by Hannah Fair, Public Relations Writer
Dr. Jeremy Kimble, assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University, edited and contributed to the recently released “A Reader’s Guide to the Major Writings of Jonathan Edwards,” a compilation of essays about the writings of Great Awakening preacher Jonathan Edwards.
Kimble, along with Nathan Finn — dean of the school of theology and missions and professor of Christian thought and tradition at Union University — compiled and edited this book for readers who desire to better interpret the writings of Edwards. It was released November 30 by Crossway Books.
Edwards was an American preacher, philosopher and theologian during the First Great Awakening, an 18th-century revival that swept through Europe and the American colonies. In his writings that were directed toward the awakenings, he focused attention on the doctrines of conversion, sanctification and the perseverance of the saints. Edwards was also a catalyst for global missions within the church at a time when international mission work did not receive the attention it does today.
Kimble’s chapter in the book focuses on Edwards’ revival writings. “As evangelicals, it is important for us to know what revival is and how to assess it,” said Kimble. “It gives us a glimpse into who God is. Most contemporaries know John Piper; he was heavily influenced by Edwards’ writings. Both of their writings bring us back to this central truth: All of life, the entire cosmos, exists for the glory of God.”
“It is important to learn from church history, to look at those who have gone before us, examine how they lived and know where their blind spots were, so that I can change those in myself and grow in Christlikeness,” continued Kimble. “Edwards is a great example of how to learn, love and live in accordance with God’s statutes.”
All of Edwards’ writings are available at edwards.yale.edu.
Kimble hopes to offer a Cedarville University honors seminar about the teachings of Edwards in fall 2018.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.