Edwards for Everybody September 28, 2008 3 out of 4 found this review helpful
James Byrd has written a fun, non-technical introduction to a theologian most Americans think of as NO FUN and VERY technical. Students of American studies, literature, history, theology, and philosophy all have some kind of "brush" with Edwards, and if he comes across as better than expected, most teachers count it a victory and move on to Ben Franklin or John Wesley before the magic wears off. He deserves much better. George Marsden's wonderful biography, which earned great acclaim a few years ago, has reintroduced Edwards to a new generation, and gives the most nuanced portrait yet of this profoundly influential thinker. Sadly, "Edwards for Armchair Theologians" will probably be compared to that work, rather than appreciated for its own merits, which are considerable. It seems a little insulting to say that Byrd's book is more modest in scope -- that seems like an indirect way of calling it "fluff," which it isn't. Rather, Byrd takes on the challenge of meeting the "average readers" of Edwards where they are, and guiding them into the wide-ranging interests and fierce theological debates that animated one of the world's great minds. If you are looking to stick your toe cautiously into the deep pool that is Jonathan Edwards, this is the place to begin, whether you are a true "armchair theologian" or a student with a paper due tomorrow at 8 a.m. It's great.
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