True Christianity, vol. 2: The Portable New Century Edition

Originally published in Amsterdam in 1771, Swedenborg presents his theological views against the backdrop of, and in contrast to, key concepts in Protestant Christianity. In the fourteen chapters of his two-volume True Christianity (volume two begins with chapter 8), he addresses topics such as the nature of God, the Bible, and the Trinity; how and why Jesus redeemed the human race; the multilayered meanings of the Ten Commandments; how faith and good works contribute to salvation; the true nature and purpose of baptism and Holy Supper (Communion); and the Last Judgment, the Second Coming, and the descent of the New Jerusalem. It includes Swedenborg’s most extended and practice-oriented discussion of how to undertake effective repentance from sin. The tone of the work is often blunt and confrontational and, when it resorts to reducing opposing arguments to absurdity, devastatingly biting and witty. It is recommended for those with a particular interest in exploring Swedenborg’s theological views and seeing the biblical support he offers for them. Swedenborg also included extensive accounts of his spiritual experiences in this work.

Volume 2 covers topics such as freedom of choice, repentance, the transformation of a person’s inner being during spiritual awakening, the rites of baptism and the Holy Supper (Communion), and the Second Coming of the Lord.