Emanuel Swedenborg's Contribution:
Emanuel was born in 1688 in Sweden. His father was a Lutheran bishop who took interest in the beliefs of the Lutheran Pietest movement. The Pietests saw that faith must be connected with love and useful service in order to be genuine; versus the mainstream Lutheran position regarding faith alone. These beliefs had a major impact on his son. Emanuel took his studies at the University of Uppsala, then traveled to work with leading scientists throughout Europe. He gained favor with Sweden's King Carl XII, and was ennobled by Queen Ulrika Eleonora, leading to a seat in the Swedish House of Nobles.
A member of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences, he devoted himself to scientific and philosophical studies that brought him recognition across Europe. In the mid-1730s, he redirected his studies to the anatomy in search of the connection between the soul and the body, making several significant discoveries.
In the early 1740s he shifted his main focus from science and philosophy to theology. He began studying Scripture and publishing theological works that draw on the Bible, reasoning, and his own spiritual experiences. This Christian theology offers unique perspectives on the nature of God, the afterlife, the Bible, marriage, and the path to salvation.
Swedenborg died in London in 1772 at the age of eighty-four.
Although his intention was not to be the founder of a denomination, the inspired writings of Emanuel Swedenborg form the basis for the 'New Church' views of Christianity. A devout Christian, Swedenborg respected people of all faiths who sincerely seek to understand God, then do what they believe He asks of them. |