One of Jonathan Edward's favorite images for the overwhelming beauty and joy of God's love was "a fountain of light." In this book well-known historian George Marsden explains the key points of the theology underpinning this concept. He discusses Edwards in terms of his own historical context and compares his ideas to those of George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin, two of his most influential contemporaries.
You don't have to be a scholar or a pastor to understand and appreciate this short book. It includes some biographical information about Edwards, as well as a bit of history of the times in which he lived. The final chapter addresses a question that Edwards wrestled with throughout his life -- how to tell the difference between an authentic Christian response to the action of the Holy Spirit and a superficial emotional experience. The many revivals of the era often led to conversions that were not lasting, so this was a matter of great concern.
"A Divine and Supernatural Light", a sermon delivered by Edwards in 1733 is included as an appendix.
VERDICT: 4 STARS. An interesting introduction to Jonathan Edwards.
For more about Jonathan Edwards, see these posts:
Jonathan Edwards on Perseverance
Heaven is a World of Love by Jonathan Edwards — Book Review
Jonathan Edwards on Walking With God
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