By David Simpson
The purpose of this discourse is to offer evidence that the time has come to make the Heavenly Doctrine of the New Church available in Spanish.
Both Spanish and English are principle languages of international communication and broadly based. Only Chinese outranks Spanish in the number of its primary users.
Looking south, we can see that the current realities of Latin America present some interesting contrasts and opportunities.
First, the literacy rates in Latin America are encouragingly high.
Second, there is an interesting demographic, not uncommon in the developing world, which will enhance the likelihood of change and openness to new ideas.
Third, there is a strong commitment to education in the region, particularly early childhood education.
Fourth, Latin America is also one of the most urbanized areas in the world, a phenomenon from the last quarter of the 20th century. The effect of this is that ideas that originate in the major metropolitan areas have a conduit into the smaller centers as people go back and forth, which is good news for evangelical efforts.
Fifth, the countries of Latin America are deeply Christian. The Bible is revered and the Lord is universally recognized and commonly worshiped.
The prevailing factors of a literate population, the homogeneity of the Spanish language throughout the region, the communications infrastructure, a burgeoning young demographic pushing the demands for change in the religious and secular arenas, highly concentrated populations, and a strong indigenous spirituality will, in my opinion, combine to create an environment that will be receptive to Swedenborg’s writings, if they are available.
The truth is that our neighbors need these teachings desperately. The daily realities of most of these people are harsh. Actually, most people in Latin America work hard, no matter what they do. Yet the underlying problems do not go away. These societies are parched with a thirst for the essential truths of the Heavenly Doctrine.
In contrast to the modern urban problems, consider the great antiquity and spirituality that exists in this part of the world. Expressions of devotion and ritual worship have a very important place. We could of course choose to do nothing. If, on the other hand, there is a perceived mission to be involved in evangelization and the growth of the New Church in this part of the world, even if only to a limited degree, then I would suggest that the church undertake some work to make New Church teachings available in Spanish. The absence of an organized New Church in Spanish-speaking Latin America is not a reason not to translate, but precisely the reason to do so. In my opinion, what are needed are low-cost, durable, and portable paperback editions of Swedenborgian teachings that can be made readily available to a vast population that is waiting. Why not now? ¿Por qué no ahora?
THE SPANISH PROJECT
At the turn of the new millennium there were no editions of Swedenborg’s writings available in the Spanish language. Except in some literary and high academic circles, the name of Swedenborg was relatively unknown in the Hispanic world, as was any familiarity with his writings. In 2002 the Sociedad Swedenborg de España (“The Swedenborg Society of Spain”) was formed by Professor José Antonio Antón Pacheco, a professor of Philosophy at the University of Seville, and Christian Blom-Dahl, a Norwegian consul residing in Valencia. Through the efforts of the newly formed Spanish Society a translation of Heaven and Hell was produced in Madrid. The publication of The New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrine was added in 2004. As of 2007, these are the only volumes of Swedenborg’s writings in print in the Spanish language and for all practical purposes these are only available in Spain.
While studying for the ministry at the Pacific School of Religion, Rev. Carla Friedrich encountered a manuscript of a Spanish translation of Divine Love and Wisdom while working in the Archives. Carla also came across letters and references to other works that were made by a Dr. L.E. Calleja of Mexico City at the turn of the 20th Century.
Carla had been imbued earlier with a love for the Spanish language, people, and culture, by her older sister, Dr. Ellen Friedrich (a professor of modern romance languages). Carla thought it important to take a special course on providing ministry in a Latino context. She went to Spain to hone her speaking skills and subsequently sought out the position of pastor of the Church of the New Jerusalem in San Diego, at the doorstep of Mexico. There she was inspired by the dedicated efforts of Rev. Mark Perry, her former minister in Atlanta, Georgia, who had a similar enthusiasm for the language and the same evangelistic spirit.
In Mark’s congregation there is a man named Jesús Zarsosa, whose father is a retired professor, scholar, and businessman living in Tijuana. The Zarsosa family has a deep love and respect for Swedenborg’s writings and a dream of bringing the Doctrines of the New Church to their native land in their native language. Mark immediately began to develop proficiency in Spanish so that classes in Swedenborg’s teachings could be offered. With the support of the San Diego congregation of the General Church, a location was obtained in Tijuana, and an outreach community, subsequently named “The Swedenborg Learning Centre,” opened its doors. Recently, Revs. Friedrich and Perry met with several pastors from the Tijuana area at the new Centre who were interested in learning about Swedenborg’s teachings. Mark’s effort was a great success, but the total lack of any Spanish language versions of the writings was an almost insurmountable barrier.
Simultaneously, in November of 2006, David Simpson, the new Executive Director of “Information Swedenborg” in Toronto, shared his deep desire to see Swedenborg’s writings translated into Spanish with Rev. Michael Gladish, who circulated David’s missive to other members of the Clergy – including Rev. Mark Perry. Connections were formed. A large group of interested individuals began to assemble from a wider representation of the Church, and an ad hoc committee of the Spanish Project was formed in December of 2006 to set objectives and goals.
The Spanish Project will be funded by contributions and donations. It will convert the manuscripts and published works into editable text so that they can be updated and made available on the Internet and in print. Dr. Calleja’s translations were digitally scanned, and electronic copies were sent to Peru, where they are waiting to be retyped and readied for circulation in Latin America and Spain.
David Simpson is the new Executive Director of Information Swedenborg, a non-profit corporation based in Toronto whose mission is to raise awareness of the life and work of Emanuel Swedenborg. David has traveled extensively through Venezuela, Colombia and Peru and has had a passionate interest in Spanish Translations of Swedenborg’s theological writings for the past 10 years.
