Freedom of the WillOne of America's preeminent philosophical theologians, Jonathan Edwards (1703–58) was a central figure in New England's first Great Awakening. Famed for his stirring sermons, Edwards remains a significant influence on modern religion, and this in-depth analysis of Calvinist beliefs represents his most important contribution to Christian thought. Romans 9:16 ("It is not of him that willeth") serves as the text for Edwards' examination of the nature and state of man's will. Written in 1754 while the author served as a missionary to Native Americans, this polemic raises timeless questions about desire, choice, good, and evil. Edwards contrasts the opposing Calvinist and Arminian views of free will and addresses issues related to God's foreknowledge, determinism, and moral agency. His copious quotations from scripture, along with citations from the works of Enlightenment thinkers, support a thought-provoking exploration of mankind's fallen state and the search for salvation. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
absolute absurd according act of choice action agreeable antecedent apostasy appears arguments Arminian notion blame Calvinists cause cerning certainly choose Christ Chubb circumstances command common sense concerning connection consequence considered consists contingent contrary degree dependent desire determined dictate disposition Divine doctrine doctrine of necessity effect endeavors eternal event evidence evil excite exercise exertion exis existence follow foregoing Foreknowledge foretold free act freedom future God’s habit heart holy impossible inclination inconsistent Indifference induce infinite influence Isaiah man’s mankind manner means men’s Messiah metaphysical mind mind’s moral Agents moral Inability moral necessity motive nature nature of things Nebuchadnezzar necessarily necessary notion of liberty object observed otherwise perfect perfectly Pharaoh praise preference Prescience promises properly prove Psalm respect Scripture self-determining power signify sincere soul suppose supposition tence tendency things things considered tion understanding virtuous or vicious volitions of moral wherein Whitby wholly words worthy