Swedenborgianism, also known as the New Church or the Church of the New Jerusalem, is a Christian denomination based on the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772). Swedenborg was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian who claimed to have received a revelation from Jesus Christ that called him to reform Christianity.
Some key beliefs of Swedenborgianism include:
1. The Bible has an inner, spiritual meaning
Swedenborg taught that in addition to the literal sense, every verse and detail of the Bible has an inner, spiritual meaning. This allows the Bible to continuously reveal deeper truths as one grows spiritually. Swedenborg wrote extensive interpretations of the inner meaning of Genesis, Exodus, Revelation, and other biblical books.
2. God is personal yet beyond human understanding
Swedenborgians believe God is infinitely loving, wise, and powerful. God seeks an ever-closer relationship with human beings. Yet God is infinite and beyond human comprehension. Any mental picture or idea we can conceive of God is limited and inadequate.
3. Jesus Christ is central
Jesus Christ is the one God of heaven and earth, and the means of salvation. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of evil and made salvation possible for humankind. True Christianity is living according to the truths that Christ revealed.
4. Heaven and hell are real places
According to Swedenborg, the spiritual world is as real as the natural world. After death, people enter either heaven or hell based on their ruling love. Heaven is being conjoined to the Lord through love and serving others. Hell is a life turned inward away from God and others. Both exist in the spiritual world, not somewhere in the natural universe.
5. Faith alone is not enough
Swedenborg rejected the Protestant doctrine of salvation by faith alone. He taught that faith without active love and good works is meaningless. True faith involves striving to live according to Christ’s commands. God’s grace and human effort both play crucial roles in salvation.
6. Marriages continue into heaven
Swedenborg wrote that truly conjugial love between a husband and wife has its origin in heaven. Such love shared on earth remains after death and partners reunite in heaven. This eternal union offers the highest form of happiness in heaven.
7. Correspondences exist between spiritual and material things
All material objects and events correspond to spiritual realities. For instance, light corresponds to wisdom, water to truth, and mountains to elevated spiritual states. By understanding these symbolic correspondences, people can better grasp the inner meaning of the Bible.
8. Free will is essential
People have complete spiritual freedom to choose their beliefs and live according to their conscience. Every person is free to embrace religion or not. Swedenborg utterly rejected any idea of human predestination. Salvation depends on the choices we make.
9. The Trinity is in Jesus Christ
Most Swedenborgians view God as a Trinity existing in one person, Jesus Christ. Rather than three distinct persons, God is seen as three essential attributes – love, wisdom, and activity – forming one divine being. Jesus Christ is the full embodiment of the Godhead.
10. All religions have value
Swedenborg respected all traditions that promote virtue, love, and human betterment. While maintaining the unique importance of Christianity, Swedenborgians believe God inspires truth and faith in different ways across cultures. Heaven is universally accessible to all good and loving people.
These are some of the major components of Swedenborgian theology. Swedenborg claimed his teachings represented a new era of Christianity. The New Church maintains core Christian beliefs like Christ as Savior while emphasizing personal spiritual growth, inward reflection, and useful living.
There are now Swedenborgian churches and societies found in many countries around the world. Members live ordinary lives in worldly professions and communities. At the heart of Swedenborgian spirituality is transforming one’s inner self by practicing love, wisdom, and useful service to the neighbor. By sincerely following Swedenborg’s teachings, adherents believe they are becoming angels and building a truly spiritual community.
Theologians have debated whether Swedenborg’s writings represent new revelation or personal interpretation. Critics see Swedenborgianism as heretical for deviating from mainstream Christian doctrine. But Swedenborgians understand their faith as a reformed, rational Christianity that encourages spiritual growth by revealing deeper meaning in the Bible. The enduring influence of Swedenborg is evident in modern thinkers who were impacted by his ideas.
Overall, Swedenborgianism is a distinct denominational expression of Christianity centered on Emanuel Swedenborg as revelator. It emphasizes symbolic interpretation of scripture, the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical worlds, and leading a life of purpose and love. For Swedenborgians, Christianity is about spiritual revolution – being inwardly reborn in Christ to become angels of heaven.