Who is Emanuel Swedenborg?
Emanuel Swedenborg was born January 29, 1688 in Stockholm, Sweden. Initially one of the most renowned natural scientists of Europe, he experienced a transcendental awakening that led him on a quest of spiritual exploration, which he recorded in his numerous mystical works.
Although he never intended for a church, religion, or sect to be founded or named after him, reading groups and eventually spiritual organizations began forming in England soon after his death. American groups eventually founded what is now the General Convention of Swedenborgian Churches, a progressive, inclusive, democratically governed denomination with which Hillside is affiliated.
As a result of Swedenborg’s spiritual questionings and insights, we as a community exist to encourage that same spirit of inquiry and personal growth, to respect differences in views, and to respect and embrace the wisdom of all traditions. Swedenborg was unique in attempting to reconcile the seeming paradox of scientific and spiritual inquiry, for example understanding Scripture as containing an “inner meaning,” universally “correspondential,” or symbolic, of our own unique psycho-spiritual journeys.
Swedenborgian Theology – God Is Love
Swedenborg shared in his theological writings a view of God as infinitely loving and at the very center of our beings. In his view, God is Love and Wisdom itself, quite literally incapable of judgment, punishment or anger. It is our call to be vessels of this love, and to share it, whatever form it may take. The emphasis is not on accepting particulars of doctrine, but rather to lead a life of love towards the Divine and all beings.
Swedenborgianism is a spiritual as well as a rational approach to life. At Hillside, we welcome and encourage a diversity in beliefs, in an environment where questioning, open discussion and authentic spiritual inquiry and experience are cultivated.
Hillside – An Open and Affirming Community
At Hillside, you are welcome regardless of who you are, who you’re not, and what you believe (or don’t).
Hillside is an inclusive, open and affirming community of seekers, who find in Scripture and the thought of Emanuel Swedenborg and others a source of spiritual stimulation and growth.
Regardless of your ethnic or cultural background, gender identity and sexual orientation you are welcome to be your whole self here at Hillside, while journeying in supportive spiritual community.
Church Council: Lesley Ferguson, Peter Gottschalk (chair), Jim Lawrence, Birrell Walsh, Terrie Crenshaw
Minister: Rev. Thom Muller
Associate Licensed Minister: Tassy Farwell
Worship Leader Team: Rebecca Esterson, Peter Gottschalk, Rev. Jim Lawrence, Rev. Thom Muller, Tassy Farwell
Musicians: Julie Jeffrey and Peter Hallifax, viols
Swedenborgian Links
- In Company With Angels
- Swedenborg Society
- San Francisco Swedenborgian Church
- Center for Swedenborgian Studies
- Swedenborg Online
- Swedenborgian Church of North America
Our Minister
Rev. Thom Muller serves our church part-time, leading services, classes and workshops, as well as being available for pastoral care.
He received his Master’s of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and was ordained into the ministry of the Swedenborgian Church of North America in 2016.
His passions include interfaith spirituality, comparative mysticism and the Western esoteric tradition.