Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758)

Jonathan Edwards -- from The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) -- from Wikipedia Article

David Brainerd

Freedom of the Will

Description: Having graduated from Yale at the mere age of seventeen, Jonathan Edwards is ranked among America's most pre-eminent philosopher-theologians. Edwards wrote Freedom of the Will in 1754 while serving in Massachusetts as a missionary to a native tribe of Housatonic Indians. In this text, Edwards investigates the contrasting Calvinist and Arminian views about free will, God's foreknowledge, determinism, and moral agency. As Edwards attempts to resolve the contention surrounding these topics, he relies on a variety of textual resources including the Bible and philosophy works of enlightenment thinkers. This book can be challenging due to Edwards' emphasis on philosophical reasoning, but Edwards strives to educate his audience by frequently defining confusing terms and explaining controversial passages in depth. Freedom of the Will is relevant to every Christian because it addresses difficult questions about desire, choice, good, and evil.

Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer

Religious Affections

Description: Written in 1746 during the First Great Awakening, Religious Affections remains an important and challenging Christian treatise. Concerned that many people do not display true "religious affections," Jonathan Edwards attempts to "discern...wherein true religion does consist." Balancing between extreme "intellectualism" and extreme "emotionalism," Edwards argues that emotions are an important part of true religion, but that one must distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate emotions. He provides both "negative" or unreliable signs of true religious emotions, and "positive" or reliable signs of true religious emotions. Religious Affections is thus profitable for study even today, and many contemporary theologians and pastors have found Edward's work insightful and significant. For its historical importance and its continuing insights, Religious Affections is highly recommended.

Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer

Select Sermons

Description: Jonathan Edwards is one of America's greatest philosophers and theologians, and his sermons and texts are treasured pieces of American Puritan literature. He spent much of his life as a missionary to Native Americans, and his dedication to the faith has inspired generations of Christians. Edwards is known for both his high intelligence and reasoning prowess, as well as for the raw and tangible passion he expressed in his sermons. Known as a "fire and brimstone" preacher, Edwards converted many 18th century Americans. This collection of sermons includes his most famous, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," a powerful expression of God's power and justice. This volume is an excellent starting point for those looking for a diverse selection of Edwards' messages.

Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer

Treatise on Grace (Author)

Description: Having graduated from Yale at seventeen, Jonathan Edwards is ranked among America's most preeminent philosopher-theologians. Both in academic and pastoral settings, Edwards was particularly famous for his staunchly Calvinist ideas. In his Treatise on Grace (as well as in other well-known works, such as his Freedom of the Will treatise), Edwards defends Calvinist teachings on grace, predestination, sanctification, and divine providence. The theologian meant this essay to serve as an educational tool. In detail, he systematically surveys and explains each major point of the doctrine of grace. Edwards holds his readers’ ability to understand to high standards, and he intentionally challenges them. While Edwards’ text may be difficult, reading it carefully is assuredly rewarding.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff

Unpublished Essay on the Trinity

Description: Many often forget that Jonathan Edwards, the much-revered revivalist preacher of the First Great Awakening, was also a rigorous scholar in many fields. In this essay, he explores the traditional doctrine of the Trinity philosophically and scripturally. Though he originally intended the essay to aid in explaining the doctrine to laypersons of the church, present-day readers may have a bit more difficulty with the dated language. In spite of this, much insight can come from reading this essay carefully, even if only insight into one of the great minds of American theology and evangelism.

Kathleen O'Bannon
CCEL Staff

Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume One

Description: Jonathan Edwards dedicated his time to the service of God, spending the majority of his life as a preacher, theologian, and missionary. Edwards' brilliance as a theologian and scholar is undeniable in this extensive collection of his works. This volume publicizes many aspects of Edwards' personal life. Readers are invited to view excerpts from Edwards' personal letters and diary. This volume also contains a wide array of Edwards' professional works, ranging from theological discourses and philosophical observations, to impassioned spiritual treatises and sermons. Throughout this volume, Edwards addresses several fundamental issues, including salvation, original sin, marriage, free will, and God's sovereignty. Edwards' visionary success as a pastor and his clarity as a writer shine abundantly throughout this impressive collection of his works.

Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer

Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume Two (Author)

Description: Jonathan Edwards dedicated his time to the service of God, spending the majority of his life as a preacher, theologian, and missionary. Edwards' brilliance as a theologian and scholar is undeniable in this extensive collection of his works. This volume includes the "Life and Diary of the Rev. David Brainerd," a biography written by Edwards about his contemporary, David Brainerd, who served as a missionary to the Native Americans. This volume also contains a wide array of Edwards' professional works, ranging from theological discourses and biblical exegesis, to impassioned spiritual treatises and sermons. Throughout this volume, Edwards addresses several fundamental issues, including salvation, original sin, marriage, free will, hell, angels, and God's sovereignty. Edwards' visionary success as a pastor and his clarity as a writer shine abundantly throughout this impressive collection of his works.

Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer