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Understanding Religious Affections: Jonathan Edwards on Emotions and True Christian Faith
In the realm of Christian theology, few topics generate as much discussion as the role of emotions in faith.
Jonathan Edwards, a prominent theologian during the Great Awakening, offered a compelling perspective on this matter through his exploration of “Religious Affections.”
He argued that emotions are not only an integral part of human nature but also crucial to a genuine expression of faith when properly aligned with the truths of scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit.
This approach stood in contrast to views that either downplayed or dismissed emotions as a hindrance to true spirituality.
By emphasizing the need for a balance between intellect and emotion, Edwards provided a framework for understanding how believers can experience a rich and authentic relationship with God.
Religious Affections of True Faith
Jonathan Edwards, a theologian considered second only to Calvin, placed a strong emphasis on understanding Religious Affections within true faith.
He argued that genuine faith involves both the intellect and the heart, with emotions being a critical component of human nature.
William Wilberforce supported this view, stating,
Emotions are an indispensable part of humanity. Therefore, advocating for their exclusion in Christianity is absurd. Emotions, like all human faculties, were created by God with purpose.
Edwards viewed inclinations as expressions of both the will and intellect. When connected to actions, they are referred to as the “will,” and when linked to intellect alone, they are referred to as the “heart.”
He emphasized that emotions should be guided by reason and conscience, as they reflect the alignment of one’s intellect and will with divine truth.
Edwards warned against modern spiritual trends that often create a false dichotomy between faith and knowledge.
He observed that this focus on subjective authority shifts from a moral world sustained by God to a self-focused, psychological world. (David Wells).
Here’s an outline of the blog post, with translations of the citations in line with your instructions:
True Faith and Holy Affections
Jonathan Edwards, often regarded as a theologian comparable to Calvin, emphasized the importance of holy affections in true faith.
As William Wilberforce notes,
“Affections are indispensable elements for human beings. Thus, advocating for the exclusion of emotions from Christianity is absurd. Trying to eradicate or condemn emotions that are part of our nature is an arbitrary act.”
He further explains that God, in His perfect wisdom, created humans with emotions for a reason
For Edwards, affections align with both will and intellect. He explains,
“When inclination relates to action, it’s called the ‘will’; when associated solely with the intellect, it’s referred to as the ‘heart’” (Edwards, Religious Affections, p. 33).
In the age of spiritual awakening, discerning true affections from false ones becomes crucial. Edwards famously stated,
“Religious emotions, even when they come through scriptural influence, do not inherently signify grace” (Edwards, Religious Affections).
Similarly, affections rooted in scripture may arise, but they do not guarantee grace.
The Holy Spirit can use scripture to evoke true spiritual insights, and when He does, it is a profound experience. However, this insight must align with God’s truth.
“The Spirit of God is the Spirit of truth, not of falsehood” (Edwards, Religious Affections).
God’s promises in scripture are available only to those who believe in Christ. Faith, in Edwards’ view, comprises knowledge, assent, and trust.
It isn’t merely intellectual acknowledgment but involves a personal commitment to God’s truth (Edwards, Religious Affections).
True faith, therefore, is not built on subjective experiences or emotions alone. It rests on the solid foundation of God’s word and His unchanging promises.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Discerning True Affections
In Religious Affections, a cornerstone of Edwards’ works written during the height of the Great Awakening, he explored the distinction between genuine affections stirred by the Holy Spirit and false emotions that may arise in times of spiritual fervor.
Edwards asserted,
Religious affections that arise from sudden thoughts of scripture upon the mind do not prove they are gracious affections.
He explained that even when affections are inspired by scripture, they are not inherently a mark of true grace. This was particularly relevant in an era where both divine and satanic forces appeared to be at work.
Edwards argued that Satan could manipulate scripture to create false assurances in believers, as he did during the temptation of Christ.
He pointed out that not all emotions tied to scripture are grounded in truth; some are merely reflections of human nature’s fallen state.
As a result, believers must distinguish between affections that are genuinely from the Spirit and those that are not. True spiritual experiences must be consistent with the purity and completeness of God’s Word.
The Divine Purpose of Emotions in Faith
Edwards’ concept of holy affections also addressed the divine purpose of emotions.
Emotions, according to Edwards, should not be seen as enemies of faith but as essential to the full expression of true belief.
Emotions are part of God’s design for humanity, intended to help believers experience a deeper relationship with Him. As such, emotions should not be suppressed but aligned with divine truth.
Understanding True Faith: Knowledge, Assent, and Trust
For Edwards, true faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves three integral components: knowledge, assent, and trust.
Edwards noted that true faith is not just an acknowledgment of divine truths but a commitment to them, marked by a transformation that aligns the believer’s affections with God’s will.
As Martyn Lloyd-Jones described,
Faith comprises three components: knowledge of the truth, assent to the truth, and trust in the truth.
These components ensure that faith is grounded in both reason and emotion, with both elements working together to form a genuine connection with God.
The Assurance of Faith Rooted in Scripture
Edwards emphasized that true faith must be based on a solid foundation. For him, this foundation is the assurance provided by scripture itself.
He argued that believers should not rely on emotions alone for assurance but should ground their faith in the promises of God found in His Word.
Edwards noted,
Once a sinner recognizes the truth of God’s Word, no further evidence is necessary, as scripture is filled with invitations to all.
Therefore, true assurance is a direct result of understanding and trusting the promises outlined in scripture, rather than relying on emotional experiences or subjective feelings.
Conclusion: The Balanced Life of True Believers
Edwards’ teachings on holy affections remind believers that emotions are an essential part of faith when grounded in scripture and guided by the Spirit.
True spirituality, according to Edwards, is not a rejection of emotions but rather a harmonious integration of intellect, will, and affections, all oriented towards God.
Believers are called to embrace a balanced faith that aligns both their hearts and minds with the truths of God, cultivating a life of godliness and true piety.
