Christian Book Notes

Marsden, George M. A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards.  Grand Rapids:  Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2008.  160 pp.  $15.00.  Purchase the book at Westminster books for $9.75.

Audiobook

Narrated by Grover Gardner.  Esconido:  christianaudio Hovel, 2008.  5 hours.  Download – $12.98, CD – $21.98.

This is an audio book review. Truth be told, this was the first full biography of Jonathan Edwards I have read (or had read to me as is the case). I thought the parallel between Edwards and Ben Franklin was extremely helpful given most people are more familiar with Franklin than with Edwards. Setting these two men side by side proved to be a wonderful approach to understanding how both men shaped the early United States and how they continue to shape it today.

While most people know Edwards for his sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, little attention is given to it by Marsden except how it set the stage for the Second Great Awakening. His, and Franklin’s, friendship with George Whitefield helped to shed light on how a “preacher from England” could have so much influence in America–especially at this time in her early history.

It was also helpful to see how Edwards was influenced by the Puritans given he lived decades removed from their influence. Many have called Edwards a Puritan, but have questioned the validity of this given the time when Edwards preached. Marsden traces their influence through Edwards’ family and shows how it was passed on to him at an early age.

Ultimately, I was struck by Marsden’s focus on Edwards’ short-comings. He discusses his lack of administrative skills as well as his taking for granted regeneration in many of the converts from the first Great Awakening. Marsden did an excellent job of showing Edwards at his best and at his worst.

Listening to Grover Gardner read was as though I was curled up by a fire in my living room listening to stories of how God used one man in shaping the United States. He read evenly and with emotion where necessary. The quality of the audio was nice with no obvious areas of cutting and pasting. At only five hours in length, this book can be heard, in most cases, in a week’s time of travel to and from work.

A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards deserves to be read or listened to by anyone interested in 1) Christian history, 2) Reformed Christian history, or 3) American history. It can be said that Edwards impacted every area of American history during his journey on this earth. It can also be said that he is still influencing countless Christians to this day. Was he a lightning rod for conflict? Yes, but then again so was Moses. If you have not read or listened to this book, you should add it to your “read immediately” pile.