swedenborgianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal / Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “swedenborgianism” mean?
The theological doctrines, beliefs, or practices of the New Church (Church of the New Jerusalem), based on the teachings of the Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theological doctrines, beliefs, or practices of the New Church (Church of the New Jerusalem), based on the teachings of the Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg.
A Christian denomination and philosophical system that interprets Scripture spiritually, emphasizes the Second Coming as a spiritual event in 1757, and incorporates Swedenborg's mystical writings on correspondences between the spiritual and natural worlds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both varieties, primarily in academic/religious discourse.
Connotations
Neutral theological descriptor. May connote a niche, intellectual, or historically specific religious movement.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in contexts relating to history of religion, mysticism, or specific communities (e.g., in areas with New Church congregations).
Grammar
How to Use “swedenborgianism” in a Sentence
[Subject] + [Verb: studies/practices/adheres to] + SwedenborgianismSwedenborgianism + [Verb: teaches/emphasizes/interprets] + [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “swedenborgianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They did not swedenborgianise the traditional liturgy.
American English
- He attempted to Swedenborgianize the congregation's teachings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history of ideas, and theology departments to describe a specific Christian denomination and its doctrines.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used precisely in theological writings, historical analyses of Christian sects, and studies of Western esotericism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “swedenborgianism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “swedenborgianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “swedenborgianism”
- Misspelling (e.g., 'Swedenburgianism', 'Swedenborianism').
- Using lowercase ('swedenborgianism') when it should be capitalized.
- Confusing it with Spiritualism or Theosophy, which are related but distinct movements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a Christian denomination that considers itself the 'New Church', but its doctrines, such as its rejection of the Trinity as three persons and its spiritual interpretation of the Second Coming, differ from mainstream Christian orthodoxy.
Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian. After a spiritual crisis in the 1740s, he devoted his life to writing theological works which form the basis of Swedenborgianism.
There are small congregations of the General Church of the New Jerusalem and the Swedenborgian Church of North America in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and South Korea.
It is the doctrine that everything in the physical world corresponds to a spiritual reality. For example, light corresponds to divine truth, and water corresponds to spiritual understanding. This system is used to interpret the Bible allegorically.
The theological doctrines, beliefs, or practices of the New Church (Church of the New Jerusalem), based on the teachings of the Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg.
Swedenborgianism is usually formal / technical / academic in register.
Swedenborgianism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌswiːd(ə)nˈbɔːdʒiənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌswiːd(ə)nˈbɔːrdʒiənɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SWEDEN (the origin of Swedenborg) + BORG (sounds like 'bore' - think of deep, complex ideas) + IAN (a person) + ISM (a system of belief) = The belief system from the Swedish thinker Swedenborg.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LENS FOR INTERPRETING REALITY (Swedenborgianism provides a specific spiritual lens through which to view scripture and the world).
Practice
Quiz
Swedenborgianism is primarily associated with which field?