True Christian Religion, Vol 1

by Emanuel Swedenborg

True Christianity presents a satisfying and sensible alternative to mainstream Christianity. The last book published by Swedish scientist-turned-seer Emanuel Swedenborg, it serves as both the keystone in the architecture of his theology and the summary of his far-reaching psychological insights. This volume, the first of two, provides unique answers to humankind’s perennial questions about the nature of God and about Jesus—not only what his purpose was and how he fulfilled it, but why his life and death are still relevant to us now. This volume features an introduction by R. Guy Erwin of California Lutheran University setting the work in its theological and historical context. The New Century Edition of the Works of Emanuel Swedenborg is a modern-language, scholarly translation of Swedenborg’s theological works. The series’ easy-to-read style retains the dignity, variety, clarity, and gender-inclusive language of Swedenborg’s original Latin, bringing his thought to life. Introductions and annotations by eminent, international scholars place Swedenborg’s writings in their historical context and illuminate obscure references within the text, enabling readers to understand and trace Swedenborg’s influence as never before.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Psychology, Classics

784 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

Emanuel Swedenborg (born Emanuel Swedberg; February 8, 1688–March 29, 1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, Christian mystic, and theologian. Swedenborg had a prolific career as an inventor and scientist. At the age of fifty-six he entered into a spiritual phase in which he experienced dreams and visions. This culminated in a spiritual awakening, where he claimed he was appointed by the Lord to write a heavenly doctrine to reform Christianity. He claimed that the Lord had opened his eyes, so that from then on he could freely visit heaven and hell, and talk with angels, demons, and other spirits. For the remaining 28 years of his life, he wrote and published 18 theological works, of which the best known was Heaven and Hell (1758), and several unpublished theological works.

Swedenborg explicitly rejected the common explanation of the Trinity as a Trinity of Persons, which he said was not taught in the early Christian Church. Instead he explained in his theological writings how the Divine Trinity exists in One Person, in One God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Swedenborg also rejected the doctrine of salvation through faith alone, since he considered both faith and charity necessary for salvation, not one without the other. The purpose of faith, according to Swedenborg, is to lead a person to a life according to the truths of faith, which is charity.

Swedenborg's theological writings have elicited a range of responses. Toward the end of Swedenborg's life, small reading groups formed in England and Sweden to study the truth they saw in his teachings and several writers were influenced by him, including William Blake (though he ended up renouncing him), Elizabeth Barrett Browning, August Strindberg, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles Baudelaire, Balzac, William Butler Yeats, Sheridan Le Fanu, Jorge Luis Borges and Carl Jung. The theologian Henry James Sr. was also a follower of his teachings, as were Johnny Appleseed and Helen Keller.

In contrast, one of the most prominent Swedish authors of Swedenborg's day, Johan Henrik Kellgren, called Swedenborg "nothing but a fool". A heresy trial was initiated in Sweden in 1768 against Swedenborg's writings and two men who promoted these ideas.

In the two centuries since Swedenborg's death, various interpretations of Swedenborg's theology have been made (see: Swedenborgian Church), and he has also been scrutinized in biographies and psychological studies.

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exposition on the nature of God and the Trinity within one person, the importance and interior meaning of the Sacred Scripture of the Word, the levels of meaning of the Ten Commandments, and the meanings of faith and charity and the fundamental unity of these two concepts. Answered so many of my theological questions that I've had for ages. This book should be read slowly, it's not the easiest read but the wisdom just bleeds through the pages so it demands your full and undivided attention and focus. It took me about five months to read all ~700 pages, (and this is only the first of two volumes) but it was worth taking my time. This book is a must read for anyone with an interest in Swedenborgian Christian theology.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would have discovered Swedenborg many years ago. I recommend this as well as all Swedenborg books to anybody who wants to truly know and understand spiritual truths. If you're new to Swedenborg I recommend "Our Life after Death" for starters.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to be amazed by Swedenborg's genius. I'm not looking forward to the day when I'll have nothing more to read from him.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote the long introduction on Swedenborg's religious context.

[Timur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book !
Very thoughtful.