The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America's Greatest Theologian

by Owen Strachan, Douglas A. Sweeney, David Cochran Heath (Narrator)

You've heard his name, you've probably heard your pastor quote him, but who is he really?

250 years later, Jonathan Edwards, America’s consummate pastor-theologian, continues to capture the attention of Christians around the world. Yet Edwards left us over 1,200 sermons and thousands of pages of other publications, not to mention the literal thousands of books that have been written about Edwards since he died. Where does one even begin? That’s why we created The Essential Jonathan Edwards. It serves as a perfect introduction to Edwards’s life and thought. It explores Edwards day-to-day life, and his views on beauty, true Christianity, heaven and hell, and the good life. Strachan and Sweeney strike the perfect balance between necessary background information and giving Edwards’s own works room to speak.

Whether you’re an Edwards fan already or only know Edwards because of “that Angry God sermon,” this book will lead you to drink deeply of Scripture and gaze longingly at God. 

Genres: Theology, Biography, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, American History

ebook

Published June 30, 2018

About the author

Dr. Owen Strachan is Provost and Research Professor of Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary (GBTS). Before coming to GBTS, he served as Associate Professor of Christian Theology and Director of the Residency PhD Program at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS). He holds a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, an MDiv from Southern Seminary, and an AB from Bowdoin College. Strachan has published fourteen books and writes regularly for the Christian Post, and Thoughtlife, his Patheos blog. Strachan hosts the City of God podcast. He is married and is the father of three children.
You can also connect with Strachan on Facebook.

Reviews

[Ben House · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an incurable reader, I often find myself stumped over what kind of book I need to read next. My tastes range from theology to literature to history to politics to poetry to philosophy to biography and more. I could almost paraphrase Will Rogers and say, "I never met a book I didn't like." I have met a few that were not to my liking, but I am prone to find something of use in even the worst of readings.
My morning reading time is when I focus on Biblical and theological books. If a book is devotional, without being fluffy, and enlightening, it makes for a good start for the morning stack of books. I have about an hour to read and usually read a chapter or about 10 pages from each of 3 or 4 books. (This method works well for me.) After the book aimed at the heart, I am more ready for the book aimed at the mind. So, a book applying Bible teachings might be read from first and then followed by a bit more weighty theological reading. The preferred third book is usually more focused on Christian worldview thinking. It might be on history, education, current issues, philosophy, or some other area. It might or might not be a specifically Christian book.
This brings us to the topic of The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America's Greatest Theologian by Owen Strachan and Douglas A. Sweeney. This book is published by Moody Publishers.
In light of the different types of books I like to read in the morning session, The Essential Jonathan Edwards can fit into any of the categories. The breadth of the approach of the book itself is similar to the breadth of the subject. Jonathan Edwards is acclaimed as one of the great preachers of all time. He is also one of the great theologians. He was also a prolific writer. He is recognized for his contributions to the field of philosophy. He is studied for his views on any number of topics, both those pertinent to his times and to ours.
As the subject of biography, Edwards' life is also rich. He lived in colonial America during a period that was just past the heyday of Puritan thought and just before the period leading up to the American Revolution and War for Independence. I will assume for the moment that the term "American Revolution" refers to the change in thinking and outlook that developed prior to any shots being fired at Lexington and Concord, and I am borrowing this definition from John Adams. Back to Edwards: He was a major figure in the Great Awakening. Along his labors were limited geographically to a small part of New England, his role through his preaching and writing explained, furthered, and cautioned against aspects of the revival. He was the spokesman for this side of the Atlantic.
His marriage and family are models for both understanding American culture and for spiritual edification. His tumultuous relationship with his Northhampton congregation is insightful into the workings of colonial communities and all too familiar territory for many pastors and their churches. Edwards was briefly connected to the still new Princeton University and had been educated at Yale. His life shows the richness of potential opportunities in the colonial period even accounting for the particular genius and gifts of the man.
The most scholarly and library-bound academic wanting to grapple with theological conundrums (like free will and Original Sin) can study Edwards alongside the more profound student of philosophy, especially the one interested in American contributions. But the pastor can also find Edwards a helpful mentor giving encouragement to his soul as he prepares sermons and lessons for his congregation. Again, the study of Edwards is a hall filled with treasures.
So where do you begin? Or how can you access the wealth of Edwards' life, faith, and thought?
The Essential Jonathan Edwards is an excellent place to begin. The book contains an account of Edwards' life, but it is only partially a biography. Much of the focus is on the teachings of Edwards. The book is heavy laden with quotes and lengthy ones at that. It doesn't take many lines of reading Edwards to realize that this guy cannot be skim read. He is not impossible or overly technical, but his language is rich and detailed. While the entire book reveals biographical details, the first section is more largely focused on his life.
The authors cover a number of larger and then more particular topics in subsequent chapters. The second section of the book is on the topic of Beauty. As has been noted, some of the higher, more liturgical churches focus on beauty in their church buildings and liturgies. The Protestants who are more in the tradition of Edwards in terms of evangelical emphases have overlooked the topic of Beauty. (As a former pastor, I am asking myself, "When did you preach on the Beauty of God, of Christ, of the Church?")
The third section focuses on the Good Life. This is yet another case of the authors bringing an unused phrase into Christian thinking. Living the Christian life is the good life. Man's chief end is enjoying God forever, which does not mean that we start when we get to heaven. Edwards wrote, "God in seeking his glory, therein seeks the good of his creatures: because the emanation of his glory (which he seeks and delights in, as he delights in himself and his own eternal glory) implies the communicated excellency and happiness of his creatures." (Found on page 199)
The fourth section deals with a troublesome issue in Edwards' ministry and in our times. Statistics show certain numbers of people who are Christian by profession. Church rolls show smaller groups of the same. Yet nominalism, that is, being Christian in name only, is a huge problem. Protestants like to think it is merely a Roman Catholic problem. Within Protestant groups, one group will wag their heads at another for this plague, but the truth is that it hits ever section of Christianity and every church. If you don't know of where to locate the dangers of nominal Christianity, begin by looking in a mirror. I am not saying that you and I are believers in name only. But I do know it is a real threat to me. Those of us in Christian works (and I teach in a Christian school) can easily confuse occupation with salvation. The problem beset Edwards both in the times of his grandfather's Half-Way Covenant approach and in his own dealings with a congregation that fired him.
The final section deals with heaven and hell. Edwards is once again a needed instructor to our times. Because Christianity offers so much in this world, we can easily undervalue what it teaches about the world to come. And the doctrine of Hell is just uncomfortable.
I recently posted a blog review highlighting a number of books on, by, or about Edwards. For the reader wanting to meet the great theologian, this is the book to start with. For the reader who has already read a lot by and about Edwards, this book is also a great read.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a biography of Jonathan Edwards before, and I've read a small part of his writings, but still have felt as though I don't know Edwards and his works very well. When I saw that this book, The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America's Greatest Theologian, by Owen Strachan and Douglas A. Sweeney, was available to request for review, I thought that this would be a good way to introduce myself more fully to Edwards.

The book is divided into five parts. Part one gives a high level biography of Edwards with quotations from his works interspersed throughout. The other sections are more topical, with chapters dealing with Edwards' thoughts on "Beauty" (having chapters such as The Beauty of God, The Beauty of Creation etc.), the other sections are "The Good Life", "True Christianity" and "Heaven and Hell". All of these parts contain summaries of Edwards writings on various subjects along with many quotations from his writings.

Do I feel like I know more about Edwards writings more? I suppose so. Does it make me want to delve into his writings? Sadly, no. This is probably going to sound awful, but I found this book very boring. I stopped when I was about half way through and just skimmed the rest (the book is over four-hundred pages).

Perhaps a lot of my boredom came from Edwards' writing style, he seemed kind of mystical or something, in my opinion. It just grates me the wrong way. It seemed more like some of his thoughts were floating in the air of unlimited conjecture without a firm grounding in exegesis of biblical texts.

Let me give you an example,

"the Old Testament church was as Christ's mother, but the New Testament church is his wife, whom he is joined to and whom he treats with far greater endearment and intimacy. He forsook his mother also in this respect. Vis. As he made a sacrifice of that flesh and blood, and laid down that mortal life which he had from his mother, the Virgin Mary. 'That which [is] born of flesh is flesh,' though he did not derive flesh from his mother in the sense in which it is spoken of, John 3:6, viz. Corrupt sinful nature, and therefore did not forsake his mother for the church in the same sense wherein the church is advised to forsake her father's house for Christ's sake…..Yet Christ derived flesh from his mother, viz. the animal nature and human nature, with the corruption that is the fruit of sin, viz. with frailty and mortality. This Christ forsook, and yielded to be crucified for the sake of the church." Huh? That is really confusing. The editors of this book comment, "The doctrine of the church developed here is quite unique. Old Testament followers of God represent 'Christ's mother, while New Testament believers are 'his wife.'" It certainly does seem like a unique thought, and I don't see its biblical basis…

Edwards seemed to use a lot of typology, and was too….I'm not sure how to term it, scholarly? For my taste. Especially when he makes typological connections that are not given as such in the Bible. Also, at times he seemed to be trying to work up emotions or something with his descriptions of the loveliness of God, of Christ. Can one over 'describe the loveliness of Christ, of God? I think one can if one's descriptions savor more of the imagination than of solid basis in God's revelation of Himself. Don’t we think that one cannot rival God's own descriptions of Himself in His Word? Even Edwards? I'd understand more if he seemed to be exceeding texts, which I suppose he could have been doing, but then my opinion would probably be that he used too many illustrations. I don't know, I'm still thinking about it, It's still rather hard for me to pin down why I don't like his writings, I've read other long dead authors whom I've liked.

I'm sorry if I'm misreading Edwards, but right now, this is my impression. I'm not rating this book only two stars because I thought the authors did a bad job of putting this together. I actually think that they probably did an excellent job. I simply find that I don't particularly like Edwards as an author.

Many thanks to the folks at Moody Publishers (MPNewsroom) for sending me a free review copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable)

[Kristin Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great. So convicting and informative.

[Elisabeth Shirey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! I wish there were six stars. Very compelling and interesting. It was also has very applicable and encouraging application.

[W. Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several biographies on Edwards but this one stands out as unique for a few reasons. First the author takes time to speak to patterns in the life of Edwards that could and should be emulated by Christians seeking to live for Christ. It is not just that they told what he did in his life, but spoke to applying some of Edwards biblical living principles in our lives. Also, I loved how the book was divided into a straight biography ending with Edwards death and then went about dissecting some of his theological positions in depth as drawn from his writings. This book is both practical and very theological and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about one of America's greatest minds.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers/Net Gallery.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

When I was in high school, a classmate who happened to be not only a friend of mine but also a fellow member of my congregation gave a very realistic reading of part of Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon "Sinners In The Hand Of An Angry God" in English class as an assignment for "The Scarlet Letter" which required us to adopt the style of a Puritan divine in condemning the sins of our fellow classmates.  Somewhat unfairly, Jonathan Edwards has come to be known as a dour and humorous and somewhat ferocious minister.  Despite many areas of disagreement with the authors of this book [1] concerning different aspects of Edwards' thought, this book does an excellent job at presenting Edwards in a very balanced sense.  If you disagree with Edwards' thoughts and ideas and eisegetical views of scripture in his flights of imagination and in his mistaken hermeneutics about various matters, at least you will disagree with what Edwards actually thought and practiced, rather than a mistaken image of what he said.

This book is an ample one at over 400 pages, quite large enough for the authors to sample a goodly amount of Edwards' voluminous writing for readers here.  This book is a best of compilation with both large amounts of excerpts from Edwards' writings as well as thoughtful commentary on them from the point of view of generally favorable but mildly critical evaluators.  This book's materials are divided into five parts.  The first part of the book gives a biography of Edwards that shows him as a lover of God (I) from his early childhood (1) to his conversion (2) and struggles as a young man to find a wife and a good place in the world (3) to his experience of seeing God's grace in action (4), his work as a minister in Northampton (5), his preaching against Satan and his demons (6), his firing from that position and his work in the wilderness (7), and his death from a vaccination gone wrong before he was to fulfill the job as the president of Princeton University (8).  After this the authors discuss Edwards' view of beauty (II), specifically the beauty of God (9), creation (10), Christ (11), the Church (12), and a reputed Trinitarian afterlife (13).  Next, the authors discuss Edwards' view of the good life (III) including its nearness (14), distance as a result of human depravity (15), taste (16), pleasures (17), and shape (18).  Edwards' views of true Christianity (IV) are then explored, with a look at the problem of nominal Christianity in his day (19), Edwards' answer to this problem (20), some powerful examples of true Christianity (21), and the simultaneous dismissal of Edwards and his call to genuine holiness on the part of believers (22).  The final part of the book discusses the issue of heaven and hell (V) in the disappearance of the afterlife in later generations of believers (23), the frightening prospect of hell (24), the glorious prospect of heaven (25), and the transformative power of a heaven-focused mindset (26).  The book then ends with works cited and recommended further reading along with some acknowledgments by the authors.

Despite my disagreements with the authors, especially about the extent to which Edwards' views of the nature of God and the afterlife were exegetical as opposed to traditional but nonbiblical, this book was certainly a worthwhile one.  In particular, I was relieved to hear that Edwards was a human being and that the authors were not trying to portray him as otherwise.  In particular, the authors do a good job at pointing out that the author was a man of his times when it came to casual racism despite his hostility to the Atlantic slave trade.  Likewise, the authors demonstrate that while Edwards did have some very strong views on the need for holiness on the part of believers that he also had some very strong views on the fact that living a godly life should lead to joy and an appreciation of the beauty of God's creation, however marred it is by sin.  If this book helps people see Edwards as a human being with a concern for both the joys of believers in this life and in the kingdom of heaven as well as a concern for helping to encourage souls away from judgment, it will have done a great deal.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

[MaryAnne Hommel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that you, like me, often sit around and ask yourself questions like “Just who IS America’s greatest theologian?”

No? Fine, me either. But listen, here is something to think about for a moment. This country is so blessed with amazing religious liberty, a rich history of the Christian church and continuing move of God, how did it get that way? Who were the men and women God used to grow and shape His work in America?

I love biographies, and history and theology and I found all three in The Essential Jonathan Edwards. The very long subtitle of the book reveals that this “an introduction to the life and teaching of America’s greatest theologian.” I don’t know when the contest for America’s Greatest Theologian took place, but the authors, Owen Strachan and Douglas A. Sweeney voted for Edwards.

If you think this book isn’t a poolside read for you, you may be right but you also may be wrong. Essential isn’t as heavy a read as the title leads you to believe. While it is a carefully researched work, it is a very accessible read. It is more concise than comprehensive, and has a great flow to the topics.

The book begins with a look at Edwards’s life, conversion, family and ministry life. It’s not a comprehensive biography, but complete enough to help you know the man and see his influence in the American church. I really appreciated the inclusion of a section that ends every chapter-“Following Edwards”. In it we see what we can learn in light of scripture from both the successes and failures of Edwards’s life. I find it valuable when a biographer gives you a true picture of a person of faith, not only the great victories but the mistakes they made that we can learn from.

The majority of the book focuses on the theology of Edwards. Edwards was not a scholar in a study writing dry sermons and books, but a man who loved the outdoors and reveled in the beauty of God in creation. He often wrote with a poetic flair about the beauty of God seen through creation, and this theme of beauty frames the section of Edwards’s views on God, creation, Christ, the church and the afterlife. Other sections address the Good Life, True Christianity and Heaven and Hell. The authors feature many excerpts from Edwards’s writings here, giving clarity and application to the more densely theological passages. Again, each chapter ends with a way for us to apply what we learn from scripture and Edwards teaching of it to our own life today.

Why would I recommend this book? While I, you, or somebody might not always agree with all of Edwards’s positions on non-essentials, and whether or not he won America’s Greatest Theologian, his life and work is important to know about and there is much to learn from him beyond his most famous sermon “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God.” I knew very little of him beyond that sermon prior to reading Essential. Though over 400 pages long, I rolled through this book, unmindful of its length because the flow of topic, commentary and application kept me engaged.

Christian history and biography is relevant in today’s shifting culture of progressive theology and celebrity. We need to look beyond our basic understanding of theology, every one of us, and do the work of laying hold the deep and unchanging truths of the character of God, His Word and discovering our right response to the continuing grace of the gospel. Looking at our faith history and the people who have contributed to it is one helpful way to do that.

[Brittany]

A short and concise depiction of edwards life and his works. I can see how his theology influenced many in recent generations. It was particularly disheartening that he held slaves during a time Wilberforce was fighting against slavery kn the other side of the ocean. It makes me wonder what blatant injustices and sins are we participating in in our time that we choose to ignore or are ignorant of? Unfortunately, looking backward will reveal the truth most adroitly.

Jonathan’s theology:

-purpose of everything is God in his infinite wisdom displaying his glory; everything reflects this in some way. His love, mercy, justice is perfect and worthy of him manifesting it in all created things

-nature as a testament to the beauty of God and the communication of His invisible form in the visible; pictures certain spiritual forms (study of typology)

—not content with a mere cycle of appreciation of his only glory he set in motion a cycle of glory that began with himself and continued with the creation-a realm that reflected his character for all to see.

Typology-the study of biblical entities that foreshadow a larger reality (I.e. David foreshadowing Christ and natural things in the world and nature reflect god)

-as majestic and terrible as one could be, Jesus was and is. As humble and kind as one could be, Jesus was and is. These traits were not only admirable they were foundational for the death Christ faced for the saving of the lost.

-the beauty of Christ’s death, displayed in his death: shown through his love for his father. He never in any act gave so great a manifestation of love for God and yet never so greatly manifested his love for enemies of god as through that act

—the study of Edwards material on Christ hits the mute button on the world and allows us to break free from our self interests and revel in the glory of Christ. It shows us that our greatest need is not to become psychologically satisfied but to treasure Jesus Christ above all things by bowing in repentance and worship before him

—each day we live is an opportunity to glorify the one who bled and died for our salvation, our liberation from satans shackles

-the church as a glorious reflection

- God desired his beauty transcend passive representation (rocks, trees, etc) he wanted his perfections to be known and considered according to self conscious knowledge. Here, humanity found its purpose for existence.

-the purpose of human life is to know with the fullness of ones mind and senses the excellent perfections of God

- god designed the world to satisfy the longings of the beings he had formed for communion and love.

-a Christian is one that hands the keys over to Jesus that believes he knows that will be best…one may trust Christ and find that the going soon gets rough. This is no indication that Christ has failed and that happiness is lost…his fundamental gift to believers is not a life without challenges but a state of deep happiness rooted in himself that transcends all situations good or ill.this is the kind of happiness that lasts beyond a mood or emotional high

-there is a difference in opinion of knowing God is good and gracious and experiencing that love…there is a difference in knowing that honey is sweet and having a sense of it’s sweetness. A man may have the former that knows not how honey tastes. But a man can’t have the latter unless he has an idea of the taste of honey in his mind.

-when god made man at first he implanted in him 2 kinds of principles. There was and inferior kind, which may be called natural, being the principles of were human nature such as self love, with those natural appetites and passions which belong to the nature of man in which his love to his own liberty love and pleasure were exercised. These when alone and left to themselves are what the scripture sometimes call flash. Besides these, there were superior princes that were spiritual holy and divine, summarily comprehended in divine love where in consisted the spiritual image of god and mans call to holiness which are called in scripture the divine nature. God had created man with mere human nature which consisted of the natural principles, the natural instincts, and dispositions of man…they were at base, neutral. Infused with neither sin nor grace….the supernatural characteristics residing in him came from God himself. The consequence of the fall was the natural principles overruling the spiritual.

[Steve Horton]

This book is a summary by the authors of themes of which Jonathan Edwards preached and a sequence of his life. Those two streams of the sermons and the life of Edwards at the time is a quick way to understand and appreciation the contribution of Jonathan Edwards that reverberates through theology and preaching to this day. I came to this book having read a bit of Edwards but it had been a long time and I wanted to catch up. With that purpose in mind I found Strachan works to be most helpful.
If you are new to Edwards welcome to a richness of understanding about the nature and work of God through the life a prominent American preacher. Indeed the title "The Essential Jonathan Edwards..." is fulfilled. The reader will gain an "essential" understanding of the man and his devotion of and to God. I had no idea of the miseries and sadness in had in his life. You must read it yourself to discover that Edwards was truly human.
He is a powerful thinker and he applied his talents to knowing God and helping others to do the same. He tackled the very difficult topics that we often grapple with as we read the Bible. If for no other reason read this book if only to enrich your mind and steady your heart. Edwards may be known for his sermon about heaven and hell and the nominal Christian however Part 2 Beauty will cause you to fall in love with God all over again and again.
The only thing I found annoying was the typeset. Being one of spending several decades looking through glassed to read, I was fine with the text & font of the book. However when excerpts of an Edward's sermon was inserted the font size was reduced straining my eyes. Edwards' writing is very tight, every word counting to the full explanation Edwards intended. Better if the font size was larger so that I could work harder at understanding Edwards than trying to focus reading the words.
I would strongly recommend this book even if you only read Part 2 Beauty you will gain so much insight into the wonderful, beautiful nature of God.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many of you, I had heard of Jonathan Edwards and had read some of his writings. However, I knew nothing, really, about the man or how profound his belief in God and the Scriptures was.

This is a big book - 428 pages - and sometimes you can start into something like this wondering if it will hold your attention all the way through. Have no fear - this is a wonderful page turner that never is dry or boring. It starts off telling us about Jonathan's family and how he basically became the type of man he became because of the faithful family he had. His education was amazing and he strove to be well educated while still being faithful to God.

This book is divided into five parts: Love of God, Beauty, The Good Life, True Christianity, and finally, Heaven and Hell. The first section lets us get to know Jonathan Edwards from his youth to his death and then the rest focuses on his sermons and writings about each subject. The beauty of this is that we get to know the man before we start reading his writings.

Another thing I absolutely love about this book is at the end of each short chapter, there is a section devoted to living more like Edwards. This brings everything you've read concisely into an understanding of how you can live a more godly life. This was really helpful in my understanding of what I had just read.

Jonathan Edwards writings is beautiful and not at all dry as you might thing considering the era that he was living. The authors of this book, too, write beautifully and draw you into Jonathan Edwards life and his way of living for Jesus.

This is a wonderful book that, I believe, every Christian should read. It will enrich your understanding of who God is and what it means to live a life in spiritual abundance through Jesus. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars. (I would give it more if I could!)

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Moody Publishers

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not heard of Jonathan Edwards, this new book authored by Owen Strachan and Douglas Sweeney is a great book to start with. Jonathan Edwards is known as America's Greatest Theologian, and I must say I agree with that title. Though he is long gone from this earth, the work he did while on earth has much to teach us still today. He was a son, father, pastor, teacher, mentor, and president at Princeton University before his death. I might add, also a lover of God Creation's, in the way he describes nature at times and a bit of a poet too with his writing. He wrote some beautiful, but yet truth-filled, convicting sermons. This book gives you a great overview of who Jonathan Edwards is, an introduction to his sermons and teaching. This book is not little quick read, with over 400 pages about his life, his family, beliefs, and teachings you will walk away from reading this with lots to gain and ponder on and will probably, if you are like me, want to read more about his teachings. Good thing at the end of this book is a list of suggested reading to do that.


The book is divided up into five parts, the first part is about who he is, where he came from, about his life and family. Also included are the hardships he experienced, along with some not so great choices, but even through those, you see Jonathan drawing near to God. The remainder of the book is about his teachings. His teachings are deep and wide, he was a man focused on God, meditated deeply, gave powerful sermons, and lived humbly. The authors did a wonderful job of putting this book together in a way that shows the teaching of his life, snippets of many of his teachings throughout each chapter, along with a summary of those, and at the end of each chapter a section titled Following Edwards, which shows you how to apply the teachings he taught and did.

[NinaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must-have if you are already a Jonathan Edwards fan. I have read and loved some of his works, so I was excited to receive a free advanced copy of it in exchange for an honest review via netgalley. Jonathan Edwards epitomized the pastor/theologian title. His knowledge of God had a direct effect in his heart and life. And it is to our spiritual benefit to learn from his example.

It truly is a comprehensive book that summarizes Edwards’ biography and writings. The authors didn’t shy away from including even his shameful stance on slavery. I thoroughly enjoyed the first third that covers his life story. I breezed through this part.

I didn’t get as engrossed in the last two-thirds that covers Edwards’ published works. The authors quote him extensively and add their explanation to Edwards’ points. This is especially helpful for many of us who are not used to reading colloquial English. I have tried many times to read Puritan works, but end up giving up part of the way. I love the wisdom I can glean from them, but they are not easy reads.

There were some questionable things that Edwards believed that I have to research further. For example, as mentioned earlier, Edwards believed that slavery was not incompatible with his faith. He also made a distinction between the OT church being Christ’s mother and the NT church as His wife.

I would not recommend reading this book cover to cover, but it is excellent to have in your library as a reference book if you want to know Edwards’ beliefs in certain topics. The book is written for the purpose of introducing its readers not just to the scholarly approach to Scripture, “not to shoot over people’s heads with lofty academic discussion, but to fire the heart and mind to embrace the thrilling experience of a God-centered existence.” I believe the author succeeded in doing what they set out to do.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2010 the five-volume Essential Edwards was published by the authors of this volume. The authors have compiled much of that work into this present volume, making it much easier to access their previous work. If you're just discovering Jonathan Edwards this book would be a great starting point to understand his life and his work as one of if not the greatest theologian America has ever produced.

This volume is divided into five sections following the same structure as the five-volume series published eight years ago. The first section provides a biographical overview of his life. The second explores the theme of beauty which was a common theme in his written works and sermons. The third section traces Edwards understanding of the good life. The fourth section addresses the nature of true Christianity as opposed to nominalism. The final section traces Edwards's understanding of heaven and hell and how that understanding shaped his life and ministry.

This year will mark the 260th anniversary of Edwards's passing and after all those years his works are still in print and still relevant today. Edwards served his day as a model pastor-theologian a dying breed in our day. His love of God and his commitment to sound doctrine and true godliness are evidenced not just in his writings but in his life work. If you're unfamiliar with Edwards you won't go wrong with reading this book. 

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America's Greatest Theologian, is a biography of one of America's best known early ministers. Edwards, who came from a line of ministers, was schooled in Latin and other subjects by his father from a young age. Edwards took his faith and his schooling seriously, giving the valedictory address in Latin.
Edwards is perhaps best known for his sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". It is said that while his delivery may have been dry, the congregants cried out in fear at the picture he painted of their nearness to hell.
Edwards was a part of several revivals and spiritual awakenings of his day. Still he met with frustration in matters such as his parishioners assigning seats in the church based on wealth, his inability to force a young man to marry the young woman he had impregnated, and negotiating for a salary raise.
Besides being a biography of the famous preacher, this book also takes a look at Edwards' doctrinal positions. The information is presented in a scholarly manner, citing other references. If you want to read about early American church history or about Jonathan Edwards this book affords a great opportunity.

[Daniel Ligon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Essential Jonathan Edwards by Owen Strachan and Douglas Sweeney is an excellent first book to read about Jonathan Edwards. It has a very unique structure that resulted from the fact that it was apparently written and published in parts, then put together. The first hundred pages are a brief biography of Edwards: I found this section helpful, if not particularly detailed. The remaining 300 pages systematically explain and engage Edward's thinking and writing on four separate subjects: beauty, the good life, true Christianity, and the afterlife. The authors quote liberally from Edwards' writings while doing their best to weave together a structured outline of his thinking in these areas. While I would certainly have some theological differences with Jonathan Edwards, I found this book very helpful both as a short biography and as an explanation of many of Edwards' teachings. In all, I think that it would be hard to find a better single-volume introduction to the life and thought of Jonathan Edwards than this book.

I received a digital copy of this book for free from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are entirely my own.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to Jonathan Edwards, both his life and his work. Broken up into five sections, this book gives a brief biography and emphasis on four major focuses in Edwards’s writing and preaching: the beauty of God, living “the good life” (a life practically lived for Christ), true Christianity, and the reality of heaven and hell. I had originally thought this was a collection of Edwards’s writings, and it did contain large excerpts from his sermons and other works, but a large portion of the book was commentary from Strachan and Sweeney. Still an encouraging read.

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is in the title, this book serves as an excellent introduction to the life and theology of Jonathan Edwards. Reading Puritans is a challenging ordeal and Edwards to no different. Allowing Strachan to do most of the translating makes Edwards a lot more approachable. The book provides a brief biography as well as basic outline discussion of Edwards primary focus on his ministry. The Supremacy of Christ rings out and I found to be a great encouragement. Along with the book, the author also provides a book list at the end for more introductory work as well as more advanced reading on Edwards and his theology.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't a biography, as expected. It was an unbearably Protestant-devotional-like book of one-sided and subjectivized tidbits of Edwards' life followed by an unbearably preachy "what can we learn from" section. It was like one of those religious chapter-a-day journals, ending with "and this is why worship is important, kids". Not suitable for any scholarly or objective study on Edwards and his life and teaching. Very suitable for prayer groups and amateur church fellowships.

[Daniel Izzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well put together collection of Edwards' works, with great commentary throughout to make it easier to understand for the modern. This book was brilliant! Rich in theology, and revealing who Edwards really was. Not a dry, angry theologian, but a passionate lover of God and nature! Really good read!

[Brett Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. Thankful for Edwards’s rich biblical knowledge and the way that he communicated it in his writings and sermons. And I’m thankful to live in a time when men such as these value his writings, and seek to make them accessible to a broader audience. Highly recommend.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lives up to its title and offers a very thorough overview of Edwards' life, theology, and primary themes. I won't dig as deep into Edwards' work as I have some other pastor-theologians, so this is a good summary for me. Parts 1 and 2 probably resonated with me the most, but the whole collection is a worthy read.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent review of his life, ministry, and writings

Jonathan Edwards was more than just his powerful sermon, "Sinners in the hands of an angry God." His life reflected his deep relationship with God, and he tried to convey the joy and reverence of that to his congregations and his readers.

[Obadiah Dalrymple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well organized covering of Jonathan Edwards life (part 1) and essential teachings (part 2). This is not a riveting book, but covers all of the information well. For a student of a theology who wants to learn about this key figure, or a person who likes church history, this would be a solid read.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good but brief biography and overview of Edwards focused mainly on his writings. This is not a standard biography but a religious book. Thus there are many admonitions and exhortations addressed to the reader throughout the book.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent work on Edwards

Relying heavily on Edwards' sermons, one catches Edwards' passion for all things Christ. What an absolute treasure this is! Highly recommend!

[Earl Pestano · Rating 4 out of 5]

So inspiring! What a theological genius Edward is!

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure why, but I did not love this book. Edwards still feels inaccessible to me.