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Eric Lehner examines Edwards’s use of philosophical, historical, and biblical sources in Religious Affections and demonstrates that Edwards’s theology in this key work is governed by Scripture, rather than by historical, metaphysical, or epistemological considerations.

Lehner calls into question the proliferation of proposals that suggest Edwards’s theology is driven by central interpretive ideals, socioeconomic forces, philosophical models, or other nonbiblical considerations. He uncovers the shortfalls of secular interpretations of Edwards and advances an interpretation that endeavors to understand him in terms of his faith, rather than apart from it.

Endorsements 

“Professor Lehner has offered here an outstanding contribution to our understanding of Edwards, his doctrine of assurance, and his theological method.”

—Douglas A. Sweeney, Professor of Church History and the History of Christian Thought, Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Dr. Lehner examines Religious Affections with a prodigious eye to detail and he asks bigger questions about the theological method adopted in Edwards’s exposition of Christian assurance and authentic spiritual experience.”

—Rhys Bezzant, Dean of Missional Leadership, Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center, Ridley College, Australia

Also commended by:

• Kevin T. Bauder, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Minneapolis
• Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
• Sinclair B. Ferguson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Redeemer Seminary
• Kenneth M. Gardoski, Assistant Director, Ph.D. Studies, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Clarks Summit University
• Sean Michael Lucas, Professor of Church History, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson
• Lincoln A. Mullen, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Art History, George Mason University

The Author

Eric J. Lehner

Eric J. Lehner (M.Div., Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary; Th.M., Virginia Beach Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Baptist Bible Seminary) is the Academic Dean and Professor of Theology at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary.

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