Religious Affections

Religious Affections  

Original 1746 edition of Religious Affections
Author(s) Jonathan Edwards
Country United States
Subject(s) Theology
Publication date 1746

A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections is a famous publication written in 1746 by Jonathan Edwards describing his philosophy about the process of Christian conversion in Northampton, Massachusetts during the Great Awakening, which emanated from Edwards' congregation starting in 1734.[1]

Contents

Analysis

Calvinism
John Calvin
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Edwards wrote the Treatise to explain how true conversion to Christianity occurs. Edwards describes how emotion and intellect both play a role, but "converting grace" is what causes Christians to "awaken" to see that forgiveness is available to all who have faith that Jesus' sacrifice atones for all sins. This salvation is not possible through believers' imperfect good works which are simply evidence of faith, and only possible through Christ's sacrifice which is free to all. Edwards describes the importance of testing new faith and discerning whether it is legitimate. He lays out twelve tests of true conversion, including ways of measuring allegedly fruitful works.

Impact

"Religious Affections" remains popular and modern day evangelists and writers such as Tim Keller and John Piper often refer to this and other Edwards works as models for their ministry.[2]

References and external links

  1. ^ Jonathan Edwards, A treatise concerning religious affections (Dublin: J. Ogle, 1812)[1](accessed on Google Book on July 26, 2009)
  2. ^ Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (Dutton Adult, February 2008) ISBN 0-525-95049-4

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Jonathan Edwards, A treatise concerning religious affections (Dublin: J. Ogle, 1812)[1](accessed on Google Book on July 26, 2009)
  2. ^ Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (Dutton Adult, February 2008) ISBN 0-525-95049-4