A Reader's Guide to the Major Writings of Jonathan Edwards: "A Reader's Guide"

by Nathan A. Finn (Editor), Jeremy M. Kimble (Contributor), Kenneth P. Minkema (Contributor)

Jonathan Edwards—widely considered one the most important theologians in American history—has influenced generation after generation with his transcendent vision of our great and glorious God. But reading his writings for the first time can be a daunting task.

Here to be your trustworthy guides are some of the very best interpreters of Edwards, who walk you through his most important works with historical context, strategies for reading, and contemporary application—launching you into a lifetime of discovering Edwards’s God-centered vision of the Christian life for yourself.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, History, Faith

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2017

Reviews

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful guide for me as I explore Edwards' works. Some of his writing employs technical language and engages in arguments which are difficult for the average person to follow. I'm placing myself in the average person category, so this was really helpful. Even with that disclosure, I think the more serious reader of Edwards will gain something as it addresses his major works. A fun read.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: To read Jonathan Edwards is to see God. Not because Jonathan Edwards looked like God but because he looked at God--steadily, accurately, insistently. And then he wrote down what he saw.

Most people find the idea of reading Jonathan Edwards to be intimidating. It doesn't have to be. The aim of this book is to help ease readers into the works of Jonathan Edwards.

This reader's guide to the major works of Jonathan Edwards features contributions from Dane C. Ortlund, Nathan A. Finn, Jeremy M. Kimble, Michael McClenahan, Gerald R. McDermott, Rhys Bezzant, Joe Rigney, Robert W. Caldwell III, Sean Michael Lucas, Paul Helm, and John Piper.

The first chapter, "How To Read Jonathan Edwards" goes beyond the how to the why. (That is while the rest of the book explores how to read Jonathan Edwards, the first chapter goes beyond that to show why you should read Jonathan Edwards.)

Reading Jonathan Edwards doesn’t send you out into some foreign and bizarre spiritual experience. You come home. Your humanity is restored. (Ortlund, 25)

You must be born again to read and profit spiritually from Jonathan Edwards. You must understand that he was a pastor first. You should have a general knowledge of his doctrinal framework. And you should be aware of his historical context. Beyond these things, here is the key to reading Jonathan Edwards: read him. Open up one of his books and read one sentence, then another, then another. Just read him. (Ortlund, 37)

Several chapters focus on individual works by Jonathan Edwards. Other chapters group Edwards' writings together thematically. One of my favorite chapters was on Original Sin.

The appendix is written by John Piper and details Piper's reading journey with Jonathan Edwards.

I appreciated this book. I loved how the book can help orient readers. Context, context, context. As McClenahan states so well, "theology is not written in a vacuum" and, in my opinion, it shouldn't be read in one either. This book is packed with information about Jonathan Edwards, the times in which he lived, the influences and arguments of the day, and summaries of his major works. I loved how each chapter concludes by showing that Edwards is still relevant today.

Jonathan Edwards experienced spiritual ups and downs—just like we do. He struggled with doubts and spiritual frustrations—just like we do. He had disagreements with his loved ones and sometimes regretted vocational decisions—just like we do. And he grew in his faith and was able to look back and see God’s grace in all these experiences—just like we do (or will!). (Finn, 59)

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was the greatest mind America ever produced, a theologian/philosopher extraordinaire. He was one of the most well-known pastors to stand behind the “preacher’s desk.” And he was a prolific author, missionary, and college president. Despite his impressive pedigree, this man was fired and continues to be the object of much scorn and ridicule. The man under consideration is Jonathan Edwards (1703 - 1758). He is the subject of Nathan Finn and Jeremy Kimble’s recent book, A Reader’s Guide to the Major Writings of Jonathan Edwards which takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the worldview of a remarkable pastor-theologian.

Drs. Finn and Kimble serve as general editors who enlist the help of several noteworthy scholars who make contributions to their project. Some of the contributors are pastors. Others are professors or publishers. Each one, however, is a proven scholar.

The various chapters cover the major works written by Jonathan Edwards. Readers will be blessed to survey key Edwardsean texts such as Religious Affections, Freedom of the Will, and A History of the Work of Redemption to name a few. The chapters also include sections that explore Edwards’s revival writings and his affectional ethics.

Dr. Dane Ortlund is tasked with the chapter entitled, How to Read Jonathan Edwards which stands out as a major highlight of the book. Ortlund has the pleasure of introducing Jonathan Edwards to newcomers, welcome back readers who left Edwards in the cold and nurture the faith of those currently immersed in the writings of Jonathan Edwards.

Ortlund argues, “You must be born again to read and profit spiritually from Jonathan Edwards.” This insight speaks volumes about the criticism that has been directed at Jonathan Edwards over the past two generations.

A Reader’s Guide to the Major Writings of Jonathan Edwards should be praised for its accessibility and readability. It successfully introduces the major works of Jonathan Edwards without watering down the content or overburdening the reader with unnecessary theological minutia. It is the perfect combination of scholarship and practical application which will clearly attract a diverse audience.

Dane Ortlund adds, “His writings are for tired Christians who on the one hand have tasted them sweetness of knowing Christ but on the other hand find this sweetness constantly getting fizzled out through boredom, weakness, failure, loneliness, disappointment, or weariness. There is simply no one like Jonathan Edwards when it comes to deoxygenating us back into the sweetness, the blanketing shalom, the sun-like nature of walking through life with Christ as our beautiful and beauty-nurturing friend.”

Jonathan Edwards deserves to be read and re-read. Finn and Kimble’s work acknowledges this fact on every page. Highly recommended.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Mike Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

America has a strong tradition of theologians, but Jonathan Edwards stands above them all. Jonathan Edwards had an incredible impact on Christianity in America, both by his preaching and his writing. Finn and Kimble have compiled several essays detailing and outlining the major writings of Jonathan Edwards, from “Religious Affections” to “The Life of David Brainerd.” Volumes have been written about Jonathan Edwards’ contribution to American theology, and this compilation is a great addition. With contributions by Dane C. Ortlund, Michael McClenahan, and others, this book is sure to be a worthwhile read for anyone discovering Edwards for the first time.

Each chapter details a different volume written by Edwards. The contributors are sure to inform the reader of the issues facing Edwards at the time of writing. Each chapter includes a brief outline of the specific work of Edwards, and the theological, biographical, anthropological, or societal content of that section. Each chapter also includes a section detailing the contemporary significance of that work.

I believe this is a needed book for today’s church. We should hearken back to the time of Edwards, and read his works. Many issues in the church today were also brought about in the time of Edwards, and there is a great deal to learn from his writings.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading Edwards, or the person who has spent much time in Edwards’ works. This book can operate as a catalyst and introductory work for the first-time Edwards reader. The reader will be introduced to themes and motifs which run through all of Edwards’ works, and will also learn a great deal about the controversies which surrounded the church of his day. The book will also operate as a great refresher for the person steeped Edwardsian theology and writing.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway through their Blogger Review Program.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Edwards is considered the greatest theologian and philosopher America has produced, his writings have been in print since his life time, yet many can be daunted in where to start reading Edwards and how to read Edwards. This book helps to address both challenges.

This book draws on a wide range of church historians in addressing the major works of Edwards.  Each contributor helps the reader understand the background behind the writings of Edwards which is important for understanding Edwards's thought. The contributions range from a general overview of how read Edwards by Dane Ortland to more specific overviews such as Nathan Finn's chapter on Edwards autobiographical spiritual writings, Jeremy Kimble's chapter on the revival writings, Michael McClenahan on justification, Gerald McDermott on Religious Affections, Rhys Bezzant on the Life of David Brainerd, Joe Rigney on Freedom of the Will, Robert Caldwell of Original Sin, History of the Works of Redemption by Sean Michael Lucas, Edwards's Affectional Ethics by Paul Helm, and an appendix by a man who has does much to popular the work of Edwards today John Piper. Each of these provides valuable insight on the work of Edwards.

Personally I enjoyed most the chapter on the revival writings of Edwards as it provides great background information in regards to Edwards work as an apologist for the Great Awakening. I also enjoyed the chapter on The Life of David Brainerd a work that has had a profound impact on the history of Christian missions. If you're looking at reading Edwards I would commend this book, if you're wondering where you can find his works they are available in many print editions as well as here http://edwards.yale.edu/ . 

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and very readable collection of essays that attempts to introduce newcomers to some of the major writings of Jonathan Edwards. Each essay does a good job of whetting one's appetite either to dig deeper into the respective Edwardsean work or to show whether it's the sort of subject matter one might not be all that interested in further exploring. A deep appreciation of Edwards is evidenced throughout. As with most collections, some essays are better than others but I highly recommend the selections by Dane Ortlund, Michael McDermott, Rhys Bezzant, Joe Rigney and Paul Helm. There is also a reprinted essay by John Piper that is well worth reading if you've never read it before.

As an introductory book, i.e. primarily not a critical work that advances any new scholarship, there's little I can offer in the way of critical remarks. One question I did have is that since this is a reader's guide to the "major" writings of Edwards, it's strange to me that there is not a chapter dedicated to The End for Which God Created the World.

Nevertheless, I highly enjoyed reading this collection of introductory essays. It reinvigorated by love to Edwards again, and piqued my interest to explore a few that I have not really touched. I highly recommend this book to newer readers of Edwards

[Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In A Reader’s Guide to the Major Writings of Jonathan Edwards, Edwards’ difficult ideas are explained clearly and concisely without oversimplification. The authors and editors have all done an excellent job of opening the door to Edwards’ thought for a generation of Evangelicals far too often accustomed to having the great ideas and debates of our time watered down to the scale of a Tweet or, even worse, simply ignored.

And that is an important disclaimer to add given all of my introductory grousing about kids these days and the general state of American culture: I do not intended to suggest that A Reader’s Guide is a dumbed-down text—it certainly is not. It is, however, simpler than Edwards. We desperately need a generation of Christians who are reading Edwards and grappling with his thought—even if at the end of the day we disagree with him."

Read the rest here: http://www.christianhumanist.org/2017...

[Mik Tolentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is focused on the important and major writings of Edwards. Although written by different authors, the articles have a coherence and unity, which sometimes can make the readers forget that they are reading different articles. Moreover, I observed that the writers of the articles quoted one another’s works , which helped to create this “unity.” As a whole the book is really a good help to guide readers to have a general idea and background not only on the work of Edwards but also on his life, experiences and struggles, but most especially his spirituality and immense love of God. The book was aptly introduced in the first chapter, which prepared the readers what to expect. But although the book provides us a peep of Edwards work, the best is still the advise of the 1st writer of the book…don’t just listen on others about what they say about Edwards… listen to him. Get that copy of Edwards book and start turning the pages.

[Ryan M Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Reader's Guide to Jonathan Edwards probes the historical and theological underpinnings of Jonathan Edwards, who has been called the greatest theologian of America.

I was privileged to obtain a copy through Crossway's Blog Review Program.

It was encouraging to see that Edwards wrote as a ministry, not merely to get his opinions across but to defend apologetically the Biblical truth that was under attack in his day. It was also interesting to note that Edwards criticisms of Arminianism had more to do with the Wesley extremism than simply a historical matter.

Further, Edward's legacy is one of a man who stood on the Bible while excitedly looking for evidences of God's hand of revival in his day. Edwards did not diminish the need or reality of revival, but wrote on how true revival produces long-lasting fruit in individual lives.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book but was, frankly, above my current theological skill level. There are ten chapters, each written by a different person. Each chapter talks about different works of Jonathan Edwards and pretty much all of them discuss the theology of each book covered.

If I were a more skilled theologian I would probably like this book more.

[Tim Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer to reading Jonathan Edwards great works! Loved the last chapter of the influence Edwards had on the life and ministry of John Piper.