The new church
You're referring to the New Church, also known as the Church of the New Jerusalem or the New Jerusalem Church!
The New Church is a Christian denomination that was founded in the 18th century by Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish theologian and mystic. Swedenborg believed that he had received revelations from God, which he wrote about in his books, including "Heaven and Hell" and "Divine Love and Wisdom".
The core teachings of the New Church are based on Swedenborg's interpretations of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation. Some key beliefs include:
- The Trinity: The New Church teaches that God is one, but has three aspects: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, these aspects are not separate entities, but rather different ways of understanding God's nature.
- The nature of God: Swedenborg believed that God is love and wisdom, and that these are the fundamental aspects of God's nature. He also believed that God is present in every person and in the natural world.
- The afterlife: The New Church teaches that after death, people go to either heaven, hell, or purgatory, depending on their spiritual state. Heaven is a place of joy and happiness, while hell is a place of suffering and regret.
- The role of the Bible: The New Church places a strong emphasis on the Bible, but also believes that it needs to be interpreted in a spiritual sense, rather than taken literally.
- The importance of spiritual growth: The New Church emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and development, and encourages its members to seek a deeper understanding of God and themselves.
Today, the New Church has a global presence, with congregations in many countries around the world. While it is a relatively small denomination, it has had a significant influence on Christian thought and spirituality.
Would you like to know more about the New Church or its teachings?