The Doctrine of the Incarnation Opened

“This outstanding book on the radical theology of Edward Irving is based on his handwritten sermons on the incarnation. For those people who have neglected or forgotten Irving, the collection of sermons is augmented by an excellent introduction to his life and work by Graham McFarland and a response to Irving’s view of the sinfulness of Christ’s human nature by Daniel Cameron These two chapters act as essential book ends to Irving’s sermons.”


—Andrew Walker, emeritus professor, King’s College, London, and writer for The Angel of Regent Square, a dramatized documentary of Edward Irving for BBC radio





“Edward Irving’s idea of redemption as centered on the training of the human will of Christ by the Spirit in the incarnation has usually offended his critics. So perhaps understandably and helpfully, the sermons—which read like theological treatises with a blessed rage for pulpit clarity—are sandwiched by the largely ‘pro’ accounts by the doyen of Irving studies, Graham Macfarlane (he highlights Irving as a Trinitarian, inspired by Hooker and Owen) and by Daniel Cameron. . . . Even if one is not completely convinced, the combination of the great man’s pulpit eloquence and these explanatory apologies, which has seen the light of a new day through a pleasing team effort, deserves to be savored and appreciated.”


—Mark W. Elliott, professor, Universities of Glasgow and Toronto





“Did Christ become incarnate in a fallen human nature? This helpful abridgement of Edward Irving’s sermons on the incarnation, along with orienting introductions and a response essay, opens the door to his deeply theological and practical reasons for answering ‘Yes.’ Take it and read, and judge his arguments for yourself!”


—Jerome Van Kuiken, professor, Oklahoma Wesleyan University