Here. Thanks to the folks at Christ Reformed (Anaheim) for their hospitality.
R. Scott Clark
R.Scott Clark is the President of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, the author and editor of, and contributor to several books and the author of many articles. He has taught church history and historical theology since 1997 at Westminster Seminary California. He has also taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Concordia University. He has hosted the Heidelblog since 2007.
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Hi Allen,
I survey and interact with a lot of Edwards scholarship. My goal is to help folk read Edwards more critically and thoughtfully. Remember that Hodge issued a very serious caution about Edwards long ago. Further, there have been grave questions about Edwards on justification for 50 years. There’s a lot to love in Edwards but he’s too complicated to be endorsed without qualification. I know I’m treading on sacred ground here but I hope that the chapter is helpful.
Dr. Clark-
I just finished listening to your lecture, and now plan on buying the book asap.
Do you interact with Sproul in the book regarding the issues over Jonathan Edwards? I know you mentioned Packer, I. H. Murray, and Lloyd-Jones. In my experience, Sproul has been the most significant in pointing to Edwards as a giant of the Reformed faith (I assume this is due to Gerstner’s influence?). He was the one who (through radio and books; I have never met him) led me to the reformed faith, but the first issue where I began to find myself in disagreement with him was over Edwards and the awakening. The circles I have been in, it is almost blasphemy to question Edwards at all, since he is seemingly considered the model of piety and intellect for Reformed folks. I guess it would be fruitful for me to hear a debate, read a discussion, or what have you between Sproul, Piper, Packer, etc. and yourself and those who are in agreement with you (Hart comes to mind). Maybe a future issue for Modern Reformation?
Anyways, I don’t feel so alone in my concerns anymore. I hope your book reaches many hands, heads, and hearts. I will certainly be giving this book to as many people as I can.