What is the New Church?
The "New Church" is a new era in human history, marked by
increasing human freedom and a new opportunity to grasp the real meaning of
many religious ideas and scriptures in a heartfelt, rational and practical
way. In a broad sense, the true church includes all people who look to a
Higher Power in their lives and strive to put their beliefs into action in
honest living and useful service to others.
In a specific sense, this church is a community of people, also known as
"Swedenborgians," who embrace some new teachings given through the theological writings
of Emanuel Swedenborg
(1688-1772), recognizing these teachings as a gift from God and a key to a
happy life both here and hereafter.
Where did this term "New Church" come from?
In his writings, Swedenborg describes several spiritual eras in human
history, calling them "churches". For example, the story of Adam and Eve in
the Garden of Eden represents a stage of human development called "the Most
Ancient Church." The story of Noah and his family, who survived a great
flood, symbolizes a second stage of development called "the Ancient Church."
Swedenborg also describes the Jewish and Christian religions as part of this
development. It is important to notice that these "churches" are not
buildings and not human organizations, but phases in a developing
relationship between God and human beings.
Today, a new era is beginning, symbolized in the Book of Revelation by the
holy city, the New Jerusalem.
Swedenborg described this era as a "new church." This description developed
into a term, "The New Church," which has become a name for the religious
movement based on Swedenborg's writings, and has also been used by several
denominations and congregations which are part of this movement.
This movement has inspired a variety of people from many walks of life and
all parts of the world, and produced a rich tapestry of insight and
real-life application. The NewEarth BBS
invites you to join our commmunity, and explore the Web of our thoughts.
Compilation © 2023 by the NewEarth Swedenborg BBS | Webmaster: | info@newearth.org | Last modified: | Friday, 18 March 2022, 22:43:48 UTC | Visitor ID: | anonymous@44.212.99.248 | Date: | Tuesday, 31 January 2023, 04:48:07 UTC |
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