Jonathan Edwards for Armchair Theologians
Overview
This witty and illuminating volume introduces the life and writings of the great American theologian and preacher Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758). The most widely studied figure in American religious history and an iconic figure of the American colonial period, Edwards is well known and highly regarded as a stalwart defender of Calvinist theology and his Puritan heritage. As Byrd deftly reveals, however, Edwards was also a brilliant thinker and passionate pastor who wrestled continuously with the most important issue of his time: the relationship between faith and reason.
In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Highlights the way Jonathan Edwards lived his life from beginning to end
- Offers knowledge from field experts in a simple and playful presentation
- Features witty illustrations by Ron Hill
Top Highlights
“True religion, Edwards believed, united the head and the heart—both were needed to understand and worship God properly.” (Page 48)
“Considered in today’s terms, the Puritan sermon was more dominant than any single form of communication now, including television and the Internet. Puritans looked to the sermon for trustworthy instruction on politics, culture, and the news of the day.” (Page 7)
“Everything in nature has spiritual meaning; everything communicates something of the divine.17” (Page 21)
“When we act on our inclinations we are ‘willing’—choosing to do something that we want. Whatever our choices happen to be—whether they are deeply pondered choices such as the decision to be a Christian or mundane choices such as the decision to eat a brownie—we choose according to our inclinations and affections. We are able to choose what pleases us, and that power to choose is the will.” (Page 85)
“Edwards was an intense, serious young man who did not care for casual conversation. Physically, the young Edwards was gaunt and lanky: tall (likely a trait inherited from his mother) and quite thin (a result of severe dietary restrictions he forced on himself so that he could spend less time eating and more time studying and praying).” (Page 2)
- Title: Jonathan Edwards for Armchair Theologians
- Author: James P. Byrd
- Series: W. J. K. Armchair
- Publisher: Westminster John Knox
- Publication Date: 2008
- Pages: 216
- Resource Type: Biographies, Introductions
- Topic: Jonathan Edwards