God has given to mankind affections…that they might be subservient to man’s chief end, and the great business for which God has created him…And yet how common is it among mankind, that their affections are much more exercised and engaged in other matters than in religion! In things which concern men’s worldly interest, their outward delights, their honour and reputation, and their natural relations, they have their desires eager, their appetites vehement, their love warm and affectionate, their zeal ardent; in these things their hearts are tender and sensible, easily moved, deeply impressed, much concerned, very sensibly affected, and greatly engaged; much depressed with grief at losses, and highly raised with joy at worldly successes and prosperity. But how insensible and unmoved are most men about the great things of another world!
–Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections (pp. 40-50)
January 29, 2009 at 1:22 pm
How can Edwards see this so clearly. So incredibly clearly. And evangelical commentator after evangelical commentator not see it?
Just this morning I read 2 Thess. 3:5, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” I went to a recent commentary for reflection.
Not a word about the profound, life-shattering implications of what it means to have your HEART directed to God by God. Not a word about what that experience is like. Not a word about the momentousness of what’s wrong with a heart that needs to be blasted Godward by God. Only an immediate jump to the imitation of God in his love.
May the Lord raise up a generation of Joe Rigneys who see what Edwards sees and experience what it is to have the HEART directed to the love of God. And then speak it and live it so that millions are awakened to TRUE religion, as JE would say.
John Piper
January 29, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Pastor John,
I think what convicts me most about it is how much I enjoy the idea that Edwards is talking about, as opposed to the reality. I find that I can enjoy analyzing (and passing on!) Edwards’ profundity without actually heeding Edwards’ plea.
Religious Affections really is a devastating book.
January 30, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Conviction is the first step towards change. According to Piper, with repentance comes the power to change. So be devastated, but don’t stay there.
…As I’m sure you know.