Swedenborgianism is the religious doctrine based on the teachings of Swedish theologian Emanuel Swedenborg. The word "Swedenborgianism" is spelled s-w-e-d-e-n-b-o-r-g-i-a-n-i-s-m [ˌswiːdənˈbɔːrɡiənɪz(ə)m]. The first syllable is pronounced "swee," followed by "den" with a short 'e' sound, and "borg" with a short 'o' sound. The final syllable consists of the letters "i-a-n-i-s-m" and is pronounced with the stress on the second-to-last syllable. The phonetic transcription helps to accurately convey the pronunciation of this complex word.
Swedenborgianism is a religious movement based on the theological teachings and writings of the Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg. It is a form of mystical Christianity that emerged in the late 18th century and has become associated with various denominations and organizations.
At its core, Swedenborgianism is shaped by Swedenborg's belief in the direct communication between God and humans through visions and spiritual experiences. He claimed to have had numerous encounters with angels and spirits, which he recorded in his extensive writings. These writings, collectively known as "the Swedenborgian corpus," encompass a wide range of theological topics, including the nature of God, the afterlife, the meaning and purpose of life, and the spiritual realm.
One of the central teachings of Swedenborgianism is the concept of spiritual evolution. According to this belief, individuals progress through different spiritual states after death, gradually moving closer to God. This notion rejects traditional notions of eternal damnation or salvation and emphasizes personal growth and enlightenment as the ultimate goal.
Swedenborgianism also places a strong emphasis on the unity of the spiritual and physical realms. It suggests that the divine is present in all things and that humans have a responsibility to cultivate spiritual awareness and live in harmony with the natural world.
With its unique blend of spirituality, mysticism, and philosophical inquiry, Swedenborgianism has had a significant influence on various religious and philosophical movements throughout history, including New Thought, Theosophy, and the New Age movement.
The word "Swedenborgianism" is derived from the name of Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish scientist, philosopher, theologian, and mystic. Swedenborg's ideas and teachings gave rise to a religious sect known as the New Church or the Church of the New Jerusalem, which is often referred to as "Swedenborgianism".
The suffix "-ianism" is a common suffix used to form nouns denoting a doctrine, belief, or practice associated with a particular person or school of thought. In this case, it indicates that "Swedenborgianism" refers to the beliefs and practices associated with Swedenborg and his followers.
While Swedenborg himself did not establish a separate religious denomination during his lifetime, after his death, his works and teachings gained a following among various groups in Europe and the United States.