Jonathan Edwards on the Atonement

"Jonathan Edwards may be widely regarded as America's greatest theologian, but the significance of his legacy has often been disputed, especially in terms of the extent to which he influenced the theological innovations of his successors. Brandon Crawford's new account is a careful and nuanced reconstruction of Edwards' theology of the atonement, and a significant contribution to the intellectual history of colonial religion."

--Crawford Gribben, Professor of History, Queen's University, Belfast



"Did Jonathan Edwards believe that Christ's atonement was a substitute for sinners that satisfied the wrath of God? Or did he depart from his Reformed roots, and establish foundations for a generation of theologians who taught that the atonement was merely an example to display God's justice? Brandon Crawford takes up this difficult question with scholarly insight, lucid style, and common sense. With careful attention to the history of the doctrine of the atonement, and a detailed analysis of the most relevant texts from the writings of Jonathan Edwards, Crawford skillfully guides his readers to a compelling conclusion."

--Eric J. Lehner, Academic Dean and Professor of Theology, Virginia Beach Theological Seminary