What is The New Church, and what is its theological foundation?

The New Church, also known as Swedenborgianism, is a group of historically related Christian denominations influenced by the theology of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). It is considered a part of Restorationist Christianity, believing it represents a renewal of the original Christian church.

What central problem did Emanuel Swedenborg identify in historical Christianity?

Emanuel Swedenborg identified a historical decline in Christianity due to the loss of the "inner sense" of Scripture, leading to a purely external understanding of faith. He believed this resulted in faith and good works becoming mere displays motivated by worldly desires rather than genuine spiritual essence.

According to Swedenborg, how is salvation achieved?

Salvation, in Swedenborgian theology, is achieved through a process called "regeneration." This involves individuals accepting divine truth from the Lord into their "inner self" and controlling their "outer" self by prioritizing goodness and truth over worldly desires and associated evils.

How does The New Church's view on the Trinity differ from traditional Christianity?

The New Church rejects the traditional Christian doctrine of a trinity of persons from eternity, considering it polytheistic. Instead, they believe in one God, Jehovah, who incarnated as Jesus, glorifying His human form through kenosis. This means God the Father is the inner divinity, manifest in the Son, with the Holy Spirit being the divine proceeding from Him.

When and where was the New Church movement officially founded?

Although Emanuel Swedenborg wrote about a "New Church," he did not establish an organization himself. The movement was officially founded in England on May 7, 1787, fifteen years after Swedenborg's death.

How did Swedenborg's teachings spread to the United States?

New Church ideas were spread in the United States by missionaries, one notable example being John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed. Early missionaries also traveled to parts of Africa.

What was Swedenborg's view on the "African race" in relation to spiritual enlightenment?

Swedenborg believed that the "African race" was "in greater enlightenment than others on this earth" because they tend to think more "interiorly" and are receptive to truths. This was considered a liberal concept for the time, and Swedenborgians accepted freed African converts into their homes early on.

How did occultism influence some followers of Swedenborg in the 19th century?

During the 19th century, as occultism gained popularity, some followers blended Swedenborg's writings with traditions like theosophy, cabala, alchemy, and divination. They were particularly fascinated by his descriptions of visits to Heaven and Hell in his work *Heaven and Hell*.

When was the New Church organized in the United States, and what was its early name?

The New Church was organized in the United States in 1817 with the founding of the General Convention of the New Church, which is also known as the Swedenborgian Church of North America.

What caused a faction to split from the General Convention in the United States?

Controversies regarding doctrine and the authority of Swedenborg's writings led to a faction splitting off to form the Academy of the New Church. This group later became known as the General Church of the New Jerusalem.

What are the two essential doctrines of The New Church?

The two essential doctrines of The New Church are: 1) that there is one God, Jehovah, who incarnated as Jesus to redeem humanity, and 2) the obligation to live according to His commandments, emphasizing that love and charity, not just faith, constitute the church.

How does The New Church define the Lord's Human and its relation to the Divine?

The New Church teaches that the Lord's Human (His physical form) was made Divine through a process of glorification, uniting it with the Divine from which all things originate. This Divine Human is the means by which humanity is saved.

What is the New Church's understanding of salvation through regeneration?

Regeneration is the process of being "re-born" from a sinful state to a spiritual one, where goodness and truth become one's highest love. This involves accepting divine truth and living a life of usefulness and love, thereby achieving union with Jesus.

How does The New Church view the relationship between faith and charity?

The New Church believes that faith and charity are intertwined and cannot exist independently. Faith without charity is not true faith, and charity without faith is not charity; they become one in acts of repentance and good works.

What is the New Church's perspective on the Bible's spiritual sense?

Adherents believe the Bible is divinely inspired and contains a hidden, spiritual sense revealed through symbolic correspondence. The literal meaning of the text serves as a vessel for this deeper, spiritual truth, which is essential for understanding God's word.

Which books of the Old Testament does Swedenborg consider divinely inspired and possessing an internal spiritual sense?

Swedenborg considered the Law of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), the Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi), and the Psalms to be divinely inspired.

Which books of the New Testament are considered sacred scripture by The New Church?

The New Church regards the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Book of Revelation as sacred scripture. The Acts of the Apostles and the epistles are held in esteem, similar to the Jewish regard for the Old Testament writings.

What is Swedenborg's view on the nature of man's birth regarding depravity?

Swedenborg did not believe man is born into total depravity. Instead, he stated that humans are born into a state of ignorance beyond their "outer self," with their principal love directed towards worldly things due to a lack of knowledge of spiritual truths.

How is regeneration described as a spiritual battle within Swedenborgian theology?

Regeneration involves a spiritual battle where individuals choose between good (influenced by heaven) and evil (influenced by hell), utilizing their free will. This internal conflict, or temptation, is seen as a struggle between God and the devil, with God's divine truth aiding the individual's reform.

What is The New Church's understanding of the "Church" itself?

The term "Church" in Swedenborgianism refers to any people, culture, or religion where the Lord is acknowledged and the "Word" (divine revelation) exists. It is not limited to Christendom and includes expressions of the Word found in other faiths.

How does The New Church interpret Jesus' crucifixion differently from traditional Christianity?

The New Church does not believe that Christ's death was redemption itself, viewing this as a fundamental error. Instead, they see the crucifixion as the final temptation endured by Jesus, through which He conquered hell and glorified His Human.

What is the Swedenborgian view of the afterlife regarding space and time?

Adherents believe that in the spiritual world, which exists beyond space and time, states of being replace time, love replaces space, and perception of truth replaces material substance. Angels and spirits shed the constraints of physical space and time upon death.

How does The New Church describe the spiritual world's appearance and the presence of God?

The spiritual world is described as having landscapes and cities resembling the material world, but corresponding to spiritual thoughts. In heaven, the Lord appears as a sun, with His light and heat representing truth and goodness, while hell is characterized by darkness and cold.

What is the Swedenborgian belief regarding the origin of the soul?

The New Church teaches that the soul is the recipient of life from God, originating from the seed of the father. The body is its clothing, received from the mother. This contrasts with beliefs in reincarnation, as individuals live only once.

What is the Swedenborgian understanding of judgment immediately after death?

Immediately after death, individuals enter an intermediate state in the spirit world to await judgment. During this period, their hidden intentions and affections are revealed, determining whether they will enter heaven or hell based on their choices.

How does The New Church view hell and the concept of eternal punishment?

The New Church believes that hell is the internal state of evil, and individuals are drawn to it by their nature. God does not send anyone to hell; rather, people choose hell by their own will and love for evil. Punishment exists in hell, but it is a consequence of the evil actions performed in the spiritual world, not solely for past earthly deeds.

What is the Swedenborgian concept of heaven?

Heaven is understood to proceed from God, who is perceived by angels as the light of heaven and can appear in angelic form. Heaven consists of countless societies, each fulfilling a specific purpose according to the love and use of its members, all of whom were once human.

Does The New Church believe in an "end of the world"?

No, The New Church does not believe in a literal end of the world. Instead, they believe the church has passed through several ages, each concluding with a spiritual "Last Judgement," which ushers in a new age or a new church.

What are the four preceding churches mentioned in Swedenborgian eschatology?

The four churches that preceded the New Church are: the Most Ancient Church (before the flood), the Ancient Church (after the flood), Judaism (beginning with Moses), and Christianity (established by Jesus and the apostles).

What is the Swedenborgian perspective on marriage?

Marriage is considered a personal sacrament, ideally administered by a priest, as it originates from the divine marriage of God and the church. It is founded in religion, with man representing truth and woman representing love, and is seen as a union of souls, preferable to celibacy.

How does Swedenborg's view on sexuality differ from mainstream Christian beliefs?

Swedenborg did not condemn all sexual activity outside of marriage, particularly if it had the potential to develop into true conjugal love. He believed that while infidelity was wrong, not all married couples necessarily experience conjugal love, and that erotic love could originate in various circumstances.

What is Swedenborg's criterion for the biblical canon?

Swedenborg believed that the Bible is divinely inspired due to its symbolic, hidden spiritual meaning, which he called "correspondence." The books that contain this inner meaning form the New Church's biblical canon. He identified 36 books as divinely inspired.

How does The New Church assess Nicene Christianity and its creeds?

The New Church bases its authority on divine revelation and scripture, not creeds or councils. While finding the Apostles' Creed agreeable, they view the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds as introducing erroneous concepts of a trinity of persons and a "son begotten from eternity."

What is The New Church's critique of Catholicism regarding papal authority?

Swedenborgianism suggests that the Catholic Church perverted scripture to establish papal primacy and dominion, interpreting passages like Matthew 16:18-19 spiritually rather than literally. They believe the distinction of Christ's natures in the Chalcedonian Definition was influenced by the desire to maintain papal authority.

How does The New Church view Protestantism's core doctrines?

While acknowledging Protestantism's break from Catholicism, The New Church finds their core theology similar, particularly regarding the trinity and justification by faith. They disagree with the Protestant emphasis on "faith alone," arguing that Paul's "works of the law" referred to Mosaic rituals, not charity or the Ten Commandments.

What is The New Church's stance on Socinianism and Arianism?

The New Church considers Socinianism (denying Jesus' divinity) and Arianism (believing Jesus was a created being) heretical. They believe the Divine Human is essential for salvation, and denying Jesus' divinity leads to hell for Christians, though this is not applied to non-Christians unaware of these doctrines.

How does The New Church view Islam?

The New Church sees Islam as established by divine providence to combat idolatry, viewing it as a partial revelation. While Islam worships one God and promotes good deeds, it does not reveal spiritual matters due to its adaptation to societies practicing polygamy, which is contrary to the heavenly marriage correspondence.

What criticisms have been leveled against Swedenborg and The New Church?

Critics have questioned Swedenborg's visions, suggesting they were products of insanity, though his writings were systematic. Others reject his revelations as antibiblical and anti-Christian. Some Christian theologians classify The New Church as a cult due to its denial of the traditional trinity and atonement.

What was Immanuel Kant's assessment of Swedenborg?

Immanuel Kant investigated Swedenborg's reported clairvoyance regarding the 1759 Stockholm fire. While Kant wrote *Dreams of a Spirit-Seer* criticizing Swedenborg's reliance on dreams and visions, he privately admired Swedenborg, though he feared ridicule for admitting it publicly.

How did Transcendentalism interact with Swedenborg's ideas?

Notable American Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson spoke highly of Swedenborg, and historians consider him a pervasive influence on the Transcendentalist worldview. His mystical and spiritual ideas resonated with the movement's emphasis on intuition and the divine within nature and humanity.

What potential influences from Swedenborgianism are noted in Mormonism?

D. Michael Quinn suggests Joseph Smith may have been influenced by Swedenborg's writings, particularly regarding concepts like eternal marriage and the structure of three heavens. Edward Hunter reported that Joseph Smith was familiar with Swedenborg's works.

How did Swedenborg's ideas influence the New Thought movement?

The New Thought movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, was influenced by Swedenborg's concept of correspondence between heaven and earth. Warren Felt Evans, a Swedenborgian minister who became a healer, promoted New Thought principles within the context of Swedenborg's doctrines.

What connection does Carl Jung see between Swedenborg and synchronicity?

Carl Jung cited Swedenborg's reported clairvoyance about the 1759 Stockholm fire as an example of synchronicity. He noted the simultaneous occurrence of the vision and the real event, without a demonstrable causal connection, as a key characteristic of this phenomenon.

Which notable figures are mentioned as having Swedenborgian connections?

Notable figures include William Blake, Daniel Burnham, Johnny Appleseed, Robert Frost, George Inness, Helen Keller, James Tyler Kent, and Mehmet Oz. Many of these individuals were either adherents, influenced by his teachings, or had family connections to the movement.

What is the Swedenborgian view on the nature of angels and the absence of a personal devil?

Swedenborgians believe that angels and devils originate from the human race, not from created beings. There is no individual devil; "the devil and Satan" collectively refer to the hellish societies formed by evil spirits. Angels are humans who lived in heavenly love and faith.

How does The New Church interpret the biblical concept of "correspondence"?

The New Church understands "correspondence" as the symbolic language of the Bible, where the literal sense hides a deeper, spiritual meaning. Swedenborg's visions revealed this inner meaning, which he believed was kept hidden until humanity was ready to receive it.

What is the Swedenborgian perspective on the "Law of Moses" versus the "Prophets" in the Old Testament canon?

Swedenborg divided the Old Testament into the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. He assigned books like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings to the Law of Moses, a grouping that differs from the Jewish biblical canon where these books are considered part of the Prophets (Nevi'im).

How does The New Church view the epistles of Paul?

The New Church holds the epistles of Paul in esteem, believing they were divinely influenced, though not dictated word-for-word like the prophets. Swedenborg stated that Paul received an "influx" rather than direct dictation, meaning his inspiration was different and lacked conjunction with heaven through correspondences.

What are Swedenborg's beliefs regarding pre-biblical sacred texts?

Swedenborg believed that sacred texts of an "Ancient Church" existed in the Middle East before Judaism, but these texts have been lost. He cited works like *The Wars of Jehovah* and the Book of Jasher, which are also referenced in the Bible, as examples of these ancient writings.

How does The New Church interpret the passage about Peter being the "rock" in Matthew 16:18-19?

The New Church interprets this passage spiritually, seeing the "rock" as the truth that Jesus is God, "Peter" as faith in God, and the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" as the faith that grants entry into heaven. They do not see it as establishing papal primacy.

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Overview

A Restorationist Movement

The New Church, often referred to as Swedenborgianism, encompasses several historically interconnected Christian denominations. These groups emerged under the theological guidance of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772), positioning the tradition within the broader scope of Restorationist Christianity. Swedenborg's extensive writings articulate a vision of a renewed Christian faith, emphasizing a return to the perceived spiritual essence of Scripture.

Swedenborg's Theological Framework

Swedenborg's theology posits a narrative of Christianity's historical decline, marked by a loss of the "inner sense" of Scripture. He contended that faith and good works had become externalized, driven by fear or worldly desires rather than genuine spiritual conviction. His work outlines a path to "regeneration"—a process of spiritual rebirth—through the acceptance of divine truth and the cultivation of love for God and neighbor, transcending mere faith or isolated acts.

Divergence and Influence

While sharing common ground with various Christian thinkers, the New Church tradition distinguishes itself through its unique eschatology and its rejection of the traditional Nicene Trinity, which Swedenborg viewed as potentially polytheistic. Instead, it posits a singular Divine Person in Jesus Christ, whose human form was glorified. This distinct theological perspective has notably influenced subsequent spiritual and philosophical movements, including New Thought and American Transcendentalism.

Historical Trajectory

From Vision to Organization

Emanuel Swedenborg himself spoke of a "New Church" but did not establish a formal organization. His theological works, often published anonymously, promoted a universal church centered on love and charity, rather than denominational labels. Despite early challenges, including heresy trials in Sweden concerning his writings, the movement gained traction, particularly in England, where the New Church was formally founded on May 7, 1787, fifteen years after Swedenborg's death.

Global Dissemination and Early Adoption

The New Church's ideas spread through missionary efforts, reaching the United States and parts of Africa. Swedenborg's views on the "African race" being "in greater enlightenment" fostered an inclusive approach, with Swedenborgians accepting freed African converts as early as 1790 and many adherents also being active abolitionists. The movement's influence extended into the 19th century, intertwining with occultism and philosophical movements like Transcendentalism.

Institutional Development and Schisms

In the United States, the General Convention of the New Church was organized in 1817. Later, doctrinal disputes led to a schism, resulting in the formation of the General Church of the New Jerusalem, headquartered in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. Similar organizational developments occurred in Britain and Australia, reflecting the diverse paths the Swedenborgian movement took across different regions.

Branches and Membership

Global Congregations

As of recent records, the New Church comprises several distinct organizations worldwide. These include the General Conference of the New Church (Great Britain), the Swedenborgian Church of North America (also known as the General Convention), the General Church of the New Jerusalem, and The Lord's New Church Which Is Nova Hierosolyma. Membership figures, while modest, reflect a dedicated global following.

General Conference of the New Church (Great Britain): Approximately 1,314 members.
Swedenborgian Church of North America (General Convention) (USA): Approximately 2,029 members.
General Church of the New Jerusalem: Approximately 5,563 members.
The Lord's New Church Which Is Nova Hierosolyma: Approximately 1,000 members.

These organizations have historically been deeply involved in the publication and dissemination of Swedenborg's works.

Core Doctrines

The Divine Lord

Central to New Church theology is the doctrine of one God, Jehovah, who manifested as Jesus Christ to redeem humanity. This perspective asserts that Jesus' human form was divinely glorified, uniting it with the Divine essence. The Trinity is understood not as three distinct persons, but as the soul, body, and operation of one Divine Being, embodied in Jesus Christ. Worship is directed solely to the Lord Jesus Christ, seen as the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

Love and Charity

The New Church emphasizes that true salvation is achieved through "Regeneration," a process of spiritual rebirth. This involves accepting divine truth and cultivating love for God and neighbor, making these the highest affections. Faith is considered inseparable from charity; faith without charity is deemed insufficient. The practical application of these principles is found in acts of good works and sincere repentance, understood as the removal of evil.

The Sacred Scripture

Divine Inspiration and Spiritual Sense

Adherents hold the Bible in high esteem, viewing it as divinely inspired and possessing a hidden, spiritual meaning accessible through symbolic correspondence. Swedenborg's revelations are believed to have unveiled this inner sense, which provides deeper understanding beyond the literal text. The Bible is considered the foundation of doctrine, which in turn requires divine enlightenment for proper interpretation.

Canonical Texts

The New Church canon includes the Old Testament books of Moses, the Prophets (Isaiah through Malachi), and the Psalms, along with the New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and the Book of Revelation. While the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles are respected, they are considered divinely influenced rather than possessing the same direct symbolic correspondence as the primary texts.

Free Will, Sin, and Regeneration

Spiritual Equilibrium and Choice

Swedenborgian theology posits that humans are born with free will, existing in a state of equilibrium between heavenly influences promoting good and hellish influences promoting evil. This freedom allows individuals to rationally choose between these paths. Salvation is achieved through Regeneration, a lifelong process of spiritual reform where one consciously turns away from evil and embraces divine truth, thereby being "born anew."

The Process of Regeneration

Regeneration is viewed as a spiritual battle, where resisting temptation and actively choosing good over evil are paramount. It is understood that this struggle is not solely human effort but a collaboration with the Divine. True good works are those performed out of love for God, not for personal gain or recognition. This process contrasts with notions of total depravity or salvation by faith or works alone.

The Afterlife and Spiritual Realm

Existence Beyond Space and Time

The New Church teaches that the spiritual world exists beyond physical constraints of space and time. Upon death, the soul sheds its physical body and enters this realm, which is divided into heaven and hell. Here, individuals retain their mental faculties and are clothed in a spiritual form, experiencing a reality correspondent to their inner state and affections.

Heaven and Hell as States of Being

Heaven and hell are not external locations imposed by divine judgment but rather internal states of being, reflecting a person's dominant loves and affections. Those who lived lives of love and charity towards God and neighbor find their eternal home in heaven, characterized by divine light and warmth. Conversely, those who embraced evil and self-love reside in hell, a state of darkness and coldness, finding "happiness" in their chosen nature.

Eschatology and Divine Judgment

Cycles of Spiritual Judgment

The New Church does not adhere to a singular, final "end of the world." Instead, it describes historical cycles, each culminating in a spiritual "Last Judgment." These judgments occur in the intermediate state of the spiritual world, separating good from evil and initiating new eras of divine revelation and church development on earth. The last such judgment is believed to have occurred in 1757, ushering in the New Church.

Progression of Churches

Swedenborg identified four preceding churches: the Most Ancient Church (pre-Flood), the Ancient Church (post-Flood), Judaism, and historical Christianity. Each successive church, according to this view, experienced a decline in spiritual understanding, necessitating a new revelation. The New Church is considered the final and most complete phase, fulfilling prophecies of a New Jerusalem and representing a renewal of Christianity.

Sacraments and Rituals

Baptism and Eucharist

The New Church recognizes two primary sacraments: Baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Supper). Baptism symbolizes entry into Christianity and the reformation of the mind, signifying the replacement of falsity with truth. The Eucharist represents the union of the Divine and the human, and the spiritual nourishment derived from the Lord. While infant baptism is practiced, Swedenborg noted that baptized infants are assigned guardian angels.

The Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage is considered a personal sacrament, ideally administered by a priest, symbolizing the divine marriage of the Lord and the Church. New Church doctrine views marriage as a union of souls, originating from God, and emphasizes that true conjugal love is preferable to celibacy. It is believed that marriage between one man and one woman is the foundation for spiritual growth and union with the Divine.

Critical Assessments

Theological Divergences

The New Church's doctrines, particularly its rejection of the traditional Trinity and atonement, have drawn criticism from other Christian denominations. Some theologians have classified Swedenborgianism as a cult, while others question the validity of Swedenborg's reported visions and clairvoyant experiences. Critics like Immanuel Kant and Walter Ralston Martin have offered analyses, with Martin noting Swedenborg's systematic approach despite his mystical experiences.

Scriptural Interpretation and Authority

A point of contention is the New Church's selective canon of inspired biblical texts and its interpretation of scripture, which differs significantly from mainstream Christian theology. Critics argue that Swedenborg's allegorical methods and paranormal encounters contradict established biblical teachings. However, adherents maintain that Swedenborg's revelations are scripturally grounded and that his work provides a necessary clarification of divine truth.

Cultural and Intellectual Influence

Philosophical and Spiritual Movements

Swedenborg's writings have significantly influenced various intellectual and spiritual currents. American Transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, recognized Swedenborg's profound impact on their worldview. The movement also shows parallels with Mormonism in concepts like eternal marriage and celestial heavens, and influenced the New Thought movement, emphasizing positive thinking and spiritual healing.

Notable Figures

Numerous notable figures across arts, sciences, and public life have been associated with or influenced by Swedenborgianism. These include artists like William Blake, architects such as Daniel Burnham, writers like Robert Frost, and pioneers in fields like shorthand (Isaac Pitman) and plasticine (William Harbutt). The legacy extends to contemporary figures in media and public service, reflecting the enduring reach of Swedenborg's ideas.

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References

Swedenborg, Emanuel. The Final Judgment, 1758 (FJ). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 118.

Official website of the Swedenborgian Church of North America.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. Apocalypse Revealed, 1766 (AR). 3 vols. Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 491.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. Angelic Wisdom concerning Divine Providence, 1764 (DP). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 328. Also AR, n. 876.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. Angelic Wisdom concerning Divine Love and Wisdom, 1763 (DLW). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 11.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. Doctrine concerning the Lord, 1763 (DL). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 1.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. The Final Judgment Continued, 1763 (FJC). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 88, and DP, n. 259.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. Doctrine concerning Sacred Scripture, 1763 (DS). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 5â36.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. Heaven and Hell, 1758 (HH). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 256.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. The Delights of Wisdom pertaining to Marriage Love (ML), 1768. Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 308.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. The Spiritual Diary, 1747â65 (SD). Trans. by George Bush, John H. Smithson and Buss, 1883â9, n. 4824.

Numbers 21:14â15

Numbers 21:27â30

Joshua 10:12â13

2 Samuel 1:17â18

Swedenborg, Emanuel. Summary Exposition, 1769 (SE). Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 95.

Swedenborg, Emanuel. New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrine, 1758. Rotch Edition. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907, in The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem (2012), n. 8.

Matthew 16:18â19

Romans 3:28

Martin, Walter Ralston. The Kingdom of the Cults. Bloomington: Bethany House Publishers, 2003, pp. 636â7.

Kant, Immanuel. Dreams of a Spirit-Seer, trans. by Emanuel F. Goerwitz, 1900, Appendix IV.

2 Corinthians 12:2

William E. Hunter, Edward Hunter: Faithful Steward (Salt Lake City: Publishers Press, 1970), 316.

Peter Morrell, "Kent's Influence on British Homeopathy," Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy, vol. 92 (1999â2000)

A full list of references for this article are available at the The New Church (Swedenborgian) Wikipedia page

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The New Church: Swedenborgian Enlightenment

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🕊️

🌟 A Restorationist Movement

📖 Swedenborg's Theological Framework

💡 Divergence and Influence

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 From Vision to Organization

🌍 Global Dissemination and Early Adoption

🏛️ Institutional Development and Schisms

Branches and Membership 👥

📊 Global Congregations

Core Doctrines 📜

✨ The Divine Lord

❤️ Love and Charity

The Sacred Scripture 📖

🗝️ Divine Inspiration and Spiritual Sense

📜 Canonical Texts

Free Will, Sin, and Regeneration ⚖️

⚔️ Spiritual Equilibrium and Choice

🌱 The Process of Regeneration

The Afterlife and Spiritual Realm 🌌

✨ Existence Beyond Space and Time

😇 Heaven and Hell as States of Being

Eschatology and Divine Judgment ⏳

⚖️ Cycles of Spiritual Judgment

🌍 Progression of Churches

Sacraments and Rituals 🙏

💧 Baptism and Eucharist

💍 The Sacrament of Marriage

Critical Assessments 🤔

🧐 Theological Divergences

⚖️ Scriptural Interpretation and Authority

Cultural and Intellectual Influence 🌐

💡 Philosophical and Spiritual Movements

👤 Notable Figures

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice Regarding Content

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Restorationist Movement

Swedenborg's Theological Framework

Divergence and Influence

Historical Trajectory

From Vision to Organization

Global Dissemination and Early Adoption

Institutional Development and Schisms

Branches and Membership

Global Congregations

Core Doctrines

The Divine Lord

Love and Charity

The Sacred Scripture

Divine Inspiration and Spiritual Sense

Canonical Texts

Free Will, Sin, and Regeneration

Spiritual Equilibrium and Choice

The Process of Regeneration

The Afterlife and Spiritual Realm

Existence Beyond Space and Time

Heaven and Hell as States of Being

Eschatology and Divine Judgment

Cycles of Spiritual Judgment

Progression of Churches

Sacraments and Rituals

Baptism and Eucharist

The Sacrament of Marriage

Critical Assessments

Theological Divergences

Scriptural Interpretation and Authority

Cultural and Intellectual Influence

Philosophical and Spiritual Movements

Notable Figures

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Content