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A Long Line of Godly Men Profile
The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards is well known as perhaps the greatest theologian the United States has ever produced. He is equally noted for his preaching and writing. But in this Long Line Profile, Dr. Steven J. Lawson considers the unique focus and commitment with which Edwards sought to live out the Christian faith. Lawson examines Edwards� life through the lens of the seventy resolutions he penned in his late teens, shortly after his conversion, which cover everything from glorifying God to repenting of sin to managing time. Drawing on Edwards� writings, as well as scholarly accounts of Edwards� life and thought, Lawson shows how Edwards sought to live out these lofty goals he set for the management of his walk with Christ. In Edwards� example, he finds helpful instruction for all believers.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published November 28, 2008
72 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Steven J. Lawson
79Ìýbooks314ÌýfollowersDr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 24, 2024
I was hoping for more of his life, family, and pastorship than just his resolutions.
July 7, 2019
Some people have lived lives worth reading about; a few have lived lives worth studying. Jonathan Edwards is one of the few lives worth studying. And this little book by Steven Lawson is a goldmine of Edwardsian treasure. I was expecting a brief and light biography but was surprised to find an enlightening exposition of Edwards' 70 Resolutions. What a tremendous book.
Lawson breaks down Edwards' 70 Resolutions under six main headings: "Pursuing the Glory of God," "Forsaking Sin," "Making Proper Use of God-Allotted Time," "Living with all His Being for the Lord," "Pursuing Humility and Love," and "Making Frequent Self-Examination." Lawson then spends time explaining the different resolutions and what Edwards meant by making them.
I am humbled and challenged by Edwards' determined pursuit of holiness. I especially love his 63rd resolution:
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14 and July 3, 1723.
Amen.
Lawson breaks down Edwards' 70 Resolutions under six main headings: "Pursuing the Glory of God," "Forsaking Sin," "Making Proper Use of God-Allotted Time," "Living with all His Being for the Lord," "Pursuing Humility and Love," and "Making Frequent Self-Examination." Lawson then spends time explaining the different resolutions and what Edwards meant by making them.
I am humbled and challenged by Edwards' determined pursuit of holiness. I especially love his 63rd resolution:
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14 and July 3, 1723.
Amen.
August 18, 2021
Wow! This little book about the life of Jonathan Edwards (as seen through the lens of his 70 Resolutions) is a dynamite treatise on living for the glory of God. This is the fourth book I've read in this series ("A Long Line of Godly Men") and it is by far that one that impacted me the most. I anticipate many more re-reads and many hours in thinking over, meditating on, and putting into practice the myriad of doctrinal and practical truths discussed and\or inplied in this little book. Most highly recommended!
June 26, 2021
What a great book! A wonderful look at a closely examined life! Edwards set a high bar in a life well lived. If you want to be challenged to live a life more devoted to our Savior, read this!!
August 1, 2018
This book was not a biography of Edwards. Rather, it was an exposition of his 70 Resolutions, with only the first chapter being a summary of his life.
I like the idea of expositing Edwards� Resolutions. And I don’t think Lawson did a bad job by any means. So why only 3 stars? A few reasons:
First, this was clearly first a series of lectures (and lectures would be the right word). The way it was organized and even written made this clear. This wouldn’t be bad in itself per se, except for the second issue�
Second, the book was dry. The topics he talked about were grand and glorious, and Edwards� example is fascinating. Yet unfortunately I think Lawson wrote (and previous spoke) about it was dryness. It was overly organized in this respect. For example, every chapter is four words, with alliteration with the word ‘P�. Eg. “The Prerequisite of Faith�; “The Putting Away of Sin�, “The Precipice of Eternity�, etc. Moreover, then in each chapter, he just had 5 or 6 sub-sections, and each of these was two words: an adjective, then a noun. Is this bad? Not at all. But it is dry and boring.
Third, he exposited Edwards� resolutions clearly, albeit without much creativity or heart, but I don’t think he applied them well. Again, it seemed more like a lecture, with little passion or application.
Overall, to borrow John Piper’s words, I think it was much exposition, but little exultation. And this saddened me, because Edwards was such an affection-focused theologian, and his resolution are full of things worthy of not only exposition, but exultation.
That all being said, I think it was worth reading. I think it could’ve been done with more heart and passion. But since Edwards� resolutions themselves are so fascinating, this book is helpful because they are explained.
Moreover, I think the strength of the book was taking the 70 Resolutions and categorizing them into a handful of categories.
In sum, if nothing else, just spending time listening to Edwards� resolutions, and hearing his main things he lived for, was worth it. It just could’ve been done with more creativity and heart.
I like the idea of expositing Edwards� Resolutions. And I don’t think Lawson did a bad job by any means. So why only 3 stars? A few reasons:
First, this was clearly first a series of lectures (and lectures would be the right word). The way it was organized and even written made this clear. This wouldn’t be bad in itself per se, except for the second issue�
Second, the book was dry. The topics he talked about were grand and glorious, and Edwards� example is fascinating. Yet unfortunately I think Lawson wrote (and previous spoke) about it was dryness. It was overly organized in this respect. For example, every chapter is four words, with alliteration with the word ‘P�. Eg. “The Prerequisite of Faith�; “The Putting Away of Sin�, “The Precipice of Eternity�, etc. Moreover, then in each chapter, he just had 5 or 6 sub-sections, and each of these was two words: an adjective, then a noun. Is this bad? Not at all. But it is dry and boring.
Third, he exposited Edwards� resolutions clearly, albeit without much creativity or heart, but I don’t think he applied them well. Again, it seemed more like a lecture, with little passion or application.
Overall, to borrow John Piper’s words, I think it was much exposition, but little exultation. And this saddened me, because Edwards was such an affection-focused theologian, and his resolution are full of things worthy of not only exposition, but exultation.
That all being said, I think it was worth reading. I think it could’ve been done with more heart and passion. But since Edwards� resolutions themselves are so fascinating, this book is helpful because they are explained.
Moreover, I think the strength of the book was taking the 70 Resolutions and categorizing them into a handful of categories.
In sum, if nothing else, just spending time listening to Edwards� resolutions, and hearing his main things he lived for, was worth it. It just could’ve been done with more creativity and heart.
August 22, 2018
I wish that instead of reading this book, I would have read a full biography of Edwards alongside some of his works, and I do hope to do this in the future.
Lawson's idea was a good one if I understand correctly that the idea was to focus on a single trait of a godly man and really dig into it. I didn't experience any such profundity. Instead, I found the book to be almost unreadable because of the immense number of citations and quotations. Don't get me wrong. If a writer is stating facts and trying to prove a point, I want to know that his information is coming from a valid source. But isn't a work such as this more of an interpretive exercise?
I found that many of Lawson's quotes were unnecessary. For instance, Chapter 2 includes this sentence: "Possessing immense intellectual powers, Edwards 'saw truth almost intuitively.'" In the last phrase, Lawson is quoting George S. Claghorn's Introduction to a collection of Edwards's works. This introduction was written in 1998. Claghorn did not know Jonathan Edwards personally, nor did he interview someone who knew Jonathan Edwards. He was simply giving an opinion and interpretation based on his reading of Edwards's works. This type of citation is given over and over to the effect that there are entire sentences and paragraphs composed of the quotes of others.
The most enjoyable parts of this book were at the end of each chapter when Lawson would give his own summary and application without quoting or citing anyone. And really, didn't I sit down to read Lawson's ideas?
Lawson is not the only author I've read with this style. I hope it is not a product of our fear of plagiarism. Unless you are a Thomas Edison or Bill Gates, everything you know, you learned from someone else. We even interpret our own experiential knowledge with the help of others.
I like it best when an author reads all they can on a subject, digests the information and then synthesizes it with his own unique take on the matter. It makes for a more honest and cohesive interaction between author and reader. As it was, reading The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards was like reading a freshman term paper.
Lawson's idea was a good one if I understand correctly that the idea was to focus on a single trait of a godly man and really dig into it. I didn't experience any such profundity. Instead, I found the book to be almost unreadable because of the immense number of citations and quotations. Don't get me wrong. If a writer is stating facts and trying to prove a point, I want to know that his information is coming from a valid source. But isn't a work such as this more of an interpretive exercise?
I found that many of Lawson's quotes were unnecessary. For instance, Chapter 2 includes this sentence: "Possessing immense intellectual powers, Edwards 'saw truth almost intuitively.'" In the last phrase, Lawson is quoting George S. Claghorn's Introduction to a collection of Edwards's works. This introduction was written in 1998. Claghorn did not know Jonathan Edwards personally, nor did he interview someone who knew Jonathan Edwards. He was simply giving an opinion and interpretation based on his reading of Edwards's works. This type of citation is given over and over to the effect that there are entire sentences and paragraphs composed of the quotes of others.
The most enjoyable parts of this book were at the end of each chapter when Lawson would give his own summary and application without quoting or citing anyone. And really, didn't I sit down to read Lawson's ideas?
Lawson is not the only author I've read with this style. I hope it is not a product of our fear of plagiarism. Unless you are a Thomas Edison or Bill Gates, everything you know, you learned from someone else. We even interpret our own experiential knowledge with the help of others.
I like it best when an author reads all they can on a subject, digests the information and then synthesizes it with his own unique take on the matter. It makes for a more honest and cohesive interaction between author and reader. As it was, reading The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards was like reading a freshman term paper.
August 6, 2017
Steven Lawson seleciona algumas das 70 resoluções que Edwards escreveu ainda na sua juventude e aborda sobre os determinados temas das resoluções e deixa, após cada seção e capÃtulo, algumas aplicações para nós cristãos. Jonathan Edwards é um referencial de homem de Deus, e ao ler este pequeno livro terminamos a leitura completamente destruÃdos. A determinação de Edwards para observar cada uma das 70 resoluções é incrÃvel, mas sabemos de onde ele tirou forças para cumpri-las. Ele sabia que, por suas próprias forças, não seria capaz de mover um centÃmetro que fosse para se afastar do pecado. Sua maior motivação sempre foi a de glorificar a Deus em todas suas ações, pensamentos e palavras. Nós identificamos com o Edwards que também era falho, e nos sentimos encorajados para tomarmos firmes resoluções tais quais a dele. Ótima leitura, enriquecedora e que ajuda os cristãos de hoje a buscarem, acima de todas as coisas, a glória de Deus. Jonathan Edwards se entregou totalmente a Deus, por isso Ele o usou tão eficazmente em Sua obra. Mesmo séculos após a sua morte, a vida de Edwards continua encorajando os cristãos a se entregarem completamente a Deus e a buscar glorificá-Lo em todas as suas ações, pensamentos e palavras. Que sejamos firmes e disciplinados na nossa vida cristã diária e que sejamos luz nesse mundo que jaz no maligno.
January 25, 2018
Que livro. Primeiro da série "Um perfil de homens piedosos" que li.
O livro nos convida a glorificar a Deus através de nossa vida espiritual.
É um convite à santificação. Pelas resoluções de Edwards somos exortados a avaliar nossas vidas, nosso viver como cristãos.
Será que somos "cristãos completos" como diz Edwards?
Livro pequeno, porém graciosamente enorme em conteúdo prático para uma vida cristã abundantemente melhor.
Devemos examinar constantemente nossa vida cristã, como nos ensina o livro.
É pelo auto-exame que observaremos o interior para, assim, estimular o crescimento exterior.
"Apenas uma vida examinada é digna de ser vivida."
Após a leitura do livro, buscarei ter minhas próprias resoluções, buscarei o auto-exame.
E que Deus me ajude a ser firme nelas.
Soli Deo Gloria!
O livro nos convida a glorificar a Deus através de nossa vida espiritual.
É um convite à santificação. Pelas resoluções de Edwards somos exortados a avaliar nossas vidas, nosso viver como cristãos.
Será que somos "cristãos completos" como diz Edwards?
Livro pequeno, porém graciosamente enorme em conteúdo prático para uma vida cristã abundantemente melhor.
Devemos examinar constantemente nossa vida cristã, como nos ensina o livro.
É pelo auto-exame que observaremos o interior para, assim, estimular o crescimento exterior.
"Apenas uma vida examinada é digna de ser vivida."
Após a leitura do livro, buscarei ter minhas próprias resoluções, buscarei o auto-exame.
E que Deus me ajude a ser firme nelas.
Soli Deo Gloria!
January 6, 2016
One of the best biographies I've ever read. Dr. Lawson did an excellent job; so excellent that I am inclined to read this work again. Since the book is outlined by Edwards' resolutions, I am able to see into his progress of thought and spiritual development. I truly appreciate this work.
October 17, 2023
If you want to know about Edwards, this is the book to introduce you to him. Amazing read!
May 29, 2019
I have read a couple of books by Stephen Lawson and I must say that he writes with such great clarity.
Some have criticized Edwards for being too pietistic, but I see a man who was radically devoted to bringing all his thoughts, affections, and will into submission to God. We need more men like Edwards in our day.
Some have criticized Edwards for being too pietistic, but I see a man who was radically devoted to bringing all his thoughts, affections, and will into submission to God. We need more men like Edwards in our day.
March 21, 2022
A melhor biografia dessa coleção até agora, e ainda traz as resoluções como apêndice.
May 9, 2022
Soli deo gloria
August 30, 2020
Steven J. Lawson com maestria relaciona a vida de Jonathan Edwards com as suas resoluções. Ler os livros da coleção "Um Perfil de Homens Piedosos" é um deleite!
November 10, 2021
Great book on the greatest Theologian that America has ever produced.
March 28, 2013
Jonathan Edwards, who lived on earth from 1703 - 1758, was a Truly Reformed follower of Jesus Christ (and an adherent of the Westminster Shorter Catechism...); he dedicated himself to glorifying and enjoying God (forever): Soli Deo gloria! Author Steven Lawson tells us Edwards lived, spoke, and wrote "Reformed theology in its English Puritan form."
Most who are acquainted with scripture are aware of significantly recurring numbers such as 40 and 7; "70" is another of those biblical numbers. In Genesis 46:27 we read, "all the persons of the house of Jacob that came into Egypt were seventy; Exodus 1:5 tells us, "And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls." Better known appearances of "70" in scripture include Numbers 11:16, "And The Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel..." and Exodus 24:1 "Now he said to Moses, "Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel." Luke 10:1 brings us "After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go." Now we have Seventy Resolutions by Jonathan Edwards!
Only two centuries after the continental European Reformation of the 16th century, in order to attain "a model of a disciplined Christian life," become a better steward of time, and grow in love toward the saints, young Colonial Puritan pastor Jonathan Edwards [literally] penned 70 resolutions, "resolving," to live faithfully in particular aspects of his daily life. This happened between late summer 1722 and 17 August 1723; by then he'd graduated from Yale and was interim pastoring a Scots Presbyterian church in NYC near Wall Street. According to author Lawson, creating this type of life intention list was a conventional practice at that time.
I've read some of Edwards' original writings, mostly as class assignments, and I recently read and reviewed Steven Nichols' "Heaven on Earth," but in this 21st century, I still need help condensing and clarifying Edwards' prose that's relatively wordy and ornate by contemporary standards. As an excellent, easy-to-follow organizing strategy, the author lines out for the reader how Edwards' seventy resolutions focus around a half-dozen God-focused pursuits:
* Pursuing the Glory of God.
* Forsaking Sin.
* Making Proper Use of God-Allotted Time. (This one is huge, as we'd say these days.)
* Living with All His Being for the Lord.
* Pursuing Humility and Love. I especially like, "Whenever Edwards saw sin in another person, he took inventory on his own soul to search for the same iniquity. He was deeply concerned that his observations of sins in others might produce pride in his own heart." page 81
* Making Frequent Self-Examination.
The appendix includes full text of all the resolutions along with the dates Edwards posted each one; the preamble states how by grace he'd perform the impressive resolutions: "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake." The resolutions themselves describe what he'd do. 66 of the 70 open with "resolved"--thus Edwards' "Resolveds." This is the highly accessible type of book you'd probably want to reread, both to reacquaint yourself with the resolutions and to peruse Professor Lawson's excellent historical background and his explanations regarding the daily life and habits of colonial divine Jonathan Edwards.
It is clear Jonathan Edwards knew how to live well in both earthly and heavenly homes at one and the same time; most likely his experience as a colonial rather than as a citizen of the land where he resided helped contribute to that ability. He died a little less than two decades before the Declaration of Independence, but likely had some inkling the then-British colonies would become a sovereign nation in due time. Whether or not that was his own political bent I have no idea, but I once heard someone say, "every condition has its own gift"; living in two political economics as well as in two spiritual realms was a gift for Jonathan Edwards.
Most who are acquainted with scripture are aware of significantly recurring numbers such as 40 and 7; "70" is another of those biblical numbers. In Genesis 46:27 we read, "all the persons of the house of Jacob that came into Egypt were seventy; Exodus 1:5 tells us, "And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls." Better known appearances of "70" in scripture include Numbers 11:16, "And The Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel..." and Exodus 24:1 "Now he said to Moses, "Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel." Luke 10:1 brings us "After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go." Now we have Seventy Resolutions by Jonathan Edwards!
Only two centuries after the continental European Reformation of the 16th century, in order to attain "a model of a disciplined Christian life," become a better steward of time, and grow in love toward the saints, young Colonial Puritan pastor Jonathan Edwards [literally] penned 70 resolutions, "resolving," to live faithfully in particular aspects of his daily life. This happened between late summer 1722 and 17 August 1723; by then he'd graduated from Yale and was interim pastoring a Scots Presbyterian church in NYC near Wall Street. According to author Lawson, creating this type of life intention list was a conventional practice at that time.
I've read some of Edwards' original writings, mostly as class assignments, and I recently read and reviewed Steven Nichols' "Heaven on Earth," but in this 21st century, I still need help condensing and clarifying Edwards' prose that's relatively wordy and ornate by contemporary standards. As an excellent, easy-to-follow organizing strategy, the author lines out for the reader how Edwards' seventy resolutions focus around a half-dozen God-focused pursuits:
* Pursuing the Glory of God.
* Forsaking Sin.
* Making Proper Use of God-Allotted Time. (This one is huge, as we'd say these days.)
* Living with All His Being for the Lord.
* Pursuing Humility and Love. I especially like, "Whenever Edwards saw sin in another person, he took inventory on his own soul to search for the same iniquity. He was deeply concerned that his observations of sins in others might produce pride in his own heart." page 81
* Making Frequent Self-Examination.
The appendix includes full text of all the resolutions along with the dates Edwards posted each one; the preamble states how by grace he'd perform the impressive resolutions: "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake." The resolutions themselves describe what he'd do. 66 of the 70 open with "resolved"--thus Edwards' "Resolveds." This is the highly accessible type of book you'd probably want to reread, both to reacquaint yourself with the resolutions and to peruse Professor Lawson's excellent historical background and his explanations regarding the daily life and habits of colonial divine Jonathan Edwards.
It is clear Jonathan Edwards knew how to live well in both earthly and heavenly homes at one and the same time; most likely his experience as a colonial rather than as a citizen of the land where he resided helped contribute to that ability. He died a little less than two decades before the Declaration of Independence, but likely had some inkling the then-British colonies would become a sovereign nation in due time. Whether or not that was his own political bent I have no idea, but I once heard someone say, "every condition has its own gift"; living in two political economics as well as in two spiritual realms was a gift for Jonathan Edwards.
November 13, 2015
In The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards (A Long Line of Godly Men) Dr. Steven J. Lawson provides an insightful look at Jonathan Edwards through the lens of Edwards’s famous resolutions. This is one of the many biographical studies Lawson has provided in the Long Line of Godly Men series published by Reformation Trust.
Lawson first traces through the life of Edwards drawing primarily from the biographies of Edwards written by George Marsden and Iain Murray as well as many other secondary sources. In the second chapter Lawson traces out the immediate and greater historical context surround Edwards� Resolutions demonstrating their reflection of Puritan spirituality and Reformed confessional doctrine. The third chapter makes clear that what Edwards aimed for was not a personal self-improvement project, but rather a grace enabled pursuit of God himself. All believers should take note of Edwards’s intentionality in constantly reviewing his Resolutions and where he had fallen short in his duty to God. Edwards was one who clearly kept short accounts with God. Chapter four explores the resolutions and how they reflect Edwards priority of seeking God’s glory above all else, a reality clearly evident throughout the course of his life. Chapters five and six involve battling sin and having a readiness for eternity. Chapter seven reflects on who Edwards pursued his resolution to live with all his might, and how that was practically reflected in his highly disciplined life. Chapter eight serves a good corrective to a popular misconception surrounding Edwards, many look unfavorably upon him as one who was loveless. This could not be farther from the truth as Lawson demonstrates Edwards’s pursuit of practicing love not just to God but to others as well. The final chapter addresses how he went about his practice of self-examination. He sought to expose hidden sin, and pursue greater levels of living to God’s glory laying aside the good for the best.
Lawson provides a view of Edwards that is helpful for any Christian. For those who have never been introduced to Edwards this to would serve as a wonderful introduction for them. Lawson is true to who Edwards was, and clearly reflects the aims and priorities of his life, aims and priorities all would do well to imitate. Lawson demonstrates a deep level of interaction with primary and secondary sources on Edwards, which will help readers to decide what to read next after this. If you are seeking to be challenged and convicted this book will do it.
Disclosure: I will receive this book free from Reformation Trust for providing this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
Lawson first traces through the life of Edwards drawing primarily from the biographies of Edwards written by George Marsden and Iain Murray as well as many other secondary sources. In the second chapter Lawson traces out the immediate and greater historical context surround Edwards� Resolutions demonstrating their reflection of Puritan spirituality and Reformed confessional doctrine. The third chapter makes clear that what Edwards aimed for was not a personal self-improvement project, but rather a grace enabled pursuit of God himself. All believers should take note of Edwards’s intentionality in constantly reviewing his Resolutions and where he had fallen short in his duty to God. Edwards was one who clearly kept short accounts with God. Chapter four explores the resolutions and how they reflect Edwards priority of seeking God’s glory above all else, a reality clearly evident throughout the course of his life. Chapters five and six involve battling sin and having a readiness for eternity. Chapter seven reflects on who Edwards pursued his resolution to live with all his might, and how that was practically reflected in his highly disciplined life. Chapter eight serves a good corrective to a popular misconception surrounding Edwards, many look unfavorably upon him as one who was loveless. This could not be farther from the truth as Lawson demonstrates Edwards’s pursuit of practicing love not just to God but to others as well. The final chapter addresses how he went about his practice of self-examination. He sought to expose hidden sin, and pursue greater levels of living to God’s glory laying aside the good for the best.
Lawson provides a view of Edwards that is helpful for any Christian. For those who have never been introduced to Edwards this to would serve as a wonderful introduction for them. Lawson is true to who Edwards was, and clearly reflects the aims and priorities of his life, aims and priorities all would do well to imitate. Lawson demonstrates a deep level of interaction with primary and secondary sources on Edwards, which will help readers to decide what to read next after this. If you are seeking to be challenged and convicted this book will do it.
Disclosure: I will receive this book free from Reformation Trust for providing this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
September 10, 2013
I must say that I do like reading biography, and have enjoyed some really good ones in the Long Line of Godly Man Profile. And I do like Stephen Lawson as an author, his writing style lucid, engaging and at many times well worth the time spent investing in reading his works. I do especially like his Foundations of Grace, and Pillars of Grace where I was first introduced to his writings.
However, I must say that I was kinda disappointed with this particular writing, I guess it was not the genre I was expecting. I was expecting a more biographical sketch of the life of Jonathan Edwards in this book. But as the book is titled, it specifies about the resolve (or resolutions) of Edwards and it does systematically run through many of his resolutions and how they are seen in his life through his own dairy records.
Lawson categorized the resolutions into different categories and then systematically analyse them, and show how Edwards himself saw the importance of these resolutions and how he implemented or struggled with the implementations of these resolutions.
The strength of this book is for helping Christians see the importance and reasons for discipline in the Christian life, and even relatively unimportant things like rationing of amount of food to eat, was an issue that Edwards looked into. It helps a Christian to visualize and see an example of one life lived solely to be of use by God for His glory.
However, that's all there is to this book, if you're looking more for a biographical book on Edwards, I would encourage you to search elsewhere. But you're interested to look at the resolutions of Edwards, how important they were and what they meant in Edward's life and how was it was manifested in his life, this is THE book to get.
Ratings: 3.75/5
However, I must say that I was kinda disappointed with this particular writing, I guess it was not the genre I was expecting. I was expecting a more biographical sketch of the life of Jonathan Edwards in this book. But as the book is titled, it specifies about the resolve (or resolutions) of Edwards and it does systematically run through many of his resolutions and how they are seen in his life through his own dairy records.
Lawson categorized the resolutions into different categories and then systematically analyse them, and show how Edwards himself saw the importance of these resolutions and how he implemented or struggled with the implementations of these resolutions.
The strength of this book is for helping Christians see the importance and reasons for discipline in the Christian life, and even relatively unimportant things like rationing of amount of food to eat, was an issue that Edwards looked into. It helps a Christian to visualize and see an example of one life lived solely to be of use by God for His glory.
However, that's all there is to this book, if you're looking more for a biographical book on Edwards, I would encourage you to search elsewhere. But you're interested to look at the resolutions of Edwards, how important they were and what they meant in Edward's life and how was it was manifested in his life, this is THE book to get.
Ratings: 3.75/5
December 11, 2012
THE UNWAVERING RESOLVE OF JONATHAN EDWARDS by Steven J. Lawson
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Type of Book: Biography
Pages: 155 (large type)
This is one of the books in the A Long Line of Godly Men Profile
Must read chapters: Chapter 5 "The Putting Away of Sin" and Chapter 7 "The Passion of Discipline"
In these two chapters I wrote a lot of notes reguarding my thoughts on them. I would like to share a couple of quotes with you.
Edwards believed that repentance is difficult and demanding. He knew he must "fight and pray with all my might" in order to correct the evil motives that prompted his sin. That was wholehearted effort; as he put it in his diary, the fight required "the utmost of my power." Nonchalant repentance is no repentance. - page 85 (chapter 5)
Edwards believed "complacency was a great impediment to the Christian life," that halfheartedness would never produce holiness, so he refused to allow it in himself. True to his convictions, Edwards "never abandoned his belief in the value of strict spiritual disciplines." - page 106 (chapter 7)
I read this book while I was on vacation with my wife it was a quick and easy read. It only took me three days of casual reading. The book begins with the first chapter being a quick summary of Jonathan Edwards' life and then the rest of the chapters are talking through his "resolutions." (which are included at the end of the book).
What this book does a wonderful job of is connecting the different writings Jonathan Edwards wrote with his resolutions. Hearing the stories connect with the 70 resolutions of Jonathan Edwards help bring it to life.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Type of Book: Biography
Pages: 155 (large type)
This is one of the books in the A Long Line of Godly Men Profile
Must read chapters: Chapter 5 "The Putting Away of Sin" and Chapter 7 "The Passion of Discipline"
In these two chapters I wrote a lot of notes reguarding my thoughts on them. I would like to share a couple of quotes with you.
Edwards believed that repentance is difficult and demanding. He knew he must "fight and pray with all my might" in order to correct the evil motives that prompted his sin. That was wholehearted effort; as he put it in his diary, the fight required "the utmost of my power." Nonchalant repentance is no repentance. - page 85 (chapter 5)
Edwards believed "complacency was a great impediment to the Christian life," that halfheartedness would never produce holiness, so he refused to allow it in himself. True to his convictions, Edwards "never abandoned his belief in the value of strict spiritual disciplines." - page 106 (chapter 7)
I read this book while I was on vacation with my wife it was a quick and easy read. It only took me three days of casual reading. The book begins with the first chapter being a quick summary of Jonathan Edwards' life and then the rest of the chapters are talking through his "resolutions." (which are included at the end of the book).
What this book does a wonderful job of is connecting the different writings Jonathan Edwards wrote with his resolutions. Hearing the stories connect with the 70 resolutions of Jonathan Edwards help bring it to life.
May 19, 2016
My Rating � Put it on the list
Level � Easy, Medium length
Summary
The first chapter is a short biographical stretch of the man many consider to be the greatest American Theologian of all time. The rest of the chapters are devoted to Edwards� construction of his ‘Resolution.� Unfortunately, as Edwards didn’t order or systematize his Resolutions, the book seems to jump around a bit as Lawson attempts to categorize the list. However, the book does an excellent job of spelling many of the resolutions and giving us the story or reasons behind them. Many of the most interesting parts of the chapters has to do with how the Resolutions affected Edwards� life.
In the appendix of the book, you can read the entire Resolutions.
My Thoughts
The best use of this book is to view it not as a biography, but as a commentary on Edwards� Resolutions. The strength of the book isn’t so much it’s info on the life of Edwards, but instead it’s interaction with the Resolutions and different points of his life, or how his resolutions affected his life.
I personally found some of his attempts overwhelming, bordering on unnecessary. Obviously, Edwards is much more pious and disciplined than me and most people. However, his limited the amount of food he’d eat so as not to waste time or enjoy food too much just seemed extreme and unhealthy.
This book is well written and will challenge you. Lawson does a good job of posing questions at the end of each chapter. Anyone interested in spiritual disciplines or Jonathan Edwards needs to put this book on their reading list.
Level � Easy, Medium length
Summary
The first chapter is a short biographical stretch of the man many consider to be the greatest American Theologian of all time. The rest of the chapters are devoted to Edwards� construction of his ‘Resolution.� Unfortunately, as Edwards didn’t order or systematize his Resolutions, the book seems to jump around a bit as Lawson attempts to categorize the list. However, the book does an excellent job of spelling many of the resolutions and giving us the story or reasons behind them. Many of the most interesting parts of the chapters has to do with how the Resolutions affected Edwards� life.
In the appendix of the book, you can read the entire Resolutions.
My Thoughts
The best use of this book is to view it not as a biography, but as a commentary on Edwards� Resolutions. The strength of the book isn’t so much it’s info on the life of Edwards, but instead it’s interaction with the Resolutions and different points of his life, or how his resolutions affected his life.
I personally found some of his attempts overwhelming, bordering on unnecessary. Obviously, Edwards is much more pious and disciplined than me and most people. However, his limited the amount of food he’d eat so as not to waste time or enjoy food too much just seemed extreme and unhealthy.
This book is well written and will challenge you. Lawson does a good job of posing questions at the end of each chapter. Anyone interested in spiritual disciplines or Jonathan Edwards needs to put this book on their reading list.
July 9, 2011
Jonathan Edwards is widely-regarded as one of greatest preachers, theologians, philosophers, and intellectuals in American history. A brilliant man, he had a tremendous influence on contemporaries, as he does today on modern-day American Christianity.
This is an unusual biography. Only the first chapter contains the normal chronological account of his life that you would expect to find in any biography. The rest of the book examines his life from the point of view of his “Resolutions�, seventy statements written by Edwards in his late teens that would guide him the rest of his life. Lawson divides these resolutions into categories, and then explains how Edwards applied them to his life, including not only descriptions of his successes, but his struggles with maintaining them. His purpose was to focus whole-heartedly on spiritual disciplines that would bring every area of his life in line with his desire to pursue and please God.
This is a book to read slowly, and to meditate on. Often it seems Edwards sets the bar impossibly high, yet it still serves to motivate the reader to strive to live for God’s glory.
This is an unusual biography. Only the first chapter contains the normal chronological account of his life that you would expect to find in any biography. The rest of the book examines his life from the point of view of his “Resolutions�, seventy statements written by Edwards in his late teens that would guide him the rest of his life. Lawson divides these resolutions into categories, and then explains how Edwards applied them to his life, including not only descriptions of his successes, but his struggles with maintaining them. His purpose was to focus whole-heartedly on spiritual disciplines that would bring every area of his life in line with his desire to pursue and please God.
This is a book to read slowly, and to meditate on. Often it seems Edwards sets the bar impossibly high, yet it still serves to motivate the reader to strive to live for God’s glory.
July 16, 2012
Just a taste of this wonderful book on “The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards� by Steven Lawson.
“In resolution 8, he (Jonathan Edwards) wrote:
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failing promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
Whenever Edwards saw sin in another person, he took inventory on his own soul to search for the same iniquity. He was deeply concerned that his observation of sin in others might produce pride in his heart�..he wanted it to prompt him to feel shame over his own wrongdoing and to drive him to confess it to God� Steven Lawson
This short book with only 168 pages is academically easy to read but challenged me spiritually to preserve in the pursuit of holiness by the grace of God and not relying on myself. It caused me to examine my heart to see where I have been self-deceived about my spiritual progress and sent me running to the cross for mercy and grace.
“In resolution 8, he (Jonathan Edwards) wrote:
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failing promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
Whenever Edwards saw sin in another person, he took inventory on his own soul to search for the same iniquity. He was deeply concerned that his observation of sin in others might produce pride in his heart�..he wanted it to prompt him to feel shame over his own wrongdoing and to drive him to confess it to God� Steven Lawson
This short book with only 168 pages is academically easy to read but challenged me spiritually to preserve in the pursuit of holiness by the grace of God and not relying on myself. It caused me to examine my heart to see where I have been self-deceived about my spiritual progress and sent me running to the cross for mercy and grace.
April 10, 2013
I'm like Jonathan Edwards in many ways, unfortunately only in the ways he struggled with the hard things of the Christian life, the sin, the insecurity of his being in God's will. The parts of Jonathan Edwards life that stood out, those things I do not resemble, but alas there is hope.
This book is a great treatise on christian living, not of the Joel Osteen variety but a God saturated, Christ adoring, holy spirit driven legacy of a man whose every breath, every thought, every deed was examined in light of the gospel. We all fall short, but are we even aware, are we settling for mediocrity, are we okay with just getting through the pearly gates by the skin of our teeth, some may say yes but this book sheds a lot of light on a man who worked at holiness, but understood grace. A man who worked at making the most of each breath for the glory of God.
This book is a great treatise on christian living, not of the Joel Osteen variety but a God saturated, Christ adoring, holy spirit driven legacy of a man whose every breath, every thought, every deed was examined in light of the gospel. We all fall short, but are we even aware, are we settling for mediocrity, are we okay with just getting through the pearly gates by the skin of our teeth, some may say yes but this book sheds a lot of light on a man who worked at holiness, but understood grace. A man who worked at making the most of each breath for the glory of God.
November 5, 2017
This book is part of the helpful series of profiles of major people from church history by Steven Lawson. This work on Jonathan Edwards is a helpful introduction into his life and work. It's not a critical nor in depth look at the man, though it doesn't claim to do either, so I don't hold that against it too much. Particular emphasis is placed on Edwards' many resolutions, which are numerous, specific and aimed at high piety. I'm not the fanboy of Edwards that many of my neo-reformed ilk are, but I nevertheless accept his importance as a major, and mostly positive, influence on American religion, and credit him for injecting serious health and doctrinal clarity into the Great Awakening specifically and into revivalism at large generally. This book is a helpful survey of a man worthy of study.
April 7, 2018
Different than I was expecting, was ordering a book to learn more of the life of Edwards, but this came at it from a different angle.
Lawson seeks to expound the personal holiness of Edwards through examining his Resolutions. So rather than systematically reviewing the timeline of events in Edwards life, he groups the similar resolutions together by chapter and then delves into Edwards writings to show how he lived them out, how he failed, and where he struggled. If you want to understand Edwards love and passion for Christ this is a great book. A great encouragement to read, but also makes one feel extremely lazy in comparison in how driven and disciplined Edwards was in regards to every area of his life bringing glory to God.
The appendix at the end gives a complete list of the resolutions.
Lawson seeks to expound the personal holiness of Edwards through examining his Resolutions. So rather than systematically reviewing the timeline of events in Edwards life, he groups the similar resolutions together by chapter and then delves into Edwards writings to show how he lived them out, how he failed, and where he struggled. If you want to understand Edwards love and passion for Christ this is a great book. A great encouragement to read, but also makes one feel extremely lazy in comparison in how driven and disciplined Edwards was in regards to every area of his life bringing glory to God.
The appendix at the end gives a complete list of the resolutions.
July 31, 2018
A short and easy read on Jonathan Edwards - focusing on aspects of his 70 Resolutions in his life. Steve Lawson is a clear communicator. Though a quick read, it was nonetheless challenging - a needful reminder in our culture's emphasis on self-indulgence.
"61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind form being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it - that what my listlessness inclines me to do is best to be done, etc. May 21 and July 13, 1723"
"68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723"
"61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind form being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it - that what my listlessness inclines me to do is best to be done, etc. May 21 and July 13, 1723"
"68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723"
January 4, 2017
This book is written by one of my favorite authors about one of my favorite historical figures. Few people do a better job of capturing Edwards' thoughts than Dr. Lawson. He does an excellent job of bringing Edwards' words into modern day language (if you stuggle with the 1700 vernacular). Dr. Lawson also does a great job of bringing out the reason that Edwards was the greatest theologian, preacher and philosopher in American history.
As Dr. Lawson points out, Jonathan Edwards was highly sensitive to God's call and leading and highly critical of his short-comings and sin. It's no wonder God used him in such a mighty way.
As Dr. Lawson points out, Jonathan Edwards was highly sensitive to God's call and leading and highly critical of his short-comings and sin. It's no wonder God used him in such a mighty way.
April 6, 2013
Overall, an encouraging book. But I think it's unhelpful to so stress the "unwavering resolve" of Edwards to the exclusion of his journal entries that paint a more realistic picture of his failings. For all his godly zeal, I think Edwards was overly introspective and punctilious to the point of limiting sleep and food and company. Again, I was encouraged by this book when I read it in college, but I think it's good to see it in perspective and with a tinge of biblical balance. Then again, I'm not Jonathan Edwards!
January 22, 2018
This is not a biography of Jonathan Edwards, considered the best American theologian of all time, but an excellent explanation and commentary of his famous resolutions. Dr. Lawson gives us short background stories why Edwards wrote the resolutions. The whole book is a an excellent encouragement to us who are followers of Christ, but two facts that really stood out to me: how the Ivy League schools were stalwart supporters of the Reformed faith in the beginning (how far they have fallen!) and that Edwards started writing his resolutions as a teenager!
July 4, 2013
Edwards was a beast. He is an inspiring and convicting man to read about. Lawson does well with his research, though I would have enjoyed more of the events that occurred throughout Edward's life, although such was not the purpose of the book. The chief aim of this book was to give an overview of Edwards' thought as found according to his 70 resolutions and the influence they had on his life. Great an easy read.
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