Synopses & Reviews
Divine Love and Wisdom has been called the most profound work of the Enlightenment scientist and seer Emanuel Swedenborg. It demonstrates how God’s love, wisdom, and humanity are reflected in creation and in ourselves, and suggests that the act of Creation is not a mystery of the past, but a miracle ongoing in every instant of the present. Like a blueprint of things unseen, Divine Love and Wisdom makes visible the hidden design of the universe, as well as the qualities of its Architect. Its vivid depiction of the spiritual mechanism of the world has impressed thinkers such as William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry James Sr.
This volume contains an introduction by Gregory R. Johnson that puts the work in the context of the history of philosophy.
The New Century Edition of the Works of Emanuel Swedenborg is 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.
Synopsis
'Divine Love and Wisdom' contains many rare treasures, not only for seekers of spiritual truth, but also for scientists exploring the reach and nature of human consciousness. There are few books that I would praise so highly." ---Jeffrey Mishlove, Ph.D., host, Thinking Allowed 'Divine Love and Wisdom' contains Swedenborg's major statement on two fundamental aspects of God's nature. These two basic cosmic forces intimately determine our life as human beings. 'Love' denotes the vital, valuing, and active powers of the soul, deciding the ultimate goals of our thought and action. 'Wisdom, ' by contrast, represents the cognitive power of the soul, providing the technical means for these goals' realization. Swedenborg's work shows how God is love and life itself, bestowing these gifts on all other creatures. This highly readable New Century Edition in George Dole's sensitive translation admirably reflects the coherence and consistency of Swedenborg's language, while Gregory Johnson's introductory essay on Swedenborg's Metaphysics of Creation offers a comprehensive guide to this important theological work." ---Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke.
Synopsis
Divine Love and Wisdom has been called the most profound work of the Enlightenment scientist and seer Emanuel Swedenborg. It demonstrates how God's love, wisdom, and humanity are reflected in creation and in ourselves, and suggests that the act of Creation is not a mystery of the past, but a miracle ongoing in every instant of the present. Like a blueprint of things unseen, Divine Love and Wisdom makes visible the hidden design of the universe, as well as the qualities of its Architect. Its vivid depiction of the spiritual mechanism of the world has impressed thinkers such as William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry James Sr. This volume contains an introduction by Gregory R. Johnson that puts the work in the context of the history of philosophy. The New Century Edition of the Works of Emanuel Swedenborg is 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.
Synopsis
In Divine Love and Wisdom, Swedish scientist-turned-seer Emanuel Swedenborg tackles the very nature of the universe, describing a loving God who is equally present with all people on earth—regardless of race or religion—and explores the underlying unity of all living things.
Synopsis
After "Heaven and Hell," "Divine Love and Wisdom" and "Divine Providence" are arguably Swedenborgs two most popular works. In "Divine Love and Wisdom," Swedenborg reaches out to the secular mind with a vision of order and beauty pregnant with meaning and direction and appeals to human experience and reflection (rather than scriptural interpretation) in making the case for the presence of Gods love and Gods wisdom. It is not just that there is a purpose underlying creation; it is that we share in that purpose and are essential to its fulfillment. From Gods infinite love and wisdom to our own individual desires and perceptions, there is an underlying unity on which we can rely.
About the Author
Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, nobleman, and theologian who spent his life investigating the mysteries of the soul. Born in Stockholm to a staunchly Lutheran family, he graduated from the University of Uppsala and then traveled to England, Holland, France, and Germany to study the leading scientists of the time. He gained favor with Sweden’s King Charles XII, who gave him the position of overseer of the Swedish mining industry. Later, he was given a seat on the Swedish House of Nobles by Charles XII’s successor, Queen Ulrika Eleonora. Between 1743 and 1745 he began to have visions of heaven, hell, and Jesus Christ which resulted in a stream of books about the nature of God, the afterlife, and the inner meaning of the Bible. He devoted the last decades of his life to studying Scripture and presenting his own unique theology to the world.