The Last Judgment in Retrospect [Paperback]

Emanuel Swedenborg (Author), George F. Dole (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1995

The Last Judgment, one of the lesser-known works of Swedish visionary Emanuel Swedenborg (1668-1772), presents a startling claim: "The Last Judgment began last year--1757--and was completed by the end of that year." This judgment, accordig to Swedenborg, occurred in the heavens rather than on earth and marked the beginning of a transformation in the spiritual realms that would, over time, affect all of humanity. Swedenborg's view of the Last Judgment stresses God's love and mercy and combats the fearful prophecies of fiery destruction and eternal damnation that have characterized this subject for so long.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Translated and edited by George F. Dole, The Last Judgment In Retrospect, one of Swedenborg's lesser known works, presents a startling claim: "The Last Judgment began last year (1757) and was completed by the end of that year. " This judgment occurred in the spiritual heavens when God saw that the "church" had lost its true identity, which is compassion and charity. Swedenborg's view of the Last Judgment stresses God's love and mercy and combats the fearful prophecies of fiery destruction and eternal damnation that have characterized this subject for so long. He asserts that biblical prophecies must be read on a symbolic level to understand their true or internal meaning. As the end of this millennium approaches, this short work offers hope for the continuation of life on earth, the triumph of good, and eternal salvation. -- Midwest Book Review

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Swedenborg Foundation Publishers; 1st Edition edition (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087785176X
• ISBN-13: 978-0877851769
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,096,031 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

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eternal life is NOW, December 13, 2004

By 

Jackie M. Sthilaire "Memere Jackie" (Manchester, NH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Last Judgment in Retrospect (Paperback)

In Swedenborg's "The Last Judgment" he emphasizes that we are NOW living in the "The Last Judgment".

This event has already happened and it is not coming in the future.

In the year 1757 the judgment occurred in the spiritual heavens when God saw that the "church" had lost its true identity, which is compassion and charity.

This was a judgment of love and compassion not fear, hate and vengeance. The triumph of good over evil. Good has won over evil and we are all responsible to keep this goodness of the Lord alive in our lives.