tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030257666913290314.post2493087005039469440..comments2024-03-11T07:53:25.838-04:00Comments on Spirituality, Dreams and Prophecy: Truth by Religious Tradition & Authority vs. Spiritual TruthDoug Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071107950046910342noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030257666913290314.post-15545745624010215702017-04-07T15:05:31.668-04:002017-04-07T15:05:31.668-04:00Yeah, I hear you. And of course when Swedenborg us...Yeah, I hear you. And of course when Swedenborg uses the word "church" you also have to wonder if he means it in the literal modern sense, or as he so often does, in a much broader context meaning all people around the world holding certain beliefs.<br /><br />In my limited experience I've found it unhelpful to offer an opinion unless asked. And as is pointed out in this post we are likely all operating with appearances of truth (of one quality or another) because it's what we can handle. Thankfully even they can be a receptacle for good.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030257666913290314.post-59914712653342458752017-04-07T14:48:43.383-04:002017-04-07T14:48:43.383-04:00I saw that too. I always confront a falsehood, but...I saw that too. I always confront a falsehood, but not in such a way to create a disturbance. However, it is very rare where there is an opportunity for open discussion. But even in that situation, I will always reference scripture first. There are very few who question, and if they do not question there is no discussion. Most of the time Swedenborg attended a church he would say nothing, even though the angels would later point out everything that was wrong with what was being taught.<br /><br />Also keep in mind, there are certain religious teachings that are allowed or permitted as adaptive truths, or appearances of truth.<br /><br />Outside of the respective churches, it is completely different. One can say the truth without restriction. This is necessary, and the confrontation will be very hard because we are talking about beliefs that have been ingrained since childhood. Also, keep in mind that ministers and priests do not have complete freedom of thought: they have to follow the doctrines of their church. Catholics and Protestants will vehemently defend the falsehoods they hold to be true, and confrontation is necessary as the falsehoods have to be removed in order for truth to become rooted in.<br /><br />I know relatives whose children go to Catholic school, and they will often ask my opinion. I will always say do not publicly disagree with what they teach, but I will privately correct them. I always have to tell the children it is inappropriate to pray to Mary, it is wrong to focus on saints, and one should know that God is One in person. Prayers should be focused on Jesus alone. In a Catholic church, the priest is the authority and has a role of representing the Word. Marian traditions are an adaptive form of truth, but that will probably be a separate blog post.Doug Webberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11071107950046910342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030257666913290314.post-83051431808923774112017-04-07T14:12:11.380-04:002017-04-07T14:12:11.380-04:00This was an excellent post, thanks.
A question I ...This was an excellent post, thanks.<br /><br />A question I had was this line "If these truths disagree with the doctrinals, let him take heed not to disturb the church." Is this saying that if you learn of a teaching within a church that is not true, that you should not confront the church about it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com