Jesper Swedberg
| Jesper Swedberg | |
|---|---|
Jesper Swedberg. Engraving from 1700 by Hans Thelott.
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| Church | Church of Sweden |
| Diocese | Diocese of Skara |
| Installed | 1702 |
| Term ended | 1735 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1675 |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
28 August 1653 Falun, Sweden |
| Died | 26 July 1735 (aged 81) Skara, Sweden |
Jesper Swedberg (28 August 1653 (O.S)–26 July 1735 (N.S)) was a bishop of Skara, Sweden. He was one of Sweden's most notable churchmen. He published the first edition ever of a Swedish book of hymns in 1694, and was the father of scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg.
Jesper Swedberg was born as the son of a bergsman (owner of a farm privileged with mining rights) and his wife, daughter of a pastor, in Falun Municipality. His family were devoted Christians. After basic school, he began studying theology at the University of Lund in 1669, with the intention of becoming a minister. In 1674 he went north to the University of Uppsala, where he further educated himself until he became a priest.
In 1683 he got married, and during the next two years he travelled through Europe. In Sweden, he had learnt much theory, but in Europe he saw many practical approaches towards the Christian faith. Among them were the traditions of the Catholic Church in France, and the Pietist movement in Hamburg, Germany.
When he got back to Stockholm he gave sermons in Stockholm, influenced by what he had seen in Europe. His outspokenness and honesty impressed the Swedish King Charles XI, who made him court chaplain.
In 1686 Swedberg was entrusted with the task of creating a Book of Hymns, and in 1692 he was trusted as the person in charge of a new Swedish Bible translation as well. The first edition ever of a Swedish book of hymns was printed in 1694. This is today known as Swedberg's Book of Hymns. As it happens, very shortly after the publication, some influential people decided the book was heretical, claiming it focused too much on good deeds and not enough on faith. The whole edition was revoked. Some copies were however sent to Swedish colonies overseas, such as to New Sweden, Delaware.
In 1695 a new edition was published. Of the circa 500 hymns, 30 bore Swedberg's name, either as the author or as the translator. Several of these are still in the modern Swedish Book of Hymns.
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