By Emanuel Swedenborg
Translated by George F. Dole
Deluxe Edition Introduction by Jonathan S. Rose
The four main short works in this volume by Swedish theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772) form the basic foundation of his thought on God (The Lord), the Bible (Sacred Scripture), spiritual growth (Life) and belief (Faith). They have commonly been published together in other editions under the collective title “The Four Doctrines.” This annotated edition presents exclusive new research into the history of these works and Swedenborg’s publishing and writing strategies.
Hardcover and e-book, 640 pages
Description
The four main short works in this volume by Swedish theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772) form the basic foundation of his thought. Although originally printed as if they were stand-alone volumes, they have nearly always been published together, generally under the collective title “The Four Doctrines.”
The Lord discusses the nature of the man known as Jesus Christ, his divine nature, and the meaning of his crucifixion. For Swedenborg, Jesus was not simply a man, but the eternal divine that came to earth for the salvation of humanity.
Sacred Scripture is about the Word, by which Swedenborg means the parts of the Bible that he feels reflect a deep spiritual teaching. Swedenborg believes that study of the Word—which contains a wisdom that predates the written Bible and also transcends it—is the key to humanity’s spiritual development and its eventual union with the Lord.
Life discusses the nature of good and evil and the necessity of shunning sin and evil in order to experience true faith and become a spiritual person. In other words, this work is about how we ought to live.
Faith talks about faith as an acknowledgment of inner truth and the necessity of expressing such faith through good actions rather than simply holding beliefs. Swedenborg also delves into the true nature of charity and the way that it interweaves with faith to produce true goodness.
In addition to these short works, the volume includes a fifth work, which consists of two supplements to previous works by Swedenborg: a brief addition to Last Judgment and a longer addition to Heaven and Hell.
About the New Century Edition
The New Century Edition of the Works of Emanuel Swedenborg presents a modern-language, scholarly translation of Swedenborg’s theological works. The series’ easy-to-read style retains the dignity, variety, clarity, and gender-inclusive language of Swedenborg’s original Latin, bringing his thought to life. Introductions and annotations by eminent, international scholars place Swedenborg’s writings in their historical context and illuminate obscure references within the text, enabling readers to understand and trace Swedenborg’s influence as never before.
Learn more about the New Century Edition
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Additional information
Author | Emanuel Swedenborg |
---|---|
Translator | George F. Dole |
Foreword / Introduction by | Jonathan S. Rose |
Format | e-book, hardcover |
ISBN | 978-0-87785-503-3, 978-0-87785-707-5 |
Length | 640 pages |
Release Date | Fall 2020 |
Series | New Century Edition |