Swedenborgian, pronounced swee-den-BOR-jun, is a term used to refer to followers of the theological ideas of Swedish scientist and philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg. The term is derived from his last name and is spelled "S-w-e-d-e-n-b-o-r-g-i-a-n." The first syllable is pronounced "swee," with a long "e" sound, followed by "den" and "bor," both pronounced with a short "o" sound. The second syllable is pronounced "jee," with a long "i" sound, and the word is concluded with an "-ian" ending, pronounced "ee-an."
Swedenborgian refers to a person, belief system, or practice that is associated with the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, an influential 18th-century Swedish philosopher, scientist, and spiritual thinker. The term "Swedenborgian" can denote adherence to his religious doctrines, often referred to as Swedenborgianism, or identification with the broader philosophical and metaphysical ideas put forth by Swedenborg.
In religious terms, Swedenborgian refers to followers of Swedenborgianism, which holds that Swedenborg was divinely inspired and subsequently received revelations from heaven. The Swedenborgian faith centers around the belief that his writings contain spiritual truths that can guide believers towards a closer relationship with God. The teachings encompass aspects of Christianity but interpret them through a distinct Swedenborgian lens.
However, the adjective "Swedenborgian" can also extend beyond religious contexts. It can describe concepts, ideas, or practices related to Swedenborg's extensive body of work, which covered topics ranging from theology, cosmology, and psychology to science, philosophy, and ethics. Thus, "Swedenborgian" can signify adherence to Swedenborgian principles, scholarship focused on his ideas, or a general interest in his multifaceted legacy.
Overall, the term "Swedenborgian" encompasses a range of religious and philosophical beliefs and practices that are based on Emanuel Swedenborg's teachings, with influences from Christianity, mysticism, and metaphysics.
The word "Swedenborgian" is derived from the name of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), an influential Swedish scientist, theologian, and mystic. Swedenborg claimed to have had spiritual visions and experienced direct communication with angels and spirits. He developed a religious movement, commonly known as Swedenborgianism, which is based on his theological writings and teachings. The term "Swedenborgian" is used to refer to the followers, doctrines, or anything related to Swedenborgianism.