Heaven and Hell: Portable: The Portable New Century Edition Paperback – January 12, 2010

Well, just wow. Was Swedenborg off his nut tripping balls on magic mushrooms? Did he have a religious are to grind? Was he an inveterate liar like Joseph Smith or L Ron Hubbard? Inquiring minds want to know.Biographically speaking the answers are most likely No, Yes and No. The book though, it's a mind trip and a half. Now much of his, let's call it reporting, seems well colored with his social milleu. However, let's just take him at his word that he had these experiences in the realm of the afterlife. If so it could be a state of awareness that would be very subjective to some large degree and we could assume that at least some of what he encountered could be projection.With that being said there is very much in this work that resonates. The concept of spirits riding or descending into suitable groups for their degree of development, his definition of evil, the role that human consciousness plays in continuing to create evil on earth from (dun Dun DUN) BEYOND THE GRAVE, well it's fascinating to the nth degree.Buy it. Read it. It's well worth it, even if it doesn't change your life and grant you eternal salvation it is still an earnest work full of insight and wisdom.

I was introduced to the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg in the early 70's. At the time I was new to college and was taking a class in "World Religion" and learned about Swedenborg during class. His writing was never presented to me as a stand alone religion but that his writings would help me to be a better Christian, Lutheran, or provide deeper perspective into any faith. The more I learned about his writing the more I was deeply touched by what he had to say. In the 70's Swedenborg's most essential writings were in very hard to read translations based on the original Latin writing styles of the 1800's. As a result it was very difficult to read and understand. Now we have new translations written for this century in the "Portable New Century Editions". These are excellent works written by extremely skill translators and even though the concepts have tremendous depth they are easy to understand. If you are interested in learning what the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg have to say about the bible, and gaining a deeper understanding I can recommend these translations with no reservation. In particular, I recommend the 'New Century Editions" of; "Heaven and Hell", "Divine Love and Wisdom", "Divine Providence", translated by George Dole. I also recommend "The True Christianity Vol. 1 and 2, translated by Jonathan Rose and "Secrets of Heaven Vol. 1 and 2, translated by Lisa Hyatt Cooper. I'm sure someone will ask me; "Well Steven, if you had to recommend only one of these books, which would it be?" Well they are all good but "Divine Love and Wisdom" is a great place to start. Highly recommended reading for the spiritual seeker.

Pro: This book is a classic "out-of-body"/"near death" series of experiences recorded by a man over a period of almost 30 years of his life in the eighteenth century. I was at first very skeptical and somewhat amazed at his observations of a mental/spiritual world we literally live in, but are unaware of, as we go about our conscious lives in a body confined to a four dimensional, physical world. However, once I recognized that mentally, I am not confined to the physical world, but can think about the past, future, and present, and can pursue without restriction, any interest that appeals to me, I realized that this is the world that Swedenborg is writing about. He is explaining how the two worlds, the spiritual and physical world interact, who we are keeping mental company with in terms of our thoughts and affections, regardless of who we may be with in the physical world. This truly "opened" my eyes! I realized that depending on my motives and thoughts (not what I might be telling someone) at any moment I am keeping spiritual company with others in either a state of heaven (if my motive is unselfish) or a state of hell (if my motive is selfish). It has caused me to become more concious of my thoughts and motives and to re-orient my thinking and consequently, my life (in both worlds). This book should be listed with the "near death/out-of-body experience" books like "Proof Of Heaven", "Heaven Is For Real", and the series of books by Dr. Raymond Moody, et al. Con: Swedenbord wrote in Latin. As a result, his books are translations into modern veracular. Reading can be slow at first, but once one gets acquainted with and familiar with his writing, especially, when the meaning of what he is writing about sinks in, it starts to pick up. I found his narratives of events that he witnessed especially interesting and useful as I made progress through the book. Stick with it, and read it from cover to cover...you'll never forget it, and you may discover a new reality... and with it, a spiritual treasure!

This book was written long ago and the way they write were different from today, therefore very hard to read. Lot's of redundancy. But the content revealed heaven I could not find from other books. 5 stars for content and 2 for literature. Thus the 4 stars.

I found this book revealing and inspiring. It clarified many topics in religious life and was clear and helpful. It was worth the time to read.

I was becoming frustrated trying to read this book cover to cover, until I figured out that this book is full of answers to questions I've had since childhood. There are a variety of topics to choose in it's Contents, and when I select one that intrigues me I read it. Intuitively, the statements of the author ring true and I feel reassured, and browse for another topic. It's as if I'm reading about a place I know but have forgotten.

Emmanuel Swedenborg gives us a great view of what happens after this life.

The title of the book says it all. Emanuel Swedenborg gives the reader an account of heaven and hell. Very sobering reading and a real page turner.As with all Swedenborg's books, time needs to be taken to absorb all the important information - although he is very good at recapping as he goes along so the work is understood.There is more to read about Hell from the volumes of the Caelestia Arcana (Secrets from Heaven).As always highly recommended reading.

Good, but since an old literature one needs patience while reading it.

This books is written through a christian lens, but it is a book that all people of all religious and non religious background will enjoy, very insightful look into the heavenly relams.

A bit tedious to read. I like to get analysis of the book from the "Off The Left Eye' YouTube channel.