Best Emanuel Swedenborg Podcasts (2025)

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Emanuel Swedenborg: A most unusual mystic 51:20

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8d ago51:20

51:20

Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian who, in his midlife, became a Christian mystic and visionary after a profound spiritual awakening. Unlike most mystics, however, Swedenborg did not follow the usual steps to mysticism and many of his visions are like nothing we have heard about before, making him a …

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The Fourth Commandment: “Honor Your Father and Your Mother” | Rev. Coleman S. Glenn 14:55

2d ago14:55

14:55

(Exodus 20:12) Our heavenly Father is perfect, but this commandment calls us not just to honor Him but also to honor our literal parents and other imperfect human beings who make up His church. How do we keep this commandment in every sense? Readings: 1 Samuel 24, Luke 2:41-52, True Christian Religion 305-307 (portions) Minister: Rev. Coleman S. Gl…

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The Fourth Commandment: “Honor Your Father and Your Mother” | Rev. Coleman S. Glenn 22:18

1d ago22:18

22:18

(Exodus 20:12) Our heavenly Father is perfect, but this commandment calls us not just to honor Him but also to honor our literal parents and other imperfect human beings who make up His church. How do we keep this commandment in every sense? Readings: Genesis 9:20-27, Luke 2:41-52, True Christian Religion 305-307 (portions) Minister: Rev. Coleman S…

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Thanksgiving Service - Where Does It Come From? | Rev. Steven P. Gunther 12:55

5d ago12:55

12:55

A lot of work and preparation goes into our Thanksgiving celebrations, but even before we do any of our work there are countless others whom we will probably never meet who have made it all possible. Similarly, the Lord is the source of all goodness that we experience in our lives, but we don't necessarily see it. How can we give thanks to the Lord…

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Live Your Faith | Rev. Jeffrey O. Smith 16:40

9d ago16:40

16:40

Our church has beautiful teachings that people of any faith can go to heaven. Does this mean it doesn’t matter what we believe? The simple answer is “of course it matters.” This Sunday we will learn about how important it is. Readings: 1 Samuel 10, 13; Divine Providence 330; True Christianity 107, 142 Minister: Rev. Jeffrey O. Smith Delivered Novem…

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Live Your Faith | Rev. Jeffrey O. Smith 18:56

9d ago18:56

18:56

Our church has beautiful teachings that people of any faith can go to heaven. Does this mean it doesn’t matter what we believe? The simple answer is “of course it matters.” This Sunday we will learn about how important it is. Readings: 1 Samuel 10, 13; John 3:16-17; 14:12-14; Divine Providence 330; True Christianity 107, 142 Minister: Rev. Jeffrey …

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Keeping the Jar Full | Rev. Steven P. Gunther 16:33

12d ago16:33

16:33

We all go through seasons of life where we search for meaning and guidance. We can picture the kind of life we want, but we aren’t sure how to get there. When Elijah is sent to visit a widow in 1 Kings 17, he asks her for something that she isn’t sure she can give. In their interaction, we find the answer to what we can do when we aren’t sure what …

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Keeping the Jar Full | Rev. Steven P. Gunther 20:15

9d ago20:15

20:15

We all go through seasons of life where we search for meaning and guidance. We can picture the kind of life we want, but we aren’t sure how to get there. When Elijah is sent to visit a widow in 1 Kings 17, he asks her for something that she isn’t sure she can give. In their interaction, we find the answer to what we can do when we aren’t sure what …

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The Third Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath Day, To Keep It Holy” | Rev. Derek P. Elphick 15:05

23d ago15:05

15:05

(Exodus 20:8) The Hebrew word for “Sabbath” means rest. Physical and mental “rest” is relatively easy to obtain but a holy day of rest requires a different mindset and a different skill set. This commandment draws our attention to the fact that the quality of our Sabbath Day is directly proportional to how things go during the "six days of labor" l…

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The Third Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath Day, To Keep It Holy” | Rev. Derek P. Elphick 22:40

23d ago22:40

22:40

(Exodus 20:8) The Hebrew word for “Sabbath” means rest. Physical and mental “rest” is relatively easy to obtain but a holy day of rest requires a different mindset and a different skill set. This commandment draws our attention to the fact that the quality of our Sabbath Day is directly proportional to how things go during the "six days of labor" l…

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Building on a Sound Foundation | Rt. Rev. Brad Heinrichs 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

How we develop our minds on a firm foundation of knowledge and truth is a subject that has been of keen interest to those interested in New Church education over the years. Two stories that deal with this are building our house upon a rock and the children of Israel leaving Egypt and taking their gold, silver, and garments with them. Come and see i…

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Building on a Sound Foundation | Rt. Rev. Brad Heinrichs 25:01

26d ago25:01

25:01

How we develop our minds on a firm foundation of knowledge and truth is a subject that has been of keen interest to those interested in New Church education over the years. Two stories that deal with this are building our house upon a rock and the children of Israel leaving Egypt and taking their gold, silver, and garments with them. Come and see i…

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Getting Our Hearts in the Right Place | Rev. Malcolm G. Smith 26:52

1M ago26:52

26:52

It can be hard to figure out how the Lord would like us to be in different situations. Does He want us to be more gentle or more firm? Persistent or adaptable? Should we speak up when something upsets us, or quietly let it go? This Sunday, at our Community Worship Service, we’ll explore questions like these through what the Word teaches about the “…

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Getting Our Hearts in the Right Place | Rev. Malcolm G. Smith 26:52

17d ago26:52

26:52

It can be hard to figure out how the Lord would like us to be in different situations. Does He want us to be more gentle or more firm? Persistent or adaptable? Should we speak up when something upsets us, or quietly let it go? This Sunday, at our Community Worship Service, we’ll explore questions like these through what the Word teaches about the “…

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In Search of Sacred Ground | Rev. Derek P. Elphick 24:36

1M ago24:36

24:36

For all the technological, material advances we’ve made as a society in the last 20 years or so, people report feeling lonelier and unhappier than ever before. The ground has shifted so much, people don’t know what’s real (sacred) anymore. The two great liberators of Israel, Moses and Joshua, couldn’t hear (or understand) the Lord’s message to them…

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In Search of Sacred Ground | Rev. Derek P. Elphick 15:45

1M ago15:45

15:45

For all the technological, material advances we’ve made as a society in the last 20 years or so, people report feeling lonelier and unhappier than ever before. The ground has shifted so much, people don’t know what’s real (sacred) anymore. The two great liberators of Israel, Moses and Joshua, couldn’t hear (or understand) the Lord’s message to them…

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Relics and Mysticism 50:16

1M ago50:16

50:16

What is the connection between relics and mysticism? In this episode, we look at how relics have played an important role throughout church history, including the relics of well-known mystics. Mysticism joins the heavenly realm with the earthly realm, and we find that relics can do the same. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's ne…

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“Speak, For Your Servant Hears” | Rt. Rev. Peter Buss, Jr. 17:34

1M ago17:34

17:34

(1 Samuel 3:10) Samuel’s words remind us that the Lord wishes us to hear many things from Him about how to live our lives. One place He speaks to us is in His Word, for we learn that “the Word's Divine truth is the voice of Jehovah” (Apocalypse Revealed 218). How else does the Lord call to us, and how can we get better at paying attention? Readings…

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“Your Servant Hears” | Rt. Rev. Peter Buss, Jr. 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

(1 Samuel 3:10) How are you listening for the Lord’s voice in your life? We learn that the Lord constantly calls out to all of us, summoning us to “conjunction with Himself, thus to eternal life” (Apocalypse Revealed 831). There are, however, many things vying for our attention. In what ways can we actively come into the presence of the Lord to hea…

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The Second Commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord Your God in vain.” | Rev. Steven P. Gunther 15:43

2M ago15:43

15:43

What does it really mean to “take the Lord’s name in vain?” For many of us, this commandment may feel like an easy check mark, but if we look below the surface, we will find that there is much more than meets the eye. In one interaction in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that not everyone who says to Him “Lord, Lord” shall enter the kingdom of he…

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The Second Commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord Your God in vain.” | Rev. Steven P. Gunther 23:01

2M ago23:01

23:01

What does it really mean to “take the Lord’s name in vain?” For many of us, this commandment may feel like an easy check mark, but if we look below the surface, we will find that there is much more than meets the eye. In one interaction in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that not everyone who says to Him “Lord, Lord” shall enter the kingdom of he…

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“The Very Hairs of Your Head Are Numbered...” | Rev. Derek P. Elphick 14:23

2M ago14:23

14:23

The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. As He sat at the table with the twelve disciples at the Last Supper, we can picture the Lord looking each disciple in the eye, one by one, helping them see things they couldn’t have seen on their own. What did He see? How does it help us knowing that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves? R…

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“The Very Hairs of Your Head Are Numbered...” | Rev. Derek P. Elphick 11:21

2M ago11:21

11:21

The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. As He sat at the table with the twelve disciples at the Last Supper, we can picture the Lord looking each disciple in the eye, one by one, helping them see things they couldn’t have seen on their own. What did He see? How does it help us knowing that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves? R…

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Don’t Tell Anyone | Rev. Malcolm G. Smith 16:04

2M ago16:04

16:04

In the Gospels, sometimes the Lord heals someone in an amazing way but then tells them not to tell anyone. Other times, He specifically instructs them to go and tell others what has happened. This Sunday, we will explore why the Lord might have done this, and what it means for us—when we should keep quiet and when we should spread the good news. Re…

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Don’t Tell Anyone | Rev. Malcolm G. Smith 25:33

2M ago25:33

25:33

In the Gospels, sometimes the Lord heals someone in an amazing way but then tells them not to tell anyone. Other times, He specifically instructs them to go and tell others what has happened. This Sunday, we will explore why the Lord might have done this, and what it means for us—when we should keep quiet and when we should spread the good news. Re…

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Fr. Thomas Keating: Centering Prayer 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

Father Thomas Keating (1923 – 2018) was an American Trappist monk who took the form of prayer used by Christian mystics over the past centuries and presented in a modern and accessible manner, so everyone can partake of it. Although considered controversial by some, Centering Prayer bears a very close resemblance to how Christian mystics used praye…

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Covenant Renewal | Rev. Derek P. Elphick 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

The purpose of this service will be to explore ways in which we can re-dedicate ourselves as individuals and as a congregation to the covenantal relationships we’ve formed with each other and with the Lord. We’re taught that “covenants are made for the sake of love, friendship, and companionship, and therefore for the sake of union” (Life 60), but …

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The First Commandment: “You Shall Have No Other Gods Before My Face” | Rev. Malcolm G. Smith 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

(Exodus 20:3) This is the first of the Ten Commandments, and all the commandments that come after it relate back to it. What and who do we bow down to and serve instead of the Lord our God? How can we learn to identify those gods and reject them and instead love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength? Readings: Exod…

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The First Commandment: “You Shall Have No Other Gods Before My Face” | Rev. Malcolm G. Smith 15:57

3M ago15:57

15:57

“You shall have no other gods before my face.” (Exodus 20:3) This is the first of the Ten Commandments and all the commandments that come after it relate back to it. What and who do we bow down to and serve instead of the Lord our God? How can we learn to identify those gods and reject them and instead love the Lord our God with all our heart, all …

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St. Gertrude of Helfta: Constant contact with the Divine 49:32

3M ago49:32

49:32

St. Gertrude of Helfta (1256–1302) was a 13th century German nun who enjoyed constant contact with the divine through her mystical experiences. Known also as Gertrude the Great, her writings were very influential and inspired St. Teresa of Avila and many other mystics throughout the centuries. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's …

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Mystical Visions 50:20

4M ago50:20

50:20

Mystics can experience mystical visions that give them insight into the spiritual realm and that can bring messages from God. Whether they are visions of Christ Himself, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or even other saints, this mystical phenomenon plays a vital role in the life of mystics. In this episode, we go over the three types of visions mystics ex…

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Mystical Apparitions 53:42

5M ago53:42

53:42

For many Christian mystics who live holy lives of prayer and dedication, visions of heavenly beings are not out of the ordinary. However, heavenly visions are not always exclusive to mystics. Throughout church history, apparitions of heavenly beings have appeared countless times to regular people, often children, sometimes creating confusion and ma…

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Madame Guyon: A mystic for Catholics and Protestants 50:43

7M ago50:43

50:43

Born at the end of the 30-Year’s War, the worst bloodbath ever in Christian history, with Protestants and Catholics killing each other, involving most western European nations, Catholic mystic Madame Guyon (Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon 1648 -1717) devoted herself to a life of prayer amidst intense suffering. Ironic for her era, her mystic…

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The persecution of mystics 51:44

8M ago51:44

51:44

Why do so many mystics endure investigations, persecutions, and even imprisonment and execution? Mystics are always a potential challenge to church and civil authorities. If they are close to God – or united with God – they can claim higher authority than anyone else. Nevertheless, there are also any mystics who escaped close scrutiny and persecuti…

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux: The anti-mystic mystic 48:22

9M ago48:22

48:22

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) was a French Carmelite nun and a Doctor of the Church. She is known for her autobiography, Story of a Soul, which is still a popular spiritual read today. She is one of the most popular saints of the 20th century and still very popular today. St. Thérèse was never known for exhibiting the physical phenomena or ecs…

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Love in Christian Mysticism 46:23

9M ago46:23

46:23

Love is an absolutely essential component of Christian mysticism. It is the driving force as well as the ultimate goal: to know God and to love God. But like all other aspects of Christian mysticism, it is deeply wrapped in paradox. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can or…

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Mysticism and the embrace of pain and suffering 53:00

11M ago53:00

53:00

Pain and suffering is part of every mystical journey and throughout history, Christian mystics have embraced it. The classic path to mysticism can be described in three steps: purgation, illumination, and union. But for Christian mystics, the purgation never ends. In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire delves into the lives of Christian mystics and expla…

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St. Faustyna Kowalska: The Secretary of Divine Mercy 48:23

12M ago48:23

48:23

Maria Faustyna Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, OLM (1905 – 1938) was a Polish Catholic religious sister and mystic. Faustyna had apparitions of Jesus Christ, which inspired the Catholic devotion to the Divine Mercy and earned her the title of the "secretary" of Divine Mercy. Throughout her life, Kowalska reported having visions of Jesus and conv…

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The Bible and Mysticism: Part 2 - The New Testament 48:21

1y ago48:21

48:21

The Christian Bible is full of imagery and instruction that Christian mystics have used as inspiration and direction in their mystical journeys. In our last episode, Dr. Carlos Eire shared a sampling of Old Testament scripture that Christian mystics have used and meditated on over the centuries. In this episode, we explore the New Testament and how…

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The Bible and Mysticism Part 1: The Old Testament 45:39

1y ago45:39

45:39

The Christian Bible is full of imagery and instruction that Christian mystics have used as inspiration and direction in their mystical journeys. In this episode, Dr Carlos Eire shares a sampling of Old Testament scripture that Christian mystics have used and meditated on over the centuries. In the next episode, we'll explore the New Testament and t…

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Mysticism and madness 47:56

1y ago47:56

47:56

Is the human brain the source of mystical experience? You may be surprised to learn scientists have been able to map the part of the brain that becomes active when individuals are in prayer, but that doesn't necessarily mean mysticism is just a hallucination or psychosis. In this episode, we discuss how the brain plays a role in mysticism and how m…

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St. Gemma Galgani: The suffering mystic 50:19

1+ y ago50:19

50:19

St. Gemma Galgani (March 12, 1878 -- April 11, 1903) was a “Daughter of the Passion” and lived a short life of intense veneration and imitation of Christ’s passion despite her own physical and emotional pain. She received the gift of the stigmata at the age of 21 and experienced mystical experiences with Christ, the Virgin Mary, and her guardian an…

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Mysticism and exorcism 49:46

1+ y ago49:46

49:46

In this episode, we discuss the intersection between Christian mysticism and the phenomena of demonic possession and exorcism. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at c…

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St. Padre Pio: The modern-day mystic 54:23

1+ y ago54:23

54:23

St. Padre Pio (1887-1968) was a 20th century ecstatic mystic, much like the mystics from the early age. A healer who was obviously influenced by St. Francis, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and several other mystics, he was best known for the physical and paranormal phenomena that accompanied his ecstasies, especially the stigmata, bilo…

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Evelyn Underhill: A pioneer in the modern study of mysticism 41:56

1+ y ago41:56

41:56

Evelyn Underhill (1875 - 1941) was an Anglican and a pioneer in the modern study of mysticism who brought the teachings and writings of early Church mystics to a largely Protestant audience. She was the first woman to lecture to the clergy in the Church of England, and the first woman officially to conduct spiritual retreats for the Church. She was…

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St. Martin de Porres: Living a mystical life without explaining it 44:50

1+ y ago44:50

44:50

St. Martín de Porres (1579-1639) was a Peruvian mystic, the son of a freed black slave and a Spanish nobleman, who despite the discrimination he suffered for the color of his skin, never lost his humility or his great peace. His mystical life of bilocation, levitation, instances of glowing, and numerous miracles were known only to those who witness…

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St. Ignatius of Loyola: The nobleman and soldier who became a mystic 51:51

1+ y ago51:51

51:51

Born in 1491, St. Ignatius of Loyola was a nobleman who wanted to be a soldier, but a serious injury took him off the battlefield and led to an unexpected conversion. He dedicated his life to God and prayer, leading him to dedicate his sword to the Virgin Mary. His intense mystical experiences were documented in his autobiography and his path to my…

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St. Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi: The dramatic mystic 46:33

1+ y ago46:33

46:33

Born in 1566 to one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Florence, St. Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi joined the convent at the age of 16 and soon after began experiencing dramatic and intense visions where she conversed with the Holy Trinity. During these visions, the nuns in her convent wrote down her words as she conversed with the Son, th…

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The Imitation of Christ: The mystic's handbook 47:49

1+ y ago47:49

47:49

Written in the 15th century around the same time as the invention of the printing press, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis was printed in several languages and became a bestseller. It is widely regarded as the most important devotional work in Catholic Christianity and one of the most-read devotional works next to the Bible. It undoubtedly…

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St. Gregory of Nyssa: The father of mysticism 49:57

2y ago49:57

49:57

St. Gregory of Nyssa was a 4th century Bishop who is highly revered by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church in the west. His take on prayer, Christocentric focus, theosis (divinization), and emphasis on God as infinitely transcendent illuminates a pathway to Christian mysticism and the divine. If you would like to order a copy o…