Swedenborg, Emanuel

Swedenborg, Emanuel
(1688-1772)
   A Swedish Enlightenment philosopher and theologian, Swedenborg is notable for his influence on such writers as the Swedes Carl Jonas Love Almqvist and August Strindberg, as well as the American Ralph Waldo Emerson. The son of a Lutheran bishop, Swedenborg studied classical philology at Uppsala University and then spent the next 30 years studying natural science within the Enlightenment framework of his day. A great synthesizer of the research of other scientists, he made significant contributions to geology and metallurgy. Through the study of physiology he attempted to solve the mysteries of the human soul.
   A series of mystical experiences, including visions and dreams, led him to claim contact with the divine. Influenced by the ideas of neoplatonism, he developed a religious system that emphasized the existence of a spiritual reality that is reflected in the visible world. He described his visions with scientific exactness in De coelo et de inferno (1758, tr. Heaven and Hell, 1852), as well as in other works where conditions in heaven and hell are detailed, and which exist in multiple editions in English translation.

Historical Dictionary of Scandinavian Literature and Theater. . 2006.

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  • Swedenborg, Emanuel — (1688–1772)    Scientist and mystic who traveled out of body to both heaven and HELL. Emanuel Swedenborg described in great detail the structure and hierarchy of the afterlife. He believed that people make the choice of either heaven or hell.… …   Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology

  • Swedenborg, Emanuel — born Jan. 29, 1688, Stockholm, Swed. died March 29, 1772, London, Eng. Swedish scientist, theologian, and mystic. After graduating from the University of Uppsala, he spent five years abroad studying the natural sciences. On his return he began… …   Universalium

  • Swedenborg, Emanuel — (born Emanuel Swedberg, 1688 1772)    A Swedish scientist, philosopher, theologian, and mystic, who from 1744 onwards experienced many * dreams and * visions which he designated as encounters with angels, demons, and other metaphysical beings.… …   Dictionary of Hallucinations

  • Swedenborg, Emanuel — (1688–1772)    Philosopher, Mystic and Sect Founder.    Swedenborg was born in Stockholm, the son of a distinguished clergyman. He was educated at the University of Uppsala and, after a period of travel in Europe, he became an official in the… …   Who’s Who in Christianity

  • Swedenborg, Emanuel — (1688–1772) Swedish natural philosopher, theologian and mystic. Swedenborg was born into a prominent ecclesiastical family, and educated at Uppsala. While working in the Board of Mines between 1716 and 1747 he made various scientific discoveries …   Philosophy dictionary

  • Swedenborg,Emanuel — Swe·den·borg (swēdʹn bôrg , svādʹn bôr ē), Emanuel. 1688 1772. Swedish scientist and theologian whose visions and writings inspired his followers to establish the Church of the New Jerusalem after his death.   Swe den·borʹgi·an adj. & n. * * * …   Universalium

  • Swedenborg, Emanuel — ► (1688 1772) Filósofo místico sueco. Proyectó una nueva Iglesia que sus seguidores constituyeron bajo el nombre de Nueva Jerusalén …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • SWEDENBORG, Emanuel — (1688 1772)    Swedish scientist, philosopher, theologian and MYSTIC whose ideas strongly influenced ROMANTICISM and are in many ways the inspiration for the NEW AGE MOVEMENT and many similar religious groups, including MORMONISM and the… …   Concise dictionary of Religion

  • Swedenborg — Swedenborg, Emanuel …   Philosophy dictionary

  • Swedenborg — Swedenborg, Emanuel …   Enciclopedia Universal

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