Religious Affections: in Modern, Updated English

Religious Affections, written by Jonathan Edwards, is a treatise that explores the nature of true and false religious experiences and emotions, and their role in the Christian life. Published in 1746, the work is a response to the religious revival known as the Great Awakening, which swept through the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. Edwards, a key figure in the movement, sought to address the concerns of critics who questioned the legitimacy of the revival and the emotional displays that accompanied it.In the book, Edwards argues that religious affections, or emotions, are essential to genuine faith and spiritual life. He contends that true religion is not merely a matter of intellectual understanding or doctrinal orthodoxy but involves a deep, heartfelt love for God and a desire to live in accordance with His will. However, Edwards also acknowledges that not all religious emotions are genuine, and he sets forth twelve criteria to help discern the authenticity of one’s religious affections.Some of the key signs of true religious affections, according to Edwards, include a love for God that is rooted in His holiness and beauty, a genuine humility and self-abasement before God, a change in one’s nature that leads to a life of holiness, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ. On the other hand, false religious affections may be characterized by a focus on self-interest, a reliance on extraordinary experiences, or an emphasis on outward displays of piety.Edwards’ work has been influential in shaping Protestant theology and spirituality, particularly in the Reformed and Evangelical traditions. Religious Affections remains an important resource for understanding the nature of true and false religious experiences and for cultivating a genuine, heartfelt love for God.About Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was an American theologian, philosopher, and pastor who played a central role in the Great Awakening. Born in East Windsor, Connecticut, Edwards was a precocious child who entered Yale College at the age of thirteen. He later served as a pastor in Northampton, Massachusetts, and as a missionary to Native Americans in Stockbridge. Edwards is widely regarded as one of America’s greatest theologians and has been called the “father of American evangelicalism.” His works, including Religious Affections, continue to be studied and appreciated for their depth and insight into the Christian faith.