Jonathan Edwards and Justification: Embodying a Living Tradition

Abstract

This article examines Jonathan Edwards’ doctrine of Justification with a view toward noting his developments and contributions to the historic Reformed tradition. This study will also engage the notion of a ‘living theological tradition’ and what it might mean to faithfully embody such a tradition, while at the same time standing critically within it. These two subjects, taken together, will aim to commend Edwards as a helpful resource in Reformed theological thinking today. Does Edwards’ doctrine of Justification include the kind of creative theological thinking that reflects a dynamic, living, and open theological tradition? By exploring this question, I hope to recommend Edwards, not just as America’s greatest theologian, but as a worthy example of the kind of fresh theological thinking the Reformed churches must maintain in the 21st century.