In Jonathan Edwards on God and Creation, Oliver D. Crisp considers two central themes in Edwards's thought--namely, his doctrine of God and his understanding of the created order, and how God and creation interrelate. Crisp argues that Edwards offers some truly original insights on these twin loci that have important implications for current theological discussion. What emerges is a picture of Edwards's understanding of God's relationship to the
created order that differs in important respects from those offered by several influential recent interpreters. Crisp does not flinch from showing where Edwards made mistakes as well as where he
offers fresh insights. Edwards is shown to be at once relevant to current discussion of issues like perfect being theology, panentheism, divine freedom or union with Christ, while remaining something of an idiosyncratic figure whose idealism and commitment to an uncompromising theological determinism can seem out of step with certain modern sensibilities. But, argues Crisp, even if we disagree with the conclusions Edwards reaches, which sometimes jar with our own intuitions about the divine
nature or the created order, the clarity, rigor and sheer originality of his thinking offer an important set of themes and ideas with which contemporary theologians can fruitfully engage as they set about
the task of constructive theology.
In Jonathan Edwards on God and Creation, Oliver D. Crisp considers two central themes in Edwards's thought--namely, his doctrine of God and his understanding of the created order, and how God and creation interrelate. Crisp argues that Edwards offers some truly original insights on these twin loci that have important implications for current theological discussion. What emerges is a picture of Edwards's understanding of God's relationship to the
created order that differs in important respects from those offered by several influential recent interpreters. Crisp does not flinch from showing where Edwards made mistakes as well as where he
offers fresh insights. Edwards is shown to be at once relevant to current discussion of issues like perfect being theology, panentheism, divine freedom or union with Christ, while remaining something of an idiosyncratic figure whose idealism and commitment to an uncompromising theological determinism can seem out of step with certain modern sensibilities. But, argues Crisp, even if we disagree with the conclusions Edwards reaches, which sometimes jar with our own intuitions about the divine
nature or the created order, the clarity, rigor and sheer originality of his thinking offer an important set of themes and ideas with which contemporary theologians can fruitfully engage as they set about
the task of constructive theology.
Abbreviations
Introduction
Chapter One: Ontology
Chapter Two: The Divine Nature
Chapter Three: Divine Freedom
Chapter Four: Divine Aseity
Chapter Five: Divine Excellency
Chapter Six: The Trinity
Chapter Seven: Panentheism
Chapter Eight: Consummation
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Oliver D. Crisp is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.
"This book is the most important interpretation of Jonathan
Edwards's philosophical theology in a generation." --The Journal of
Theological Studies
"Once every generation or so a book comes along that redefines
prevailing interpretation of a figure or event. This is just such a
book for understanding Edwards, one of the most significant figures
in early modern religious history and in Christian thought.
Addressing long-standing and recent debates about Edwards's
theology, philosophy, and metaphysics, Oliver Crisp achieves a new
synthesis of Edwards's influences, context, innovations, tensions,
and
relevance. This is a pivotal achievement with which any serious
reader of Edwards will have to grapple."--Kenneth P. Minkema,
Executive Editor and Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center, Yale
University
"Oliver Crisp contributes in a magisterial and decisive way to the
lively contemporary re-appropriation of Edwards. His study arises
out of prolonged and collegial discussion. In focusing specifically
on Edwards's account of God and creation, he offers an original and
lucid exploration of Edwards's doctrine of divine excellency,
asking how such an understanding of simplicity is relatable to a
belief that creation is a necessary output of God's nature. I
thoroughly recommend it."--Iain R. Torrance, President, Princeton
Theological Seminary
"Oliver Crisp provides a clear and patient exhibition of Edwards's
creative thought. This is combined with the deployment of the
analytic skills which are evident in Crisp's earlier books. Here he
exposes to view central Edwardsean themes, and offers a judicious
comparison with the seventeenth-century Reformed tradition. A
noteworthy achievement."--Paul Helm, Teaching Fellow, Regent
College
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