Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography

by Iain H. Murray     |     Book Summary


Author: Iain H. Murray
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Date: 1987
Pages: 503

Book Summary of Union With Christ by Rankin Wilbourne


The first biography written on Jonathan Edwards was completed in 1761 and was written by Samuel Hopkins, his brother-in-law and fellow minister and missionary. Several others have since endeavored to undertake the task as well, some without ever finishing. To date, the most economical collection available to the general Christian public is a two-volume London edition originally published in 1834.

That being the case one might ask: Why would the world even need yet another account of the life of Jonathan Edwards? Simply put, the purpose is to encourage Christian readers to discover the wealth and relevance of Edwards' writings and to clear up the many misunderstandings that have distorted his legacy in the centuries since he lived. 

Edwards was no stranger to controversy in life, and the subsequent biographies that have been written of him since show how that has continued long after his death. "The nature of his greatness, the significance of his life and thought, an assessment of his character and writings—on all these, and much else, judgments are divided." (p. xix) Mislabeled as little more than a great philosopher, many consequently have not appreciated his theological contributions to the Body of Christ.





Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography

by Iain H. Murray

[ Book Summary ]



Book Summary of Union With Christ by Rankin Wilbourne

Author Iain H. Murray
Publisher Banner of Truth
Date 1987
Pages 503


Overview:

The first biography written on Jonathan Edwards was completed in 1761 and was written by Samuel Hopkins, his brother-in-law and fellow minister and missionary. Several others have since endeavored to undertake the task as well, some without ever finishing. To date, the most economical collection available to the general Christian public is a two-volume London edition originally published in 1834.

That being the case one might ask: Why would the world even need yet another account of the life of Jonathan Edwards? Simply put, the purpose is to encourage Christian readers to discover the wealth and relevance of Edwards' writings and to clear up the many misunderstandings that have distorted his legacy in the centuries since he lived. 

Edwards was no stranger to controversy in life, and the subsequent biographies that have been written of him since show how that has continued long after his death. "The nature of his greatness, the significance of his life and thought, an assessment of his character and writings—on all these, and much else, judgments are divided." (p. xix) Mislabeled as little more than a great philosopher, many consequently have not appreciated his theological contributions to the Body of Christ.