Jonathan Edwards on the Atonement: Understanding the Legacy of America's Greatest Theologian

The gospel is the heart of the Christian faith and the atonement is the heart of the gospel. In this work Pastor Brandon Crawford offers a study of the doctrine of atonement as it was understood by Americas greatest theologian--Jonathan Edwards--setting his doctrine in the context of both his historical predecessors and his broader theology. This book provides important insights into the mind of this intellectual giant and the critical role that Edwards played in the trajectory of New England theology in the decades following his death. Jonathan Edwards may be widely regarded as Americas greatest theologian but the significance of his legacy has often been disputed especially in terms of the extent to which he influenced the theological innovations of his successors. Brandon Crawfords new account is a careful and nuanced reconstruction of Edwards theology of the atonement and a significant contribution to the intellectual history of colonial religion. --Crawford Gribben Professor of History Queens University Belfast Did Jonathan Edwards believe that Christs atonement was a substitute for sinners that satisfied the wrath of God? Or did he depart from his Reformed roots and establish foundations for a generation of theologians who taught that the atonement was merely an example to display Gods justice? Brandon Crawford takes up this difficult question with scholarly insight lucid style and common sense. With careful attention to the history of the doctrine of the atonement and a detailed analysis of the most relevant texts from the writings of Jonathan Edwards Crawford skillfully guides his readers to a compelling conclusion. --Eric J. Lehner Academic Dean and Professor of Theology Virginia Beach Theological Seminary Brandon James Crawford is the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Marshall Michigan. He holds an MDiv from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary (Allen Park Michigan) and a ThM in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids Michigan). He and his wife Melanie have two children.