Sharing and Spreading the New Church with Mutual Support

Karin observes the New Church as a movement much larger than its organized chapters. In a magnanimous voice she explores how negative attitudes towards diversity that exist within the church limit its growth and diminish its success. She walks the reader through another way of responding to difference. -Editor.

The New Church is so much more than organizations. The New Church is a mentality—a state of mind, and a way of acting. There is much “New Church” thought being mulled over in the world, both among people who read the works of Emanuel Swedenborg and among those who have never heard of him.

We who are familiar with the works of Swedenborg are living in difficult yet exciting times when organized New Church efforts are transitioning into all sorts of groupings—some larger, some very small—in which people find ways to have community, exchanges and fellowship around ideas written about by Swedenborg. The more ways there are to be “New Church,” the more people can be “New Church.” Some thrive in some kind of organized group. Some thrive reading by themselves, or in small, social fellowship. The tastes for different styles of worship, discussion, education, religious practices, and spiritual books and entertainment vary tremendously.

How wonderful it is that more and more options as to how to be New Church are arising. And yet, in the midst of all this change, there are forms of organized New Church worship, community, and fellowship that are having to downsize or even end. I believe that it’s very important to be sensitive to the grieving of people as certain forms that were dear to them have to end or to change. Though Providence will always bring good and a new beginning out of endings, it’s no small loss for those who have loved the thing that’s ending.

At the same time, I believe that it’s very important to be supportive as people try their best to make something New Church happen that can be of use to others. Too often in our history, criticism and competition have caused damage. Splits and arguments have strained efforts as people have criticized that others are not “doing it the right way.”

Why have organized New Church efforts remained relatively small for so long? One can wonder whether, in the long term, an organized New Church is really the way it is meant to be. Some have argued that an organized New Church was not Swedenborg’s idea. On the other hand, an organized New Church may have been a necessary way to keep the ideas sent to us through Emanuel Swedenborg from being obliterated. It doesn’t really matter. We are where we are, and Swedenborg’s works indicate that the Lord has been working to protect New Church ideas. We will be moving forward in a way that will either strengthen the earthly organization or that will prepare us to let go of an organization and see a broader way of being New Church. And either way, I believe mutual support will help us achieve the goal.

I can’t help but wonder if we, throughout our history, have slowed down the New Church movement by being too quick to criticize each other. Would more New Church art and literature have flourished if many New Church people hadn’t been afraid to produce art that “wasn’t correct” in the eyes of other New Church people? Would more kinds of outreach and sharing and service efforts be attempted if people weren’t afraid of their methods being criticized by their fellow New Church men and women? Would a greater variety of styles for New Church worship, discussion, education and religious practices be flourishing at a faster rate if people felt more free to experiment without meeting with disapproval? I don’t mean to lay a guilt trip on us all, but only to make us more aware of the effect when we jump to criticize each other. Though we have certainly come a long way over the decades, I’ve been sad when I’ve seen even in recent times some pretty harsh criticism of new New Church efforts by other New Church people.

This certainly doesn’t mean we ought to give up all discussion from differing points of view. I do believe, though, that there is a world of difference between a comment that implies “You’re wrong!” and a comment that says something like, “Great topic! Thanks for bringing it up. I have some thoughts to add. I was wondering.…” The former shuts down or discourages efforts to spread New Church thoughts. The latter can offer additional viewpoints. Some key elements, I believe, for productive and life-giving discussion and feedback are: humility, looking for common ground, and “assuming the best.”

Having humility when entering a discussion or giving an opinion on someone’s art or effort means I need to acknowledge that I really can’t know the pure truth, no matter how many numbers or scripture passages I look up. What I take in when I read has a lot to do with my current state of mind and outlook, based on my personal experience. All I can offer is my current understanding and interpretation of truth, which can change with time. Offering my opinion with the spirit of “The way I understand it now...” or “In my experience...” leaves room for the fact that the other opinion or style has as much validity as mine.

And what about principles? Many of our opinions are based on our moral principles. Most certainly, it is never right to go along with something if it is against our moral principles. But at the same time, I don’t believe it is always right to condemn something if it seems against our moral principles. All we can do is try our best to apply basic guidelines like the Ten Commandments to situations, but at the same time recognize that there may be valid differences of opinion, and that motivation is very important. Is that person I disagree with operating from a desire to hurt others or to help others? If I come at a discussion with an attitude of being “right,” that allows room for an assumption that the other person doesn’t care about truth or goodness or other people. The fact is, even if we disagree on methods, we may both be operating from a desire to help others. Also, cultural norms can greatly affect our opinion on what is moral and what is not.

For instance, there was a time in the General Church when birth control was considered a sin that was opposed to the teachings of the Writings. I don’t wish to disrespect anyone who is opposed to birth control, but there are many today that practice birth control from good and caring motivations having to do with the health of a mother and a couple’s ability to emotionally and materially provide for a family. Discussing such a point with humility acknowledges that there are situations like this in which people are all trying their best, based on scripture and life experience. After all, what are today’s hotly-debated issues that will look very different a few decades from now?

Actively looking for common ground instead of differences in New Church discussions, art, worship styles, education, and outreach and service methods could do wonders in creating a more supportive and productive world of New Church expression. We are all so different. How could we possibly be completely on board with anyone else’s expression? But Swedenborg writes that the incredible variety in heaven is key to its beauty and functioning. I love a quote from The Last Judgment in Retrospect 12 that describes each person coming into heaven as the “ideal link between members already present. Each new addition strengthens the fabric and joins others more closely.” (Dole translation). When we’re willing to find common ground, we’re actually doing a lot to build unity—not an unhealthy kind of unity in which everyone must see things in the same way, but a kind of unity that focuses on the things that we diverse people have in common. In this way, we are also better able to learn from each other, and expand our individual points of view to become more open and understanding.

What common ground can I find in a New Church expression that is just not my style? Can I at least recognize that the expression came from a love of a concept that I just may care about, too? Sometimes, we are even saying virtually the same things, but using different words or symbols! Or, might this expression show me a point of view that I’ve not really been aware of, and can I learn more about life from that? Can the common ground be as basic as the common ground of trying to live life with integrity and serve God as best we can?

“Assuming the best” is what I wish would become more prevalent all over this country and the world, especially in cases of disagreement. When we disagree, the hells want us to assume that our “opponent” has bad motives, or just doesn’t care about good, true, or moral things. At worst, these kinds of assumptions can lead to a dehumanizing of our “opponents,” which can leave us feeling free to criticize or attack in a harsh way as if the “opponent” has no feelings. Jesus tells us to “love our enemies” and points out that it doesn’t take much effort to love our friends. Since many of us do not experience physical attacks by enemy soldiers, I believe the everyday application of this teaching has much to do with the people we disagree with. It takes more effort to assume that someone with an opposing view has sincere, good motives. And yet this is very often true! A person offering an expression of New Church art, discussion, worship, education, service or outreach has often poured heart and soul into that effort, and the person can feel devastated when someone slams that effort. Fear of this possibility can discourage new attempts at expression. If I come across a New Church expression that isn’t my style, at the very least I can find a way to support the fact that this person took the time to share something that they genuinely care about.

Overall, I suggest we all really take the time to think before jumping in to comment on some expression of New Church concepts that doesn’t fit our tastes or point of view. Is my input really necessary and helpful to the greater cause of having lots of New Church efforts taking place? If the expression is something that’s “not my style,” do I really need to comment on it at all, or could I leave it alone, respecting that it’s feeding other people? Could I, instead, keep my eye out for discussions and art that DO fit my style, and get in on those conversations? And, if it does seem useful to give feedback, can I do it with humility and a supportive effort to find common ground and assume the best about motives?

Efforts need nourishment to survive and grow! For instance, do we want to see more New Church efforts making their way out into the world? We can make this possible by strengthening one another through mutual support. Consider physically supporting an effort by a New Church artist, speaker, minister, columnist, educator or community service provider when appropriate. Take the time to attend an art show or performance of a New Church artist; buy a New Church inspired CD or book; watch a New Church inspired film or YouTube video and give it a “thumbs-up” or supportive comment; attend a New Church talk or worship service; help out with a New Church community service effort; support, by purchase or by feedback, a New-Church-inspired article or broadcast; point out the things you like in a New Church education or discussion group program, and if things could be better, assume first that the organizers are operating from good and sincere motives. Give encouraging comments and pats on the back along with kindhearted suggestions of how it might be even better. All of these small actions can add up to a big foundational amount of support that can continue to make such things possible, and make such things better!

One thing that could make a big change is to see the large middle area in such situations. If you absolutely hate the art, show, performance, article, worship service, class, or group then perhaps look elsewhere for things to support. If you love it, then by all means make the effort to say so, in words, by attendance or by purchase! Such things die without support, and positive feedback does wonders for keeping people inspired and feeling like their efforts are worthwhile. Also, a lot of positive feedback or “likes” on Facebook, YouTube or Amazon.com help call attention to the effort in the wider world arena. On the other hand, if you don’t love it or hate it, but like the thought of New Church thoughts and feelings having a place in the world, then consider making a supportive effort just for that very cause. Sure, New Church artists, thinkers and service-providers have to learn like everybody else how to fine-tune their offerings, but it’s hard to get better at what you’re doing if you can’t even get started. For instance, how have some Christian films finally found their way to mainstream theaters? I imagine only because there were enough Christians willing to buy a ticket or lend some other kind of support. Maybe not every one of them found no fault at all in the film—particularly the early efforts. But nevertheless, enough had decided that the greater motivation behind the film was worth supporting. Making a purchase to support an effort, and then perhaps offering a constructive suggestion that might make the next effort even better, could do much to empower the possibility of a vibrant and eventually professional New Church art and discussion and service movement. Ignoring early efforts and hoping someone will somehow jump right to the professional level might mean it will never happen.

Another bonus of respecting and supporting varying New Church approaches is that it gives us more places to refer people to. Say I become acquainted with someone interested in Swedenborgian thought, and yet I can tell that this person has different tastes than I do. If my own approach is all I have to offer, that person might just lose interest. But if I have somewhere else to refer that person to, there's more chance of that person finding a spiritual home, and in finding a way to be New Church that fits who he or she is.

I do acknowledge that sometimes feelings of competition can arise from a sense of scarcity of resources. Different New Church efforts can be trying to survive by seeking support from the same pool of “customers” and funding. These are sometimes unfortunate natural-world realities. I choose to believe that the current painful natural-world restructurings that are taking place are part of a path toward better ways of finding resources. I believe that a spirit of mutual support will, in the long run, strengthen us all, and will work much better than a spirit of competition to open our eyes to see methods and resources that perhaps were never seen before.

In conclusion, I think that engaging in supportive words and actions toward our fellow New Church men and women who are making sincere efforts could do wonders for a common goal of sharing and spreading New Church concepts. Again, this doesn't mean anyone has to give money to or join an effort that just doesn't fit his or her style. It simply means, first and foremost, not to attack or cut down other sincere New Church efforts. An approach that isn’t helpful to one person may be helpful to someone else. Instead, let’s all stand, at the very least, ready to give a thumbs up and a “good job” to all sincere New Church efforts, and to offer even further support when it seems to fit who we are or what we’d like to see happen. This way, New Church art, service, outreach, worship, education and discussion can more freely “be fruitful and multiply” and become a part of all the other wonderful, spiritual efforts that are going on out there in the world. We can all support each other in staying inspired, encouraged, and in realizing that, despite the great variety of approaches, we are all connected in our love for New Church concepts. And in the even greater arena of world religions and global spiritual thought, we can better feel the connection of all people joined in a love of God and of kindness.

Of such a character was the Ancient Church which was spread throughout many kingdoms....Among these peoples doctrinal teachings and religious practices differed from one to the next, but there was nevertheless one Church because with them charity [or kindness] was the essential thing. At that time, the Lord’s kingdom existed on earth as it is in heaven, for such is the character of heaven....If the same situation existed now all would be governed by the Lord as though they were one person; for they would be like the members and organs of one body which, though dissimilar in form and function, still related to one heart on which every single thing, everywhere varied in form, depended. Everyone would then say of another, No matter what form his [or her] doctrine and external worship take, this is my brother [or sister]; I observe that he [or she] worships the Lord and is a good [person]. (Arcana Coelestia 2385, Elliot translation)

Karin Alfelt Childs

Karin has been very happily married to Jon Childs since 1982. They have five children—one in heaven, three more grown-up, and one in third grade. Karin and her family live in Rochester, MI and are part of the Oak Arbor Church society. Karin greatly enjoys working with her husband on their home publishing company, Fountain Publishing. It is their way of trying to share and spread uplifting New Church concepts. Karin will be thrilled if you come to the Fountain Publishing page on Facebook and give it a “ like” to show your support.

Comments

[Stephen Muires]

Ah, I love your phrase: "It doesn’t really matter. We are where we are." Yes, we don't have to defer to history or tradition and do autopsies on dead problems. We are where we are, now. Let's look at that.

Also the term "New Church" is a construct created through translation from the Latin. There ain't no New Church. The word "new" means: newly arisen, fresh, just started, different from before. It's an adjective, describing something in plain language. The word "church" is ecclesia, meaning a group or gathering of people. Where two or three are gathered. It can be expanded upward or downward from there, into a single individual or a whole world-wide organization. Swedenborg called the Ancient Church a new church. In fact, every religious movement, anywhere, anytime, is a new church. No need to give special status to The New Church.

Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth has sold an estimated 5 million copies. That's 5 million people who have absorbed, enjoyed, and struggled with insights about the human spirit, its regeneration, the purpose of the human race, and the quality of life promised by the Lord to each single person living. 5 million people entering a new church, right there.

We are where we are. Let's look at that. So where are we? The organized New Church presents itself, unwittingly, as an extremely closed members-only club. The cathedral in Bryn Athyn has signs all around it that, in effect, say, "Keep out." (Insert many other examples here, which I won't do.) Also, in saying, We are where we are, we imply that there is a "we," a cohesion in this group of people. Living in Bryn Athyn for 3 years now I can confidently say there is no cohesion internally. You'll find anything from people that consider serving grape juice for Holy Supper a sin against the Word of God, to people that so hate the church and its teachings they start boiling if you even mention it.

Internal cohesion is really another word for charity or love. It really is the essential thing. That's why the Laurel camp is fully and completely New Church (and it survives without any funding). That's why SWET attracts and helps men that wouldn't be seen dead in a church building (SWET likewise exists without any external funding).

Anything and anyone that has love, charity, kindness, courage, and openness is the new church arising on earth. Each idea or initiative arising out of this needs to get, as Karin writes, a thumbs up, good job! Well done, faithful servant. What else can "we" do that gives birth to this new church on this new earth?

[Normandy Alden]

Ah! This is a wonderfully expansive article, and echos many thoughts I've had myself. Thank you for writing this, Karin.

[Brian]

I really appreciate the way you expressed a bunch of these ideas, and your article doesn't simply suggest a blind "rah rah" session, just thoughtful charitable approaches to other people and projects. One thing I am left thinking about is the place of "Cause" mentality. I might engage with a church group, artist, school etc simply to the extent that I am served by it. This would be a fair way to be involved. But there is also this element of Cause. Maybe I should make more effort to put my energy and money into something merely because it is an important purpose?

My current answer is that I can be turned off by being told by other people, seeking my support, that they have a cause and I should take it on. Rather, I want to take the time to think about those causes which are important to me, and then actively look for the efforts which express and serve the cause. These I can go after.

[Karin Childs]

Stephen, great thoughts! There's lots for us to think about and realize. And Normandy, thanks for the kind words. Brian, I totally agree that it's not the right thing to "take on" a cause that you don't feel any passion for. That drains the energy that we need to put toward the causes that we DO feel a passion for, and thus are being called to. I'm finding, though, that there are other ways of just having a supportive spirit toward efforts I'm not going to get involved in. Kind of like having a friendly spirit toward a person that I know I'm not going to hang out with or have a close friendship with. I can still have a friendly spirit toward them, listen to what's going on in their life when they want to tell me, express supportive wishes, and sometimes little ways will come up where it feels appropriate to do a little something for them. For instance, maybe I'm not going to join someone's committee that they are so passionate about, but I can express that I'm impressed with the work they're doing. And I could buy something from their son for his boy scout fundraiser. :) Just little ways of being supportive of a person. I think maybe this is possible with causes, too. I'm still figuring it out, and taking it one instance at a time!

[Curtis Childs]

I don't know who this lady is, but she writes a very elegant, comprehensive summary of the nature of the ties which can link together a "new church" in an inclusive way. Very nice.