Description

George de Charms (1889–1988) is widely known in New Church circles for his extraordinary devotion to the church and for his wide-ranging contributions to its life. He was Executive Bishop of the General Church of the New Jerusalem from 1937 to his retirement in 1961. Notable published studies include Harmony of the Four Gospels (Academy of the New Church Press, 1978); The Growth of the Mind: A New Church Interpretation (Academy Book Room, 1953.); and Imagination and Rationality (Swedenborg Scientific Association, 1981). In the opening chapter we read: “’There are more arcana in the doctrine of reflection than in any other whatever.’ This arresting statement is found in number 733 of [Swedenborg’s] Spiritual Experiences. It seems to challenge the generally accepted view . . . However, when we analyze the teaching of the Writings on the subject, we learn that it has universal application because it underlies all the other operations of the human mind . . . All consciousness depends upon it . . . Without it the Lord could not have effected the Glorification of His Human . . .”