Talk by Anders Hallengren | 28 January 2012 | 4.30 pm Bloomsbury London.
The most important part of Swedenborg’s teachings has never been termed a doctrine: the ‘Doctrine of Love’, which according to Swedenborg is the foundation proper of faith and knowledge. Like the ‘Commandment of Love’ this principle supersedes and overrides all other rules. In effect, it is more important what you do than what you believe, and Goodness is more important than Faith because the truths of faith are closed to the uncharitable. ‘Caritas’ or charity is the royal road to wisdom and also has an intrinsic value, since facere ‘bonum’ or “doing good” and making other people happy is forever the highest joy of our lives and is its own reward.
Music programme for the evening, performed by Margaret Pearman (Soprano) & David Coussell (Piano):
GF Handel Alcina
‘Tornami a vagheggiar’ (Morgana)
CW Gluck Alceste
‘Divinités du Styx’ (Alceste)
WA Mozart La Clemenza di Tito
‘Non più di fiori’ (Vitellia)
