Freedom of the Will

By Jonathan Edwards

One of America's preeminent philosophical theologians, Jonathan Edwards (1703–58) was a central figure in New England's first Great Awakening. Famed for his stirring sermons, Edwards remains a significant influence on modern religion, and this in-depth analysis of Calvinist beliefs represents his most important contribution to Christian thought.
Romans 9:16 ("It is not of him that willeth") serves as the text for Edwards' examination of the nature and state of man's will. Written in 1754 while the author served as a missionary to Native Americans, this polemic raises timeless questions about desire, choice, good, and evil. Edwards contrasts the opposing Calvinist and Arminian views of free will and addresses issues related to God's foreknowledge, determinism, and moral agency. His copious quotations from scripture, along with citations from the works of Enlightenment thinkers, support a thought-provoking exploration of mankind's fallen state and the search for salvation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Release date: Jun 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9780486291932

Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a pastor, theologian, and missionary. He is generally considered the greatest American theologian. A prolific writer, Edwards is known for his many sermons, including "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," and his classic A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections. Edwards was appointed president of the College of New Jersey (later renamed Princeton University) shortly before his death. 

Reviews for Freedom of the Will

[erinjamieson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Whether you agree with Calvinistic beliefs or not, this book is worth reading. It seems that he covers every argument in the debate for or against the supreme will of God. He defends Calvinism very thoroughly in 'The Freedom of the Will' against the Arminian notion that in order to be a moral agent one must be acting out of complete indifference. Edwards does well to define terms such as 'necessity', 'moral agent', 'moral inability vs. natural inability', etc. His main theological argument is prefaced with the fact that everything that begins has a cause. The earth began and thus has a cause. We as moral human beings began and have causes we are born with--inclinations whether evil or good. This book helped me to gain more understanding and gratitude for the sovereignty of God. I am thankful that my heart is inclined to trust in Him and have faith in Him. There is much freedom in this disposition. I am thankful we do not live in a world completely indifferent to our decisions. Such a world would not be freedom at all, but chaos.