Heaven and its Wonders and Hell

The most popular book by written by Emanuel Swedenborg is now available in this beautiful hardcover New Century edition. George Dole's modern translation allows more accessibility for contemporary readers. Bernard Lang's foreword gives useful information. The annotations help to clarify various biblical passages. I first read John Ager's translation of Heaven and Hell. While Ager's translation is usable (and may be dear to those who were introduced to Swedebborg's writings through Ager's translation), I found the New Century Edition easier to read and understand. The other major writings such as the Secrets of Heaven (Arcana Coelestia), and True Christian Religion are all available in this New Century Edition. I already own Divine Love and Wisdom paired with Divine Providence in the New Century hardcover edition, and look forward to purchasing at least some of the other volumes, beginning with Heaven and Hell. Also recommended: Swedenborg and Esoteric Islam by Henry Corbin, the eminent French Islamic Scholar.

I throughly enjoyed this book by Emanuel Swedenborg. I myself had an NDE like experience and visited Heaven and Hell. I found enough similarity in this book to know that the author has made a genuine attempt to truthfully convey his experiences. I recommend this book for anyone who might be in search of a guidebook in this life for the next life. Don't be swayed by bad reviews because as Swedenborg says in the last paragraph.."What has been said in this work about heaven, the world of spirits, and hell, will be obscure to those who have no interest in learning about spiritual truths, but will be clear to those who have such an interest" I was agnostic before my experience but I cannot now deny that Heaven and Hell do exist.

The most remarkable thing about this book, is that its focus is on Heaven and Hell and yet it is primarily useful now...in this world! Swedenborg writes: "we have presented these matters to let people know that a heaven-bound life is not a life withdrawn from the world but a life involved in the world" (p443). Swedenborg talks about the qualities of Heaven, how we are connected to Heaven, the fact that anyone (of any religion) can lead a life to Heaven, marriage in Heaven, the wisdom of angels and so much more. This book and others by Swedenborg have had a profound impact on my life.

This book offers the only logical explanation for hell. Hell exists because it is the only place where evil people are comfortable. In heaven they would suffocate because of the sphere of love and goodness. The creation of hell was an act not of punishment but of Divine Mercy. Learn what life is actually like in the other world. Swedenborg recounts first-hand of his experiences in both heaven and hell.

I spent years researching the five major religions and have read all of their main sacred texts, yet I never seemed to find clear answers to my questions or an explanation to the frustrating contradictions between common religious beliefs. Heaven and Hell put all that frustration to rest. This magnificent work presents a coherent theological model in which all major religions find a place and answers all questions people typically have about faith such as: why religions sometimes contradict; why people in various cultures developed a belief in reincarnation; the cause of gender and sexual love; what the concept of "eternity" truly means; why evil is permitted in this realm and so on. Swedenborg was the most powerful psychic in known history, someone whose work cannot be ignored by any serious student of religion or philosophy. Another book I recommend by him is "Conjugal Love," which offers amazing insights into the secrets of gender and human sexuality.