Emanuel Swedenborg
Emanuel Swedenborg
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Swedenborg: Posthumous Influence and Legacy

This timeline examines the spread and impact of Swedenborg's ideas after his death, the formation of Swedenborgian churches, and his influence on literature, philosophy, and psychology.
Spread of Swedenborgianism
Late 18th Century
Swedenborg's followers begin to organize into formal religious societies, known as the New Church or Swedenborgian churches. These churches are founded on the principles outlined in his theological writings.
Founding of the General Conference of the New Church
1787
The General Conference of the New Church is founded in London, marking a significant step in the formal organization of Swedenborgianism.
Influence on Literature
19th Century
Swedenborg's ideas exert a significant influence on writers and poets, including William Blake, Honoré de Balzac, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry James Sr., and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. They are drawn to his mystical vision, his concept of correspondences, and his emphasis on spiritual transformation.
Influence on Philosophy and Psychology
19th Century
Swedenborg's ideas also influence philosophers and psychologists, including Carl Jung. Jung draws inspiration from Swedenborg's concept of the collective unconscious and his exploration of dreams and symbolism.
Continued Interest and Scholarship
20th and 21st Centuries
Swedenborg's works continue to be studied and debated by scholars, theologians, and spiritual seekers. His ideas remain a source of inspiration and controversy, prompting ongoing discussions about the nature of consciousness, the afterlife, and the relationship between science and religion.