Swedenborgian Professor Dr. Rebecca Esterson on Bible Interpretation, God, & Spiritual Communities

Host Rev. Cory Bradford-Watts talks with Dr. Rebecca Esterson, a professor at the Center for Swedenborgian Studies, about traditional Christian interpretations of an angry Old Testament God and a loving New Testament God, and the benefits of reading the Bible as allegory as opposed to reading the Bible literally. Book recommendations and more resources below ↓↓↓↓

In this episode of the Transcendiots webcast we talk with Swedenborgian professor Dr. Rebecca Esterson about the history of Christian Bible interpretation and how Emanuel Swedenborg influenced European and American modern ideas about the Bible, spirituality, and the afterlife. Watch and listen as Dr. Esterson offers guidance on how to read sacred text with sensitivity to stereotypes and generalizations so that we can dismantle the proliferation of anti-semitism, racism, and sexism through religion. The conversation comes full circle with a discussion about how we can apply God's powerful love to our own spiritual communities.

★RELATED SWEDENBORG FOUNDATION BOOKS★

"Heaven and Hell" by Emanuel Swedenborg - https://swedenborg.com/product/heaven-hell-nce/

"A New Key to the Bible" by Bruce Henderson - https://swedenborg.com/product/a-new-key-to-the-bible/

"Ten Commandments: The Secrets of Spiritual Growth Found in God’s Principles for Living" - https://swedenborg.com/product/ten-commandments/

★ABOUT★

The Transcendiots webcast is brought to you by the Swedenborg Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, independent, educational organization for those seeking to explore spirituality and interfaith. Every other week, we'll bring you a new conversation with a guest or guests who have interesting insights to share about self-awareness and spiritual growth!

Learn more about the Swedenborg Foundation -- http://www.swedenborg.com

★THE HOST★

Rev. Cory Bradford-Watts is an ordained minister with the Swedenborgian Church of North America and a member of the Swedenborg Foundation board of directors. His current ministry includes leading and officiating the Swedenborgian Online Community—an affirming interfaith group that meets weekly to grow in love and wisdom online. Cory was exposed to many different religious traditions growing up, but had little personal belief in Divinity. Then, after experiencing a mystical near-death experience as a young adult, he started to sense the spiritual qualities of life and developed a belief in the Creator. He eventually found himself drawn to the pluralistic, Christian nature of Swedenborgianism, and answered the call to uplift others wherever they're at, no matter their creed or culture.

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