Understanding Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to America's Theologian

by Gerald R McDermott (Editor)

Overview

Jonathan Edwards (1703-58) is widely recognized as America's greatest religious mind. A torrent of books, articles, and dissertations on Edwards have been released since 1949, the year that Perry Miller published the intellectual biography that launched the modern explosion of Edwards studies. This collection offers an introduction to Edwards's life and thought, pitched at the level of the educated general reader. Each chapter serves as a general introduction to one of Edwards's major topics, including revival, the Bible, beauty, literature, philosophy, typology, and even world religions. Each is written by a leading expert on Edwards's work. The book will serve as an ideal first encounter with the thought of "America's theologian."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190451844
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/02/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	744 KB

About the Author

Gerald R. McDermott is the Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion at Roanoke College and Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion.

Table of Contents

Important dates in the life of Jonathan EdwardsINTRODUCTION: How to Understand the American Theologian, Gerald McDermott1. Edward's life and career, Kenneth MinkemaAlternative viewpoint, Chris Chun2. Edwards and revival, Harry StoutAlternative viewpoint, Willem Van Vlastuin3. Edwards and the Bible, Doug SweeneyAlthernative viewpoint, Wolter H. Rose4. Edwards and biblical typology, Tibor FabinyAlternative viewpoint, Gerald McDermott5. Edwards and aesthetics, Sang LeeAlternative viewpoint, Katalin Kállay6. Edwards and literature, Wilson KimnachAlternative viewpoint, Anna Svetlikova7. Edwards and philosophy, Miklos VetoAlternative viewpoint, Magdaléna Sevcíková8. Edwards and world religions, Michal ValcoCONCLUSION: Edward's Relevance TodayBibliography

Editorial Reviews

"This unusually helpful book is distinctive for how clearly its scholarly authors explain the wide-ranging significance of Jonathan Edwards for readers who are not themselves scholars. The inclusion of European commentators also demonstrates how wide contemporary interest has grown in Edwards as America's greatest theological voice. The book is, in equal measure, authoritative, accessible, and illuminating." —Mark A. Noll, author of America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln

"[Understanding Jonathan Edwards] was written for those who may have little to no knowledge of Edwards or the field of Edwards studies. What excites me about this is that it accomplishes what few (if any) have: an introduction to major themes in Edwards's thought that is usable for the classroom. ...Those teaching classes on Edwards will no doubt be grateful, and those looking for an introduction to Edwards' ideas will find a helpful roadmap." —Themelios

"An elegant and enlightening introduction to understanding Edwards in terms of a lifelong captivation by thte beauty of God." —Touchstone

From the Publisher