For Swedenborg Starters
If you’re intrigued by Swedenborg’s spiritual insights and want to learn more, you’ve come to the right place! Here, you can watch an introductory short video featuring Swedenborgian scholar Dr. Jonathan Rose and explore some of Swedenborg’s most popular writings, which are free to download and read! For a complete list of Swedenborg’s theological books in order of publication date, visit our Swedenborg’s Writings & Publications page.
Where to Start
Watch a quick video, try a little of everything in our sampler, or visit our bookstore for more great introductory choices.
For a longer video introduction to Swedenborg’s key theological concepts, check out this episode from our Swedenborg and Life YouTube series:
A Swedenborg Sampler
For new readers of Swedenborg, the challenge is knowing where to start and what to read. This volume offers a taste of some of his most powerful writings from five of his popular works.
Download the PDF
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New Jerusalem
This short work, written by Swedenborg, is an overview of his theology with extensive cross-references to his magnum opus Secrets of Heaven.
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Swedenborg’s Garden of Theology
Swedenborg’s Garden of Theology, written by New Century Edition Series Editor Dr. Jonathan S. Rose, gives a short, accessible overview of Swedenborg’s theology.
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A Thoughtful Soul
Written by eminent Swedenborgian theologian Dr. George F. Dole, this philosophical overview of Swedenborg’s theology includes copious quotes from Swedenborg himself.
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Visit “Intro to Swedenborg” in our Bookstore
Looking for a place to jump in? These books are our editors’ picks for readers starting to explore Swedenborg. Choose one or more that speak to you, most are available as free e-book downloads! Go >
Most Popular
Heaven and Hell is Swedenborg’s most popular book and his fullest report of his experiences in the other world. In it he describes heaven, hell, and the world of spirits that lies between them.
Read a free PDF, an annotated Deluxe EPUB, a text-only Portable EPUB, or buy a print edition
Swedenborg’s first major theological work, Secrets of Heaven, delves into the hidden spiritual meaning of the Bible. Each volume contains chapters based on his visionary journeys to the afterlife.
Vol. 1: Free PDF, free EPUB, or buy a print edition Vol. 2: Free PDF, free EPUB, or buy a print edition
Divine Love and Wisdom describes a loving God who is equally present with all people on earth–regardless of race or religion–and explores the fundamental structure of the spiritual universe.
Read a free PDF, a free EPUB, or buy a print edition
In Divine Providence, Swedenborg undertakes the difficult task of explaining why a perfectly loving God would allow the existence of pain, suffering, and evil in the world.
Read a free PDF or free EPUB, or buy a print edition
True Christianity is a systematic description of Swedenborg’s theological beliefs that was written as a response to the church doctrines of his time.
Vol. 1: Free PDF, Deluxe EPUB, Portable EPUB, or buy a print edition
Vol. 2: Free PDF, Deluxe EPUB, Portable EPUB, or buy a print edition
