Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography

Unfortunately in academic circles today it has become taboo to express biases; to be sure, they all come through sooner or later. But, in academia, the writer must separate his own proclivities from his account of "the facts". The simple fact of the matter is that the same God that Murray worships is the same God Edwards worshipped and now worships in heaven and so we are left with an account of Edwards by a man who is also thoroughly acquainted with the spiritual realities that Edwards experienced (perhaps not to the same degree). Biographers like Perry Miller are atheists and so they start with naturalistic presuppositions in their accounts. This, for the Christian reader, is an untenable and unfortunate way to look at the life of one of God's choicest saints. The book is remarkably well researched. Murray is concerned to chronicle the details of Edwards' life with painstaking thoroughness and his account of Edwards' dismissal from his Northampton congregation leaves the reader shocked. Not surprisingly, Calvin was dismissed from Geneva in similar circumstances - such has been the unfortunate tendency of Christians over the centuries. Murray's writing style is wonderful. He's perspicuous and leaves the reader with the impression that many of today's Christian writers would do well to pack away their pens and take up different activities. Lastly, this book is a devotional gem. I've written a three-page essay on hos Edwards' life, ministry and thought have affected my own and this has been a pleasure rather than a pain.

I heartily concur with some of the other reviewers - Murray's book is the definitive biography of a godly man who was an important part of the Great Awakening.The book is comprehensive, covering several areas of Edwards' life:1. Early childhood and Christian influences.2. His salvation experience.3. His happy home as evidenced by the large number of children, loving relationship with his life, and hospitality to others.4. Associations with David Brainherd, George Whitfield, and other religious leaders of his day.5. His important contributions to the Great Awakening and the resultant opposition he experienced.6. His expulsion from the Northampton Church based on his stance on the Lord's Supper.7. Missionary endeavors to the Indians.8. Later years and service at Princeton University.Murray successfully portrays Edwards as a man who although reserved in some respects, was actually a very warm and caring man towards others.As for the reviewer from France, I only have to say - God alone determines where He will move His Spirit! That is not our choice to make!

Jonathan Edwards is maybe the most exciting historical Christian to study (except for Luther. Part of this explanation is the fact that history shows us a much differnt picture than the modern stereotypes show us. Murray is to be commended for his standard setting work on Edwards. Murray is very warm and doctrine centered. As periodical "Christian History" said of Murray's work, "this is the biography Edwards himself would have most appreciated." (Spring 2003). Final AnalysisThis book is long, complex, and well researched. It is not bed time reading, but rather, Sabbath reading as it will stir one's thoughts to the Lord. Murray pulls no punches as he shows his view of Edwards: This man saw more of the glory of heaven and the terror of hell than any modern Christian ever will. Murray's aim is that after reading, Christians will then take up Edward's works and discover the glory for themselves.

Mark Noll said it well -- this is the only biography in which Edwards would recognize himself. Lets Edwards be Edwards. This will be THE classic Edwards biography for generations to come.

This is truly a great book. It is not just a story about a great man who lived in the past, but about a man who was used greatly by God in a time that is in many ways like ours. This book has had a significant impact upon me, both encouraging me spiritually, as well as helping me work through some difficult theological issues. Specifically, the book gets into Edwards struggle with those who opposed the movement of God, and then his later stuggle with others who then claimed to be friends of the revival, but who perverted it's message through extremism. The issues dealt with here are extremely relevant for today.