Swedenborg, Oetinger, Kant: Three Perspectives on the Secrets of Heaven - Softcover

Wouter J. Hanegraaff

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0877853215 ISBN 13: 9780877853213

Publisher: Swedenborg Foundation Publishers, 2007

Synopsis

In this meticulous study, Wouter Hanegraaff examines the structure, themes, and development of Emanuel Swedenborg's massive work Secrets of Heaven (Arcana Coelestia), published between 1749 and 1756. Written as a work of biblical exegesis (of Genesis and Exodus), Swedenborg also interpolated material on his visionary experiences, which have long fascinated readers.

In the second part of the study, Dr. Hanegraaff examines the contemporary reception of the multi-volume work, particularly the critical reactions of Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Christoph Oetinger. He finds that Swedenborg's biblical exegesis, so important in his divine calling, was largely ignored in favor of the mystical experiences.

About this title

About the Author

Wouter Hanegraaff is professor of History and Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents at the University of Amsterdam.  He has published widely on historical and theoretical aspects of the study of Western esotericism, including a recent study of the 15th-century Hermetic philosopher Lodovico Lazzarelli and a highly acclaimed publication New Age Religion and Western Culture: Esotericism in the Mirror of Secular Thought.

Edition details

• Publisher: Swedenborg Foundation Publishers
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0877853215
• ISBN 13: 9780877853213
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200