George Bush (biblical scholar)

George Bush (1796-1859) was an American biblical scholar, clergyman, and professor. He was a distant relative of Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, but is primarily known for his theological writings and, later in life, his embrace of Swedenborgianism.

Born in Norwich, Vermont, Bush graduated from Dartmouth College in 1818 and then studied theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1824 and served as a pastor in Indianapolis, Indiana, before becoming Professor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature at New York City University (now New York University) in 1831. He held this position until 1847.

Bush authored numerous commentaries on books of the Bible, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Psalms, Isaiah, and others. These commentaries were popular in their time and reflected a conservative, literal approach to biblical interpretation, though later his views evolved.

In the 1840s, Bush's theological views underwent a significant transformation after he became influenced by the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian. Swedenborg's teachings emphasized the spiritual meaning of the Bible and the importance of divine love and wisdom. Bush's embrace of Swedenborgianism led to controversy within Presbyterian circles and ultimately resulted in his departure from the denomination.

Following his conversion, Bush devoted himself to promoting Swedenborgian theology. He wrote several books and articles defending Swedenborg's ideas and became a leading figure in the American Swedenborgian movement. Among his significant works related to Swedenborgianism are "Life in Christ" (1845), "New Church Miscellanies" and "Mesmer and Swedenborg" (1847). He also edited and published "The New Church Repository," a periodical dedicated to the dissemination of Swedenborgian thought.

Bush's theological journey, from traditional Presbyterianism to Swedenborgianism, is a testament to his intellectual curiosity and his willingness to challenge conventional religious beliefs. While his later views were controversial, his contributions to biblical scholarship and his influence on the Swedenborgian movement are undeniable. He died in Rochester, New York, in 1859.