymond Moody's first book came out about NDE's -- it sounded so similar to what I'd been learning from Swedenborg for years! We stand with you: You're not crazy!

[@jammingw9663]

Love the background music! The bell tones are very soothing.

[@offTheLeftEye]

So glad you're enjoying the background music!

[@Catdore]

I'm glad you came out wth this defense, as if he needs it. I first bumped into the volumes of Arcana Celestia in the (Rockefeller) library and lived in the stacks - if nothing else, the extraordinary organization of this work is remarkably like that of Heaven itself, such is its power.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Interesting description of the organization of it all, Alan -- and interesting first encounter! With some people, though, a defense feels helpful to have on hand....

[@Catdore]

@@offTheLeftEye Yep, best to have a good defense when you need it.

[@LouiseBlackmanMSc]

I see a lot of correlation between Swedenborg and the testimony of Eben Alexander - another brilliant mind. (If you don't know who Eben Alexander is checkout the video on KZbin - "Eben Alexander : A Neurosurgeon's Journey Through the Afterlife".) These two stories taken together with my own glimpses of the eternal have made me take much more seriously all Jesus said about heaven.

[@ceesah32]

Well done, Swedenborg team...

[@offTheLeftEye]

+Isha Kanteh Thank you!

[@lindaduke6751]

Dr. David Rose 31:50: ("Who else did he have to work with him on it?") *ANGELS!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Yes, great point! :)

[@Zvvk300]

I'll be so happy when I see 160,000,000 views:)

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

yes this needs to get out and I wish there were more churches teaching Swedenborg.

[@jenniferanthony4630]

I don’t think that he’s crazy at all.I believe that the Lord touched him in order for him to spread his message to people like you and I and many others that are thirsty for knowledge.People that are open minded and are also open to spiritual experiences too🌈.🙏😇

[@offTheLeftEye]

I'm so glad you feel that way, Jennifer! We sure agree!

[@steelgila]

Isn't it mind boggling how people of the time always malign the very best and ennobling personages that are their contemporaries. Hence Jesus' remark in the gospels that a prophet is accepted everywhere save in his own home(place of origin).

[@offTheLeftEye]

Yes, that is something to think about. Looking back at the OT prophets, I think it was (and still is) challenging for people to hear and accept that they weren't living by the precepts of true faith. Prophets operate as mirrors to society.

[@MariA-ev8uy]

steelgila Yes it is

[@Rusty-i7g]

New to this concept..interesting ❤

[@offTheLeftEye]

It's a lot to take in, Rusty!

[@shauniebnaturalista6672]

Did Swedenborg feel that those of us who do not want to return to this Earth plane have the choice to never come back here again?

[@offTheLeftEye]

Shaunie, Swedenborg does not talk about us coming back to earth after we have crossed over. He presents a progression in which we live one preparatory life here on earth, and then live from then on in the spiritual world, continuing to learn, grow and develop.

[@melguzman2322]

His work echoes today in your viewers and other readers of his work. I am convinced this was GOD's master plan to reach out not just to the generation of Swedenborg but the future generation which is us today and even further in the future generation.

[@offTheLeftEye]

It's lovely that you see the lasting impact of these ideas, Mel. It does seem like they could accomplish some good transformation, if people take them to heart!

[@jennygort]

Great show!

[@HumAnimalBeingTammy]

He did so much, I wonder how much sleep he would normally do in a night.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Yes, good question! A lot of people have wondered how he managed it all!

[@angelatorres4506]

Thank you!!!

[@offTheLeftEye]

So glad if this episode seemed helpful to you, Angela! You're very welcome!

[@carinfelska5774]

Told you lord, god puts this stuff in your head, I don't know how

[@offTheLeftEye]

Carin here is a passage from Divine Love and Wisdom 374 about how our thoughts come from the spiritual world. "Does not thought make the tongue speak, and affection together with thought make the body act? There are two distinct things: I can think without speaking, and I can will without acting; and the body, it is known, neither thinks nor wills, but thought falls into speech, and will descends into action. Does not affection also beam forth from the face?"

[@theresachung703]

I don’t know what Swedenborg saw. But my gosh, this dude was amazing! He just seems like a delightful person, someone whose mind was a bUzzing of curiosities. Cute!

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hi Theresa -- You mean the host, Curtis? A mind buzzing with curiosity is an apt way to describe him! It's delightful to work with him. Thanks for watching!

[@trulee663]

I just ask God to confirm the truth of Swedenborg’s writings. So far My spirit feels drawn to the goodness and truth within the wisdom he has shared.

[@offTheLeftEye]

I hear you, Tru Lee. So far, I'm with you!

[@alt_al]

awesome talking. Why Swedenborg's idea is not associated with Allan Kardec? It seems to me similar efforts... The same for the spiritualism movement started in Brazil with Chico Xavier at the beginning of the twenty century

[@offTheLeftEye]

Hello, Alther! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video. Yes, I realize there are others like Kardec and Xavier who have had amazing spiritual experiences. Our mission is to share the contents of Swedenborg's writings in order to add that into the wider conversation about spiritual reality, but we do hope that people will do their own comparisons to the writings and stories of other spiritualists. By looking for the common ground, we can all grow in spiritual knowledge!

[@LouiseBlackmanMSc]

Oh yes ... what should have come first ... Happy First Birthday!

[@matariki3638]

I imagine there to be a lot more out in the world today that have experienced the Awakening however Swedenborg had the courage to write & talk about it. I take my hat off to him & in no way do I think he's crazy. Others like him hide in the shadows & I get it because the sceptics would label them crazy It makes perfect sense.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Yes Matarika. It took courage for him to speak. Perhaps you know that Swedenborg's first books were published anonymously, so as not to draw attention to himself but rather the message he was spreading.

[@annierozario7062]

Wowwwww....Thank you.

[@offTheLeftEye]

+ANNIE ROZARIO You're very welcome!

[@CarmenRodriguez-ue3eu]

ANNIE ROZARIO

[@audiance3956]

the back groud music is a little too loud...😊

[@offTheLeftEye]

Audiance, thank you for the feedback. Getting all of the levels right is a balancing act as you can imagine. I hope it did not detract too much from your enjoyment of the video.

[@HumAnimalBeingTammy]

I'm not crazy about the camera work on the Guest speakers, how it jumps..choppy like.

[@offTheLeftEye]

Thanks for the feedback! That was an earlier show-- we've gotten much better since then!