Divine Providence [Paperback]

Emanuel Swedenborg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1983

Shows how divine nature governs human life and creation. Describes individual human freedom as inherent in creation, empowered by a God-given ability to understand and decide.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Swedenborg Foundation (November 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877850615
• ISBN-13: 978-0877850618
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,020,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, inventor, and theologian who made significant discoveries in many of the natural sciences, including astronomy, anatomy, geology, and mineralogy. At age fifty-five, his intensive search for answers to ultimate questions culminated in an awakening that gave him a unique insight into the workings of the spiritual world. He spent the remainder of his life writing about his experiences and how human beings can come to a deeper awareness of the divine.

Swedenborg's ideas have influenced people as diverse as Helen Keller, Johnny Appleseed, William Blake, Henry James, Ralph Waldo Emerson, D.T. Suzuki, Jorge Luis Borges, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. The continuing appeal of his thought undoubtedly lies in his insights into the afterlife, concepts of divine love, and focus on personal and social development.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally - why bad things really happen to good people., December 7, 1999

By 

Jeremy Simons (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DIVINE PROVIDENCE (REDESIGNED STANDARD EDITION) (Hardcover)

This book is brilliant. Unless I had read it I don't think I ever could have conceived of a plan of Divine government that was so ingenious. The basic concept here is that God governs the human race by allowing people to do as they wish. It reminds me of the saying 'He governs best who governs least.' Therefore God governs in a way that is basically invisible, and yet He still governs.

According to this book God maintains 'control' in myriads of subtle ways, and yet the system is set up in such a way that people really are free. That is, people can acknowledge or not acknowledge God, they can obey or disobey Him, they can think and do as they wish. I think this is a pretty good explanation of the existence of evil. It exists in potential as an opposite of God, dictated by the principle of freedom - but not created by God. I thought this was brilliant. It explains why bad things happen to good people, at least it does to me. That is, bad things are not caused by God but by the principle of freedom itself.

The best part of this book, however, is its articulation of the means God uses so that bad things will stop happening to good people. According to Swedenborg, God is guiding the human race in subtle and miraculous ways towards a happier future. It happens slowly and invisibly so as not to impinge on human freedom. The principle method is information. As people gather knowledge, the knowledge eventually has a great impact on how they act. Knowledge of God is called the Word of God, and it very gradually shapes human actions - but only insofar as people understand, accept, and willingly act on it. I find it easy to believe that information is that powerful.

The purpose of all of this, according to this book, is to bring people to happiness, both in this world and after death in heaven forever. Not a bad purpose.

A work of genius. I would call it Divinely inspired.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide for life, July 11, 2003

By 

Joralyn Echols (Bryn Athyn, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Four Doctrines (Paperback)

I don't think I can say enough about this book! It is actually four smaller works bound together, each one adding amazing depth to reading the Bible and knowledge of God and life in general. The Biblical support that is all through them is fabulously arranged, with clear connections and ideas. This edition of the book is small and very portable, allowing me to take it basically anywhere. It has improved my Bible studying and the quality of my life--because now I know more about how to bring God's love into my life and share it with others. If you are looking for a more intense Bible study, or ideas on how to truly live, this is the book to read!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality and depth, July 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Four Doctrines (Paperback)

I loved this book because of the depth it gave my Bible study. It goes in-depth into the language of the Bible, with the meaning of the word choice. It also talks about the nature of the Lord, helping me know He understands what sorts of things I struggle with and how He can guide me. In looking for a fuller way of life and faith, this book is full of ideas for improving the quality and depth of my life and faith. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants an easy yet deep reading about the Lord and life!