Four Components of the Swedenborgian Lifeway:

Spiritualist tradition, drawing on the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg; emphasizes spiritual growth, inner exploration, and divine love.

Swedenborgian Churches, also known as the New Church in the United States, include both the General Church of the New Jerusalem and the Swedenborgian Church of North America. Swedenborgianism represents a distinctive Christian denomination with roots in the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish mystic and theologian. This tradition combines elements of Christianity, mysticism, and spiritualism, and while it is distinct from the mainstream Spiritualist movement, it shares some philosophical commonalities.

Revelation and Insights From Emanuel Swedenborg

Central to Swedenborgian beliefs is the idea that Swedenborg was a conduit for spiritual revelations and insights, which he claimed were conveyed to him by spirits and angels. These revelations led to the development of Swedenborgian theology, which includes a unique interpretation of Christian doctrine and the spiritual realms. Swedenborgians view the Bible as a source of spiritual wisdom and inspiration, albeit interpreted in a symbolic and allegorical manner.

Direct Communication with the Spirit World

While Swedenborgianism has its own theological framework, it resonates with some spiritualist ideas, particularly regarding the existence of the spirit world and the potential for direct spiritual communication. Swedenborg himself claimed to have had interactions with spirits and angels, which aligns with spiritualist experiences of mediumship and contact with the deceased.

Spiritual Transformation and Personal Experience

The Swedenborgian Church in the United States was organized in 1817 with the founding of the General Convention and strengthened during the 19th century. Today, four Swedenborgian groups maintain a relatively small but dedicated community of believers who value the spiritual insights derived from Swedenborg's writings. Worship services often include readings from Swedenborg's works, prayers, hymns, and reflections on spiritual growth and enlightenment. The church's emphasis on love, spiritual transformation, and personal experience of the divine aligns with the broader spiritualist tradition's focus on individual spiritual development.

Exploration of Spiritual Dimensions of Existence

While Swedenborgianism and Spiritualism remain distinct traditions, they share a common interest in exploring the spiritual dimensions of existence, the afterlife, and the potential for direct communication with the spirit world. Both traditions offer seekers a unique perspective on spirituality that combines Christian elements with mystical and metaphysical insights. In this way, Swedenborgian Churches in the United States contribute to American religious diversity by providing a space for those drawn to the visionary teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg and his exploration of the spiritual realms.