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upbuilding

Upbuilding is a term used to describe the process of spiritual growth and moral improvement that strengthens a person’s faith, character, and conduct. In religious contexts it denotes edification—the inner development of an individual or a community through truth, wisdom, and virtuous action.

In Swedenborgian theology, also known as the New Church, upbuilding is a central concept. Writings and sermons

Historically, the term has appeared in English-language religious literature since at least the 18th century, particularly

In modern usage, upbuilding can extend beyond strictly religious contexts to denote general personal development and

See also: edification, spiritual formation, moral psychology, religious education, Swedenborgianism.

often
explain
how
divine
truth
and
the
Lord’s
love
interact
to
uplift
the
mind,
reform
affections,
and
inspire
acts
of
charity.
The
term
encompasses
both
individual
inner
transformation
and
the
broader
strengthening
of
communal
life,
with
the
aim
of
aligning
daily
living
with
divine
order
and
love.
in
translations
of
Emanuel
Swedenborg’s
works
and
in
devotional
discourses
that
emphasize
personal
change
over
external
ritual.
well-being.
It
may
refer
to
psychological
resilience,
ethical
behavior,
and
constructive
social
engagement.
In
religious
usage
it
retains
its
value-laden
sense,
while
secular
usage
often
treats
it
as
a
form
of
constructive,
uplifting
growth.