Jonathan Edwards and Deification - (New Explorations in Theology) by James R Salladin (Paperback)

About the Book

The language of deification, or participation in the divine nature as a way to understand salvation, often sounds strange to Western Christians. But perhaps Western theologies have more in common with theosis that we thought. James Salladin considers the role of deification in the theology of Jonathan Edwards, exploring how Edwards's soteriology compares with the broader Reformed tradition.

Book Synopsis

The doctrine of deification or theosis is typically associated with the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Indeed, the language of participation in the divine nature as a way to understand salvation often sounds like strange music in the ears of Western Christians despite passages like 2 Peter 1:4 where it appears. However, recent scholarship has argued that the theologies of some of the most prominent figures in the history of the Western church, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Wesley, share more in common with deification than has been acknowledged.

In this New Explorations in Theology volume, theologian James Salladin considers the role of deification in the theology of another well-known Western theologian: Jonathan Edwards. In addition, he reflects upon the question of how Edwards's soteriology compares with the rest of the broader Reformed tradition.

Here, we discover how Edwards's theology affirms what it means for sinners to be brought into the hands of a loving God.

Featuring new monographs with cutting-edge research, New Explorations in Theology provides a platform for constructive, creative work in the areas of systematic, historical, philosophical, biblical, and practical theology.

Review Quotes

"Does God save us by working outside of us and helping us accept that external work? Or does he save by drawing us into his very being so that we participate in his inner life? James Salladin argues that Jonathan Edwards taught a version of the latter and so is one of the great theologians teaching what the Eastern Orthodox call theosis. All Christians and scholars interested in divinization and its relation to the Reformed tradition will want to read this clear and engaging study."

--Gerald McDermott, coauthor of The Theology of Jonathan Edwards

"Jim Salladin's work on deification in Jonathan Edwards is a welcome addition to Edwardsian scholarship on the important matter of salvation as participation in the divine life. It builds on previous work in this area but gives significant clarity to some of the key issues involved in a Reformational appropriation of this doctrine of deification. In so doing, Jim has served to enhance ecumenical dialogue in soteriological matters and to remind the Reformed tradition that it comes within the wider theologically catholic tradition of the church, while preserving the distinctly Reformed contribution to it. As Jim has acknowledged, even if Edwards did not deploy the word deification, he did 'espouse a concept of grace that delivers its substance.' Edwards has perhaps preeminently, in the older Reformed tradition, centered salvation in participation in the life of God: it is centered on matters filial and ontological as the grounding of matters forensic or juridical. Jim vindicates Edwards in his doctrine of special saving grace so formative in evangelical life, as well as in his keeping the Creator-creature distinction clear. This book does not merely contribute academically, however. It will edify and inspire all Christians to press in to the life of the triune God."

--W. Ross Hastings, Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology at Regent College and author of Total Atonement: Participation in the Reconciliation of Humanity and Creation

"Reformed theology must embrace divinization. Such is Jim Salladin's conviction, grounded in his extensive study of Jonathan Edwards. Salladin persuasively argues that the Northampton pastor saw all of creation as participating in the being of God, while divinization fills us with the fulness of God. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Salladin's proposal is that Edwards's embrace of theosis left his Calvinism intact. Jonathan Edwards and Deification is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate on Edwards's Reformed credentials."

--Hans Boersma, Saint Benedict Servants of Christ Chair in Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House and author of Five Things Theologians Wish Biblical Scholars Knew

About the Author

James R. Salladin (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is rector of Emmanuel Anglican Church in New York.