I recommend this essay at CARDUS on Jonathan Edwards; arguably one of the most influential thinkers in American history, maybe second behind John Dewey. Here’s an excerpt:
My simple purpose here is to argue that Jonathan Edwards has something to say into our present discussion on seeking the advancement of the church and the peace of the city. Understanding that human happiness can only be properly achieved in the context of God’s glory; that there is a close relationship between God’s glory and His happiness; that the present world matters in itself as well as points to an unfolding future history; and that this glory is not only expressed in the “spiritual” things of life, but also in the “ordinary” things of everyday life—these all speak to the fact that the cultural mandate and the Great Commission are inextricably connected. John Piper has summarized the effect of this well when he says “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Note the delightful discussion concerning the hypothetical, “If Edwards were alive, would he be teaching at Westminster, Calvin, or Trinity Evangelical Divinity School?
Indeed!
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Edwards, Dewey have always been some of my favorite American minds.
I always wished Bertrand Russell was American.
Great post, thanks for sharing the essay.