Designed specifically for the classroom, this volume presents the accurate and definitive version of Sinners, accompanied by the tools necessary to study and teach this famous American sermon. With an introduction aimed at students and teachers and commentary that draws on fifty years of team editorial experience of Yale’s Works of Jonathan Edwards, it provides both context and interpretation, and addresses the concerns and questions of a twenty-first century audience. The book contains questions for in-class discussion, a chronology of Edwards’s life, and a glossary. In addition, curricular materials and video mini-presentations are available on a dedicated Web site. This casebook represents a innovative contribution to the art of teaching Edwards to a new generation of readers.
Reviews with the most likes.
I really wanted to give this book a higher rating because I greatly appreciate the Puritans. However, I find it difficult to do so. Some High Calvinists might resonate with the focus on judgment and sin without much mention of God's mercy and love, but I do not. Having grown up in a church that emphasized the fear of God and hell and rarely His love, I am particularly sensitive to this issue. While I can appreciate the Puritans' emphasis on holiness, hearing this sermon alone without the full context of the Gospel would not have led to my conversion if I were in the audience.
Our focus shouldn't be fear of hell in our conversion. It would have been beneficial to hear about God's other attributes, such as His mercy and love, alongside His justice. Unfortunately, this short sermon didn't quite encompass the fullness of the Gospel and the good news. Receiving Christ into your heart is just the beginning of a long journey of faith that requires discipleship.
