Swedenborgian Community Interfaith Podcast

Sometimes I think back to some of my old ways and cringe, and sometimes that’s true for my current habits too! In a way, this is a good sign, as it means I’m growing, I’m changing, and I’m hoping to continue to grow. In fact, scriptures repeatedly tell us that we must die to ourselves, and the Biblical Christ says that we must pick up our crosses daily and follow him. As we’re told, I think following God(dess) centers on allowing love to transform our inner worlds, letting our old, selfish, dominating ways perish, while the Christ, the Divinity within, rises. Read the corresponding multimedia message at https://swedenborgiancommunity.nm-secure.com/blog/die-to-liveThis spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affir

We explore what some of the deeper meanings of the 10 Commandments might be. Looking toward love, spiritual wisdom, and the Higher Power to inform our interpretation. The Commandments (from Exodus 20, Hebrew and Christian Bibles): Do Not Take the Name of the Lord God in Vain. Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy. Honor Thy Father and Mother. This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!

Funny, did you know that there are two sets of 10 Commandments? Yep, there’s the first one that many people can almost entirely list – and there’s the one that replaced the first that I’m sure you haven’t heard twice!However, if we focus on the first set (as people typically do), I think we’ll find that the commandments aren’t exactly all that complicated – especially the deeper we go with them. In fact, the more we study and reflect on this list, like most of scripture, I think the primary rule being emphasized is the one that Jesus Christ said was the greatest commandment and the one that we must follow in order to live: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” What might get tricky though is understanding and living up to this commandment and all that it entails from our diverse viewpoints, traditions, and lives. Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfait

In this episode of What is the Word? Alyssa Cover and Cory Bradford-Watts talk about Emanuel Swedenborg's approach to deciphering the mystical book of Revelation from the Bible. We also discuss Tarot divination, how we see Providence in it, and we pull a card for the day! Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship and visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). 

Rev. Rich Tafel is the Managing Director of Raffa Social Capital, the Director of the American Project a new Democracy Fund, and the Pastor of Church of the Holy City in Washington DC. He discusses new approaches to interfaith spiritual work and business, including using our churches and organizations as incubators for spiritual entrepreneurs.Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). 

It's easy to become distracted - distracted away from centeredness, away from our spiritual and healthy practices or whatever we're working on. Through scripture, God points this out and asks us to start to give up our distractedness and instead, turn toward meditation and constant spiritual awareness. I think if we listen to this call, not only will we find more peace, but also find an internal state that propels our health, joy, gratitude, and life. Read the corresponding Multimedia Message here: http://swedenborgiancommunity.org/blog/meditative-growthChat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry Jame

The artist Eleanor Schnarr explores scientist-turned-mystic Emanuel Swedenborg's insights into the brain and neuroscience, which were monumental and way ahead of his time (the mid-1700's). Support Eleanor through Patreon (www.patreon.com/EleanorSchnarrtist) and her website (http://eleanorschnarr.com).Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). 

Hi peace-loving people! We're told by our scripture this week that God's law is written on our hearts, and that this is in order for us to be willing and ready to receive her peace and love into our lives. In a way, holy texts like the Bible are tools to help us see the holy text within that gives us life, helping us to discern how to clear away the debris, connect better, and find heaven within and without. May we each do so in our own way each day going forward. Read the corresponding multimedia message here: http://www.swedenborgiancommunity.org/blog/divine-insightChat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship or on our new Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/453090175489000/. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes

Rev. Kit Billings, of the LaPorte New Church, shares his viewpoint on ecojustice and connecting with God(dess)'s love for all things from our Annual Convention's opening night, following the author Matthew Fox's talk. Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship or at https://www.facebook.com/groups/453090175489000/?source_id=223955427634040 and visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). 

In many narratives throughout the world’s scriptures and indigenous stories, including that of Jesus, it’s conveyed that Divinity has a real, human presence despite her holiness. As the Christ tells us, this presence is with us always hoping to have a deep, healthy relationship with us. Emanuel Swedenborg, the 18th century scientist-turned-mystical visionary, was of the utter belief that if we strive to connect with and feel this presence both in our hearts and as a nearby, very present friend, the Holy Being can work wonders uplifting our spiritual and emotional health, promoting joy, gratitude, fortitude, and all the good things that are truly God with us. Take a moment to feel that presence nearby, just as if a good friend were in the room. He’s more human and more loving and attentive to our growth than anyone we can imagine. Read the corresponding Multimedia Message at http://swedenborgiancommunity.org/blog/lean-into Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship

Among many other things, Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox is the author of such books as The Coming of the Cosmic Christ & A Spirituality Named Compassion. Listen to the show to hear Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence's amazing introduction to him and Matthew's thoughts on a range of colossally important issues centering on our impact on the earth and how a certain approach to spirituality may be the only way to save us from ourselves. Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). 

In this book discussion series we're talking about Helen Keller's book, My Religion (free to download at SwedenborgianCommunity.Org/worship). Starting with chapters 1 & 2 we explore her description of the mystic Swedenborg's life, and then her early years with spirituality and how finding Swedenborgian thought inspired her. Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). 

Happy Father’s Day wonderful folks! As I’m sure you plan to :) take time this week to enjoy the memories, moments, and connections with the fathers and fatherly figures in your life this weekend! And let’s also take time to remember and strengthen our connection with the Divine Father as well, the source of all of our gifts of love, care, and wisdom. Father God(dess) (also described as Christ / Saviour, Mother, Word, Elohim / Gods, Angel, & the Holy Spirit in the Bible), is the one source of all of our lives, good affections, wisdom, and positive transformation - whatever our tradition or name for him. In other words, the Father of All is Love Itself, more compassionate and present with us than we could ever know. May we start to know. Read the corresponding multimedia service at http://swedenborgiancommunity.org/blog/father-of-all Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form

In the first episode of What is the Word? Alyssa Cover & Cory Bradford-Watts riff off of sections of Emanuel Swedenborg's book New Jerusalem (free to download at swedenborgiancommunity.org/explore), Rumi, and a random part of Isaiah from the Hebrew Bible.

Taking the time to centre ourselves and approach others with a prayerful, caring posture often seems easier said than done, especially in the midst of our lives' issues and society's disfunctions. However, sages the world over (from the Dalai Lama to the Divine Christ) repeatedly tell us that this burden is light, if we all but truly try to practice it, and that it can dispel the "Babylon" within. In other words, meditative, prayerful care towards ourselves, God, and others, can help us shed our tendencies to control and distort, opening our hearts to receive and convey Divine Peace and Love.Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship. And visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, G

Longtime Swedenborgian Online Community participant and lay-leader, Dr. Page Morahan, shares her work on race relations with us! Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship.Visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!This spirituality has deeply influenced the likes of Helen Keller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Blake, George Inness, William Keith, Henry James, Sr., William James, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, DT Suzuki and even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). 

This Sunday we'll reflect on Helen Keller's belief in a "holy passion pouring down from the springs of Infinity," or a Divine Love that actively worked in her life to help illuminate her "darkness," as she describes in her book My Religion. Scripture tells us that this holy passion rains on each of us, striving to help us turn away from destructiveness and bloom with wisdom and our own holy passion for the Infinite and for others.Read the corresponding Multimedia Message here: http://swedenborgiancommunity.org/blog/helen-keller-holyChat with our community live during the broadcast and view our videos at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship.Visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!

In our interview with Alyssa Cover (Pastor Cory's fiancé) we talk about using dance for wellness and how we can uplift healthy and wholeness in community! Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship.Visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!

I looked for God(dess) in my apartment the other day. I kept reading that God dwells with us, feeds us and uplifts us, so I figured she must be close. I first eyed our dog, Ghost, hoping that she might help or that she might be the Holy Ghost in disguise. As she yawned I thought, “No, surely just a dog.” I then poked at our cat, Shiva, who immediately attacked my finger, “Nope, a cat.”I searched everywhere but no luck! Exhausted, I collapsed into a chair, and as I drifted off to sleep a small voice spoke, “Behold, I am with you always. Look no further and see that I Am.” I had heard that God spoke in parables, but this was getting out of hand.Read the corresponding multimedia message at http://www.swedenborgiancommunity.org/blog/we-dwell-divinityChat with our community live during the broadcast and watch our videos at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship.Visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in myst

Our host Cory Bradford-Watts interviews William Rotella about his research on Swedenborgian mystics. Chat with our community live during the broadcast at swedenborgiancommunity.org/worship.Visit your affirming interfaith community at SwedenborgianCommunity.org :) Our form of Swedenborgianism is an interfaith, affirming spirituality rooted in mystical Christianity. We open our doors to people of all faiths or none!