Revelation
21:10-14
1 Now it's a wonder why the Christian Church became established in Greece, instead of Judea, where Christ Himself was born. For a precedent was set, and the Greeks, more than any other gentile people, were prepared for the new Christian faith. Why? Because they had a very structured inner-world—of the psyche—personified by their gods: such divine models or archetypes, portrayed as patterns for human behavior.
2 They had Zeus [n14:4] their supreme god, father of gods and men, whom by the name Jove (Roman form), bears a striking resemblance to Jehovah, our supreme god. And they had Dionysus, god of wine and ecstasy, who in many ways portrayed Christ: he was a forerunner or precursor to Christ. The son of Zeus and born of Semele, a mortal virgin mother—or, some say Persephone [n14:9; n11:314-316]—Dionysus was an essential structure to the Greek psyche and, became the fulfillment of their religion, as Christ became the fulfillment of Judaism. Indeed, much was borrowed from Dionysus.
3 Twelve in number, the
Greek gods were a pantheon of gods
[14:3], that resided on Mount Olympus.
Each portrayed a specific aspect of the human dimension, and came together as a whole, to form the structure of heaven. Similarly,
Christ had twelve disciples, who represented aspects of the same structure.
Much as Dionysus, the twelfth and last god added to Mount Olympus, replaced
Hestia, the goddess of the hearth [n14:1-2]: who,
according to some, didn't step down at all, making Dionysus the thirteenth and central figure, like
Christ. Though not as well-defined as the Greek deities, being more central to the figure of Christ, the disciples ascended to
Mount Zion—with Christ—to reign in heaven. Thus equating with
Mount Olympus: the walls of the
New Jerusalem
and its twelve foundations, one for each disciple.
Revelation
21:10-14
4 Originally people, or saints, the deities were so elemental to the Greek viewpoint, that they were elevated to the status of gods. As with most religions, that deify the central figure, it's acceptable so long as it's understood they represent The Divine—"Man was created in God's image"—and man doesn't lose sight of a supreme being who rules above all, like Zeus. Thus when properly perceived, the first commandment which speaks of this, "Thou shalt have no gods before me," remains intact. And so the Greeks, with a well-developed system of beliefs, were a highly creative and imaginative people: they strove to the heights of objectivity! And being the most receptive to new ideas and beliefs, with them, the Christian faith became implanted. And, being Pagan, Christianity entails a cross between Judaism and Paganism—and, in fact was intended for all peoples.
5 The
New Church became established on the west coast of
Asia Minor, on the outskirts of
Greek domain. It was east
of Ionia, a region of Greece, and more or less central to the kingdom of
Lydia [n12:1]. Which are the
seven churches of Asia—Ephesus,
Smyrna,
Pergamos,
Thyatira,
Sardis,
Philadelphia and
Laodicea—which St. John addresses in
Revelation
1-3 He was on the Island of Patmos, off the coast of Ionia when he received this revelation. And so alludes to the
Byzantine Empire or Eastern Orthodox Church: the Greek Orthodox Church being an autonomous part of this.
6 An ancient trading partner and major cultural influence—a gateway to the east, between Europe and Asia—Lydia was central to the region where the cult of Dionysus originated and, thence imported overseas. So, it's no real wonder the Christian Church was established here, for the inroads were already provided through the previous incursion of Dionysus. It therefore wouldn't be far off to assume Dionysus was Christ's predecessor and, that the Christian Church was a lay over of what Dionysus achieved earlier: the Greeks and their religion being a diced version of what Christianity became as a whole—monotheism. And, as I relate in the preface [n2], the Greeks equated Dionysus with Jehovah—and, the only begotten son of Zeus? [n5:15; n23:19]—which is even more unusual!
7 Although not well understood, the Christian Church is part of a lineage of churches throughout history called The Church or, Church of Man, i.e., as Emanuel Swedenborg contends [n10,14,38]. This is the title for religion in general, but is more specific to the Western Church, as portrayed in the Bible. Meaning you don't have to look beyond the Bible to understand what it means. For who hasn't heard of the Church of Adam, the Church of Noah, and the Israelite Church which, culminated with the Christian Church? This is the actual lineage. And, while Adam and Noah aren't typically portrayed this way, it stands to reason, for the Bible is a religious document containing our religious heritage, beginning with Adam; albeit the focus remains on the Christian Church.
8 Thus being fourth and, similar to the front cover, where the color white is the medium, as shown on the Menorah [np:5], the Christian Church is the Universal Church—if Christ was who He claimed to be! Yet why should the lineage end here? Just as there are seven branches on the Menorah, it doesn't conclude with the fourth branch. We have yet to explore the fifth, sixth and seventh branches. So, could it be the Christian Church, as detailed in the Bible, has already come to a close and, a fifth church has been instituted? Indeed, this is a critical part of my claim. For I intend to provide the basis, and further contend, the fifth church has already drawn to a close—and, a sixth church has been instituted! (and beyond [nf:12]).
9 Yet we tend to think of the Christian Church as the final word in terms of The Church, and for obvious reasons. But, given how much humanity has changed, although not entirely wrong to view it this way, it's too shortsighted in its approach. Times change, people change, and so must religion, in order to achieve a more modern perspective. We must at least consider the Age of Enlightenment and, the advances of modern science, lest we bypass the last 300 years of human development, and find we are still living in the dark ages! This is the period I've ascribed to the Fifth Church and Emanuel Swedenborg below. And yet, where the main stem of the Menorah portrays the Christian Church, from which all other branches proceed, it suggests all other churches are tied in this way, meaning we can't totally escape the idea: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last . . ."
Revelation
22:13 This is exactly what the main stem conveys! [n2:9].
10 Contrary to popular belief, The Last Judgment, as foretold in the book of Revelation, occurred in the year 1757, and under the auspices of Emanuel Swedenborg, a gifted scientist, theologian—and, mystic. This is fully detailed in his work, The Apocalypse Revealed, a verse for verse account to the book of Revelation; he refers to the date in chapter XX, verse 11 (or, preface; n865). It's further detailed in his work, The Last Judgment and Babylon Destroyed, as well as, The True Christian Religion, in chapter XIV, articles I-X. (The four preceding churches are mentioned in n760-762,786.) And, although it may sound far-fetched, it's all there. Swedenborg also wrote several other books describing related phenomena, for example, Heaven and Hell, Divine Providence and Conjugial Love.
11 Thus when the Bible speaks of Christ's second coming, it refers to
Emanuel Swedenborg and his work—as
Swedenborg claims. And, much as Emanuel is another name for
Jesus, meaning, "God is with us"
Matthew
1:23, it has a similar ring to John the Baptist: who wasn't really Elijah (Elias), yet this is who he signified.
Matthew
11:7-14 And yet, I don't intend to elaborate so much on Swedenborg's role, for the book is based more on my own experiences—regarding dreams,
visions,
symbols and related
phenomena—and shall reflect upon this; aside from the fact it details what comes after the Swedenborg or, Fifth Church. I mention Swedenborg throughout
the book, however (with citations) and, for anyone interested, his materials are available through the Swedenborg
Foundation of West Chester, Pennsylvania, previously out of
New York (also at http://www.swedenborg.com]. Then you can decide for yourself, and don't have to take my
word for it.
12 So does that mean anyone who awaits The Rapture at some future date has missed the boat? [n13:10]. That depends on your interpretation. However, being the astute scientist, Swedenborg's approach was more substantial, and he looked upon God in more practical terms, as opposed to a God of pure whimsy, as the scriptures might suggest. That doesn't make his claims any less fantastic though, nor altogether different from what the Bible claims, just that he had a better method and a means to explain it. Take for example the idea about the lineage of The Church [n7], as well as the notion that his revelations or, observations as a scientist, represented the Fifth Church. Without these, there would be no Sixth Church to speak of. While it seems more rational, and sane, to refer to the End Times in terms of the end of a church (below). Therefore to understand Swedenborg, in accord with the Age of Enlightenment, [n9,23,32; n4:151-52], is to understand one of the great thinkers of his time.
13 Through all its upheavals, disasters and restitution, the book of Revelation seems to foretell the
end of the world, specifically in
chapter 21. Yet it really portrays the end of an age which, can be viewed in terms of a church. And so refers to the Christian or fourth church as
it draws to a close. Likewise, a form of Last Judgment—or
Apocalypse—is performed at the end of every church, by which the hells are subjugated and, a new heaven and earth is formed. And, while more of a spiritual event, that occurs in the
spiritual world, it also coincides with events in the
natural world—or, at least allegorically. For example, a Last Judgment was performed at the end of the first church or Church of Adam, as signified by the great flood, albeit more regional? [n2:26]. It also occurred at the end of the second church or, Church of Noah, when Moses (allegedly) released all the plagues on Egypt during the Exodus. Or, possibly earlier, by the dispersion at the Tower of Babel [n2:21,28-29] and, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah? I'll speak more of the six churches shortly.
14 What Swedenborg calls the Church of Man [n7], the Western Church entails the embodiment of religion as a whole or, its ultimate vessel: much as a large vessel holds water. The orthodox aspect itself, it's indicative to its more formal lineage, and charts the development of Man and Church throughout history, and becomes the final say so in how it's represented—in its ultimate or, exterior sense.
15 Nor does it rule out eastern religion—i.e., "All true religions lead to God . . ." Just that western religion focuses more on cultivating truth, as western civilization has built itself, in most every way, upon what is rational and comprehensible. In whole, religion is like constructing a house: where western religion embodies its exteriors and general structure, more so in a masculine sense; and eastern religion embodies its interiors and ornamental aspects, more so in a feminine sense. Hence it wouldn't seem too unusual, according to Swedenborg's 
Heaven and Hell [n318], that even the heathen are received in heaven! Despite the fact the God in heaven—and Jesus—is the same God in the Bible! [n40]. Whereby the True Church has little if anything to do with one's religious affiliation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwU56wxEw48 (Swedenborg Foundation)
16 Having made the distinctions to The Church above, regarding its lineage and relation to the Fifth Church, it lays the groundwork for what I'm about to present, the New Church—of Today—which has been instituted on earth. And, with its relation to the Swedenborg Church, and distinct ties to Jesus and the Christian Church, I am referring to the Sixth Church which, was instituted in 1987. While true to the title it will be illustrated in accord with Dionysus. Note the blue highlight (its relation to the number 6) around the star and rings on the front cover.
17 And, while my claim may seem speculative, i.e., a voice didn't come out of heaven and say this was so—not blatantly at least!—it will soon be apparent this has happened. Or, like the purpose of any true religious work, it serves to testify to a higher, spiritual power. If you refer to chapter 5 [n1], I recall the most unusual experience I draw my conclusion from; while in chapter 12 [n1], I refer to the New Church in Southern Oregon, with its unique similarity to the Seven Churches of Asia.
18 Albeit I did hear a voice while meditating one day. It was clear and distinct and said, "Points of permission beyond cultivation." And while I didn't fully understand at first, it refers to what has happened after the fact, and coincides with my ideas of the Fifth Church above; and, fits in well with my idea of the bride to be and engagement period regarding the Sixth Church [n34,n44-46; n3:21; n4:66]. And yes, the voice appeared to resonate from heaven above [n5:11]. However, since I already determined the Sixth Church had begun, unofficially at least, it basically confirmed the idea, but with specific details about the Fifth Church. In effect it was saying the book of Revelation was already fulfilled, regarding the Fifth Church and, it signified the second coming of Jesus [n10-11]. Meaning this was the main event, making the Sixth Church somewhat incidental in that regard.
19 But then again, if you haven't heard of Swedenborg or, heard of the Sixth Church, you will have missed the boat—twice! [n12]. So if my book serves only as an introduction to Emanuel Swedenborg, then so be it. Not that it can't stand on its own merits either, because it can. In fact, if it becomes popular—where Swedenborg's materials tend to be tedious and verbose, and people don't the have time or, inclination to sort through it all—I can see it as a means of putting everyone on the same page world-wide, regarding the God Issue [n40]. The voice was also the only formalized instruction I received on the matter, unlike Swedenborg, who received it continually.
20 Yet here I should say I'm not the scholar, in that I draw from my own experiences and form my own conclusions, and only later, typically, will something crop up to corroborate the idea [n2:11]. Meaning it required very little research. Nor does it imply my ideas are half-baked, because they're not. It’s just that I didn’t devote much time to the study of knowledge or, formalized study, as if there was anything in particular to study (though I had my reference books). It was more a matter of intuition or, synchronicity below [n21,23,28,34], following my own interests, from day to day if nothing else, and simply asking questions: about who I am as a human being or, why am I here? And the writing of this book is a result of the answers received—time and again! So yes, it's more than mere coincidence!
21 Indeed, who spoke to the biblical prophets of old? Surely they had some way of communing with a Supreme Being! This in effect happened to me. It was revealed by means of The Spirit, if you will [n25; n17:55], which prompted both the questions and, guided me in a way to resolve them. While much of it was highly personalized, and less formal which, is unlikely for what one might glean through academic study. Like the anointing of David the sheperherd boy? Yes!; with its relation to the Key of David in Revelation 3:7 [n6:71; n8:1; n24:7]. It's also similar to Carl Jung's synchronicity [n23-29 below] or, Swedenborg's study of correspondences (New Jerusalem and Its Heavenly Doctrine n51-52,216), and doesn't require a formalized approach, so much as being familiar with and utilizing the method; albeit these are disciplines unto themselves [n4:18]. I also practice an active imagination technique [n9:6], together with the meditation described in chapter 19 [n1], that increases the likelihood of determining these things.
22 As it speaks of the human condition, specifically, the six churches can be ascribed to various states of mind that depict human development [n6:58]. And being a relationship typically portrayed between God and The Church, what Swedenborg calls the Heavenly Marriage (Apocalypse Revealed n881), they can be ascribed to the Six Elements of Marriage in chapter 3 [n1]; whereby the marriage itself portrays the seventh element [n37,44]. There's also an eighth and ninth aspect, which correspond to the Honeymoon (or wedding night) and, the life thereafter n3:6]. While at the time I rewrote this in 2018 [nf:12], this reflected the current state of The Church, which entered the ninth state in December, 2012. Regarding the Great Earth Change on the Mayan calendar [n20:31] and, alleged end of the world scenario. Or, was it simply the end of an age, as suggested above? [n13; n20:31
23 As for the first six states, which this book mostly entails, there's a curious similarity to Jung's work [n14:26; n22:1], which he describes as a cross of opposites [n6:58; n14:28]. And, where the first four states form opposing pairs which, once complete, they join at the crux to form the fifth aspect—and, signify enlightenment. See any relation to the Swedenborg Church and, the Age of Enlightenment? [n11]. Wow! He also refers to a sixth aspect—ESP—with its relation to the extension grounded at the base [n24,34; n6:58]. This I believe is the basis for Jung's synchronicity, which works in concert (or in-sync) with heaven above. And, clearly shows the relation to the Sixth Church.
24 Compare the number 6-272 [n6:58; n22:1] which, when multiplied by 5, equals 31,360 days—the exact number of days of Jung's life! (plus ~20 hours). And, where the five separate periods signify the 5th aspect or, enlightenment (the 4/5ths point began on 4/4/44 [n22:3]), it becomes grounded via the 2nd segment—in Marriage (7)—and, the number 62. Or, would that be 6-272-5? Yes! [n6:58-61]. While if you look at Solomon's Seal [np:3], which is a six-sided star inside a circle, both the center of the star and circle are signified by the number 7. Whereby a circle is a two-dimensional or flat object, in its simplest form and, is signified by the number 2; which, once you define the center, regarding the marriage (7), it becomes 272 all the way around. So, there it is! It appears to suggest Jung was a go-between the 5th and 6th Church and, why I opted to write chapter 22—or, 272?—when rewriting the book. Jung was also quite familiar with Swedenborg's work, as I understand [n22:9]:
http://dream-prophecy.blogspot.com/2018/11/jung-and-swedenborg-individuation-and.html
25 I also correlate the first four states with the four dimensions of space-time or, what we deem reality, and the fifth
state to consciousness itself; the only way we can know reality and, experience it [n32]. Which only stands to reason—via the Light of Reason in our minds? Yes!—which, is actually God communicating to us via the Holy Spirit [n21]. While according to Swedenborg's
Heaven and Hell (n116), God is portrayed as the Sun in heaven, with its influx
into the natural world (or mind), and suggests something similar. So, aside from what we see in our minds, we don't know anything actually
exists out there. Or, at least we can't prove it! The only thing we know for certain is we are conscious! In which case it's like, "Who turned on the lights?" Aha! Hence the correlation to Enlightenment!
26 But hey, the math Is-Real! [n30]. Say, like 1 + 1 = 2? It's clear as day in fact! Via the sunlight in heaven? Indeed! Suggesting a property wholly transcendent of space-time. And, since we don't actually know space-time even exists—outside of the matrix of the mind?—it must at the very least, exist as dimensions within the mind. Whereby these too, regarding sacred geometry? [np:3], are transcendent! Meaning they could easily apply to Jung's six states of mind, as well as the six states of Heavenly Marriage [n3:1] and, the six Churches on earth [n22]. You can decide for yourself.
"The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God." ~ Euclid
27 In addition to the nine states described above [n22], I've discovered 14 states altogether, regarding dimensions 1-4?—or, simply "14"—which I've detailed in chapter 4 [n1]. Or, if you circumscribe a circle around the idea, it becomes the 15th aspect—or, one octave?—which I ascribe to the Queen of Athens [n4:3-5,22; n21:1]. It's amazing what you can do with numbers!
The six churches and states are described as follows:
28 The Church of Adam (1) compares to
the thinking process, and signifies the speculative mind or, what is theoretical. Therefore who was Adam? Where did he come
from? There are many theories. Thus being the first aspect developed in our culture—according to Jung—it corresponds
to the top segment of the cross [n24; n6:58]. While in accord with the front cover [np:5], where red is the first color on the Menorah, the name Adam means, red earth. Merely a coincidence? [n20]. It too signifies the rational or thinking process, for iron makes the soil red which, according to Swedenborg [Apocalypse Revealed - n544; n828], signifies the rational comprehension of truth—or, The Word. It's also signified by
Revelation 12:5: "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne." [n4:112]. So, it seems we've discovered a true correspondence or, synchronicity! [n21].
29 The Church of Noah (2) compares to the feeling process, and signifies the developmental mind or, the science or research prompted by what's speculated on—or, thought about. The opposite of the thinking process, it corresponds to the second or, bottom segment of the cross [n24; n6:58]. Hence the idea of Noah, who was born of earthly parents, seems more substantial, and through his science he built the ark, the first known handiwork of man. But, was there really a flood? And when did it occur? [n13]. It seems we're still fishing around. As these first two churches included everyone, they portrayed the General Church: i.e., we're all the progeny of Adam and Noah (12).
30 The Israelite Church (3) compares to the substantial process or, the substantial mind. Similar to Jung's sensational mind—the sensate perception of one's physical world, to determine whether it's real or not—it involves confirming one's ideas before putting them into use. Much as a triangle with three sides might suggest: everything as to truth [n3:10; n23:5]. And here, the idea of monotheism becomes substantiated via The Word or holy writ, i.e., the Bible, having proceeded throughout the western world via the third, fourth, fifth and now Sixth Church [n10:9]. This is the specific focus of western religion in other words [n7]. Thus where it requires three dimensions to create space-time—or, reality—in effect it says, God Is-Real! [n26].
31 The Christian Church (4)
compares to the intuitive process, and signifies the intuitive mind. Defined by the area inside the triangle, hence
everything as to good [n3:10; n23:5],
the Christian Church becomes the fruit of the substantial mind or, Israelite Church—in context with truth.
Compare the Greek letter Delta, which means the fourth 
.
And here, once we substantiate an idea, the framework remains, and it's no longer necessary to dwell on it, consciously. It's
then reallocated to our subconscious memory, and lingers there, to prompt us later as flashes of insight. The actual filling
of the vessel or, the sensation it has on our minds, we don't quite understand why we know, that is, until it resurfaces.
Whereby reality is no longer static [n25], but animated (time is
movement) which, is why Jesus appears in the flesh? And so Christianity was born of, and became the fulfillment of, the
Israelite Church.
32 The Swedenborg Church (5) compares to
the decision process, which is akin to the understanding: the result of one's experience, brought to bear on a situation.
And, where the thinking and feeling processes are one opposing pair, from top to bottom (1-2), and the substantial and intuitive processes
are the second, from left to right (3-4), the understanding becomes the balance or, focal point—or, crux of the matter. This
too is in line with Jung's work which, as related above [n23], he describes the person who
develops all four aspects as being enlightened. Remember the Swedenborg Church coincides with the Age of Enlightenment?
[n9,12]. While I'm simply amazed at how well this bears out!
So, once the four dimensions of space-time are created, what does it mean exactly, without any conscious realization? [n25]. It may as well not exist at all, for reality is not even aware of itself—and, totally in the dark! Genesis 1:1-5.
"The eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility." ~ Albert Einstein
33 Essentially reflective of the third church, the fifth church entails broader terms or, the whole of one's experience. As the Christian Church fills the vessel with water, making it the universal church [n8], the
Israelite Church is the vessel itself. Whereby the Swedenborg
Church becomes the vessel's ultimate use [n14] or, ultimate realization. This is why I won't
go into great detail about the
spiritual world, as it's thoroughly detailed in Swedenborg's work.
Whereby the idea of God is fully revealed, in human terms and, why his work represents the Second Coming (per
Revelation 12:5 above [n28]).
34 Today's Church (6) (1987-2010 [nf:7]) compares to the life developed in accord with the fifth church: which is one's will—or, liberty. The actual reciprocal of the understanding, they work together in-sync—i.e., the ultimate act, proceeding from the understanding. Essentially reflective of the fourth church, like the fifth, it encompasses broader terms: regarding ESP or, the sixth sense. Again, in line with Carl Jung, it's expressed by the term he popularized—synchronicity [n23]—which, soon should become clear. Thus having established the first five churches, the first four forming a symmetrical cross, and the fifth the focal point or crux of the matter, it's time now to form the extension, and ground it at its base [n24; n6:58].
35 To carry things further, the fifth and sixth churches can be ascribed to a tree, in particular an English walnut. And here, the Fifth Church became established in Northern Europe, more specific to Great Britain, with its strong Protestant ties. Having roots in the soil of the Christian Church, or Greece, it was transplanted as a seedling from Judea, i.e., Root of David, with its initial seed corresponding to The Word or, Israelite Church. It was a tree that grew so tall, symbolically at least, as to extend its boughs unto Great Britain and drop its fruit on the soil below. And, although from Sweden, one of Swedenborg's early ambitions was to complete his studies in England, his much awaited promised land.
36 The tree was later transplanted to North America, or the United States, as the Sixth Church. And is typified by grafting the English walnut, to the black walnut, a tree indigenous to North America: the only instance I know where two trees are joined this way; and conveys what I'm trying to do, exclusively! Here, the English walnut, its foliage signifying the crown of the tree, branches out throughout the British Empire, its culture the desired fruit. Any wonder why English is the most common language in the western world, and most common second language spoken elsewhere, highly esteemed for its scientific applications? While the black walnut, a hardy and more disease-resistant tree, signifies the trunk of the tree, as it broadens and supports the rest of the tree. This is the role the United States has played, although it has more to do with the tree approaching maturity, regarding the year 1987. While I give more detail of this, and the ties between Great Britain and the United States in chapter 10 [n1].
37 This transplanting of one culture over another also typifies what happened to the American Indian. Effectively cut off at the base, he had his heaven removed, and replaced by the European sky god, Jehovah. Which may have been an appropriate thing (not to put down American Indian culture in any way), for the crown of the tree signifies the marriage to heaven [n44; n3:6]: as the leaves draw nutrients through photosynthesis. And, as American Indian culture is based more on a relationship with Mother Earth, it signifies a marriage to the earth: as the trunk draws nutients from the soil through the roots. Thus by transplanting European culture to North America, the marriage (7) of both heaven (5) and earth (6) is realized (567) [n4:72; n6:58]. Where the European assumes the qualities of the husband or the understanding or, Father Sky; and the American Indian assumes the qualities of the wife or the will or, Mother Earth. And here I should note the founders of the United States were inspired by the Native American's form of government—the Iroquois.
38 Like the symbolism in chapters 10 [n1] and 21 [n1], this entails the completion of the 14 Gerarai in chapter 4 [n1]. And, where 14 x 41 equals 574—or, Rachel (14) x Leah (41) [n4:6]—it corresponds the name Rachel and, the fourth or Christian Church [n7,31]. That is, prior to the advent of Fifth Church [n32] or, the Second Coming [n10], which entails the Bridegroom in heaven (5) and, signifies Great Britain. Thus where the number 575 portrays the crown of the tree above [n35-36], the number 576 signifies the point at which the tree is grounded, at its trunk or base, hence the advent of the Sixth Church. Which, in relation to the bride to be or, engagement period [n18], signifies the United States. This is also portrayed in chapter 10 [n1], regarding the relation between Ephraim and Manasseh, the two sons of Joseph, who were adopted by Israel/Jacob in Genesis 48.
39 I haven't read the Book of Mormon yet, which claims the American Indians descended from the House of Israel and, that Christ appeared with His Mission in ancient America [n10:12], which for all I know is fictitious. But, at least sews the seeds in people's minds, to give it a spiritual tangibility. The place of myths, legends and archetypes, this was Jung's area of expertise, who coined the term, collective unconscious. I also understand Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was familiar with Swedenborg's writings, who allegedly borrowed from his ideas. And so the Church of Mormon was founded, which I believe is a legitimate Christian sect; although I personally don’t subscribe to formalized religion. This in itself, even if false, nearly substantiates what I'm trying to present: transplanting The Church to North America.
40 Indeed it seems fitting that American Indian and European cultures be joined or, some synthesis created, for it's time we stood up and took a hard look, at the heap of intellectual waste wrought on a world we now mistake for home. It's time Apollo went back to Apollyon—for now—and stepped aside for his younger brother Dionysus, to allow him to resurface and see what he can do. Again, western man needs to rediscover his ties with mother earth, which have become so vital now: where the American Indian comes in. And so compares with Dionysus, whose worship was held in close communion with Mother Nature—or Rhea [n5:16,26; n13:37; n18:6]. While in recent times, western civilization has effectively suppressed Dionysus, almost a direct parallel of the way the American Indian was scapegoated, i.e., a primary symbol of Dionysus. And here, I relate the experience I had with American Indians in chapter 9 [n1].
41 At the same time, if people understood there was a God in heaven—or, Great Spirit Chief, as Native Americans
call Him—and, heaven wasn't simply a fairytale, then perhaps we could give up all the strife and materialism (keeping up with the Joneses, etc.) and begin to focus on saving the planet. This in part is what I meant by putting everyone on the same page above [n19]. While come to find out, no one is required to believe in God—or Jesus—to go to heaven; albeit as Swedenborg contends (Apocalypse Revealed n548), regarding the testimony of Michael in Revelation 12:7 [n16:1-2], the God of heaven is the same God in the Bible and, Jesus is conceivably God Himself [n2:17].
"At the center of the Universe dwells the Great Spirit. And that center is everywhere . . . and, within each of us." ~ Black Elk
42 As long as we believe in a sense of justice and fair play, regarding God or Jesus, and adopt a code of ethics
that reflect this, the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, etc., this is all that's required. And, as Swedenborg says in
Heaven and Hell (n318), even the heathen are saved [n15]. In fact it's not difficult at all! Though a radical departure from the Christian Fundamentalist point of view, where only those who believe in Jesus—or, merely pay lip service to?—are saved. No, it's those who believe out of a sense of decency (bereft of pride and ego), towards themselves and others, that are saved. Nothing more, nothing less. "Of their fruits ye shall know them!" Matthew 7:16-23. These are those who love God and, do the Father's will. Anything else is hypocritical! "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15.
43 Think what we could do by adopting such an idea world-wide at the grassroots level. Albeit it may require some drastic changes but, that much is clear. Nor do I see anything happening in a meaningful way, unless it became part of religious practice and, heaven and an afterlife is attainable. That is also a given. While I'm thinking of the Unitarian Universalist Church (not too different from the Swedenborg Church), which is pretty liberal in its policies and, basically open to everyone. As a way of getting the idea across at least.
44 As our tree approaches maturity, we need to reconcile ourselves to the American Indian—in some capacity—as it's our best chance to achieve a change in outlook. And with the recent resurgence of American Indian culture in the late twentieth century, it seems to support the idea—and, the advent of the Sixth Church. I also believe the story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians in chapter 9 [n1], regarding the Axis Mundi and Chief Joseph's Cross in chapter 23 [n1,13], to be an overall focal point and, may very likely become an important rallying cry! If, however, we don't address our environment, and soon, and continue to strip away the topsoil, and/or pollute it, our tree may topple! Isn't it time we stopped taking so much for granted?
45 Finally, by joining the Fifth and Sixth Churches it joins the two minds: the understanding [n32] and the will [n34]. And so reflects their completion or marriage [n35], and suggests a seventh and final state of, The Church [n7]. What I believe will be developed in accord with Russia or the former Soviet Union. If you refer to chapter 5, I relate the experience that occurred along the Russian River [n5:4] in Northern California that partly confirms this: with the early Russian settlement near the river's mouth, Fort Ross, explaining how the river got its name.
46 And so prompts
Revelation
12: A woman clothed with the sun in verse 1, and the great red dragon
who persecutes her in verse 3. Which, according to Swedenborg (Apocalypse Revealed - n532-542), refers to The Advent of the
New Church, and could easily apply to the Soviet Union. I speak more of the woman's
significance in chapter 4 [n109]. While the red dragon signifies the Communist System itself, or its
dogma; while in verses 7-9, it speaks of Michael who goes to war with the dragon, and defeats him. Thus it's easy to see the correlation to
Mikhail Gorbechev, and the critical role he's played in derailing Soviet Ideology, with the recent fall of the Iron Curtain and current attempts to go to a free market economy.
47 Indeed it seems to correlate with Today's Church (1987-2010 [n16; nf:7]). And, while Russia might signify the bride to be [n4:66], her true reconciliation or marriage—to the west—won't occur until the year 2010, much like the movie, 2010: The Year We Make Contact. I suspect it will take this long to set up the required measures. Then there's the book, Russia 2010, published in 1993 by Daniel Yergin and Thane Gustafson, which conveys something similar. While I speak more of the link between Russia, the United States and Great Britain in chapter 10 [n21-28], and refer to the date in the next chapter [n2:19].