Overview

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.

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9780199755295

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Reviews

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

<br> 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<p><br> 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<p><br> 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<p><br>

Author Information

Oliver D. Crisp is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.

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