The Gist of Swedenborg 1920 is a book written by Julian K. Smyth that provides an overview of the religious teachings and philosophy of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian who lived in the 18th century. The book explores Swedenborg's ideas on the nature of God, the afterlife, and the spiritual world, as well as his views on the relationship between science and religion. Smyth presents Swedenborg's teachings in a clear and accessible manner, making them accessible to readers who may not be familiar with his work. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Swedenborgian theology and philosophy, and provides a comprehensive overview of his ideas and beliefs.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
From Hymnary dot org: A graduate of Urbana University, Urbana, Ohio, Smyth was ordained January 5, 1879.
He served as pastor of the Portland New Church Society (1877–82), the Roxbury Society (1882–98), and the New York Society (1898–1921).
He was president of the New Church New York Association (1907–21), and of the General Convention (1911–21).
He was member of the American New-Church Sunday School Association committee that compiled and edited the Hosanna, the New Jerusalem Committee of Worship that compiled and edited the Magnificat in 1910, and—with James Reed—on the General Convention of the New Jerusalem Committee of Worship that established the 1912 Book of Worship.
Kennedy also founded the Kennedy House for the education of the underprivileged in New York City.
A nice quick read to get an idea of the concepts of this theologian. There is a great variety of small sections presenting the different ideas from the many books he wrote. Some of these ideas are quite unique and possibly considered to be mystical by some, but it is nice to hear them outside of the genre of fantasy.
An interesting introduction to Swedenborg's beliefs. If more Christians subscribed to his simple teachings of love and duty, perhaps they would garner greater respect.
Unremarkable in any way. Just reads like most Christian philosophical commentaries about Christianity and what it means. Other than a few advancements, or revelations Swedenborg had, such as dead children becoming angels, there wasn't enough here to prompt me to dig into his other works, since this was a cursory look at all of them, and for that I'm grateful since I can now skip them or put them off. Itch = scratched.