Religious Affections

Rating:
Summary: A theology unseen in today's Christian books
Review: As grape soda is to Louis Roederer Cristal, so today's Christian books are to Edwards' "The Religious Affections". Espousing a theology foreign to most postmodern Christians, Edwards lays out the cornerstone of Christian thought of the mid-18th century.

As unflinching as his more famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", this work develops the idea that what we feel and our true status in Christ are at war with one another, a constant battle that requires the searching of our souls by the Spirit of God in order to find the truth of our standing in Him. For some, the level of introspection and faithfulness demanded of the believer is higher than we might otherwise be prepared to endure. But only by complete surrender, the development of an inner craving for Christ, and spiritual examination can we rest in the assurance of our salvation.

This work also holds up a Christian faith that seems radically different - and more vital - than what we know. For this we should thank Edwards for allowing 21st century men and women a tie to historic Christianity, especially as seen through early-American eyes.

"The Religious Affections" is an extremely difficult book to read, not only because of the sentence structure and word choices of the 18th century, but also because of the loaded theology. It is a bombshell to the heart of anyone who earnestly desires to follow Christ. Impossible to ignore, Edwards' book demands a response. No one can read it and be unchanged. The level of discipleship it asks is shocking to modern readers, but ultimately necessary for our salvation.

Rating:
Summary: Worthwhile Read for the serious seeker.
Review: Can't really put into words what kind of affect this book had on me. A good ...hard slap in the face is probably a start. Reading it once will not do it justice...the second time around will really get things going..as it's impossible to truly comprehend everything the first time round. Mr. Edwards is most notably a keen intellectual...a brilliant mind & has the most unique way of communicating the timeless truths of scripture...I just wish my mind had an easier time translating it all. Once the translation into more modern words/ways is done..the effectual work of God's spirit begins. This book is only for the serious seeker....with a genuine desire to climb to higher ground

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: Edwards' work on our emotions and the place they hold in the practice of religion is a must read for anyone who calls themself a Christian. And with modern-day revivalists promoting emotionalism, Edwards' work is as relevant today as it was when he wrote it some 250 years ago. Jonathan Edwards has been called the greatest evangelical mind in the history of North America. I think this work proves exactly that.

Rating:
Summary: May be the most important book ever written in America
Review: I am amazed how often the great work by America's greatest thinker has insight and application to modern church ministry. As a pastor, this work ranks among the top works I have read in understanding the gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of genuine salvation. There are three major parts to this work. The first section Edwards defines what a religious affection is and how it is different from what he calls animal affections. This distinction is both necessary for understanding his work, but also is a helplful tonic for insight into today's religious movments and modern worship experiences. In the second section, Edwards develop 12 marks that do not argue for or against the work of the Spirit. The Great Awakening had many excesses and abuses which Edwards neither support the event nor do they necessarilly take away from it. What is interesting about this section is that Edwards is saying that these marks ultimately mean nothing. Yet, most of what is found here is the basis of much of today's evangelical church. In my first reading I kept finding myself saying but this is what I was taught to be Biblical Christianity. Edwards was saying if you have this experience or don't have this experience means is not proof one way or the other about your conversion. In the third section Edwards develops the 12 marks that are truly evidences of the working of the Holy Spirit. This section is extremly helpful for the modern minister. With great care and lengthy development of thought, Edwards walks you through the marks of genuine conversion.

Edwards is hard to read for those who are just getting started with him. However, the more you read the easier he becomes. Don't give up too soon - you will get back 10 fold for all the effort you put in. The particular edition you are reading about is easy on the pocket book. If you have limited funds, it is a good way to get started. However, if you are serious about reading Edwards, don't forget to check out the Yale editions. They are very expensive, but the foot notes, extensive introductions, and indexs are worth the extra money.

Rating:
Summary: May be the most important book ever written in America
Review: I am amazed how often the great work by America's greatest thinker has insight and application to modern church ministry. As a pastor, this work ranks among the top works I have read in understanding the gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of genuine salvation. There are three major parts to this work. The first section Edwards defines what a religious affection is and how it is different from what he calls animal affections. This distinction is both necessary for understanding his work, but also is a helplful tonic for insight into today's religious movments and modern worship experiences. In the second section, Edwards develop 12 marks that do not argue for or against the work of the Spirit. The Great Awakening had many excesses and abuses which Edwards neither support the event nor do they necessarilly take away from it. What is interesting about this section is that Edwards is saying that these marks ultimately mean nothing. Yet, most of what is found here is the basis of much of today's evangelical church. In my first reading I kept finding myself saying but this is what I was taught to be Biblical Christianity. Edwards was saying if you have this experience or don't have this experience means is not proof one way or the other about your conversion. In the third section Edwards develops the 12 marks that are truly evidences of the working of the Holy Spirit. This section is extremly helpful for the modern minister. With great care and lengthy development of thought, Edwards walks you through the marks of genuine conversion.

Edwards is hard to read for those who are just getting started with him. However, the more you read the easier he becomes. Don't give up too soon - you will get back 10 fold for all the effort you put in. The particular edition you are reading about is easy on the pocket book. If you have limited funds, it is a good way to get started. However, if you are serious about reading Edwards, don't forget to check out the Yale editions. They are very expensive, but the foot notes, extensive introductions, and indexs are worth the extra money.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read! timeless!
Review: I'm a minister of music at an evangelical church. Almost every week, I have the conversation with someone "what are the role of emotions in our services and in the Christian's life in general?" (Nobody really asks it THAT way, but you get the idea.)

I've come to the point where I won't even begin the conversation without having them read this book. Seriously! Edwards covers ALL the issues in a thorough and practical way.

Strap on your thinking cap, but know it's worth it! I read this book every year and God never fails in using it to refocus my heart on Him.

Rating:
Summary: How could I give such a classic only 4 stars?
Review: PROS:

Edwards' book has been listed as one of the top ten books of Christian history.

"Religious Affections" offers a solid apologetic for reformed theology.

Jonathan Edwards was perhaps America's first great theologian.

For all of these reasons, you should read this book and contend with the ideas.

CONS:

This book is HARD to read, because of Edwards' style. Many readers will have to force themselves to get through it and some readers' eyes will glaze over on the journey.

Reformed theology (Calvinism) is not the only valid theological expression. It must contend with a number of theological views, some orthodox, some on the edge, and some over the line. Many will tend to either view this book as "wonderful" or "dated" because of a predetermined theological slant. That's a pity.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: What can one say about Jonathan Edwards and "The Religious Affections!?" Amazing. After being brought up on Christian book store material such as Lucado, Warren, etc. (who are not bad men, just a little weak), Edwards is a difficult, yet overwhelmingly breath of fresh air.

The first section which catalogs signs and things are not necessarily signs of true religious affections goes a little long, but the last section which speaks of our love and actions being the primary evidence of our professed faith will grip you for hours. Amazing.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: What can one say about Jonathan Edwards and "The Religious Affections!?" Amazing. After being brought up on Christian book store material such as Lucado, Warren, etc. (who are not bad men, just a little weak), Edwards is a difficult, yet overwhelmingly breath of fresh air.

The first section which catalogs signs and things are not necessarily signs of true religious affections goes a little long, but the last section which speaks of our love and actions being the primary evidence of our professed faith will grip you for hours. Amazing.