Swedenborgians
Emmanuel Swedenborg was a mystic and philosopher from Sweden who preached transcendentalism during the First Great Awakening. He was compelled by Jesus Christ through visions to construct a reformative work on the Christian faith, The Heavenly Doctrine. He constantly experienced the presence of angels, and he believed everyone could become in touch with this spiritual world if they lived morally upright lives free of "flesh foods" and sin.
Swedenborg is unique for a number of reasons beyond vegetarianism. He preached a unique spiritual revival which viewed 18th-century culture in a radical way. His ideas were also notably embraced by a number of historically prominent figures including William Blake, Robert Frost, Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman, and Helen Keller. The Swedenborgians, who often used the name “The New Church,” encompassed a number of bizarre Christian beliefs, as well as a number of progressive, liberal ideals.
Swedenborgians believe that humans inhabit a spiritual network, and that energy from this network can affect the outcome of our lives. Swedenborg also preached in cosmic marriage, believing that unions on Earth carried over into the afterlife (a belief adopted by Joseph Smith and the Mormons). It was Swedenborg's belief that at death humans turn into angels who are given specific tasks for the operation of heaven (for example admitting babies, or carrying the elderly into the afterlife). Slowly, Swedenborg said, angels ascend the layers of heaven, eventually exchanging their wordly-duds for robes of radiant light.
Another example of radicalism was Emanuel Swedenborg’s interest and praise for the inhabitants of the African continent. He believed these people to be more in touch with their individual spirituality and, so, superior to the European. He admired a simplicity of living, and a connection to one's food. Swedenborg seemed to some to be too radical, but his following survived where other sects did not because he did not mandate vegetarianism within his following.
