By Emanuel Swedenborg
Translated byย Jonathan S. Rose
Deluxe Edition Introduction byย R. Guy Erwin
True Christianity is a systematic description of Swedenborg’s view on the church in this world and the next. Volume one covers topics such as the nature of God, Jesus, the Ten Commandments, faith, and good works.
Deluxe hardcover, paperback and e-book, 784 pages
Portable paperback and e-book, 574 pages
Description
In the fourteen chapters of his two-volume True Christianity, Swedenborg presents his theological views against the backdrop of, and in contrast to, key concepts in Protestant Christianity, such as the nature of God and of the Trinity; how and why Jesus redeemed the human race; the nature of the Bible; the multilayered meanings of the Ten Commandments; how faith and good works contribute to salvation; the true nature and purpose of baptism and Holy Supper (Communion); and the Last Judgment, the Second Coming, and the descent of the New Jerusalem. It includes Swedenborgโs most extended and practice-oriented discussion of how to undertake effective repentance from sin. The tone of the work is often blunt and confrontational and, when it resorts to reducing opposing arguments to absurdity, devastatingly biting and witty. It is recommended for those with a particular interest in exploring Swedenborgโs theological views and seeing the biblical support he offers for them. It also includes extensive accounts of Swedenborgโs spiritual experiences.
Volume 1 provides unique answers to humankindโs perennial questions about the nature of God and about Jesusโnot only what his purpose was and how he fulfilled it, but why his life and death are still relevant to us now.
About the Deluxe Edition
True Christianity: Containing a Comprehensive Theology of the New Church That Was Predicted by the Lord in Daniel 7:13โ14 and Revelation 21:1, 2, volume 1, by Emanuel Swedenborg. Originally published by Swedenborg in Amsterdam in 1771. Translated by Jonathan S. Rose. This Deluxe volume includes a translatorโs preface; an introduction by R. Guy Erwin; an explanation of conventions used in the series, along with a list of works by Swedenborg referred to in the volume; the newly translated text of Swedenborgโs work; ninety pages of endnotes by Glen M. Cooper, George F. Dole, R. Guy Erwin, Jonathan S. Rose, and Stuart Shotwell; a bibliography of works cited in the notes; and a biographical note on Swedenborg. 2006.
Reviews
“This freshly translated work is of the most profound significance for anyone interested in understanding Swedenborg’s thought. In my judgment, it is essential for both students and scholars, who will find it both a fascinating read and an invaluable addition to the field. The comprehensive and illuminating preface, introduction, and notes bring new insights to the text and its contents; they are truly distinctive contributions that make this edition of True Christianity a must for any good library.”
โDr. Antoine Faivre, professor emeritus of History of Esoteric and Mystical Currents in Modern and Contemporary Europe, Sorbonne
“True Christianity is the capstone of Swedenborg’s thought and probably the best summation of his theology. It is invaluable for understanding the deeper meaning of Christianity. This new version, the best ever produced, presents this magisterial work with clarity and grace. The notes and introduction are not only helpful but fascinating.”
โRichard Smoley, author of Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition and Forbidden Faith: The Gnostic Legacy
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
New Century Edition Subscriptions
If you would like to receive each hardcover Deluxe volume as it comes out, you can become a New Century Edition subscriber.
All subscribers get 30% off the purchase price. Instead of $29.95 per volume, you will be billed $20.95, plus shipping.
If you become a member of the Swedenborg Foundation for $25, you will also receive an additional 20% discount on this and all other purchases of books published by the Swedenborg Foundation when you order from us. When ordered as part of a subscription, the New Century Edition volumes will then cost $14.95 each, plus shipping.
To enroll for a subscription, phone the Foundation at 610-430-3222, ext 109, or e-mail us atย info@swedenborg.com. Include your name, address, city, state, zip, home phone, work phone, and e-mail address with your request. Please also let us know whether or not you wish to purchase any of the volumes that have already been published. You may subscribe for the full series or only for the remaining volumes that have not yet been published.
With a subscription, you will receive with our compliments the companion to the New Century Edition, sold separately for $29.95:ย Emanuel Swedenborg: Essays for the New Century Edition on His Life, Works, and Impact.ย You may cancel your subscription at any time without penalty and keep the premiumย Essaysย volume as our gift.
Contents of the Deluxe Edition
Translatorโs Preface, by Jonathan S. Rose
Works Cited in the Translatorโs Preface
Selected List of Editions of True Christianity
On True Christianity: An Introduction to Swedenborgโs Most Comprehensive and Systematic Theological Writing from the Standpoint of the Religion of His Contemporaries, by R. Guy Erwin
Works Cited in the Introduction
Short Titles and Other Conventions Used in This Work
Volume 1
The Faith of the New Heaven and the New Church
Chapter 1: God the Creator
The Oneness of God
The Underlying Divine Reality or Jehovah
The Infinity of God: His Immensity and Eternity
The Essence of God: Divine Love and Wisdom
Godโs Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence
The Creation of the Universe
Chapter 2: The Lord the Redeemer
Redemption
Chapter 3: The Holy Spirit and the Divine Action
The Divine Trinity
Chapter 4: Sacred Scripture, the Word of the Lord
Chapter 5: The Catechism, or Ten Commandments, Explained in Both Its Outer and Its Inner Meanings
Chapter 6: Faith
Chapter 7: Goodwill (or Loving Our Neighbor) and Good Actions
Notes
Notes
Works Cited in the Notes
Biographical Note
Additional information
Author | Emanuel Swedenborg |
---|---|
Translator | Jonathan S. Rose |
Foreword | R. Guy Erwin |
Format | deluxe hardcover, deluxe paperback, portable e-book, portable paperback, Audio download |
ISBN | 978-0-87785-407-4, 978-0-87785-484-5, 978-0-87785-485-2, 978-0-87785-603-0, 978-0-87785-683-2 |
Length | Deluxe: 784 pages; Portable: 574 pages |
Series | New Century Edition |