The Doctrine of Scripture in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards

Abstract

Jonathan Edwards's (1703-58) understanding of Scripture is worth examining because Edwardsean scholarship currently requires further exploration into this critical component of Edwards's thought and works. Chapter One will explore Edwards's understanding of general revelation, noting what he believed humanity could know about God and what He does through nature, human history, reason, and conscience. This discussion will be considered particularly with regard to Edwards's Enlightenment context, during which the elevation of reason over revelation by those holding to a Deistic worldview sought to supplant the authoritative role of Scripture. Chapter Two will investigate Edwards's understanding of the nature of special revelation, including a discussion on inspiration, the human writers, the canonical collection, and infallibility. Chapter Three will describe Edwards's understanding of the role of the interpreter, particularly with regard to regeneration and illumination; the appropriate objectives for studying Scripture; hermeneutics; and, finally, the manner in which he appropriated Scripture for its use in the life of the Church. Chapter Four will attempt to explain Edwards's understanding of faith; the centrality of the Word of God in carrying out God's work; the relationship between Jesus, the written Word, and the preached Word; the work of the Holy Spirit; the role of prayer and subsequent work of the Spirit; the substance of the preached Word; the response of hearers to the preached Word; and the life of the preacher.