Here in part two, Stephen looks at themes within Swedenborg's work and how these variously connect him to other seekers or set him apart. He clarifies what he thinks separates Swedenborg's Christianity from all other Christian denominations. -Editor

Swedenborg is considered the founder of a religion, today called the New Church. He wrote thirty thick books that redefine Christianity. He did not think about his books as theology, though. They were always based on his own experiences. This is why there is more to Swedenborg than theology.

Swedenborg and Spiritism

Swedenborg is also considered to be one of the forefathers of spiritism, a movement that became very active in England in the 19th century. Spiritism basically means talking to spirits, in séances, with cards and oracles, or in magic rituals. This practice is based on the belief that we pass into a spirit world after death and can still communicate with people here. Spiritism is reputed to have some four million adherents the world over in 2012. That number is probably at the low end. By comparison, the religion based on Swedenborg’s theology only has a few thousand members the world over today.