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Jonathan Edwards Collection
Jonathan Edwards on Heaven and Hell (Volume 5)
The question of the afterlife is, for many today, one of preference. Christians trained to evangelize unsaved people with the query, “If you were to die today, do you know where you would go--heaven or hell?” have grown befuddled when met with the response, “I don’t believe in heaven or hell.” Something in our culture has changed. The ground has shifted beneath our feet. We did not feel it. But change has come, just the same.
We must reacquaint modern Christians with the eschatologically driven preaching and teaching of Edwards. This word “eschatological” may trip some readers up at first encounter, but it refers simply to “last things”, things of eternity and ultimate significance. We exhume Edwards' scripturally fired material on the reality of the afterlife, the terror of hell, the glories of heaven, and the shape life must take in light of these realities.
If we accept the Word as our authority, and if we will allow Edwards to serve as our faithful and imaginative guide, we will find that God is alive. He is Lord of heaven and earth, the sovereign ruler of all Creation. He is not small. He can be found. He is not silent on the afterlife, and His testimony calls for our attention, our concern, and our whole-hearted worship and trust.
Easily accessible and readable, you do not need to be a scholar to enjoy these insights about Jonathan Edwards and his writings.
We must reacquaint modern Christians with the eschatologically driven preaching and teaching of Edwards. This word “eschatological” may trip some readers up at first encounter, but it refers simply to “last things”, things of eternity and ultimate significance. We exhume Edwards' scripturally fired material on the reality of the afterlife, the terror of hell, the glories of heaven, and the shape life must take in light of these realities.
If we accept the Word as our authority, and if we will allow Edwards to serve as our faithful and imaginative guide, we will find that God is alive. He is Lord of heaven and earth, the sovereign ruler of all Creation. He is not small. He can be found. He is not silent on the afterlife, and His testimony calls for our attention, our concern, and our whole-hearted worship and trust.
Easily accessible and readable, you do not need to be a scholar to enjoy these insights about Jonathan Edwards and his writings.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
37 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Owen Strachan
44 books139 followersDr. 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.
You can also connect with Strachan on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 27, 2019
I found this more to be "Owen Strachan on Heaven and Hell" rather than Jonathan Edwards. While I'm sure that he was faithful to Edwards theological position there seemed to be far more of his writing than of Edwards. The quotations were far too brief and didn't capture the depth of Edwards vision of heaven or hell. It was successful to the point where it left me wanting more.
August 11, 2010
Book Review
By
Jason Scott
The Essential Edwards Collection: Jonathan Edwards
On Heaven and Hell
By Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeny
This is one volume of a five-volume set. This is a good introduction to some of the writings of Jonathan Edwards. Jonathan Edwards was one of America’s greatest theologians who lived in the 1700’s. His writings are voluminous and often difficult to read. Strachan and Sweeny have done a great service to 21-century readers by taking key writings from Edwards and helping the reader understand clearly what Edwards was saying.
This volume deals with the subjects of Heaven and Hell. Edwards lived with eternity in mind. Edwards strongly believed in a literal Heaven and Hell, and was unashamed to preach, teach and write about it.
“Why should not they be told as much of the truth
as can be? If I am in danger of going to hell, I
should be glad to know as much as possibly
I can of the dreadfulness of it.” Pg. 62
Edwards most famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God” has sometimes, unfortunately, painted Edwards as one whose sole focus was doom and gloom. To the contrary, Edwards also preached on the glories of Heaven as well.
“There shall be no remaining enmity,
distaste, coldness, and deadness of heart
towards God and Christ; not the least
remainder of any principle of envy
to be exercised towards any angels or saints
who are superior in glory, no contempt
or slight towards any who are inferior.” Pg 108
“After they have had the
pleasures of beholding
the face of God millions of
ages, it won’t grow a dull
story; the relish of this delight
will be as exquisite as ever.” Pg95
This book is worth the read for those that have never heard of Jonathan Edwards, and for those very familiar with his works.
By
Jason Scott
The Essential Edwards Collection: Jonathan Edwards
On Heaven and Hell
By Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeny
This is one volume of a five-volume set. This is a good introduction to some of the writings of Jonathan Edwards. Jonathan Edwards was one of America’s greatest theologians who lived in the 1700’s. His writings are voluminous and often difficult to read. Strachan and Sweeny have done a great service to 21-century readers by taking key writings from Edwards and helping the reader understand clearly what Edwards was saying.
This volume deals with the subjects of Heaven and Hell. Edwards lived with eternity in mind. Edwards strongly believed in a literal Heaven and Hell, and was unashamed to preach, teach and write about it.
“Why should not they be told as much of the truth
as can be? If I am in danger of going to hell, I
should be glad to know as much as possibly
I can of the dreadfulness of it.” Pg. 62
Edwards most famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God” has sometimes, unfortunately, painted Edwards as one whose sole focus was doom and gloom. To the contrary, Edwards also preached on the glories of Heaven as well.
“There shall be no remaining enmity,
distaste, coldness, and deadness of heart
towards God and Christ; not the least
remainder of any principle of envy
to be exercised towards any angels or saints
who are superior in glory, no contempt
or slight towards any who are inferior.” Pg 108
“After they have had the
pleasures of beholding
the face of God millions of
ages, it won’t grow a dull
story; the relish of this delight
will be as exquisite as ever.” Pg95
This book is worth the read for those that have never heard of Jonathan Edwards, and for those very familiar with his works.
August 18, 2022
4.5 Edward's excerpts are wonderful and worth the read. The commentary is hit or miss, often providing helpful background or thoughtful summary, while other times re-stating or providing simple summary where deeper paths could be tread. For example, it is clear Edwards felt deeply compelled to talk about heaven and hell in his sermons. But why not include quotes or anecdotes from his personal ministry as a missionary or examples of encouraging congregants to take up that call of evangelism themselves? A little more Edwards and a little less editor would have made this 5 stars for me.
April 14, 2018
Soldiering through the Essential Edwards Collection, but not enjoying it as much as I thought I would. So far the first volume is my favorite. Still... this is probably a good introduction to Edwards and a worthy path to follow for someone with average intellect (like myself) before proceeding (perhaps) to reading Edwards directly. The "Preparing for Eternity" application section at the end of each chapter is still my favorite part, and make these little paperbacks worth your time.
January 24, 2016
The Essential Edwards Collection is a five volume set of extremely, concise books that introduce readers to the basics of Edward 19s thought. The volumes cover a variety of subjects including: Edwards himself (a lover of God), beauty, heaven and hell, the good life, and true Christianity. On Heaven and Hell rolls in at only 147 pages including the bibliography. As I said, it 19s extremely concise.
In my opinion, this book 19s greatest strength is also probably its greatest weakness. And that strength (or weakness depending on your opinion) is its brevity. Strachan and Sweeney do a superb job of making Edwards, who lived some 250 years ago and spoke in an English dialect different from our own, extremely digestible for nearly anyone. So, that 19s a strength. However, while reading, I often found myself longing for more of Edwards 19 words and less of Strachan and Sweeney 19s words about Edwards. This is not to say that Strachan and Sweeney are not superb writers themselves, but rather that a person reads a book entitled Jonathan Edwards On Heaven and Hell to hear Edwards speak, not Strachan and Sweeney speak. And that 19s a weakness. So too much brevity is my one complaint, and perhaps it 19s not a legitimate complaint because I 19m willing to bet that Strachan and Sweeney wrote with the very brevity that I am denigrating on purpose.
So at the end of the day, I liked this book, but I wanted more. And that was my complete opinion until I discovered this sweet endnote at the end of book:
1CFor the premier collection of Edwards 19s own writing, see The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 1-26, Yale University Press. Access these works in their entirety free of charge at http://edwards.yale.edu 1D (145).
Since all of Edward 19s writings are available for free online, I guess I 19ll loosen up on my complaint about the brevity of The Essential Edwards Collection.
In my opinion, this book 19s greatest strength is also probably its greatest weakness. And that strength (or weakness depending on your opinion) is its brevity. Strachan and Sweeney do a superb job of making Edwards, who lived some 250 years ago and spoke in an English dialect different from our own, extremely digestible for nearly anyone. So, that 19s a strength. However, while reading, I often found myself longing for more of Edwards 19 words and less of Strachan and Sweeney 19s words about Edwards. This is not to say that Strachan and Sweeney are not superb writers themselves, but rather that a person reads a book entitled Jonathan Edwards On Heaven and Hell to hear Edwards speak, not Strachan and Sweeney speak. And that 19s a weakness. So too much brevity is my one complaint, and perhaps it 19s not a legitimate complaint because I 19m willing to bet that Strachan and Sweeney wrote with the very brevity that I am denigrating on purpose.
So at the end of the day, I liked this book, but I wanted more. And that was my complete opinion until I discovered this sweet endnote at the end of book:
1CFor the premier collection of Edwards 19s own writing, see The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 1-26, Yale University Press. Access these works in their entirety free of charge at http://edwards.yale.edu 1D (145).
Since all of Edward 19s writings are available for free online, I guess I 19ll loosen up on my complaint about the brevity of The Essential Edwards Collection.
September 13, 2011
I so appreciate Jonathan Edwards. While his writings are not mainstream reading - in fact the only other people I know who read them are pastors and seminary students - they are highly edifying to anyone looking to grow in their understanding of solid biblical doctrine. Too many church's today say too little of both heaven and hell and much of what is said is theologically inaccurate or superficial. The writers do a good job of walking the reader through several passages of sermons and writings from Jonathan Edwards, surely one of the best American pastors of all time.
December 24, 2010
Edwards' most famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God has caused his writing to be in every American history textbook. But what is less commonly known about Edwards is that he knew his heaven just as much (if not more) as he knew hell. Having eternity on the mind is essential for believers today, and Strachan and Sweeney's introduction to Edwards' theology of heaven and hell is encouraging and inspiring.
August 22, 2014
An easy way to get into Edwards without getting into Edwards. It almost felt like cheating. The authors did a great job of bringing many of Edwards thoughts on the subject into view. This saved a lot of footwork and searching for someone looking to get a comprehensive understanding of Edwards on a given subject. Highly recommended, especially this episode as its subject matter is quite relevant to much movement in the Christian World today.
April 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, in large part, just because it got me thinking about eternity and the afterlife a lot more. It can be really easy to let that slip into the back of your thinking. The first chapter with a brief history of the belief in the afterlife, and the closing chapter about living with eternity in mind are worth the read alone.
October 16, 2011
Good thoughts, but a little light. I would prefer straight Edwards to this type of we'll-be-an-intermediary-for-you book. It is always good, however, to be reminded of the reality of heaven and hell!
April 8, 2014
A wonderful primer to Edwards's thought, and a helpful corrective to all the heaven "hoopla" that infects our culture.
Good theological vision for shepherding people unto their end through preaching.
Good theological vision for shepherding people unto their end through preaching.
February 8, 2015
Nicely Done
They do a good job of encapsulating Edwards thoughts and writing on heaven and hell. But, if you are looking for more depth from Edwards on these, this isn't it. This is more of an overview with helpful interpretation. I enjoyed it very much.
They do a good job of encapsulating Edwards thoughts and writing on heaven and hell. But, if you are looking for more depth from Edwards on these, this isn't it. This is more of an overview with helpful interpretation. I enjoyed it very much.
August 24, 2016
This is the second book in this Edwards series. Not as interesting as the other books, but still very good. I was glad to see that his teaching on the horrors of hell (for which he is so famous) was balanced with his teaching on the glories of heaven.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews