The Great Work of Providence: Jonathan Edwards for Life Today

Even though Jonathan Edwards is arguably Americas greatest theologian the content and value of his work remains a mystery to most. Stahle systematizes and summarizes Edwardss biblically grounded thought in contemporary language and makes Edwards accessible to pastors students and church study groups. Edwardss conceptions of the Trinity are explained in detail and shown to be the basis for the rest of his theology including his ideas about sin salvation holiness the purpose of history Scripture revivals of religion heaven and hell and the church. Reflection and study questions are provided to enrich comprehension and demonstrate the relevance of Edwardss theology for contemporary life. The wealth of this Puritans personal piety and intellectual brilliance is no longer beyond the reach of twenty-first century Christians. With The Great Work of Providence Rachel Stahle provides a helpful and practical summary of Jonathan Edwardss theology for busy pastors church leaders and laypeople who recognize the importance of being theologically literate (especially in a culture that seems to see no need for deeper theological study) but do not have the time needed for diving deeply into the writings of Edwards. In the end the book whets the appetite for more theological reflection and more Edwards. --Rev. Rich Noble Washington Union Alliance Church New Castle Pennsylvania Geneva College Adjunct Faculty Rachel S. Stahle (PhD Boston University) is pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Carteret New Jersey and the author of numerous articles and papers.