Music in Emanuel Swedenborg's Theology: Revitalizing New Church Hymnody

In New Church (Swedenborgian) congregations, hymns, while well loved, are not always sung in a manner that externally reflects the inspiring and revolutionary content that lies within. Emanuel Swedenborg’s (1688-1772) writings about singing and instruments in Heaven, described in Chapter 3, demonstrate a significant spiritual power inherent to hymn singing that could inspire a revitalization of hymnody in New Church worship today. Swedenborg was an acclaimed scientist and theologian who documented almost thirty years of spiritual visions, yielding a rational theological system, explored in Chapter 2. His visions were the basis for his rigorous and systematic exegesis of the Bible, through which he unveiled a profound inner meaning, informed by his comprehensive knowledge of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Swedenborg’s writings about the spiritual nature of music and the bond between Heaven and Earth have inspiring implications for the future of religious music. This thesis discusses the unique aspects of New Church theology that are expressed in the hymns, highlighting what makes the content highly worth celebrating. In addition, an exploration of the history of New Church hymnals illustrates how Swedenborg’s theology has informed musical worship in the past and can support a vibrant liturgical life today. The hymn texts demonstrate the careful integration of New Church values into catechesis and worship. The musical philosophies of significant New Church composers provide inspiring perspectives concerning the spirituality of music, modeling desirable ways of approaching New Church hymn composition. The final chapter offers a program of practical solutions for how church musicians might create a musical environment that allows for creativity and change, so that music can organically grow to express the ever-deepening spiritual affections of the New Church.