A few years ago, I was invited to a Christian school to do a class on Jonathan Edwards’s notable sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” It was an intriguing class, interacting with teenagers who were trying to get their heads around Edwards’s perspective and position. After what I thought was a fairly successful class, I was saddened that the only thing these teens would likely remember Edwards for is that sermon. And then recently I have seen him receive another black eye from some, because he owned African slaves. Rarely do most people know that Edwards was a very compassionate man and preached with a view to the compassion of God. And rarely do most recall that he actually addressed the underlying racism in American slavery and laid some of the groundwork what would later turn slavery on its head and throw it out on its ear. But George Marsden, professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, historian, and author, has given readers a delightful hand in reexamining Edwards in his context in a brand-new 176-page hardback, “An Infinite Fountain of Light: Jonathan Edwards for the Twenty-First Century”. This work gives us the opportunity to “step back in order to gain perspective on where we are by looking at how we got there” (2).
Marsden takes us through five chapters geared to aid readers with proportion and prospect. He does this by bringing in details of Edwards’s moment and time, and two crucial people in Edwards’s life: Benjamin Franklin and George Whitfield. The author shows how each of those other men saw things, and the lasting impact they had on Twenty-First Century America. The role of liberty on the one hand, and ecclesiastical license on the other. He does this to give a clearer backdrop to what made Edwards unique and makes him lastingly valuable for today. “My central argument in these reflections is that Edwards’s core vision, grounded as it is in mainstream Augustinian Christianity, has much value to offer for renewal today” (23).
Because Marsden is an historian, each chapter draws close lines from the 18th Century characters he is working on, and our moment in time. That means that the author presents astute social critique, whether it is regarding Franklin’s liberty, Edwards’s trinitarianism and assessment of creation, or Whitfield’s ecclesiastical license that helped to spawn our modern love affair with superstars and democratized versions of American Christianity. There was so much in this work that I found helpful, especially the historical ties from then to now.
Marsden is not Edwards’s defense lawyer or PR frontman. Therefore, he was able to point out Edwards’s blemishes, without burning Edwards’s house down. One aspect of the author’s analysis I found most useful was his taking Edwards’s twelve positive signs of conversion, and then slowly moving to our moment of time and pastoral situations to see how they give us a hand in evaluating society, ourselves, and our congregations. Another feature was Edwards’s conclusions about the Trinity and its impact on how we perceive creation, “For Edwards, the dynamics of the physical universe were to be understood and admired most essentially as beautiful expressions of the love of their Creator and Sustainer. And not just in the gaps, but everywhere. The dynamic beauty of love, then, is the center of reality” (50).
To put the volume in a nutshell, the heartbeat is clearly about how, in our personal lives and communities, “the beauty of rightly ordered loves can shine through the clouds…that what must hold our lesser loves in place is our loving response to the personal love of God, expressed most fully in the sacrificial love of Christ and sustained by the person of the Holy Spirit” (138). Toward this end, Marsden attaches one sermon Edwards should be remembered for, “A Divine and Supernatural Light”.
All told, the book is a must. Before you pass judgment on Edwards and slough him off into the dusty confines of “antiquated” take up this volume and allow it to challenge some reassessment in your mind. If you’re concerned with modern Christianity in North America, you ought to quickly grab a copy. If you’re a Christian activist trying to think more clearly about our moment in the human story, you should take the time to read this book first before you do anything. If you’re a pastor or person-in-the-pew, grab hold of this work and make it a priority to read. I highly recommend the book.
My thanks to IVP Academic. I asked for a copy of this book to review, and they promptly sent it to me before its release date. There were no demands made or bribes given. All they wanted was an honest evaluation, which I have freely made, and now freely give to you.
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The Heart of Reality
Is Jonathan Edwards relevant to us today? In An Infinite Fountain of Light, George Marsden writes how Jonathan Edwards is still relevant for the 21st century.History and TheologyIn just over 150 pages and 5 essay-like chapters, this book sets the historical context of Edwards’ life alongside key points in his theology. It is expertly written, accessible and warm, educational and entertaining. I was fascinated by the time he lived in and inspired by his life.What sets this book apart is how Marsden compares and contrasts Edwards with two of his contemporaries: Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield. In regards to Franklin, his love for technology and individualism continues in the world today. Edwards’ fundamental view of reality from a Christian perspective is still needed.The Heart of RealityI was especially intrigued by Whitefield’s example of what seems to be the celebrity culture of his time. With a knack for the dramatic and an understanding of publicity, he took the Gospel all over. Edwards’ examination of an authentic religious faith versus emotionalism and counterfeits is still critically important.Throughout the book, Marsden looks at Edwards’ theological distinctives. Most importantly, he is able to explain Edwards’ thoughts to the modern reader. When Edwards speaks of “an infinite fountain of light,” he speaks of the infinite beauty of the love of God at the heart of reality. There is so much to learn from Edwards’ wisdom, and it remains relevant wherever the Gospel will go.I received a media copy of An Infinite Fountain of Light and this is my honest review.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023
Is Jonathan Edwards relevant to us today? In An Infinite Fountain of Light, George Marsden writes how Jonathan Edwards is still relevant for the 21st century.
History and Theology
In just over 150 pages and 5 essay-like chapters, this book sets the historical context of Edwards’ life alongside key points in his theology. It is expertly written, accessible and warm, educational and entertaining. I was fascinated by the time he lived in and inspired by his life.
What sets this book apart is how Marsden compares and contrasts Edwards with two of his contemporaries: Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield. In regards to Franklin, his love for technology and individualism continues in the world today. Edwards’ fundamental view of reality from a Christian perspective is still needed.
The Heart of Reality
I was especially intrigued by Whitefield’s example of what seems to be the celebrity culture of his time. With a knack for the dramatic and an understanding of publicity, he took the Gospel all over. Edwards’ examination of an authentic religious faith versus emotionalism and counterfeits is still critically important.
Throughout the book, Marsden looks at Edwards’ theological distinctives. Most importantly, he is able to explain Edwards’ thoughts to the modern reader. When Edwards speaks of “an infinite fountain of light,” he speaks of the infinite beauty of the love of God at the heart of reality. There is so much to learn from Edwards’ wisdom, and it remains relevant wherever the Gospel will go.
I received a media copy of An Infinite Fountain of Light and this is my honest review.
History and Theology
In just over 150 pages and 5 essay-like chapters, this book sets the historical context of Edwards’ life alongside key points in his theology. It is expertly written, accessible and warm, educational and entertaining. I was fascinated by the time he lived in and inspired by his life.
What sets this book apart is how Marsden compares and contrasts Edwards with two of his contemporaries: Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield. In regards to Franklin, his love for technology and individualism continues in the world today. Edwards’ fundamental view of reality from a Christian perspective is still needed.
The Heart of Reality
I was especially intrigued by Whitefield’s example of what seems to be the celebrity culture of his time. With a knack for the dramatic and an understanding of publicity, he took the Gospel all over. Edwards’ examination of an authentic religious faith versus emotionalism and counterfeits is still critically important.
Throughout the book, Marsden looks at Edwards’ theological distinctives. Most importantly, he is able to explain Edwards’ thoughts to the modern reader. When Edwards speaks of “an infinite fountain of light,” he speaks of the infinite beauty of the love of God at the heart of reality. There is so much to learn from Edwards’ wisdom, and it remains relevant wherever the Gospel will go.
I received a media copy of An Infinite Fountain of Light and this is my honest review.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2023
