Frequently Asked Questions on New Church Background
Q. Is the New Church a Christian church?
A. Yes, the New Church, which has been in existence for over 200 years, is a Christian church. It’s teachings strongly emphasize the divinity of Jesus Christ. Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th century scientist, philosopher, and theologian, who wrote The Writings, says quite clearly that "God is one, in whom is a Divine Trinity, and the Lord God the Savior, Jesus Christ is that God" (True Christianity 3:2). The New Church believes strongly that Jesus is the Savior of the world and that one should believe and live by what He teaches.
Q. Does Swedenborg add to the Word of God?
A. In the book of Revelation it says, "If any person shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book" (Revelation 22:18). A person should not add to the Word of God. But this passage in the book of Revelation specifically applies only to the book of Revelation. All the books which are contained in the Bible were once separate scrolls that were later recognized by church councils as inspired and were then bound together. In fact, there was a dispute as to whether the book of Revelation should be included because of its strange style.
It is interesting that Deuteronomy 4:2 has a similar warning. There we are told, "You shall not add to the Word which I command you, nor take anything from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God." Much has been added since Deuteronomy. Obviously no person should add to the Word of God, but God can add to it, and He has. Since Deuteronomy, God has spoken through many men – David, the Prophets, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – all of them commissioned by the Lord. Is it not possible that Swedenborg was also a person so commissioned?
The Word of God does not state that all revelations would stop, as some seem to assume. In fact, the Lord clearly indicated that there would be more to come, when people would be better prepared to receive it. We are told in the Gospel of John, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you of things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you" (John 16:12-14).
The Lord also says, "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father" (John 16:25).
Q. What is the difference between the New Church and the General Church?
A. The New Church is the ideology, the spiritual church, and the General Church is an organization founded on the beliefs of the New Church.