The Religious Affections
by Jonathan Edwards | Book Summary
Author: Jonathan Edwards
|
Is there a way to ascertain whether or not an experience in a church or community is a genuine move of God or not? How should we think about conversion and the changes it brings into a person's life? In stepped the greatest theological mind who ever lived on American soil to work through the answers to these questions. The Religious Affections is a classic work dealing not only with the reality of regeneration, but also points out some of the ways people are falsely assured of their salvation. Edwards gives an overview of religious affections, and then lays out 12 signs that are not signs of true religious affections. In the third and final part of his book he shows 12 "distinguishing signs of truly gracious and holy affections" (p. 8). |
Jonathan Edwards lived from 1703-1758 in New England. Edwards had an amazing theological mind that produced many great books such as The End for Which God Created the World, The Freedom of the Will, and Charity and Its Fruits. He also wrote a book on The Life of David Brainerd which inspired a great missions effort after Edwards' death.
Edwards and his wife Sarah had 11 children and were diligent to raise them in a godly home. Edwards was a pastor, philosopher, theologian, and missionary, and was even the president of Princeton University right before his death in 1758 (Edwards died from a smallpox vaccination while serving as president).
Edwards is known for many things. His resolutions still challenge those who seek to live a godly life today. His most famous sermon is Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, which he preached several times during the Great Awakening. This sermon is still read and discussed by faithful Christians in the 21st century. Perhaps his greatest legacy is his exhortations to Christians to know and delight in the glory of God which seemed to flow through much of his preaching and writing.
The Religious Affections
by Jonathan Edwards
[ Book Summary ]
| Author | Jonathan Edwards |
| Publisher | Banner of Truth |
| Date | Reprinted 2004 (Original: 1746) |
| Pages | 382 |
Overview:
Religious imposters are not exclusive to the 21st century. Not only do we see them in Scripture, but also in church history. During the Great Awakening (in the 1730s and 1740s in colonial America), this was an important matter for Jonathan Edwards. As revival spread through the colonies, there was unfortunately much counterfeit activity as well — people who were caught up in religious fervor, but were never truly born again.
Is there a way to ascertain whether or not an experience in a church or community is a genuine move of God or not? How should we think about conversion and the changes it brings into a person's life? In stepped the greatest theological mind who ever lived on American soil to work through the answers to these questions. The Religious Affections is a classic work dealing not only with the reality of regeneration, but also points out some of the ways people are falsely assured of their salvation.
Edwards gives an overview of religious affections, and then lays out 12 signs that are not signs of true religious affections. In the third and final part of his book he shows 12 "distinguishing signs of truly gracious and holy affections" (p. 8).
Jonathan Edwards lived from 1703-1758 in New England. Edwards had an amazing theological mind that produced many great books such as The End for Which God Created the World, The Freedom of the Will, and Charity and Its Fruits. He also wrote a book on The Life of David Brainerd which inspired a great missions effort after Edwards' death.
Edwards and his wife Sarah had 11 children and were diligent to raise them in a godly home. Edwards was a pastor, philosopher, theologian, and missionary, and was even the president of Princeton University right before his death in 1758 (Edwards died from a smallpox vaccination while serving as president).
Edwards is known for many things. His resolutions still challenge those who seek to live a godly life today. His most famous sermon is Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, which he preached several times during the Great Awakening. This sermon is still read and discussed by faithful Christians in the 21st century. Perhaps his greatest legacy is his exhortations to Christians to know and delight in the glory of God which seemed to flow through much of his preaching and writing.