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

Description

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. Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Foreword Acknowledgements Notes on Text List of Abbreviations The Yale University Press Edition of The Works of Jonathan Edwards Chapter 1: Lost in Translation: The Problem of Edwards, Affections, and Emotions The Problem of Jonathan Edwards and Affections Emotions and Other Definitions The Problem of Jonathan Edwards and Emotions Chapter 2: Human Affections in Patristic and Medieval Theology Patristic Thought Medieval Thought Chapter 3: Human Affections in Post-Medieval Thought Reformation Figures The Puritan Tradition and Early Enlightenment Moral Philosophy Conclusion Chapter 4: Young Jonathan Edwards’s Education in Affections Edwards’s Educational Background Jonathan Edwards and John Locke Chapter 5: Jonathan Edwards’s Early Psychology “The Mind” Personal Writings Early Sermons and Revival Writings A Faithful Narrative Charity and Its Fruits Great Awakening Sermons Conclusion Chapter 6: Enthusiasm, Passions, and the Great Awakening Disputes over the Role of Affections in Religion Historical Background Charles Chauncy on the Place of Affections in Religion Jonathan Edwards on the Affectionate Part of Man Conclusion Chapter 7: Affections and Christian Apology: The Later Psychology of Jonathan Edwards Historical Survey Affections in the Later Years Conclusion Chapter 8: Toward a Theology of Affections Yale Works of Jonathan Edwards Other Works by Jonathan Edwards Other Primary Sources Biography Secondary Sources: Books and Dissertations Secondary Sources: Journal Articles and Essays Bibliography Yale Works of Jonathan Edwards Other Works by Jonathan Edwards Other Primary Sources Biography Secondary Sources: Books and Dissertations Secondary Sources: Journal Articles and Essays Index