Reviews for Heaven and Hell

The average rating for Heaven and Hell based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-02-20 00:00:00 P.a.m. Janssen I found the book to be easy to read, interesting and very enlightening. Granted, I say this not really having a preconceived notion of what heaven or hell is/'should' be like (although like everyone else, I have/had my own ideas too). It is my opinion that what Swedenborg presents sounds very plausible and I find his interpretation as further proof of God's infinite love'which is what I tend to look for when reading spiritual works. I was delighted to find the book both mystical in nature but also very human. It's not an intimidating text and indeed the subject of non-Christians is also dealt with. I am absolutely motivated to read Swedenborg's other works, most notably "Marriage Love," "Divine Love and Wisdom," and "The White Horse." In terms of the book's contents, I have retained the following details. Firstly, although the introduction is rather lengthy'59 pages'I highly recommend reading it because it provides very insightful background information on the work and Swedenborg's times. Although this work is titled "Heaven and Hell," the book deals mostly with heaven and angels. There are 3 parts, the last of which is the chapter on hell. Hell is mentioned throughout the book, but usually in quick comparisons to whatever is being described as existing in heaven. It is written in simple language that is easy to read'delightful given that this can sometimes be an issue when dealing with spiritual works'reminding us that Swedenborg had indeed written the book for "people with simple heart and simple faith." With that said, what might make the reading 'slow' is the fact that there are tons of annotations which the reader may want to read, causing him to pause on a constant basis. Also, depending on a reader's background and reception of the subject at hand, reading slowly might help in better absorbing the content. Some readers may find some of his statements to be repetitive, but I personally don't mind it as it serves to drive home certain important points and therefore help in remembering them. Since spiritual works can sometimes feel 'heavy' with information, I find this tactic to be effective. One of the points that made an impression is "what we love, we intend." I consider it a useful and powerful concept that I will be sure to actively reflect upon.

Review # 2 was written on 2008-10-20 00:00:00 Colm Osiris Swedenborg's Heaven and Hell is now 250 years old, but it's still fresh in its implications for personal spirituality. Swedenborg, in a matter-of-fact and humble way, rambles on and on about endless details of the afterlife. Some of his explanations seem a little odd. But scattered through the book are passages where his penchant for detail and his uncommon focus, breadth of purview, and length of attention span give fresh perspectives on deeply human questions. I am learning from Swedenborg how my deeply internal will is the real me and will be unclothed in the eternal world. It invokes the saying of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas, "Not 'til you can take off your clothes and step on them are you ready for the kingdom of God."