📖 Overview
Jakob Lorber (1800-1864) was an Austrian mystic and spiritual writer who produced an extensive body of theological and prophetic works through what he described as "the Inner Word." A former music teacher and violinist, he began his writing career at age 40 after claiming to hear a voice instructing him to transcribe divine revelations.
Lorber's most significant work is "The Great Gospel of John," a ten-volume expansion of the biblical Gospel that details conversations between Jesus and his disciples. His other major works include "The Household of God," "Earth and Moon," and "The Three Days in the Temple," which collectively form what his followers call the New Revelation.
The writings attributed to Lorber cover diverse subjects including theology, cosmology, natural science, and prophecy. His work presents an alternative Christian theology that incorporates elements of reincarnation, extraterrestrial life, and detailed descriptions of the spiritual realm.
His legacy remains controversial within traditional Christian circles, though his works have been translated into multiple languages and continue to influence various spiritual movements. The Lorber Society, established after his death, maintains and publishes his writings.
👀 Reviews
Reader reviews reveal a clear split between devoted followers who believe Lorber's writings are divine revelations and skeptics who view them as religious fiction.
Positive reviews emphasize:
- Deep spiritual insights and detailed metaphysical explanations
- Consistency across his extensive works
- Scientific knowledge that predated certain discoveries
- Clear writing style that explains complex concepts
Critical reviews note:
- Lengthy, repetitive passages
- Claims of divine authorship seem questionable
- Some scientific/historical statements contradict evidence
- Writing can feel dated and dense
On Goodreads, Lorber's works average 4.3/5 stars across 120+ ratings, though reviews are primarily in German. Amazon reviews skew positive (4.5/5 stars) but show the same believer/skeptic divide. One reviewer wrote "Either the greatest spiritual revelation or the most elaborate hoax." Another noted "Much wisdom here but requires careful discernment."
Religious forums and spirituality websites feature ongoing debates about the authenticity and value of his work.
📚 Books by Jakob Lorber
The Great Gospel of John - A 10-volume work detailing purported conversations between Jesus and his disciples, including explanations of spiritual and natural phenomena.
The Household of God - A three-volume narrative describing the claimed early history of humankind, from Adam to Noah.
Earth and Moon - Text containing descriptions of the physical and spiritual nature of Earth and its satellite, including discussions of their internal structure.
The Natural Sun - Detailed account of the sun's supposed spiritual and physical properties, including descriptions of its inhabitants and environments.
The Spiritual Sun - Two-volume work describing claimed spiritual realms and their relationship to the material world.
Beyond the Threshold - Collection of stories about the afterlife experiences of various individuals after their physical death.
Bishop Martin - Novel-length text following the spiritual development of a Catholic bishop in the afterlife.
Robert Blum - Two-volume work chronicling the supposed afterlife journey of the historical figure Robert Blum.
The Three Days in the Temple - Account of the twelve-year-old Jesus teaching in the temple of Jerusalem.
Saturn - Detailed description of the planet Saturn, its claimed inhabitants, and natural features.
The Fly - Text examining spiritual and natural principles through the study of a common housefly.
The Household of God - A three-volume narrative describing the claimed early history of humankind, from Adam to Noah.
Earth and Moon - Text containing descriptions of the physical and spiritual nature of Earth and its satellite, including discussions of their internal structure.
The Natural Sun - Detailed account of the sun's supposed spiritual and physical properties, including descriptions of its inhabitants and environments.
The Spiritual Sun - Two-volume work describing claimed spiritual realms and their relationship to the material world.
Beyond the Threshold - Collection of stories about the afterlife experiences of various individuals after their physical death.
Bishop Martin - Novel-length text following the spiritual development of a Catholic bishop in the afterlife.
Robert Blum - Two-volume work chronicling the supposed afterlife journey of the historical figure Robert Blum.
The Three Days in the Temple - Account of the twelve-year-old Jesus teaching in the temple of Jerusalem.
Saturn - Detailed description of the planet Saturn, its claimed inhabitants, and natural features.
The Fly - Text examining spiritual and natural principles through the study of a common housefly.