Ancestral covenant and the new church

A fascinating topic!

The Ancestral Covenant and the New Church are two related concepts in the theology of Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish theologian and mystic.

The Ancestral Covenant

In Swedenborg's theology, the Ancestral Covenant refers to the promise made by God to the earliest humans, Adam and Eve, and their descendants. This covenant is seen as a fundamental agreement between God and humanity, which establishes the relationship between God and humanity. The Ancestral Covenant is considered a divine promise that guarantees salvation and eternal life to all human beings, regardless of their individual actions or merits.

According to Swedenborg, the Ancestral Covenant is not a conditional promise, but an unconditional one. It is not based on human works or merits, but on God's love and mercy. This covenant is seen as a divine gift, which is inherent in human nature and cannot be lost or earned.

The New Church

The New Church, also known as the New Jerusalem Church, is a Christian denomination founded by Swedenborg in the late 18th century. The New Church is based on Swedenborg's theological writings, particularly his book "Heaven and Hell," which presents his understanding of the nature of God, the universe, and human salvation.

The New Church is characterized by its emphasis on the Ancestral Covenant and the idea that God's love and mercy are the primary means of salvation. The church teaches that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's love and that his death and resurrection are a manifestation of God's love for humanity.

The New Church also emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and development, which is seen as a process of regeneration and transformation. This process is facilitated through spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, and study of the Bible and Swedenborg's writings.

Key differences from traditional Christianity

The New Church differs from traditional Christianity in several key ways:

  1. No original sin: The New Church rejects the concept of original sin, which is central to traditional Christian theology. Instead, it emphasizes the inherent goodness of human nature and the Ancestral Covenant as the basis for salvation.
  2. No need for faith alone: The New Church teaches that faith is important, but it is not sufficient for salvation. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and development through spiritual practices.
  3. No hell: The New Church rejects the concept of hell as a place of eternal punishment. Instead, it teaches that all human beings will eventually be saved and reunited with God.
  4. No distinction between clergy and laity: The New Church rejects the distinction between clergy and laity, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual equality among all members of the church.

Overall, the Ancestral Covenant and the New Church represent a unique and innovative approach to Christian theology, which emphasizes the love and mercy of God and the potential for spiritual growth and development in all human beings.