To Roger,
The questions you posed do have answers and they can be found in the books
Divine Love and Wisdom and
Divine Providence, both by E. Swedenborg.
I couldn't begin to give you a detailed synopsis of over 700 pages here in this forum. I will copy the back book cover for it states very elegantly and succintly:
Divine Love and Wisdomhttp://www.swedenborg.com/Bookstore/Presentation.asp?qsContent=ProductProfile&qs..."
Divine Love and Wisdom has been called the most profound work of the Enlightenment scientist and seer Emanuel Swedenborg. It demonstrates how God's love, wisdom, and humanity are reflected in creation and in ourselves, and suggests tha the act of Creation is not a mystery of the past, but a miracle ongoing in every instant of the present. Like a blueprint of things unseen,
Divine Love and Wisdom makes visible the hidden design of the universe, as well as the qualities of its Architect. It's vivid depiction of the spiritual mechanism of the world has impressed things such as William Blake, Smauel Taylor Coleridge, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Jenry James, Sr. "
Divine Providencehttp://www.swedenborg.com/Bookstore/Presentation.asp?qsContent=ProductProfile&qs...Divine Providence is one of the major works of the Enlightenment scientist and religious seer Emanuel Swedenborg. It provides a coherent and satisying solution to what has been called "the problem of evil': How are God's goodness and power reconcilable with evil's presence in the larger world and in the human mind and heart? By tackling an array of issues that commonly undermine belief in God, including war, suffering, and inequality--and by revealing the wise and loving laws that lie hidden behind these seemingly senseless phenomena,
Divine Providence aims to restore our faith in the meaningfulness of the world. Despite its universal focus,
Divine Providence is also a highly practical book on the personal level, demonstrating how we can put aside negative attitudes and behaviors and grow into positive thought and action. Its insights have had a powerful effect on a wide range of thinkings, including William Blake, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Helen Keller.
Roger, I would be happy to send you a free copy of each of these books. They were literally a life-line for me as I went through severe grief and depression.
Or if you decide to purchase the books. mention my name at the Swedenborg Foundation and I believe you will receive a substantial discount on your first order.
John 16:12-15:
Oh, there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard. He willt ell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me. All that hte Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me.With Peace and Blessings to All,
Judy