Theological Journey

"Now it is permitted to enter with understanding into the mysteries of faith."
Emanuel Swedenborg, True Christian Religion paragraph 508


All of Swedenborg's Theological Writings, published in his lifetime, were at his own expenses, anonymously at first but later showing his name only as servant of the Lord, in order to attract no attention to himself from what he believed was a mission from The Divine. As they were printed, he quietly distributed his Writings to centres of learning throughout Europe. At no time did Swedenborg preach, make any moves to found a church or religion, or attempt to gather any following around himself, believing only that the Lord's own truth would be accepted whenever seekers with open words in 35 volumes with only a quill pen), after 27 years of continuous experiences in the spiritual realm he published the crowning summary of his works, The True Christian Religion, and died in England in 1772 at the age of 84.


Swedenborg presented his works logically in a clear and scientific manner, because he said that truth must always be understandable in the clear light of reason. He rejected any article of faith which forced anyone to confess what they could not understand. Christianity, as Swedenborg defines it, goes back to actual Biblical texts to determine the real meaning and teaching of the Word of God. From his time he bridges back over the whole 1700 year history and practice of Christianity, separating those beliefs and practices truly found in the Bible, from those developed subsequently by humans in councils, edicts, and proclamations. This departure from traditional Christianity is totally new with Swedenborg's claim that he was taught by the Lord Himself in explanation of many Biblical passages otherwise indiscernible, including spiritual implications behind the Bible's account of worldly events 2000 or more years ago.

Over the past two centuries, many of the world's leading thinkers have been influenced by Swedenborg, some profoundly. Among such, Emerson, Goethe, Robert and Elizabeth Browning, William Blake, Carl Jung and Helen Keller may be listed to name just a few. The world over, his Theological Writings continue to be read by increasing numbers of those with inquiring and who have had their spiritual perceptions widened in ways not otherwise possible. Among many readers are those who believe these Writings actually to be part of the Word of God, along with the Old and New Testaments, and today those of that persuasion from the New Church (sometimes called Swedenborgian) around the world.

A rational understanding of Father, Son and Holy Spirit as a single Divine Person, the Lord Jesus Christ as one God; His Divine Humanity and our responses of love to Him and the neighbour; the order of His Creation and our part in it; the operation of His Providence; His Love and Wisdom; Heaven and Hell-- these subjects are all there to explore. Swedenborg's legacy is for anyone on a spiritual journey to search these Writing, and see if they meet the above claim.
 

[Top]