Understanding Affections in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards: "The High Exercises of Divine Love"

Dr Ryan J. Martin

ISBN 10: 0567682242 / ISBN 13: 9780567682246

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2018

About this Item

2018. Hardcover. . . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780567682246

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Understanding Affections in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards: "The High Exercises of Divine Love"
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0567682242
• ISBN 13: 9780567682246
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This volume argues that the notion of “affections” discussed by Jonathan Edwards (and Christian theologians before him) means something very different from what contemporary English speakers now call “emotions.” and that Edwards's notions of affections came almost entirely from traditional Christian theology in general and the Reformed tradition in particular.
Ryan J. Martin demonstrates that Christian theologians for centuries emphasized affection for God, associated affections with the will, and distinguished affections from passions; generally explaining affections and passions to be inclinations and aversions of the soul. This was Edwards's own view, and he held it throughout his entire ministry. Martin further argues that Edwards's view came not as a result of his reading of John Locke, or the pressures of the Great Awakening (as many Edwardsean scholars argue), but from his own biblical interpretation and theological education. By analysing patristic, medieval and post-medieval thought and the journey of Edwards's psychology, Martin shows how, on their own terms, pre-modern Christians historically defined and described human psychology.

About the Authors

Ryan Jared Martin is Pastor of First Baptist Church of Granite Falls, MN, USA.

Ivor J. Davidson is Honorary Professor at the University of Aberdeen, UK. He was previously Professor of Theology at the University of Otago, New Zealand.

Philip G. Ziegler is Chair in Christian Dogmatics at the University of Aberdeen, UK.

John Webster was born in c. 1580 to a London coachmaker, and appears to have studied law at the Middle Temple. Although he is recorded as the author of several other works, including a history play, Lady Jane, his only surviving works are Westward Ho! and Northward Ho! (1604-05), written in collaboration with Thomas Dekker, the comedy The Devil's Law Case (1620), and two tragic masterpieces, The White Devil (1612) and The Duchess of Malfi (1614).