The four contributors of this blog (there our 4 contributors despite the lack of evidence for that claim, just look to the right side of this blog) have decided to, similar to last year, read a few books together. We are starting with Altogether Lovely (Jonathan, Edwards. Altogether lovely Jonathan Edwards on the glory and excellency of Jesus Christ. Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997) . This is a collection of 9 sermons that focus on Jonathan Edwards' deep affection for the glory and excellency of Jesus Christ.
The four of us have often discussed the admiration the Edwards receives from some pastor/theologians/authors that we ourselves admire; John Piper and Sam Storms for example. R. C. Sproul wrote the forward for this book and his sentiments towards Edwards are similar. Speaking of Edwards, Sproul writes "...when we consider the sheer power of intellect, the native brilliance of mind, and the depth of ratiocination, three thinkers reach the acme of thought in church history. They are Aurelius Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Jonathan Edwards." (vii-viii) Even in this group of theologians, Sproul comments "Aquinas was more prolific in his literary productions than Edwards, but in terms of intellectual brilliance, Edwards was at least his peer, if not his superior. He was to theology what Newton and Einstein were to physics." (viii)
We are all anticipating great things in this communal reading project and you should anticipate some posts as we wade through these sermons. I hope you can share in some of the delight we experience. Stay tuned.
I am looking forward to this series of posts. I'm sure it's going to cause me to reach for my copy of Edwards' works.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you listened to Piper's biographical sketch of Edwards? It is very good. Actually, all of his biographies are very good. I listen to them over and over again. I heard John Gerstner say once that listening to teaching is "reading with our ears."
Thanks, Brandon