Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography
by Iain H. Murray
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Edwards' theology is set here in its proper context of his everyday life. We are able to follow him in public and private, as pastor in the days of the Great Awakening as well as in the 'wilderness' years in the outpost of Stockbridge.Tags
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Member Reviews
The most personally influential biography I have read to date. Jonathan Edwards was an incredibly godly, intelligent, dedicated, and flawed man, a giant in any generation. This book shook me deeply and left me with an enduring passion and commitment to be a godly churchman, to love and support my elders and pastors well. And when I am tempted to think I have it all together, I remember that Jonathan Edwards was a slaveholder. If a man of his caliber could have such a glaring blindspot in his belief and practice, then I must walk humbly before God and my fellow man.
An excellent, balanced and inspiring read. Murray captures not only the spirit and character of the man, but vividly describes the atmosphere, environment and social conditions that shaped Jonathan Edwards. The chapter on Sarah Edwards is particularly good. Murray's contribution to our knowledge of America's foremost theologian dispels the myth of an angry hell-fire preacher, and presents the rounded image of Edwards as a student/preacher/pastor/writer/husband/father and above all passionate Christian. Murray does a fine job of describing the controversy at Northampton and Edwards' relationship to the revivals of the time.
Perhaps the most fascinating of all is the relationship the author describes between Edwards and Whitefield.
Perhaps the most fascinating of all is the relationship the author describes between Edwards and Whitefield.
Iain Murray believes that Edwards cannot be understood apart from his faith. Only when seen first and foremost as a Christian do his life and writings make sense. The integrity of this interpretation is confirmed in this study as Edwards is allowed on point after point to speak for himself.The result is a biography which is both factually and theologically reliable. Edwards' theology is set in the context of his everyday life in public and private. His family realtionships punctuate the narrative, adding both interest and pathos. This outstanding study is not only an exceptional biography; it also serves as a classic illustration of how the chuch today can and should learn from its past history.
Iain Murray surveys the life and thought of one of the greatest men in Christian history. A delightful introduction to a key Reformed thinker, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Any biography by Ian Murray is a must-buy! This biography is a classic and is one of the best modern biographies of a man that is considered to be one of the foremost American Theologians. Jonathan Edwards was a great man of God with an exceptional mind. He was popular with younger preachers like William Carey, the Father of Modern Missions. He devotion to God, his unparalleled intelligence, his work ethic, and his humility are inspirational to any Christian.
If you are not used to reading challenging biographies, I wouldn't start with this! Consider something a little shorter like Arnold Dallimore's biography of C.H. Spurgeon.
If you are not used to reading challenging biographies, I wouldn't start with this! Consider something a little shorter like Arnold Dallimore's biography of C.H. Spurgeon.
The key to an understanding of Jonathan Edwards is that he was a man who put faithfulness to the Word of God before every other consideration.
A great book, about a great christian man
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Author Information
351+ Works 12,636 Members
Iain H. Murray co-founded the Banner of Truth Trust in 1957 whilst serving as assistant to Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel, London, and was Editorial Director until 1996. He is the author of many books, including the lives of Jonathan Edwards, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and Amy Carmichael, among others. Iain and his wife Jean live in show more Edinburgh, and he continues to speak and write. show less
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1987
- People/Characters
- Jonathan Edwards; Sarah Edwards
- Epigraph
- Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27.17)
- Dedication
- To S. M. Houghton Without whose constant aid, counsel, and fellowship in the gospel, so very much less of the work of the Banner of Truth magazine and of the publications of the Banner of Truth Trust would have been accompli... (show all)shed in these thirty-one years, 1955-1986.
- First words
- [Preface] 'Imperfect as it is, it has cost me much time and labor; much more than I thought of when I undertook it,' so Samuel Hopkings wrote on the completion of his 'Life and Character of the Late Reverend Jonathan Edwards... (show all)' in 1761.
[Introduction] Whether or not a biographer of Jonathon Edwards reveals his personal standpoint at the outset makes little difference, for inevitably it will soon be apparent.
In November 1620 when 'The Mayflower' landed a band of forty-one men and their familes on Cape Cod, it is not surprising that they, and those who followed them to 'New England', felt themselves to be like the patriarchs in Ca... (show all)naan, 'very few and strangers in it'. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)[Preface] May God continue to use his servant's testimony to kindle faith in the truth and prayer for revival in generations still to come! -- Ian H. Murray, July 21, 1986
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)[Introduction] We fail to understand Edwards aright until the record of his life begins to make the same impression upon us.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)But in due course, if not in this life-time, they will witness the fulfilment of the promise, 'for them that honour me I will honour' (1 Sam. 2:30).
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- 1,135
- Popularity
- 22,196
- Reviews
- 8
- Rating
- (4.50)
- Languages
- English, German
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 3