Dogmatics

Law and Gospel in Jonathan Edwards and his Sources

Church History/Systematics

In this course, we will read material from Edwards’s sermons and treatises where he discusses the law of God and its relation to the gospel. We will also analyze his oft-overlooked Miscellanies on law and gospel. Finally, in order to get a better sense of the theological tradition bequeathed to Edwards, we will examine some significant precursors to his own thinking, including from
the Reformation, post-Reformation, and early New England context. This course is taught by Dr. Michael J. Lynch. Runs from 1/11-3/20/21.

Description

This Church History/Systematics course is taught by Dr. Michael J. Lynch, and will run from January 11 through March 20. The syllabus is available here.

Jonathan Edwards remains, perhaps, the most significant theologian-philosopher from North America. In this class, we will investigate one key aspect of his theological system—how he understood the relationship between law and gospel. To that end, we will read material from sermons and his treatises where he discusses the law of God and its relation to the gospel. We will also analyze his oft-overlooked Miscellanies on law and gospel. Finally, in order to get a better sense of the theological tradition bequeathed to Edwards, we will examine some significant precursors to his own thinking, including from the Reformation, post-Reformation, and early New England context. An appreciation for Edwards and his historical-theological setting will undoubtedly better position one to value his legacy within later American history, especially the evangelical tradition of Protestantism.

Dr. Michael Lynch (Ph.D, Calvin Seminary) teaches Humanities, Theology, Latin, and Greek at Delaware Valley Classical School in New Castle, DE.

Online only, runs 10 weeks, meeting 2 hrs./wk. via videoconference + online discussion board. Register to reserve your spot and schedule will be set after a poll of participating students; if the class time does not fit your schedule, you will be eligible for a full refund. Note: all classes are offered dependent on demand and require a minimum of four participating students. This is a graduate-level seminar. Although a Bachelor’s degree is not a necessary pre-requisite for this course, students should come prepared to do graduate-level work.