Emanuel Swedenborg

Emanuel Swedenborg was born in Sweden and lived from 1688 to 1772. He was a scientist and inventor but, like others before him, he became inspired through dreams and visions to express in writing what he had seen through his spiritual experiences. The result were a series of books that helped many people see Christianity in a much brighter light and with more clearity. It was to be expected that the more orthodox wanted him tried for heresy.

Some might say that what Emanuel Swedenborg wrote was simply philosophy influenced by this, that or the other philosopher. Unfortunately, this is just how many scholars speak because, having had no experience of their own, they have to rely on the experience of others to draw their conclusions. Often all they have is the experience of the experience of the experience of others and that forms their reality. To these, the possibility of someone actually being a prophet is at best remote and not considered rational in a world whos heart has waxed cold and beleives more in itself than something higher.

Swedenborg's writings influenced many including Hellen Keller who stated that "the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg have been my light, and a staff in my hand and by his vision splendid I am attended on my way." Other notables that found genuine inspiration in the work of Emanuel Swedenborg were Elizabeth Barrett Browning, August Strindberg, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles Baudelaire, Adam Mickiewicz, Balzac, William Butler Yeats, Sheridan Le Fanu, Jorge Luis Borges.

Needless to say, Swedenborg also had those who were less than flattering towards him and his writings.

Swedenborg put forth the idea that salvation through faith alone without charity was not possible. The purpose of faith, according to Swedenborg, is to lead a person to a life according to the truths of faith, which is charity. This statement can, purhaps, be put in different terms; simply knowing or beleiving that there is food in the kitchen will not satisfy ones hunger if they do not eat that food when they are hungry. Some equate believing in Christ with salvation. According to Swedenborg this is just the begining. Thinking and acting are the natural extension of faith.

Some religious sects have even plagurised the work of Emanuel Swedenborg "adopting his words to suit themselves but, not their meaning." Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, did just that and went as far as to say that Swedenborg was a fool for not "profiting" from his writing. This does not invalidate Swedenborg as he preceeded the affore mentioned "latter day prophet and movement" by over half a century.

In his writings Swedenborg presages that an even greater seer than himself would come. Comparing the work of Emanuel Swedenbrog and Jakob Lorber one might conclude that Swedenborg was refering to Jakob Lorber.

Swedenborg's writing is heavenly and in conformity with Biblical script if not its various and sometimes extreme interpretations.

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