Jonathan Edwards: A Mini-Theology

by John H. Gerstner, Jonathan Edwards

Before he wrote his massive Rational Biblical Theology of Jonathan Edwards, Gerstner wrote this introduction to the theology of Edwards. There are eleven chapters on such topics as Reason and Revelation, The Trinity, Man and His Fall, Sin, The Atonement, Justification, Sanctification, and several others.

Genres: Theology

135 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1997

About the author

John Henry Gerstner was a Professor of Church History at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary and an authority on the life and theology of Jonathan Edwards.
He earned both a Master of Divinity of degree and a Master of Theology degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Harvard University in 1945. He was originally ordained in the United Presbyterian Church of North America, then (due to church unions) with the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and the Presbyterian Church (USA). In 1990, he left the PCUSA for the Presbyterian Church in America.

Gerstner counted among his students, noted author and preacher, R. C. Sproul, founder of Ligonier Ministries, Dr. Arthur Lindsley, Senior Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute, and Dr. Walter (Wynn) Kenyon, Professor of Biblical Studies and Philosophy; Chair of the Philosophy Department and Division of Ministry and Human Services at Belhaven University.

In addition to the books Gerstner had written, he also recorded several lengthy audio courses giving a survey of theology, church history, and Christian apologetics, which are distributed through Ligonier Ministries. Gerstner was non-dispensationalist.

In 1976, a Festschrift was published in Gerstner's honor. Soli Deo Gloria: Essays in Reformed Theology included contributions by Cornelius Van Til, J. I. Packer, Philip Edgecumbe Hughes, John Murray, R. C. Sproul, John Warwick Montgomery, and Roger Nicole.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for what it is, which is basically an extended outline of Edwards's views on the essential doctrines of theology. Gerstner is an unapologetic apologist of Edwards, but is very fair in presenting critiques.

If you read it like a course syllabus, you will find it helpful. Just don't expect this book to match the winsome, elevating, aesthetic language of Edwards himself.[1]


__________
1 For example, I laughed out loud at this paragraph:

THE FUNCTIONS OF REASON
First, reason must prove the existence of God, the Revealer. Second, reason anticipates that there will be a revelation. Third, reason alone can grasp rationally any "pretended" revelation. Fourth, only reason can demonstrate the rationality of revelation. Fifth, reason must verify any revelation as genuine. (That is, it can discern when revelation really is revelation.) Sixth, reason argues revelation's dependability. Seventh, reason, having anticipated mysteries in any genuine divine revelation, defends them, refuting any objections to their presence. Eighth, though the "divine and supernatural light" does not come from reason, it is reason that comprehends what this light illumines.

A list of eight points is not exactly stellar writing, but Gerstner is so left-brain dominant that I can totally picture him looking at this paragraph and saying, “It’s perfect,” as a satisfied smile falls over his face.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerstner's introduction to the greatest philosopher theologian in America History is brief but thorough. Each topic is given only a few pages. There are plenty of quotes but often Gerstner summarizes. It does not go very deep into any topic, but given the amount of ink towards each topic. There is a chronology of the events in Edwards' life, but little is paid to the events in Edwards life. Theology is Gerstner's goal and so no historicity is given.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edwards has a high reputation, and it is probably largely deserved. He doesn't just reiterate the orthodoxy of those who went before but reshapes it to answer the intellectual gainsayers of his own age. But in doing so, and in being creative, he both adds some useful developments and takes a few dubious turns. All of this Gerstner sets out rather well, though the writing style is not always as stimulating as the subjects.

I actually found the coverage given to his view of eschatology the most interesting section of the book. And despite misgivings about the wisdom of sermons like "Sinners in the hands of an angry God" I benefited from the treatment of hell. I would also like to read further on Edwards's Trinitarian theology.

If there were a half star system on here this would be a 3.5, but as it is I have opted for 3. Liked it, though.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a quick intro into the thought of Jonathan Edwards, this is a good place to start.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Stephanie Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not an easy read, but it was worth it. Jonathan Edwards' faith, life and ministry made a deep impression on me.