Synopses & Reviews
Divine Providence is one of the major works of the Enlightenment scientist and religious seer Emanuel Swedenborg. It provides a coherent and satisfying solution to what has been called “the problem of evil”: How are God’s goodness and power reconcilable with evil’s presences in the larger world and in the human mind and heart? By tackling an array of issues that commonly undermine belief in God, including war, suffering, and inequality—and by revealing the wise and loving laws that lie hidden behind these seemingly senseless phenomena—Divine Providence aims to restore our faith in the meaningfulness of the world. Despite its universal focus, Divine Providence is also a highly practical book on the personal level, demonstrating how we can put aside negative attitudes and behaviors and grow into positive thought and action.
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
"Written at a time of intense philosophical and theological debate on the nature of God's governance of the world, Swedenborg's Divine Providence is in many ways far more original and thought-provoking than anything produced by his contemporaries. George F. Dole's translation is extremely readable, and Gregory R. Johnson's authoritative introduction not only explains Swerdenborg's often difficult ideas, but places them in their historical context." ---Glenn A. Magee, Ph.D., author, Hegel and the Hermetic Divine Providence, a companion piece to Divine Love and Wisdom (0-87785-481-5), depicts God's caring for individuals and all of creation, enlisting humanity in a process of making free choices to create a heaven from the human race. In this important work, Swedenborg describes individual human freedom as inherent in creation, empowered by a God-given ability to understand and make wise choices.
Synopsis
After "Heaven and Hell," "Divine Love and Wisdom" and "Divine Providence" are arguably Swedenborgs two most popular works. In "Divine Providence," the sequel to "Divine Love and Wisdom," the focus is directed toward earth, at a world so troubled that the loving hand of God is often hidden from our sight and brought into question. How can we believe in the goodness and power of God when we constantly see injustice and war? The answers that are offered turn us toward a deeper understanding of our own human nature and process. Only divine love and wisdom can provide us with the accountability that gives meaning to our lives.
Synopsis
In Divine Providence, Swedish scientist-turned-seer Emanuel Swedenborg undertakes the difficult task of bridging his transcendent vision of a perfectly loving God with the sometimes unloving world where we all live.
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.