An America Genius, Jonathan Edwards

Christian Timothy George, the author of "An America Genius, Jonathan Edwards" is author of several other books including, "Sex, Sushi, and Salvation: Thoughts on Intimacy, Community, and Eternity" (Moody Press), and "Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything" (Moody Press).

I find many books of this sort filled with valuable facts. However, I also find them somewhat difficult to read because they are more of a catalogue of facts instead of a story. This book is different. It is a rich story.

Do you desire to read a very simple yet edifying book? Something that will take an hour or so, and yet bring you so deeply into another's life that you will desire to know even more. This is your book. The author of this work is Christian Timothy George, a gifted writer also known for his work on C.H. Spurgeon. Everyone from a teen to an adult will find George's book readable. It is an excellent, yet simple, introduction into the some of the mountain tops and valleys of Jonathan Edward's life (1703-1758). This book however, is not just a book of facts, but also a readable ongoing saga of how redemptive history revealed itself in the life of one man named Jonathan Edwards. Though it has facts, many facts, they are gracefully woven into the fabric of a story, a wonderful simple story of God's grace. It will flow like a gentle stream into your mind and heart and overtake you when least expected.

The book begins in the first chapter with Jonathan asking Christ into his heart. One will observe the providence of God working in the chapter to this miraculous end. It continues with his education — when he entered Yale University at only the age of thirteen. It proceeds with his attempted evangelism of Percival. You do not wish to miss the section (Food Fights) about Percival. It continues to his pastorates and a sermon he is most noted for, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." The work continues with his ministering to and living with the Mohicans and then to his few days as President of Princeton just prior to his death. The work ends with a timeline of facts, a life summary, and some quotes of Edward's. All in all, a life history revealing Christ in us the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).

Though there is a brief mention of his sixteen books and hundreds of sermons and articles, the reader gets to touch Edward's character, love, and admiration he had for others, nature, and especially for God himself. At times, the book may bring the reader to tears. You may weep at his devotion for Christ, his love of his wife and family, or the fact that some of his congregation at times did not like him, or the very last moments prior to his death. You will not be alone in your tears, as Edwards is seen to shed his for others as well. However, there is also laughter and joy throughout the life of Edward's. One will see a well-rounded Christian life with its ebbs and flows, its valleys and mountaintops. All throughout it, the reader will see God's sovereignty and providence in Edward's life. Edward's loved his family, the church, and his God — the only true God through Jesus Christ his Lord. You will become amazed that such a man could have lived and yet be driven back even further into history to even a greater one than he — Christ Jesus.