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.
The Library is open for visits on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1–5 PM Central Time, and by appointment.
Our upcoming free Zoom programs this winter are listed below.
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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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To view the recent program, "Swedenborg's Inward Turn" with Rev. Robert McCluskey, use the link to Youtube below.
To view the video, click the link below, or copy the URL address below and paste into your browser window:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbWqnT4rjRs&t=78s
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ZOOM: Thursday, January 16, 2025 / 6 PM CentralTengrism & Ancient Turkic Culture, with Professor Kagan Arik, University of Chicago
Join us as Prof. Arik delves into the ancient shamanistic and animistic beliefs of the Turkic peoples, exploring their spiritual practices, cosmology, and the veneration of the sky deity Tengri. This religion which was the main faith of the Mongol empire literally spread around the world, and yet remains almost completely unknown.
We will also examine the rich tapestry of Turkic cultural heritage, including traditional customs, social structures, and historical developments. Through engaging lectures and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence of Tengrism on the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Turkic societies. Perfect for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Central Asian history and culture.
To RSVP and obtain the Zoom Room information, email us at Info@SwedLib.org or use the "Contact Us" page in the navigational bar at left.
Dr. Kagan Arik is the Ayash Lecturer in Modern Turish and Turkic Languages at the University of Chicago. Teaching since 2000, he coordinates the Modern Turkish language program and lectures on Uzbek and Central Asian Studies. Dr. Arik's research includes the historical development of the Turkish language, pre-Islamic Turkic cultures, and traditional healing practices. He is a member of the American Association of Teachers of Turkish and Turkic Languages and founder of the Central Asian Studies Society.
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ZOOM: Thursday, February 13, 2025 / 6 PM Central TimeAlfred Deakin and his Gospel of Swedenborg: Australia as a Swedenborgin Political Project with Dell Rose, at the Swedenborg Society Sydney, Australia
Emanuel Swedenborg’s mystical writings were a profound influence on Alfred Deakin, one of Australia’s founding fathers and second Prime Minister. We will delve into how Deakin’s Swedenborgian beliefs shaped his vision for Australia’s political and social landscape, promoting ideals of spiritual enlightenment and moral governance.
Participants will gain insights into the intersection of spirituality and politics in Australia’s early history and the lasting impact of Deakin’s Swedenborgian faith on the nation’s development.
To RSVP and obtain the Zoom Room information, email us at Info@SwedLib.org or use the "Contact Us" page in the navigational bar at left.
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ZOOM: Friday, February 21, 2025 / 6 PM Central TimeJoanne Southcott: Prophetess, Theologian, Visionary with Dell Rose on location in Bedford, England
Southcott was arguably the most important female religious leader of the modern English speaking world, yet she is almost totally unknown today. We will explore her life and impact of this influential 18th-century religious figure known for her prophetic writings and theological insights. We will delve into her visionary experiences, her role in shaping religious thought, and her lasting legacy. This presentation will show her legacy direct from Bedford England, home to one off-shoot of her teachings. Southcott was arguably the most important female religious leader of the modern English speaking world, yet she is almost totally unknown today. We will explore her life and impact of this influential 18th-century religious figure known for her prophetic writings and theological insights.
We will delve into her visionary experiences, her role in shaping religious thought, and her lasting legacy. This presentation will show her legacy direct from Bedford England, home to one off-shoot of her teachings.
To RSVP and obtain the Zoom Room information, email us at Info@SwedLib.org or use the "Contact Us" page in the navigational bar at left.
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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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