In the first pages of this book, the question is asked if there is a need for another book about Edwards. I can assure you there is. I've read many books about Edwards (and have a few more on my "To Read" list) and I find something different in each book.
I was very interested to see what Dane Ortlund has discovered about one of my favorite theologians. Each author brings his own background and interest to the biography table and Ortlund* brings other writers and theologians who influenced him such as C. S. Lewis and Francis Schaeffer. You can't go wrong there!
This book is not the easiest to read at times but for a very good reason, Ortlund inserts a great deal of original writings from Edwards. It is not always easy for 21st century readers to read 18th century authors. However, he has done an excellent work of combining the original text and sharing with today's readers what Edwards is communicating in 21st century words and meanings.
This combination provides a good resource for both lay people such as myself who loves to read about Edwards and theologians who want original texts and lots of footnotes. It is a balanced view of his writings, his theology, his ministry... and his influence on the Church.
Highly recommended for the reader who does not have time for a very long biography but still wants an in depth treatise. I would suggest getting the book in paperback so it is easier to go back and forth when reading.
This book was provided by Crossway Publishing in ebook format for the purpose of review but the opinions are my own.
For further information at Amazon... click here.**
* If the last name is familiar, the author is the grandson of Ray and Anne Ortlund.
** Most links to Amazon.com are Associate Links.
4 comments:
I'm about to give up on a biography I'm trying to read! Over 700 pages and much of it tedious and difficult for me to understand its relationship to the person. Sigh. I expected more. I'm going to give it one more chapter.
Anne Ortlund (and Ray) were two very influential people in my young adult life! I follow Ray (Jr?) on Twitter and find him solid and thought-provoking.
That sounds interesting. I am interested in how preachers in the 18th century had an influence on the people who ended up in revolution, and how because of this influence, the American revolution was so different from the French revolution which was based upon enlightenment ideas, and thus was built upon revenge and fear and became so bloody.
It sounds interesting. I've never read a biography about him. If you had to pick one biography about him, what would it be? Or what would be a good one to start with?
I love to read about his wife. Quite a few books about her.
Becky
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