Review

"This thoroughly researched study focuses on Edwards's use of the Bible as a guide for his systematic doctrine and philosophy. By demonstrating Edwards's critical appropriation of modern developments in historical method and biblical studies, Brown clearly dispels claims that Edwards is a flatfooted traditionalist. Brown describes Edwards's approach to historical knowledge, common sense, sacred history, and other religions in order to reveal his conflict with deism. He claims that Edwards's revision of rational religious knowledge emasculated the entire notion of any mode of true religious understanding separable from traditionary sources. As part of Edwards's approach to the problem of religious epistemology, Brown notes, Edwards came to claim that historical religious knowledge was the only source of human ideas about religion and that this knowledge was in effect universally accessible. Although this book does not explore the character of Edwards's sermonic use of scripture or his interpretations of particular biblical passages or themes, it is exceptionally valuable for its thorough exploration of the cohesive character of biblical narrative and the history of redemption as an organizing motif of Edwards's thought. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates through faculty." —R. Ward, Georgetown College, Choice, December 2002

"Brown's patient and even—handed discussion of the different ways in which a conservative like Edwards could defend traditional conclusions, and of those places where he found it necessary to give something to the 'cultured despisers', is valuable." —Times Literary Supplement

About the Author

ROBERT E. BROWN is Visiting Assistant Professor of American Religion at Franklin and Marshall College.