Above, the Lincoln Park Chicago monument to Swedenborg, whose vision of the new Jerusalem (Revelation, chapter 21 in the Bible) inspired city planner Daniel Burnham. Swedenborg looks benevolently toward the city, holding a copy of "Secrets of Heaven" to his heart.
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Welcome to the Swedenborg Library in Chicago
Above: Common Ground lecturer Jerry Leitner addresses a group during a Swedenborg Library program.
Here you'll find information on upcoming events and programs on a wide range of topics, from spiritual practices, the world's religions, spirituality in America among others.
Our circulating book collection offers a range of contemporary books on spiritual topics, as well as the work of the 18C Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg.
One of the insights that Swedenborg had about the heavenly realm was that people who lived the good of their religion of all religions were found there. The Swedenborg Library embraces that idea, and is an ecumenical center. People of all faiths, and those who aren't sure what they believe are welcomed here.
The Swedenborg Library has public hours on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, from 1–5 PM Central Time, and by appointment.
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For all Winter 2025 upcoming programs, click on the "Coming Programs & Events" button at left, and view the brochure PDF.
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Zoom Program: Tuesday, November 19, 7–8:30 PM Central Time. Swedenborg and the Inward Turn, with Rev. Robert McCluskey
To view the video, visit YouTube.com and search the title "Swedenborg's Inward Turn."
Unfortunately, we are having difficulty with our web service in posting the link to the video here. The simplest way to view it is to search the title within YouTube.
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Zoom: Wednesday, December 4, 5–6:30 PM CentralPrimitive Baptist Universalism, with Elder Jonathan Buttry
lder Jonathan Buttry of the Holston Valley Church will introduce us to the Appalachian tradition of Primitive Baptist Universalism, one of the most fascinating American theological movements. Originating in the late 19th Century, the PBU’s teach a highly original theology built on Biblical literalism, a unique reading of Calvinism, and the belief that God will eventually reconcile all beings back to himself. The “No-Hellers” as they are often referred to pejoratively, due to their belief that Hell is not an eternal place of torment but rather a state experienced in this life, are one part of the unknown religious tapestry that is Appalachia. In the United States, Appalachia is often pigeonholed as an area without intellectual complexity and diversity, where grinding poverty mutes intellectual concerns. However this could not be further from the truth. Few recognize that Appalachia is the most religiously diverse area of the United States, and that theological discussion and debates are part of the very fabric of people’s daily lives. The Appalachian tradition of Primitive Baptist Universalism is one of the most fascinating American theological movements. Originating in the late 19th Century, the PBU's teach a highly original theology built on Biblical literalism, a unique reading of Calvinism, and the belief that God will eventually reconcile all beings back to himself. The "No-Hellers" as they are often called pejoratively, due to their belief that Hell is not an eternal place of torment but rather a state of being experienced in this life, are one part of the unknown religious tapestry that is Appalachia.
In the United States, Appalachia is often pigeonholed as an area without intellectual complexity and diversity, where grinding poverty mutes intellectual concerns. However, this could not be further from the truth. Few recognize that Appalachia is the most religiously diverse area of the U.S., and that theological discussion and debates are part of the very fabric of people's daily lives.
By looking at the PBU tradition, we hope to add understanding to one of the United States' most misunderstood areas.
Jonathan Buttry is an Elder at the Holston Valley Church in Rogersville, Tennessee.
To RSVP and obtain the Zoom link, contact us at Info@SwedLib.org.
Time: Wednesday, December 4, 5–6:30 PM Central
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ZOOM: Thursday, December 12; 3–4:30 PM CentralVöluspa Saga: The End of the Gods, with Terry Gunnell
Join Terry Gunnell for a discussion of the Völuspa Saga, the speech of the prophetess, and perhaps Ragnarök, the end of the gods. Völuspa is a central poem in Norse mythology, found in the Poetic Edda. It is narrated by a völva, a seeress, who recounts the creation of the world, its eventual destruction, and rebirth. Addressing Odin, she describes the primodial void Ginnungagap, the rise of the gods, and the golden age that follows. The poem also foretells Ragnarok, the apocalyptic battle leading to the world's end and its subsequent renewal.
To RSVP and obtain the Zoom link, contact us at Info@SwedLib.org or use the Contact Us link in the lefthand column.
Terry Gunnell is a distinguished folklorist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Iceland. He is one Iceland's most respected public intellectuals. Renowned for his extensive research in the Old Norse literature, folk beliefs, and performance studies, Gunnell has significantly contributed to the understanding of Nordic folklore and medieval Scandinavian culture. His work often explores the intersections of folklore, drama, and cultural history, with notable publications such as "The Origins of Drama in Scandinavia" and "Masks and Mumming in the Nordic Area." Gunnell's scholarship is characterized by a deep engagement with both historical texts and contemporary folk practices, making him a "rock star" figure in the field of folklore.
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Wednesday, December 18, 5 PM CentralThe Swedenborgian Church Chicago will meet in the Swedenborg Library for a prayer gathering and fellowship. Service: 5 PM. RSVP to info@SwedLib.org
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Scholar Dell Rose joins the Swedenborg Library
Dell J. Rose develops and hosts programs for the Swedenborg Library in Chicago. Dell holds the position of Swedenborg Doctoral Fellow with the Swedenborg Society in the United Kingdom, and he is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for the History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents at the Universities van Amsterdam. His research focuses on the intersection of Western esotericism and political reform, particularly with Swedenborgianism in 19th century Britain.
To read Dell's latest article, click on the "Readings" navigational tab at left, and you will find his article "The House of David" at the top of the PDFs there, or click here: Readings.
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To join online discussions of others who are reading Swedenborg's work, or to view video presentations, visit one of the sites below:
Off The Left Eye videos (organized by topic area:) Click Here.
For blog discussions of Swedenborgian and contemporary topics, or to download books:
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See Events & Programs for information on our upcoming programs. We look forward to seeing you then. Use the Contact Us form for information on our collection.
If you will be in downtown Chicago and would like to visit the Swedenborg Library, we are open Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1:00-5:00 pm, and by appointment. Click on the Calendar link in the top left column for our hours and schedule.
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For more info on upcoming programs, click on the "upcoming events" bar in the left-hand column.
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PAST SPEAKERS AT THE SWEDENBORG LIBRARY INCLUDE:
Julia Bachrach, Marc Ian Barasch, Denise Breton, Herbert Bronstein, Sophy Burnham, Kanjin Cederman Shonin, Rabbi Menachem Cohen, Phil Cousineau, Matthew Fox,vRev. Dr. George Dole, Barbara Geiger, Mercy Gilpatric, Jack Gilroy, John Haller Jr., Fatima Imam, Kenneth James, Sunny Dawn Johnston, Jim Kenney, Christopher Largent, Stephen & Robin Larsen, Erik Larson, Rev. Dr. James Lawrence, Jerrol Leitner, Dr. Wayne Martindale, Rev. Robert McCluskey, Ron Miller, Dr. Raymond Moody, John Moulder, Sarah Odishoo, Paul Quinn, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Rose, Ahmad Sadri, Kristen Schaffer, Ann McNamara Smith, Richard Smoley, John Stolfo,Edward Sylvia, Brother Wayne Teasdale, Dr. Alfred Thomas, Pauline Viviano, Rev. Wilma Wake, John Wasik...
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