Divine Providence (Swedenborg, Emanuel, Works.) (Paperback)

by Emanuel Swedenborg (Author), Gregory R. Johnson (Author), Jonathan S. Rose (Author), George F. Dole (Translator) "TO understand what divine providence isthat it is the way the Lord's1 divine love and wisdom govern usit is important to be aware of the..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Jerusalem, Ten Commandments, Sacred Scripture (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
After "Heaven and Hell," "Divine Love and Wisdom" and "Divine Providence" are arguably Swedenborg’s two most popular works.

In "Divine Providence," the sequel to "Divine Love and Wisdom," the focus is directed toward earth, at a world so troubled that the loving hand of God is often hidden from our sight and brought into question. How can we believe in the goodness and power of God when we constantly see injustice and war? The answers that are offered turn us toward a deeper understanding of our own human nature and process. Only divine love and wisdom can provide us with the accountability that gives meaning to our lives.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

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Product Details

• Paperback: 410 pages
• Publisher: Swedenborg Foundation Publishers (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877855056
• ISBN-13: 978-0877855057
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #313,152 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 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: Angelic Wisdom Concerning Divine Providence (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.

8 of 8 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!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Considering Four Doctrines, December 9, 2000

By	Donald L. Brandis "dlbrandis" (Bothell, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Four Doctrines (Paperback)

This book contains four short introductory works by the profound Swedish writer and thinker Emanuel Swedenborg, who lived and wrote in the 1700s. His works as a whole offer thoughtful Christians a richness of insight and spiritual development comparable to the greatest religious texts of Eastern religions, like the Bhagavad Gita, the Yogasutras, the Dhammapada. These short works on faith, spiritual life, sacred scripture and the Lord show the reader some of what Swedenborg's longer works offer - a thorough renewal and revaluation of Christianity, focusing on revelation, doctrine and charity. As with all spiritual texts, these give the reader back many times the value he or she puts into working with them.