I recently finished reading this outstanding book. Marsden tells the story of Jonathan Edwards' life in a sympathetic but discerning way. There is no doubt that Edwards was a giant among giants among the faithful saints that have gone before us. I was very humbled to read about this man who was consumed with a passion for Christ and a deeply-felt concern for the believers under his charge as a pastor.
Edwards was also a man of his times in many ways. Marsden very helpfully analyzes Edwards' life and theology in light of the contemporary theological, sociological, and political landscape. He deals with the Great Awakening, the emerging forces of popular democracy, the noble but often sad attempts of evangelizing the indigenous peoples, and the nature of the controversy that led to Edwards' dismissal from his Northhampton pastorate.
What struck me about Edwards was his utter devotion to both experiential Christian piety and the study of Scripture. He was a "New Light" who promoted the spiritual revivals but he was also completely faithful to his Calvinistic heritage that always rooted Christian experience in biblical revelation.
The book is very readable. Marsden tells a good story, but also explains much of Edwards' profound theology along the way. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Posted by Pastor Scott at December 3, 2004 9:33 AM
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