From The Doctrines For Spiritual Christianity
All changes of place in the spiritual world are effected by changes of state of the interiors, which means that change of place is nothing else than change of state. In this way I have been taken by the Lord into the heavens and also to the earths in the universe; and it was my spirit that so journeyed, while my body remained in the same place. Such are all movements of the angels; and in consequence they have no distances, and having no distances they have no spaces, but in place of spaces they have states and their changes. (Heaven and Hell 192)
As changes of place are thus effected it is evident that approaches are likenesses of state of the interiors, and separations are unlikenesses; and for this reason those are near each other who are in like states, and those are at a distance who are in unlike states; and spaces in heaven are simply the external conditions corresponding to the internal states. (Heaven and Hell 193)
Spirits and angels are not in space, because they perceive the spiritual apart from space. For the spiritual is like thought which, although it is in man, yet man is able by means of it to be present as it were elsewhere, in any place however remote. Such is the state of spirits and angels who are men, even as to their bodies. They appear in the place where their thought is, because spaces and distances in the spiritual world are appearances, and act as one with their thought from affection. (Divine Love and Wisdom 285)
Substances in the spiritual world appear to be material, although they are not, and because they are not material they are not permanent. They are correspondences of the affections of angels, and they remain as long as the affections or the angels remain, and disappear with them. (Divine Wisdom 8{7})
Angels and spirits have habitations which appear quite like those which are in the world (n. 1116, 1626-1628, 1631, 4622), and-what is a secret each and all things that appear in their habitations are significative of spiritual things; for they flow forth from the spiritual things which are in heaven, and which are consequently in their minds. (Arcana Coelestia 8989{3})
Key Points From The Video
Dependence of Spatial Bodies on Space: Spatial bodies require space to exist. In the spiritual world, where physical space does not exist, the appearance of space is internal to the mind, even though it seems external.
Generation of Sensory Images: Unlike in the natural world, sensory images in the spiritual realm are not generated by physical influxes. Instead, they are spiritual representations arising from the will and intellect of angels, which are purely mental.
Spiritual Bodies and Sensory Perception: Angels’ bodies are not physical but spiritual, reflecting their internal states. Sensory organs and experiences in the spiritual world are direct manifestations of mental and spiritual faculties rather than external physical stimuli.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Why is physical space impossible in the spiritual world?
a) Because spiritual bodies are too small to occupy it
b) Because spatial bodies are unnecessary
c) Because space cannot be divided in the spiritual world
d) Because the mind creates the appearance of space internally
Answer d)
2. How are sensory images generated in the spiritual world?
a) Through physical influxes affecting sensory organs
b) Through the interaction of natural and spiritual forces
c) Through the mental states of the will and intellect
d) Through external forces acting on spiritual bodies
Answer c)
3. What do the sensory organs of angels represent?
a) Their ability to perceive physical objects
b) The interplay of natural and spiritual worlds
c) Their spiritual and mental faculties
d) The division of space within their perception
Answer c)
4. How are sensations experienced by angels in the spiritual world?
a) As direct reflections of their mental states
b) As independent from their internal states
c) As caused by external physical sources
d) As unimportant to their spiritual experience
Answer a)
5. What is the primary difference between material and spiritual bodies?
a) Material bodies are more durable
b) Spiritual bodies are direct manifestations of internal states
c) Material bodies are made of energy
d) Spiritual bodies cannot experience sensations
Answer b)
Reflective Questions
1. How does the idea that space in the spiritual world is an internal mental construct affect your understanding of physical space?
2. In what ways might your own mental states shape your sensory experiences or perceptions in daily life?
3. How can recognising the spiritual correspondence between body and mind deepen your sense of connection to the Divine?
Experiential Integration
Reflect on a specific sensory experience each day (e.g., seeing a beautiful view, hearing music, or tasting a meal). Ask yourself how your mental state influences the way you experience it.
Consider journaling about any connections you observe between your thoughts, emotions, and the quality of the sensory experience.
Further Exploration
Listen to the audio recording of the book Spiritual Christianity. Collected from the theological works of Emmanuel Swedenborg by Charles Augustus Tulk which is what this short course series is based on.
Listen HERE to Spiritual Christianity: Chapter 6 Part 1(YouTube channel)