Understanding Affections in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards: "The High Exercises of Divine Love"

by Ryan J. Martin

Overview

This volume argues that the notion of “affections” discussed by Jonathan Edwards (and Christian theologians before him) means something very different from what contemporary English speakers now call “emotions.” and that Edwards's notions of affections came almost entirely from traditional Christian theology in general and the Reformed tradition in particular.
Ryan J. Martin demonstrates that Christian theologians for centuries emphasized affection for God, associated affections with the will, and distinguished affections from passions; generally explaining affections and passions to be inclinations and aversions of the soul. This was Edwards's own view, and he held it throughout his entire ministry. Martin further argues that Edwards's view came not as a result of his reading of John Locke, or the pressures of the Great Awakening (as many Edwardsean scholars argue), but from his own biblical interpretation and theological education. By analysing patristic, medieval and post-medieval thought and the journey of Edwards's psychology, Martin shows how, on their own terms, pre-modern Christians historically defined and described human psychology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567682246
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/15/2018
Series:	T&T Clark Studies in Systematic Theology
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Ryan J. Martin is Pastor of First Baptist Church of Granite Falls, MN, USA.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Acknowledgments x

Note on Text xii

The Yale University Press Edition of The Works of Jonathan Edwards xiii

List of Abbreviations xiv

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Lost In Translation: The Problem of Edwards, Affections, And Emotions 3

The Problem of Jonathan Edwards and Affections 4

Emotions and Other Definitions 16

The Problem of Jonathan Edwards and Emotions 23

Chapter 2 Human Affections In Patristic And Medieval Theology 29

Patristic Thought 31

Medieval Thought 46

Chapter 3 Human Affections In Post-Medieval Thought 59

Reformation Figures 59

The Puritan Tradition and Early Enlightenment Moral Philosophy 66

Conclusion 88

Chapter 4 Young Jonathan Edwards's Education In Affections 91

Edwards's Educational Background 92

Jonathan Edwards and John Locke 96

Chapter 5 Jonathan Edwards's Early Psychology 111

"The Mind" 112

Personal Writings 118

Early Sermons and Revival Writings 137

A Faithful Narrative 146

Charity and Its Fruits 148

Conclusion 159

Chapter 6 Enthusiasm, Passions, And The Great Awakening Disputes Over The Role Of Affections In Religion 161

Historical Background 162

Charles Chauncy on the Place of Affections in Religion 164

Jonathan Edwards on the Affectionate Part of Man 171

Conclusion 194

Chapter 7 Affections And Christian Apology: The Later Psychology Of Jonathan Edwards 197

Historical Survey 198

Affections in the Later Years 201

Conclusion 229

Chapter 8 Toward A Theology Of Affections 233

Bibliography 239

Yale Works of Jonathan Edwards 239

Other Works by Jonathan Edwards 240

Other Primary Sources 241

Biography 246

Secondary Sources: Books and Dissertations 246

Secondary Sources: Journal Articles and Essays 255

Index 259

Editorial Reviews

“This volume and its conclusions are both erudite and compelling. I recommended it highly.” —Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal

“[This] is an important book for two primary reasons. First, it does a fine job explaining fully a crucial area of Edwards' thinking; second, it corrects misunderstandings that are prevalent in contemporary Christianity related to that area. What is this crucial area of Edwards' thinking? Affections. I've been waiting for a stand-alone volume that addresses this issue - and the contemporary misunderstanding and misappropriation of it by some parts of the church today - and am glad to see this book in print.” —Josh Moody, College Church, USA

““Interest in Jonathan Edwards has experienced something of a resurgence recently among Evangelicals, yet treatments of Edwards's theology often fail to recognize his core anthropology, anachronistically equating his understanding of the category of affections with contemporary notions of “emotion.” Ryan Martin provides the most comprehensive study of Edwards's thought on matters related to Christian affections, serving as a necessary corrective to contemporary treatments of one of America's most respected theologians.”” —Scott Aniol, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA

““Jonathan Edwards predicates his argument in Religious Affections on the distinction between affections and passions. Contemporary writers who think only in terms of emotions typically fail to grasp the significance of this distinction, consequently losing much of Edwards's argument. Ryan Martin has done superior work in tracing the history of this distinction and teasing out its significance for Edwards. His work constitutes an important corrective to several current misconceptions.”” —Kevin T. Bauder, Central Baptist Seminary, USA

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