Chapter 8: Jonathan Edwards
America’s Theologian
Edwards is probably best known for “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. But that is not central to his theology. He was a prodigious writer and a huge influence on American theology.
Edward’s Many Hats. The topics he contributed to and is recognized as influential are multitude.
Edward’s Theology. So many threads it is hard to summarize. But it is safe to say that he reacted to the deism fad of the day. He had a large emphasis on the beauty of God and the necessity of seeing that.
Seeing the Beauty of Holiness. Godly see the beauty of holiness of God, not just the beauty of holiness. The example of Sojourner Truth
Not just the Superstars.
Moral Goodness Versus Natural Goodness. Natural goodness relates to knowledge, strength, etc. They are typical amoral. Moral goodness relates to traits that have moral significance. God has both, but it is him moral goodness that is akin to holiness.
A cut Above—Infinitely So. Jesus combines
- Infinite greatness with infinite care
- Infinite justice and infinite mercy
- Infinite majesty with unparalleled meekness
What Makes Divine Things Beautiful. The holiness of Jesus is what struck the early saints.
What the Saints Sense and Taste. What the saints (true Christians) taste and sense is the holiness of God.
Pastor and Revivalist. Not only was he a prolific writer, he was a pastor and revivalist. He had a huge church (1300) until he was removed probably because of his uncompromising preaching.
Hi Achille’s Heel. He was not a people person. He wasn’t afraid to offend people form the pulpit. And, most disturbingly, he was not opposed to slavery and even owned a slave.
What We Can Take from Edwards. Edwards can help us:
- Beware of theologies that reduce Christian faith to morals of diffuse experience.
- Understand that true faith involves both mind and heart.
- Understand that the presence of religious feeling does not prove that spirituality is true.
- Understand difficult issues.