new jerusalem church
LowFormal, Religious, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A specific Christian denomination, often referring to the church of the New Jerusalem, a term from the Book of Revelation symbolizing a purified, ideal church community.
Typically refers to the Swedenborgian Church, a Christian denomination based on the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, which interprets the 'New Jerusalem' from Revelation 21:2 as a new spiritual dispensation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A proper noun referring to a specific religious institution. It can be used both as the name of the denomination as a whole and for individual local congregations. It carries heavy theological and eschatological connotations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. The denomination exists in both regions, with 'The General Conference of the New Church' in the UK and 'The Swedenborgian Church of North America' in the US being primary bodies.
Connotations
In both, it connotes a specific, intellectually-oriented Christian sect with a distinct theology, not mainstream Christianity.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, known primarily within theological or historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[attend/worship at/visit] the New Jerusalem ChurchThe New Jerusalem Church [teaches/emphasises/holds] that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, or history contexts to discuss Swedenborgianism or 18th/19th-century Christian movements.
Everyday
Rare, used only when referring specifically to the denomination or a local congregation.
Technical
Used as a precise denominational identifier within comparative religion or ecclesiastical history.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- His New Jerusalem Church beliefs were central to his life.
- She follows New Jerusalem Church theology.
American English
- His New Jerusalem Church beliefs were central to his life.
- She follows New Jerusalem Church theology.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a New Jerusalem Church in our town.
- My neighbour attends the New Jerusalem Church on Sundays.
- The New Jerusalem Church, based on Swedenborg's writings, has a unique interpretation of Christian scripture.
- The 19th-century expansion of the New Jerusalem Church in America reflected contemporary spiritual seeker culture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A NEW vision of JERUSALEM as a CHURCH', based on the biblical book of Revelation.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE IDEAL/PERFECT COMMUNITY IS A NEW CITY (Jerusalem). SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IS REBUILDING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'New Jerusalem' as 'Новый Иерусалим' unless it is the direct name; it is a theological concept, not a geographic location. In generic reference, it may be better described as 'церковь нового Иерусалима' (lowercase) to indicate the concept, not the city.
Common Mistakes
- Using lower case ('new jerusalem church') when it is a proper noun. Confusing it with the 'New Jerusalem' as just a metaphor in mainstream Christianity rather than a specific denomination.
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'New Jerusalem Church' most specifically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a smaller, distinct denomination with theology based on the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg.
It refers to the symbolic, heavenly city described in Revelation 21, which Swedenborgians interpret as a new spiritual truth descending from God.
Yes, they are different names for the same religious tradition.
Yes, it can refer to the denomination as a whole or to a specific local congregation and its building.