That which they can't see : a retrieval of Jonathan Edwards' homiletical use of imagination / David Van Brugge.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Van Brugge, David, author.

Series:

Reformed historical theology ; 2198-8226 v. 81.

Reformed historical theology, 2198-8226 ; volume 81

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Preaching--History of doctrines--18th century.

Preaching.

Preaching--History--18th century.

Imagination--Religious aspects--Reformed Church.

Imagination.

Expository preaching.

Edwards, Jonathan, 1703-1758.

Edwards, Jonathan.

Physical Description:

308 pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm.

Other Title:

That which they cannot see

Place of Publication:

Göttingen : Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, [2025]

Summary:

"In this retrieval study David Van Brugge addresses how the current understanding of a homiletical use of imagination for expository preaching might be strengthened. The current need for strengthening becomes apparent when the various understandings of imagination and their implications for practical theology are realized. This is compounded as trends in homiletics seem to minimize the imagination or embrace it in modern or postmodern ways. The original contribution of this study is recognizing that the homiletical use of imagination can be strengthened by retrieving the Puritan baroque characteristics of Jonathan Edwards' imagination as evidenced in his sermons to the Stockbridge Indians of 1751-1758. Edwards drew on a rich background to display an imagination that synthesized thoughts and ideas, thought beyond the senses, and that, by the grace of God, transformed thought and practice. Through that creative thought, Edwards maintained Biblical exposition and appeal to the affections. Van Brugge further develops and evaluates the idea of Puritan baroque characteristics, concluding that it is a helpful characterization of Edwards' Stockbridge Indian sermons. In these sermons Edwards imaginatively used imagery, light, space, movement, and glorification for the ultimate goal of directing the affections of his audience towards God. Such a use of imagination for affective purpose becomes a key for the strengthening of a homiletical use of imagination today." --Publisher.

Contents:

Introduction

Part I "That which they can't see:" The context for strengthening the homiletical use of imagination. Understanding the imagination and its implications for practical theology

Imagination in contemporary homiletics

Part II "That which they should see:' The possibility of strengthening the homiletical use of imagination. Jonathan Edwards and the imagination

Considering possible influences on Edwards' imagination

Jonathan Edwards' imagination as reflective of a Puritan Baroque imagination

Jonathan Edwards and a homiletical use of imagination

Part III "That which they need to see:" The benefit of strengthening a homiletical use of imagination with Edwards. Retrieving Edwards

Conclusion

Appendices: God's orchard

Made in God's image

Improve the time of life to prepare for death

How the soul is enlightened at conversion

There is but one God

They that mourn are happy because they shall be comforted

There certainly is a God

Men ought to be much in thinking of their own ways

Men's wickedness at last is as the poison of serpents

'Tis our duty to love God's house.

Notes:

Includes bibliographic references (pages [269]-303) and index.

ISBN:

3525502087

9783525502082

OCLC:

1484064187

Publisher Number:

90103258070