Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought

by Stephen J. Nichols

Jonathan Edwards, a leader in the Great Awakening during the eighteenth century, still has much to teach the church. Evangelicals are rediscovering him through the efforts of several authors (John Gerstner, Iain Murray, Harry Stout, and others) and publishers (Banner of Truth, Soli Deo Gloria, and Crossway). Stephen Nichols offers Jonathan Edwards "as an introduction, a gateway into the vast and rewarding life, thought, and writings of Jonathan Edwards." He intends it for anyone who wants to read Edwards but who needs a little help.

Genres: Biography, Theology, History, Christian, Church History, Nonfiction

247 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2001

About the author

Stephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries. Previously, he served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College. He is an editor (with Justin Taylor) of the Theologians on the Christian Life series and is the author of several books, including The Reformation, For Us and for Our Salvation, The Church History ABCs, and Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life.

Reviews

[JDennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nichols makes it clear up front that his intent is to serve a a Reading Rainbow presenter and simply lay some groundwork and invite the reader to seek out Edwards’ work. In that aim, he absolutely succeeds.

[Scott Tsao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading this book in conjunction with a course entitled Life and Thought of Jonathan Edwards offered by the Ligonier Ministries. Dr. Nichols gave the following lessons along with optional readings of his book as follows:

Lesson 1: His Early Life
- Chapter 1 A Firm Foundation: A Brief Biography (1)
- Chapter 2 A Singular Devotion: A Brief Biography (2)

Lesson 2: A Minister of the Gospel
- Chapter 8 Spiders and Rainbows: The Invisible God in the Visible World
- Chapter 11 A High Privilege: “The Most High, A Prayer-Hearing God”

Lesson 3: The Great Awakening
- Chapter 4 The Surprising Work of God: A Faithful Narrative
- Chapter 5 Of Meteors and Stars: A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections
- Chapter 10 A Door of Mercy: “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

Lesson 4: His Big Idea
- Chapter 3 Absolutely Sovereign: “God Glorified in the Work of Redemption”
- Chapter 7 God’s Grand Scheme: History of the Work of Redemption

Lesson 5: The Conflict at Northampton
- Chapter 6 Visible Saints: An Humble Inquiry

Lesson 6: The Missionary
- Chapter 9 Understanding the Will: Freedom of the Will
- Chapter 12 A Glorious Celebration: “Heaven is a World of Love”

Having gained a birds-eye view of Jonathan Edwards's life and thought through this course and the accompanying tour guide, I am now ready to dive deeper into his monumental writings such as Freedom of the Will, Religious Affections, and Charity and Its Fruits.

[Will Pareja · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read Marsden's shorter work (which I recommend) then this will be a good companion work to get a fuller picture.

Nichols' style is engaging and makes frequent ties to contemporary American culture and church thought.

[T. R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating. Inspiring. It was a privilege to read this book on Edwards.
It was truly refreshing during my recent times of serious doubts about God and my faith. It opened up new horizons and deepened my faith.
Nichols managed to guide me through the life and thought of this hero of faith with concise descriptions and clear explanations of his main works. This book also reflects a heart of humility - both in Nichols and Edwards, as they both aim to give God the glory with whatever they write.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this book.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro level bio to Jonathan Edwards. I didn't want anything extensive or scholarly; I just wanted to dip my toe in and this bio works that way. I wanted a bio that talked some about his thought/teaching and this includes summaries of some of his major works; some of it's hard to understand in summarized form, but overall the author does a good job getting to the gist of Edwards' emphasis in his teaching.

[Shawn Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! Brief bio of his life,works, & sermons.
10/10 ⭐️

[Joonas Laajanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. Well written.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The importance of this book cannot be understated. There is yellow from my highlighter or notes on practically every single page. It is exactly what it sets out to be: a brief tour. It is very short, and the narrative part of it is even shorter. It is a fast forwarded overall history of Edwards. More like like a bullet point outline of Edwards life rather than giving insight on the life of Edwards. The strength of the book is its insight into the way that Edwards thinks. For that reason the second and more applicable half of the book focuses on some of Edwards writings and sermons. It is odd that the choices that Nichols makes about what works to include leaves out discussion on Edwards' Resolutions. The Resolutions would give great insight to how Edwards thought and the unity between his public and private life. The book is thoroughly enjoyable and relevant.

[Nathan Moelker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great intro to the life and thought of Jonathan Edwards, an Author that I very much want to read more of. He was so much more than the Preacher of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," but America's greatest philosopher and theologian, a godly minister who lovingly preached the whole counsel of God, resolved to bring him glory with every waking moment.

[Aaron Carlberg]

Many people only know Edwards from his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," but Edwards is so much deeper. He is probably the greatest theologian the Americas have ever produced. This is a fun trip through much of his work.

[Richard Gambill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring. A good introduction into the life and thought of Jonathan Edwards.

[Paul Jeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Achieves its purpose of providing a readable intro to Jonathan Edwards. Also provides a brief biblio for those interested in digging deeper into this great pastor-theologian.

[Luke Larner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A worthy read but seriously lacking in references. Reads more like an apologetic than a biography.