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

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

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 Edwardss 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 Edwardss own view, and he held it throughout his entire ministry. Martin further argues that Edwardss 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 Edwardss psychology, Martin shows how, on their own terms, pre-modern Christians historically defined and described human psychology.

Reviews

Those who seek to engage with Edwardss theology, or who preach on Edwardss take on these themes, cannot afford to miss this book. Martin has made a genuine and important contribution to the extensive community of scholars and pastors currently studying this great early 18th century pastor-theologian ... Martins book is essential reading for understanding the theme of affections, so central to all of Edwardss thought. * Stellenbosch Theological Journal *
Martins work will be particularly valuable to two groups of people: Edwards scholars and Edwardsean pastors. * Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary *
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. Ive 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 Edwardss 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 Edwardss thought on matters related to Christian affections, serving as a necessary corrective to contemporary treatments of one of Americas 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 Edwardss 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 *

Author Bio

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