The Hidden Levels of the Mind ─ Swedenborg's Theory of Consciousness

At the core of Swedenborg’s thought is the understanding that our purpose in this life is to progress spiritually—to learn, to grow, to do good works, and, ultimately, to allow as much of God’s love as possible to enter into us and manifest through us.

Scattered throughout his works are descriptions of our mind and how it relates to both the physical and spiritual worlds. In this book, Taylor pulls these loose threads together and weaves them into a simple, coherent whole, presenting Swedenborg’s teachings as a system that anyone can follow. Taylor describes the external or natural mind as primarily concerned with material things, and the inner mind, in its essence, as love. As we elevate our thoughts toward higher and higher types of love and wisdom, we draw closer to God and begin the process of regeneration, or rebirth as spiritual beings.

This is the first time in many decades that a book has been published on Swedenborg’s philosophy of the mind. Taylor’s straightforward commentary gives readers a rare insight into this crucial aspect of Swedenborg’s theology.

Douglas Taylor was born in Terang, Victoria State, Australia. He received a BA from the University of Adelaide and went on to earn a Diploma in Education in Edinburgh, Scotland. Teaching French and English literature at a private school, he encountered the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg and was instantly hooked. He attended the Bryn Athyn Theological School and was ordained as a minister, serving in pastorates in Tucson, Arizona; Sydney, Australia, and in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. His extremely popular classes in Swedenborgian though led to the publication of a number of books, including Escape from Egypt, Landmarks in Regeneration, and Spirituality That Makes Sense. He currently lives in Bryn Athyn with his wife, Christine.