The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Jonathan Edwards

Oy vey.... here we go again!

What I can tell you Tom; iterating what I have already written to you in the past, is that in my reading of Jonathan Edwards, there is NOTHING that aligns with nor could it be considered similar to Piper's heretical view of "Christian Hedonism". Further, in all that I have read on Edwards by other scholars, from biographies to technical works, there was absolutely no mention of Edwards' theology that would even come close to Piper's view(s). Lastly, in the writings of the late Dr. John Gerstner, who was indisputably a recognized scholar on Jonathan Edwards, there is nothing remotely similar to Piper's "Christian Hedonism".

As with most every heretical view that is brought into the Church, the protagonists invariably claim to find support in the official Confessions of the church, if it has one, and/or cite quotes from recognized 'scholars' that they insist support their view. But, if one reads the source from which the quotes are found IN CONTEXT, most always they do not provide any support to the claim(s) made. Further, when one takes what the quoted author wrote elsewhere on related subjects, it becomes even clearer that the claims of the heretics are baseless. There are occasions where a quoted author contradicts himself but in such instances, due to the inconsistency of the author, any weight the source might have in giving validity to the aberrant view goes down.

I need only point to how many, some even in recent times, have run to John Calvin to support their heretical ideas, e.g., a rejection of the perpetuity of the 4th Commandment based upon the silly notion that John Calvin bowled on Sunday. Or, that John Calvin held to a universal atonement, ala Kendall. Or, that John Calvin's writings support Federal Vision.

So, once again... not claiming to be an expert on Jonathan Edwards, but one who has read quite a bit of his writings, I find NOTHING in Edwards' works that would lend support to the unbiblical view of John Piper's "Christian Hedonism"; as you say an oxymoron just in the phrase itself.

The proverbial ball is in your court, Tom. The ONLY way you are ever going to be settled on this matter, in all honesty, is to READ Edwards for yourself, in context, of course. Then you can make a personal and informed decision whether Jonathan Edwards believed and taught what Piper has termed, "Christian Hedonism".