The Works of Jonathan Edwards

Book Description

Widely recognized as a great theologian, an influential preacher and a prolific writer, Jonathan Edwards played a prominent role in helping to spark the spirit of revivalism known as the Great Awakening in the eighteenth-century America. Edwards' sermons, while intellectually engaging, were also accessible to the common people and often generated highly emotional responses. His foremost desire was to help people transform from mere believers in Christian doctrine to converted Christians who were moved to action by the principles of their belief.

This two-volume collection of Edwards' works features important sermons of the Great Awakening as well as Edwards' memoirs and other essays. First published in 1834, here is what makes this new edition of The Works of Jonathan Edwards the best available:

More readable. This edition has larger, more readable type than previous editions.

More complete. This edition contains all matter included in the first collected American edition, various original extracts from the diary and papers of Edwarads, several smaller pieces printed originally in a separate form, and a memoir by descendant Sereno E. Dwight.

For anyone interested in the roots of Christianity and revival in colonial America, The Works of Jonathan Edwards is a fundamental resource.

Â“Jonathan Edwards . . . was among the noblest and ablest Christians of his age, and can now be seen, two centuries after, as one of the greatest theologians ever given by God to his church. As a saint and scholar, evangelist and educationalist, pastor and teacher, missionary and metaphysician, he showed a grasp of the grandeur of GodÂ's sovereignty and the glory of divine grace equaled only by men of the caliber of John Owen and John Calvin.Â”
Â—J. I. Packer

Â“Edwards is widely recognized as being probably the greatest American theologian. His writings, though sometimes difficult, are often inspiring. Full doctrinal agreement is not a prerequisite to profiting from this great man of God.Â”
Â—Christianity Today

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Customer Reviews:

Amazing thought and insight..........2006-04-29

Edwards is known for the greatest sermon ever told "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and most people stop at that sermon and don't read further. These two volumes are vast and comprehensive and not for one who wants to casually read Edwards. These two volumes are still in his original venacular and have not been contemporized like I have seen with other works. They include sermons, thoughts and letters that Edwards wrote on various topics, including his two most popular "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and "Freedom of the Will" and many, many more.

It is great to read from a man so dedicated to God's word and wanting to see his cold puritan peers come to Christ.

Do not buy these volumes if you are a casual reader, these works are very deep on great theological issues but if you want to be challenged these would be a great addition to your library.

The only issue I do have is that it is hard to navigate through the sermons, they could have done a better job with an appendix to make it easier to find the info for reference. That shouldn't take away from the content though as you will be greatly encouraged in your study with Edwards.

A note regarding the Works of Jonathan Edwards.......2004-12-06

This is not a review of The Works of Jonathan Edwards, which at any rate is simply outstanding and which nearly every person -- Christian and non-Christian, elder and young convert, apologist and truth seeker, scholar and layman -- would likely do well to read and digest, but rather a note for those interested in purchasing the currently listed, two-volume Hendrickson edition (ISBN 1-56563-085-8).

The Works of Jonathan Edwards is not the complete works of Jonathan Edwards. A couple of the other reviewers must have accidentally overlooked this fact, but it's understandable given the already immense size of the anthology. Nevertheless, all of Jonathan Edwards' most well-known religious works are indeed included: "Resolutions"; "Freedom of the Will"; "The End For Which God Created the World"; "The Nature of True Virtue"; "Religious Affections"; "Narrative of Surprising Conversions"; "Thoughts on the Revival of Religion in New England"; "A History of the Work of Redemption"; "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd"; and of course "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."

In addition, there are plenty of lesser known religious works from Edwards' youth to shortly before his death to occupy the interested reader in godly thought and reflection.

Regarding the various sermons and other writings that would complete the Edwards collection, but which are unfortunately not contained herein, for the most part these can be found online via a quick Google search (i.e., only Edwards' more obscure works are not to be found online, as far as I can tell).

Speaking of which, you can view the table of contents as well as the entire work itself online for free too at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library, for instance, if you want to see for yourself what's specifically included in this collection before purchasing it. That said, although The Works of Jonathan Edwards is available for free online, in my opinion it is far more convenient to have the printed version, as I'm personally more comfortable reading with a book (whatever its size) in my lap than in front of a computer screen.

Of course, if you want the definitive edition, which would include all twenty-three volumes of Edwards' works published to date (including his non-religious works on varied topics such as John Locke, science, etc.), you will have to purchase Yale University's edition of the same name. But that will cost you an arm and a leg, plus there's a considerable amount of secular academic criticism, which you may or may not find helpful. For example, the Yale volume on "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd" compares Brainerd's original diary with Edwards' edited version of the diary, claiming in the process that Edwards edited it in such a way as to make Brainerd conform to a preconceived notion of "saintliness." However, if you're keen on purchasing the Yale edition, the best available price I've been able to find is at Solid Ground Christian Books, which by the way is an excellent bookstore.

So although the Hendrickson publication is not substantively a complete Edwards collection, it is more than "close enough." Edwards was primarily a pastor and a theologian, and this is what is reflected in these volumes. In my view, then, given the price and content, this compilation of The Works of Jonathan Edwards is the best available edition for those primarily interested in Edwards as humble, faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Also, about the text and binding. A single page is divided into two columns, so that when you open a volume, there will be a total of four columns facing you (since there are of course two pages to look at when a book is opened). I'm not sure what the font size is, but it can't be more than 10 point. Actually, I'd venture to guess it's even slightly smaller.

Regarding the binding, it is sturdy, but I have a feeling that it may not hold up well with constant reading. The binding is quite similar to other Hendrickson publications, if you're familiar with them (e.g., The Works of Josephus, ISBN 0-913573-86-8).

Finally, I highly suggest looking at The Works of Jonathan Edwards on the Hendrickson Publishers' website before purchasing it. In addition to the photo of the two volumes, you can download an Adobe Acrobat Reader (.pdf) file of a sample chapter to view (at least at the time of this review). Thus you can get an actual image of what I'm only feebly able to describe with words.

I sincerely hope this helps. And in reading these works, may you be led to study and understand the Bible more fully, since it is the Bible which Edwards himself wholly leaned on in his writings: for the believer, to know and love Him more deeply, and for the one with ears to hear, to come to know and love Him because He first loved you.

Update: The above comments were based upon the Hendrickson edition, but now that I've seen both the Hendrickson edition as well as the Banner of Truth edition I can likewise recommend purchasing the Banner of Truth edition. Although the content is identical, in my opinion the Banner of Truth edition's binding is more sturdy and of a higher quality. However, if you prefer the works with slightly bigger font (eh, then again, the font size is probably negligible), as well as perhaps a more colorful and attractive cover, then the Hendrickson edition might be better. You can find both the Hendrickson as well as the Banner of Truth editions (ISBNs 0-85151-216-X and 0-85151-217-8) at Monergism Books, another fine bookstore. (Personally, I prefer the Banner of Truth edition.)

Also, the following by Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his lecture "Jonathan Edwards and the Crucial Importance of Revival" might prove useful to some:

The two volumes recently republished by the Banner of Truth Trust have often been regarded as the Complete Works, but they are not. A man published a book in the 1860's consisting of numerous other things which are not in these two volumes, and there are still more-sermons, letters, occasional remarks, miscellanies and so on. They are all going to be reprinted in the definitive [Yale] edition.

An amazing collection.......2004-06-09

Freedom of the Will, Religious Affections, The End for Which God Created the World, The Nature of True Virtue, Original Sin Defended, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God...they're all here and much more. These are some of the most influential Christian writings of all time within the Calvinist branch of Christendom. The resurgence of Calvinism and the tremendous rise in Edwardsian studies in both Christian and secular academia make this two volume set of his works an essential addition to anyone's library. With nearly 1000 pages in each volume, there's more here than you will probably ever read. However, because of so many discourses, treatises, and sermons, the print size is very small -- in order to fit all of the material into the two volumes. Also, this is a fascimile reprint of a 19th century edition, so the font quality is mediocre. Other than those drawbacks, this is an excellent set and a great value. The multi-volume Yale collection will cost you over a thousand dollars, while all you'll ever want is in this collection.

In my opinion, the greatest addition to this set is the Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards. This is the closest you'll get to receiving a personal look at his life of faith. They greatly enhance the intellectually-weighty theological works and the inspiring (and likewise brilliant) sermons.

Jonathan Edward's title as "America's greatest theologian" (or simply "America's theologian") is well-deserved. Don't let the "fire and brimstone" caricature dissuade you.

In My Top Ten All-Time Favorite Theological Works.......2002-09-22

This Hendrickson edition is a remake of the Banner of Truth Edition from 1984 (a 2 Vol. Set). All of the works of Edwards are included.

In this work Edwards' memoirs, sermons, theological treatises, miscellaneous discourses, and short observations are included. Everything and anything written by Edwards (including his most famous works and the lesser known short works) are present. This is the ultimate primary text to own from Edwards.

Brace yourself. Edwards can write some of the most simplistic theological thoughts and some of the most complicated theological thoughts and have one follow the other in a single paragraph. This volume will fill your days with hours of great reading, most of which you will have to reread, and then read again to get a grasp of what Edwards is trying to say. There are certain works, herein, that I have read a dozen times and have yet to fully grasp what Edwards is communicating (though that is no cause to ever stop trying).

Edwards discusses issues such as the human will, freedom, predestination, the attributes of God, sin, original sin, salvation, the Church, marriage, love, time, etc. Even topics that one would never give much thought to, such as indetermination, are included in these pages. Edwards has a way with words that can often times be staggering - to think that someone could write in such a manner. If you are wanting to read Edwards' works then here they are all in one text. But I must warn you that these pages will change your thinking and your life forever!

The Mount Everset of Theology!.......2000-07-19

Martyn Lloyd-Jones said that he was "tempted, perhaps foolishly, to compare the Puritans to the Alps, Luther and Calvin to the Himalayas, and Jonathan Edwards to Mount Everest!" (The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors, p. 355). I concur. Nothing in my library holds such a storehouse of wealth, as do these two hefty tomes. Edwards was a brilliant theologian, a zealous evangelist, an astute philosopher, a warm hearted pastor, and an eye-witness (and one of the primary instruments causing) the first Great Awakening. If you want theology at its richest go to Edwards' "End for Which God Created the World." IF you want a passion for souls, read his "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." If you are interested in well-articulated philosophy at its finest, peruse "The Nature of True Virtue." If you want biography geared to cultivate godliness in your own heart, read "The Life of David Brainerd." If you want pastoral counsel concerning the state of your soul, you will find nothing better than "The Religious Affections." And if you want to know what a REAL revival looks like, study "A Narrative of Surprising Conversions." (And those works are less than half of what is in here!) If my house were burning, I would probably grab for these two books second only to the Bible. To get Edwards is to get theology. So get Edwards!

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Native Rescuer
Native Rescuer
Challenging read in so many ways
Read and Weep at the Passion!
Must Read

The Life And Diary of David Brainerd

Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1598560530

Book Description

This compilation, taken from Jonathan Edwards's edited versions of David Brainerd's Diary and Journal, offers a highly readable record of the life and labors of David Brainerd as he presented the gospel to American Indians in the face of many obstacles, both the external challenges of life in what was still the frontier of eighteenth-century America, and internal battles as he persevered through bouts of depression during his short but fruitful life.

Customer Reviews:

Native Rescuer.......2007-02-22

David Brainerd's recorded life speaks my heart and breath--my longings for my heavenly home. This is a must read for all as it washes away the deceiving beguilement of trendy Christianity.

Traveling through his pages of life, you witness his true mission that of only knowing Christ and Him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. He was one of few who despised this vile world with its entertaining ways.

His soul displayed was that of a faithful, humble, loyal pastor who ministered to the natives in isolated areas of New England. He never set himself above these socially rejected ones who he found to be quite refreshing in contrast to snobbish white folk. He became known among fur trappers as "The man who trapped Indians with love."

Below are experts from David Brainerd's diary. The initial are the quotes of "His Heart." The following are observances of "His Natives."

His Heart:

"I know I long for God and conformity to His will, in inward purity and holiness, ten thousand times more than for anything here below."

"God was so precious to my soul, that the world, with all its enjoyments, was infinitely vile. I had no more value for the favor of men, than for pebbles."

"Spent the day mainly in conversing with friends; yet enjoyed little satisfaction, because I could not find but few disposed to converse on divine and heavenly things. Alas, what are the things of this world, to afford satisfaction to the soul! In secret, I blessed the God for retirement, and that I am not always exposed to the company and conversation of the world. Oh, that I could live in the secret of God's presence!"

His Natives:

"Discoursed from John 4:13, 14. There was a great attention, a desirable affection, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. It is surprising to see how eager they are to hear the Word of God. I have oftentimes thought that they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine worship twenty-four hours together if they had an opportunity so to do."

"I never saw any appearance of bitterness or censoriousness (being critical) in these, nor any disposition to `esteem themselves better than others.'"

Native Rescuer.......2007-02-22

David Brainerd's recorded life speaks my heart and breath--my longings for my heavenly home. This is a must read for all as it washes away the deceiving beguilement of trendy Christianity.

Traveling through his pages of life, you witness his true mission that of only knowing Christ and Him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. He was one of few who despised this vile world with its entertaining ways.

His soul displayed was that of a faithful, humble, loyal pastor who ministered to the natives in isolated areas of New England. He never set himself above these socially rejected ones who he found to be quite refreshing in contrast to snobbish white folk. He became known among fur trappers as "the man who trapped Indians with love."

Below are experts from David Brainerd's diary. The initial are the quotes of "His Heart." The following are observances of "His Natives."

His Heart:

"I know I long for God and conformity to His will, in inward purity and holiness, ten thousand times more than for anything here below."

"God was so precious to my soul, that the world, with all its enjoyments, was infinitely vile. I had no more value for the favor of men, than for pebbles."

"Spent the day mainly in conversing with friends; yet enjoyed little satisfaction, because I could not find but few disposed to converse on divine and heavenly things. Alas, what are the things of this world, to afford satisfaction to the soul! In secret, I blessed the God for retirement, and that I am not always exposed to the company and conversation of the world. Oh, that I could live in the secret of God's presence!"

His Natives:

"Discoursed from John 4:13, 14. There was a great attention, a desirable affection, and an unaffected melting in the assembly. It is surprising to see how eager they are to hear the Word of God. I have oftentimes thought that they would cheerfully and diligently attend divine worship twenty-four hours together if they had an opportunity so to do."

"I never saw any appearance of bitterness or censoriousness (being critical) in these, nor any disposition to `esteem themselves better than others.'"

Challenging read in so many ways.......2005-12-20

This book is not for the faint of heart, or those not willing to put in the time to read and think.

While this edited for length, the writing style is still that of 18th century English, and it can be a little difficult to parse at times. However, once you get use to that, this biography is chock-full of challenging questions about the nature of sin, salvation, and God's plan for our life's work.

At times, Brainerd seems particularly pessimistic, even to the point of being clinically depressed, while at other times, he seems to be floating on cloud nine (although much more of the former than the latter).

I read this as a part of a small discussion group, and that helped in the understanding of various passages.

Read and Weep at the Passion!.......2005-03-02

David Brainerd was an incrediable man of God. The son-in-law of the great theologian Jonathan Edwards, Brainerd combined sound theology with a deep passion for Jesus. His story is one that should be told to our children's children.

Brainerd's diary is a wealth of the spiritual passion of a man who longed to see American Indians won to Christ. His hatred for his own sinfulness is found throughout the book. Some days Brainerd is on the mountain of God and the next he is in the valley of despair. With the exception of the dairies of the late Keith Green, have I seen a man who truly wrestled with his own flesh by the power of the Spirit.

For those longing to be all that God wants them to be (Philippians 3:7-12), I would urge you to purchase this book. You will be blessed and challenged.

Must Read.......2001-11-08

We live in a day of "easy belevism". The days we live in are also sadly characterized by a christianity, which implies when it doesn't declare, that life is supossed to be easy for the child of God. The reader will see both of these dilusions dispelled in the life story of David Brainerd. Brainerd,was willing to undergo great hardship to take the true gospel to the natives of his day. His life shows all christians what happens when "glorifing God and enjoing Him forever" becomes ones chief aim in life. This certainly is not a chicken soup for the soul book that can be read with little thought. This book, however, will challenge every christian to live for the glory of God.

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Unique Edwards Biography
The way Biographies Should Be
The Human Edwards
Impersonal
Amazing...

Jonathan Edwards: A Life
George M. Marsden
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0300105967

Book Description

This definitive biography of America’s most important religious figure draws on newly available sources to reveal how he was shaped by the cultural and religious battles of his time.
“A magisterial biography.”—Wall Street Journal
“The finest biography of this towering figure.”—Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic Monthly
“One way to make sense of contemporary evangelicalism is to consider how it has both hewed to and strayed from the path laid down by one of its most brilliant founding fathers. Thanks to Marsden’s authoritative new biography . . . the path is now more clear.”—Jay Tolson, U.S. News & World Report
“In this conscientious and eloquent biography, pious Jonathan Edwards comes to unruly life with all his unresolved complexity intact.”—Thomas D’Evelyn, Christian Science Monitor
“Superb and engrossing.”—Robert D. Richardson, Washington Post Book World
“[Marsden] writes with such verve that he has given us not only the definitive biography but also a narrative that reads like a novel.”—Edward T. Oakes, Commonweal

Customer Reviews:

Unique Edwards Biography.......2007-07-20

Marsden, George M. Jonathan Edwards: A Life. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

There is almost a glut of material on Jonathan Edwards. That can be both good and bad. It is good that men are wrestling with Edwards's life and thought. A study of Edwards can renew intellectual life within the church. Furthermore, Edwards is being fairly studied by scholars outside the conservative world. This, too, is good. But there is always the question when a new Edwards book comes out: is there anything left to say? George Marsden thinks so. And Marsden takes his point of departure from other Edwards scholars. For all of the work on Edwards, the standard biographies (Perry Miller and Iain Murray) leave holes in some places.
Thesis: Jonathan Edwards lived in the crossroads of intellectual and social history. He is a perfect representative of both streams of both European and American thought: he was a traditionalist who stood for authority, order, and stable values. Ironically, he also planted the seeds of the individualism that would later haunt evangelicalism. Even more paradoxically, the very cure (e.g., the Great Awakening) to the problem (e.g., spiritual decay and social stagnation) would later become another problem for religious America.

There are two illustrations of Marsden's thesis from Edwards' ministry: the Great Awakening and the communion controversy, the latter will be examined in light of his political views. In both cases we see Edwards the traditionalist clash with Edwards the innovator. Edwards' instrumental role in the Great Awakening conflicted with other pastors in the region. Unwillingly, or unwittingly, Edwards inspired other men to rise up and carry on the revival, a task that also meant criticizing the status quo ecclesiology. Another example is Edwards' view on church-state relations (160). Was Edwards going to be the traditional Constantinian Protestant and favor a state-protected church, or would he encourage his people to be a holy congregation, called-out and separated from the world? It appears he wanted both. On p. 196 Edwards advocates a strong Constantianism. This clashed with his view on presenting spiritual evidences to the Lord's Supper. It is obvious why.

Solomon Stoddard, Edwards' grandfather and the previous pastor, sought a mediating position with the Puritans demand for evidence of conversion alongside the painful fact that many people did not have that evidence. If they did not have that evidence, they weren't really in the covenant. So they posited a "half-way" covenant. There was still the nagging problem of evidence. Therefore, the parishioners would give evidence of moral sincerity whereas Edwards' demanded evidence of godly piety (368). It was Edwards' downfall (or heroic hour, depending on your point of view) to overturn this compromise.

Evaluation:
This book faithfully carries on the Edwardsean tradition. It presents a pastor who sought Christ-exalting power in the pulpit. Yet it is one of the first sympathetic books on Edwards to illustrate tensions in his worldview--tensions the Evangelical world is feeling today. Does a longing for revival and fresh power from the Spirit undermine certain stati quo in Reformed orthodoxy? Marsden's thesis leaves the reader wrestling and thinking on this question. Another fine point is Marsden's emphasis on the healthy sexual morality and love found between Jonathan and Sarah, especially in light of current confusion on sexual mores. I heartily recommend this book.

The way Biographies Should Be.......2007-05-20

Edward's life will be interesting, even to people outside Reformed or Christian circles. If you are simply interested in American History, Edwards is an important figure in the early years of our nation.

But what makes this book even better is Marsden. He is a great scholar/historian, i.e. he has done extensive research and interacted with the primary and secondary sources. But, not only does he present accurate history, he writes in such a way that he keeps you interested at all times. Marsden's style is easy to read and the book almost reads like a novel.

One of my favorite books! Highly recommended!

The Human Edwards.......2007-02-18

Marsden's biography of Edwards does a marvelous job of portraying him in a critical light, highliting both his strengths and weaknesses as a theologian and pastor.

To be honest, it was almost a relief to read of Edwards' faults. The way some people talk of Edwards, you would think he was the greatest Christian of the modern era, but the truth is he had as many flaws as anyone else. For example, though many people laud Edwards for his closely argued Calvinistic theology, few know of his equally intricate, if not wildly speculative, eschatological ruminations. Or, consider Edwards the churchman. While he had the utmost concern for the salvation of his people's souls, he was also an authoritarian who could be distant, and hard to relate to on a human level. Indeed, he was ejected by his church shortly after the famous Awakenings.

Aside from humanizing Edwards, Marsden does a great job of describing the 18th century context, both in its intellectual and historial aspects, and placing Edwards within it. All in all, while I was expecting a volume of hagiography, I was met by a critical biography, which, while not as edifying as I had hoped, was none the less eye opening for its critical stance. Edwards has just as much to teach through his mistakes as through his successes.

Impersonal.......2006-11-08

I find myself in the minority concerning this book. I was disappointed in the "aloof" mood of the author and mostly with the lack of emphasis on historical events within the life of Edwards. It seems to be more of an examination of the mind of Edwards instead of a look at his life. Edwards, (in the way the author presents him),comes accross as merely a "brain" with no real personality or ......life!
Also there is a decided neutrality Marsden takes on all that Edwards believed, as if to send a disclaimer along with the book that says "By no means do I in the least agree or consent to these primitive ideas."
A great deal of research went in to the book, that is obvious.
If Edwards believed, lived, and preached the Love of God, why is it that the author presents him as this machine-like intellectual with no passion or tenderness?

Amazing..........2006-11-08

Although this book is really long, which is why I almost didn't pick it up, it is very detailed and very very good. This book goes even before his birth so that you understand the society that he was being born into. This book is more than just an autobiography of Edwards but is really a US history book as well with Edwards as its central character. Everytime I pick up the book it is hard to put down. It is just great to learn from a man of God who preached with not only compassion for the subject but compassion for his people. The book takes some time to read but well worth it.

The God-Centered Life: Insights from Jonathan Edwards for Today

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Practical and Eye opening

The God-Centered Life: Insights from Jonathan Edwards for Today
Josh, Moody
Manufacturer: Regent College Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 157383386X

Book Description

Are we looking mostly to please God or ourselves? The myth of Narcissus describes a young man who dies because he falls in love with his own reflection. When surrounded by the Narcissistic messages of contemporary society--"you've got to believe in yourself!"--we need to listen to a Bible teacher from a past age who can drag us back to reflecting less on ourselves and more on God. Jonathan Edwards, perhaps the greatest of all American Bible teachers, was so God-centered. In The God-Centered Life, Dr. Josh Moody calls us to listen to Edwards in order that we might stop living for ourselves and start living "the God-centered life."

How to do church, teach the Bible, have a healthy family, deal with failure, engage postmodernism, assess spiritual experiences and more are envisioned through the eyes of Jonathan Edwards with freshness and accessibility.

Customer Reviews:

Practical and Eye opening.......2007-06-16

This is a book that makes us take a step back. It is not all about us. It is not all about finding our purpose in life. This book is exactly what the title suggests: all about God, and how to use the successful approaches of Jonathan Edwards to relate to a thourghly post-Christian culture.
I recommend this book to Christians who want to learn and grow in their faith. This is by no means a self-help book based on Christianity. It an easy to read collection of thoughts on how we should confront post-modern thinking as it surrounds us and creeps into our churches. This book would make a great gift to pastors and ministry leaders, but even better, it is accessible to all Christians.
Highly recommended. It is something special when a writer can take the approaches of Jonathan Edwards and teach us how to be more effective in the Kingdom.

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An excellent read for pastors and pastors-to-be
Very Helpful and God Centered...
On Target On The Foundation Of Preaching; A Very Influential Book.
Should have been titled "Supremacy of Johnathan Edwards"
A wonderful primer for that preacher in need of refreshment

The Supremacy of God in Preaching
John Piper
Manufacturer: Baker Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0801065046
Release Date: 2004-02-01

Book Description

According to Warren Wiersbe, The Supremacy of God in Preaching ''calls us back to a biblical standard for preaching, a standard exemplified by many of the pulpit giants of the past, especially Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon.'' This newly revised edition is an essential guide for preachers who want to stir the embers of revival. Piper focuses his study on the example of Jonathan Edwards as an illustration of a leader who submitted to God.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent read for pastors and pastors-to-be.......2007-08-31

This is an excellent book that unabashedly attacks some of the problems with preaching today. The author argues effectively for a return to a focus on God in preaching instead of all the trends and gimmicks used in so many churches today. As an example of a God-focused preacher, Piper spotlights Jonathan Edwards' life and ministry.
Very educational and readable.

Very Helpful and God Centered..........2007-04-24

John Piper hit it on the head in this book. Piper is known for his zeal and love for the cross and the preaching of the word and he does not let up in this small book all centered on preaching God. The first half of the book is centered on the Trinity and their "roles" in preaching.

First, is the Goal of Preaching: The Glory of God. Piper really nails down the reason we preach and teach is all for God's glory and nothing else. He focuses the reader on understanding the preaching of the holiness of God will bring people to their knees.

Second, is the Ground of Preaching: The Cross of Christ. If one has succeeded in the preaching of holiness of God then the hearers should really be at the point of understanding their sin in light of God's holiness. This is where the blood stained cross comes in. Piper then goes to explain the humility of preaching the cross, understanding its power and its purpose. Piper is really echoing 1 Cor 2:1-5.

Thirdly, is the Gift of Preaching: The Power of the Holy Spirit. Piper now focuses on the revelation of the Spirit through the word of God and also the power the Spirit gives to a preacher who relies on Him. Piper uses the acronym APTAT every week before he preaches: A (ADMIT to the Lord that without Him I can do nothing) P (therefore, I PRAY for help) T (TRUST, not merely in a general way in God's goodness, but in a specific promise for the upcoming hour) A (ACT in confidence that God will fulfill his word) T (THANK God at the end of the service that I was sustained and the truth of His word were preached)

Piper then goes to speak of the "Gravity of Gladness" in preaching. This quote hit me really hard and I completely agree with it:

"Another answer is that a pastor who is not manifestly glad in God does not glorify God. He cannot make God look glorious if knowing and serving this God gives no gladness to his soul. A bored and unenthusiastic tour guide in the Alps contradicts and dishonors the majesty of the mountains."

For the last half of the book Piper focuses on the ministry of Jonathan Edwards and all that he has learned from this great man of the faith. He discusses keeping God central, submitting to God's sovereignty and also making God supreme.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you are a pastor it is a must read over and over again.

On Target On The Foundation Of Preaching; A Very Influential Book........2007-01-02

This book has been an influence in my life, both on the major and minor aspects of the book.

First, Piper teaches that the purpose of preaching is for the glory of God. The ground is the cross. How often does a sermon seem to have nothing to do with God, but focusing more on what we are to do than what He has done?

The first part of the book deals with God being supreme in preaching. The second part gives a practical application through the life of Jonathan Edwards.

The basic theme is enough to influence one to focus his preaching on God's supremacy.

There are a couple of minor portions of this book that influenced me that I'd like to touch on. These are my personal impressions; count these as a bonus.

My first comment is on his selection of Jonathan Edwards. Piper commented in seminary he was encouraged to absorb a theologian; his choice was (surprise!) Jonathan Edwards. I have mixed feelings. I feel a Christian in general and a pastor in specific should focus on Scripture, and that it may lead a Christian astray to focus on one fellow disciple to absorb. However, if I was to choose a theologian, I would make it two, and choose Tertullian and Athanatius.

The other source of influence is a source of comfort and encouragement to me. Piper wrote on page 19, ". . . you can mark it down that if you are a preacher God will hide from you much of the fruit he causes in your ministry. You will see enough to be assured of his blessing, but not so much as to think you could live without it. For God aims to exalt himself, not the preacher."

Should have been titled "Supremacy of Johnathan Edwards".......2006-11-04

This is an inspiring review of a powerful and gifted preacher - Johnathan Edwards. While very interesting, the title led me to expect a broader inspiration of the supremacy of GOD in preaching, not a focus on Edwards.

An interesting biography of someone who has inspired John Piper, but unless you are also inspired by Edwards, this may not be the book for you.

A wonderful primer for that preacher in need of refreshment.......2006-02-25

I found this book to be a quick, easy digestible piece of work that also refreshes and challenges the preacher to think about seriously the call that he has to provide the clear Word of God to the people he is preaching to. The work is clear, concise, and as with all of John Piper's works, very reader friendly with wit and intelligence and honesty about his love for God in every word written. His heart is for the pastor who will read this book, as becomes obvious after reading just the first few pages. I highly recommend this book!

Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig

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Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 074353011X

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Lou Gehrig started his professional baseball career at a time when players began to be seen as national celebrities. Though this suited charismatic men such as Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, Gehrig avoided the spotlight and preferred to speak with his bat. Best known for playing in 2,130 consecutive games as well as his courage in battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a disease that now bears his name), the Iron Horse that emerges from this book is surprisingly naïve and insecure. He would cry in the clubhouse after disappointing performances, was painfully shy around women (much to the amusement of some of his teammates), and particularly devoted to his German-immigrant mother all his life. Even after earning the league MVP award he still feared the Yankees would let him go. Against the advice of Ruth and others, he refused to negotiate aggressively and so earned less than he deserved for many seasons. Honest, humble, and notoriously frugal, his only vices were chewing gum and the occasional cigarette. And despite becoming one of the finest first basemen of all time, Jonathan Eig shows how Gehrig never seemed to conquer his self-doubt, only to manage it better.

Jonathan Eig's Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig offers a fascinating and well-rounded portrait of Gehrig, from his dugout rituals and historic games to his relationships with his mother, wife, coaches, and teammates. His complex friendship with Ruth, who was the polar opposite to Gehrig in nearly every respect, is given particularly vivid attention. Take this revealing description of how the two men began a barnstorming tour together following their 1927 World Series victory: "Ruth tipped the call girls and sent them on their way. Gehrig kissed his mother goodbye." Eig also shares some previously unknown details regarding his consecutive games streak and how he dealt with ALS during the final years of his life. Rich in anecdotes and based on hundreds of interviews and 200 pages of recently discovered letters, the book effectively shows why the Iron Horse remains an American icon to this day. --Shawn Carkonen

Customer Reviews:

Excellent biography!.......2007-07-21

I'll be totally honest, this book made me cry... twice. I've read towering biographies before that were informative and enlightening, but read like phonebooks (see "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" by Edmund Morris). "Luckiest Man" reads more like a novel, a story about a shy guy who deeply loves his family and tries to always do the right thing. About how this guy did everything he could for his mother and did everything he could to succeed in baseball. You're there with him emotionally just as he finally begins to embrace his fame and enjoy his celebrity, as he breaks out of his shell of shyness and finds true love. And you're there when he gets thrown the biggest curveball of his life, blames himself for his mysterious decline, and hopelessly believes that there may be a cure. This book is as informative as it is heart-breaking. I HIGHLY recommend it!

This one really moved me.......2007-07-12

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt a connection to the story which surprised me.

I lived in Rochester, MN for most of the 90s, I've been to many of the places outlined in the book, I worked for the Rochester newspaper, which has several mentions, and I've seen the Lou's cancelled check, which is on display at the Mayo clinic.

From that background, I felt this as a completely real story of both heroism and tragedy. This is real stuff, a completely honest telling of the rise and fall of a man who might have been any of us.

Powerful.......2007-04-19

Jonathan Eig has unleashed a grand slam of human spirit and fortitude in this biography of legendary baseball great Lou Gehrig.
We read it all. From Gehrig's impoverished beginnings through his stellar career as the New York Yankee's first-baseman in 2,130 consecutive games, to his slow, agonizing battle with ALS.
He clutched onto hope as if it were a bat, repeatedly stating, "I have a 50/50 chance" for what was an incurable disease.
This is not only baseball at its best, but also an extraordinary study into human character and strength of mind.
Well researched. Writing superb.

Very Well Done.......2007-04-19

This is the by far the best Gehrig book available (I named my son Gehrig and have probably read most of them). It gives a more personal look at him than the others. If you want statistics and information on his baseball exploits, this may not be the book for you. If you want to learn about a truly remarkable man of integrity, this book will offer you a glimpse of him that has not been offered before.

Disappointing.......2007-04-03

I found the book no more revealing than the movie, Pride of the Yankees. A straight arrow with unhealthy devotion to his mother. A man socially crippled by such a desire to please momma. There's little explanation about this devotion or about many aspects of his life which results in a one dimensional portrayal. And did I miss an explanation as to the "feud" between Lou and Babe --- which prompted Lou to turn his back on the Babe after a Babe homerun? Maybe I slept through that part. (It couldn't have been the cruise incident -- Babe was traded shortly thereafter).

Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought

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Great Entry-Level Introduction
Excellent Book on a Great Man of God!
A First...

Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought
Stephen J. Nichols
Manufacturer: P & R Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0875521940

Book Description

Jonathan Edwards, a leader in the Great Awakening during the eighteenth century, still has much to teach the church. Evangelicals are rediscovering him through the efforts of several authors (John Gerstner, Iain Murray, Harry Stout, and others) and publishers (Banner of Truth, Soli Deo Gloria, and Crossway).

Stephen Nichols offers Jonathan Edwards "as an introduction, a gateway into the vast and rewarding life, thought, and writings of Jonathan Edwards." He intends it for anyone who wants to read Edwards but who needs a little help.

Customer Reviews:

Great Entry-Level Introduction.......2005-01-04

Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought by Stephen J. Nicholas was at the same time excellent and disappointing. The disappointment was my fault and in no way reflects upon the book or the author, for I had begun reading it with unfair expectations. I had not read the cover carefully and thus I thought I was buying a short biography of Edwards and that is not what this book is. After I came to realize what the book was intended to be, I enjoyed it thoroughly. And in this way it was excellent. Despite not being a biography it contained all sorts of great information about Edwards and about the events and writings that shaped his life. It is, as it says in the title, a guided tour to his life and thoughts more than a chronological ordering of the events of his life. More than a biography, this is a gateway into the thoughts, writings and theology of this great man of God.

In the introduction Nichols writes that the book "is not an end in itself; it is not a substitute for reading Edwards. It is intended to help anyone who, like me, has wanted to read Edwards and even has tried to read him, but needs a little help." It might also be said that this book is not a substitute for reading a thorough biography of the man. Later Nicholas says "My hope is that this book will help you to see the relevance and importance of Edward's thought and that through these pages Edwards will help you, as he has helped so many others, to better understand God, his Word, his work in this world, and your place in it." In this regard, the book and the author succeed admirably.

The format of the book is as follows. It is divided into four sections. The first section, comprising two chapters is dedicated to a short overview of his life, from his upbringing in a Christian home to his untimely death from a failed smallpox innoculation. The following three parts, each comprised of three or four chapters, examine his writings and sermons. Part two examines his writings on revival and church life, part three his writings on theology and philosophy and part four several of his sermons. Each is presented in the appropriate historical context and is examined in light of the impact it had in his day and in its ongoing relevance to the church today.

This book is a solid entry-level introduction to Jonathan Edwards, and in particular, to his contribution to Christian thought and theology. I give it my recommendation, not as an alternative to his writings or biographies, but, as it was meant to be, a supplement.

Excellent Book on a Great Man of God!.......2004-12-24

Nichols has written an excellent book on the ministry of Jonathan Edwards and will enlighten the reader on how a godly many Edwards really was.

While the book delves somewhat into his personal life, the majority of the text involves his writings on revival, church life, theology, and philosophy.

While I would recommend Iain Murray's book on Edwards for more personal information on the man, I still recommend Nichols' book on what Edwards thought.

An excellent read for knowing more about one of America's greatest theologians!

Highly recommended!

A First..........2001-11-29

This is an excellent book on the life of Jonathan Edwards. Dr. Nichols did an incredible job of depicting his life and thought...reflecting on what it was to be one of the most influential theologians ever!

CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!

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CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM

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Product Description

The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.

Heaven on Earth: Capturing Jonathan Edwards's Vision of Living in Between

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Heaven on Earth
Become Heavenly Minded and of Earthly Good
Excellent Readable Intro to Jonathan Edwards Life View

Heaven on Earth: Capturing Jonathan Edwards's Vision of Living in Between
Stephen J. Nichols
Manufacturer: Crossway Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1581347855

Book Description

Heaven isn’t only about the future. It has everything to do with life on earthâlife âin between.â Jonathan Edwards understood this well. His writings are full of his thoughts on heaven and how those thoughts should make a difference in our lives.

This book focuses on key sermons by Edwards, showing readers how his insights can be applied to the challenges of living the Christian life in the twenty-first century. Edwards reminds us of our duty to live on earth in light of heaven and to endeavor to bring the realities and the beauty of heaven to earthâeven if only in miniature. This book is for all believers wondering how to live on earth with a view of heaven, and those familiar with Edwards’s works will have a special appreciation for this study.

âNo one spoke or wrote more eloquently than Jonathan Edwards on the earthly responsibilities of those whose citizenship was in heaven. And no one has done a better job than Stephen Nichols in making Edwards’s thoughts on this subject accessible to the church today. His insightful analysis of Edwards’s sermons on heaven is essential reading for those who’ve lost sight of the life-changing power of meditating on future glory. I highly recommend it.â
Dr. Sam Storms, Enjoying God Ministries

âJonathan Edwards’s contagious vision of heaven on earth is compellingly captured by Stephen Nichols in this accessible book. It’s been said that some Christians are so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good. On the other hand, it’s also the case that some are so earthly-minded that they are not fit for heaven. Nichols, following Edwards, argues that the solution to the errors of escapism and earthliness is not to find a happy medium, but rather to develop a radical new perspective that transforms both our vision of heaven and our life on earth. With Edwards as our guide, Nichols teaches us the biblical art of living the vision of heaven on earth.â
Justin Taylor, co-editor of A God-Entranced Vision of All Things: The Legacy of Jonathan Edwards

Customer Reviews:

Heaven on Earth.......2007-03-12

A very easy read and great introduction to Jonathan Edward. Many practical pointers on living in between. We liked it so well we did a Sunday school class on it.

Become Heavenly Minded and of Earthly Good.......2006-08-30

It's easy for some people to become "so heavily minded they're of no earthly good," while others are more likely to be too earthly minded to be of no heavenly good. Scripture points us to a middle path, a way to live between the two worlds. Stehpen J. Nichols sheds light on this path through a collection of sermons by Jonathan Edwards in Heaven on Earth.

Through seven brief chapters Dr. Nichols explores a handful of Jonathan Edwards's sermons in an effort to explain what it means to live on earth with a vision of heaven. It includes themes of pilgrimage, citizenship, just action, waiting, and true happiness found in God's purposes for mankind. The book also includes an introduction on how to read Edwards' sermons, and an appendix containing an abridged version of the sermon "Heaven Is a World of Love."

This is a book that gets better as it goes, which makes its short length disappointing. I especially found the final two chapters to be insightful and though-provoking. Readers unfamiliar with Jonathan Edwards will learn much about his life as application of what he taught. While not an academically sophisticated work, Heaven on Earth will challenge every reader to make practical use of the theological truths it describes.

Excellent Readable Intro to Jonathan Edwards Life View.......2006-07-29

Heaven on Earth is a wonderful summary of an aspect of Jonathan Edwards's thinking and preaching - specifically, how to long for heaven and the next life, while living, serving and enjoying our time here on Earth. Nichols is a very clear and enjoyable writer, and the book is relatively brief, so I would highly recommend it - especially if you think an "old theologian" like Edwards has no practical relevance to our lives today. Some of the chapter topics include: Living as preparation for heaven; the meaning of "our citizenship is in heaven" and how it impacts our life here; working to make this world better as stewardship of God's creation; the struggle of waiting in our lives; and how to deal with the deaths of loved ones, and how to see our lives as a journey towards heaven.

Here's a good summary passage near the end of the book to give you an idea both of J.E.'s theology, and of Nichols' way of explaining it:
"Both in life and in death Edwards teaches us how to live the pilgrim life. He teaches us that as we make our way to heaven we should serve God and do what good we can. He teaches us that we should long for our heavenly home and that we should enjoy the foretastes of that home now." (pp. 105).

Nichols also gives an introductory section on how to read an Edwards sermon, and includes an appendix with the abridged text of an Edwards sermon, "Heaven is a World of Love" on 1 Cor. 13:8-10. Hopefully, as I know the author hopes, people after reading this book, will want to and feel able to tackle some of Edwards' actual writing. And anyone who does will be spiritually richer as a result-not because Edwards is so great, but because of his ability to describe the greatness and great love of our God and King. Highly recommended!

Making the American Self: Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln (Studies in Cultural History)

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Making the American Self: Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln (Studies in Cultural History)
Daniel W. Howe
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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What does it mean to be an American, and how have individual Americans consciously endeavored to create their own identity? "Self-improvement," "self-culture," "self-made man," to "make something of oneself"--all are terms that were used from colonial to Victorian times. The particular language that framed the quest has fallen out of fashion, but it was a powerful cultural imperative for hundreds of years. The quest, in all its "post" guises, continues. Daniel Howe considers the ideas Americans once had about a proper construction of the self. Jonathan Edwards, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Horace Bushnell, Horace Mann, Margaret Fuller, Henry David Thoreau, Dorothea Dix, Frederick Douglass, among others, engaged in discussion about the composition of human nature, the motivation of human behavior, and what can be done about the social problems these create. They shared a common model of human psychology, in which powerful but base passions must be mastered by reason in the service of virtue. How to accomplish this was often itself a subject of passionate controversy.

The story reveals that Americans both distrusted individual autonomy and were enthusiastic about it; passions, reason, and moral sense collided on how to manage it. Howe is empathetic to all the quests--for elites and artisans, blacks and women--seeing in them a basic pursuit of identity. The author demonstrates that aspirations for "self-control" and "self-discipline," grounded in conservatism and evangelical Christianity, also shaped movements that branched leftward to promote social welfare, feminism, and civil rights.

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