Hey,
I can only afford one book and I want a biography of Jonathan Edwards, and I know both Murray and Marsden have written bios of him and I was wondering which is the best one. By that, I mean readable for an educated layperson and good insight into his theology. Suggestions?

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Diane
God is Good and we're not.
All Saints Episcopal
Anchorage, AK

Murray has deeper sympathies with the full range of Edwards' theology than does Marsden.

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In Christ's love and service

Mr. Tim Cunningham,
BMus. (Trombone Performance), University of Toronto
Dip. CS, Regent College, Vancouver
Member, First Baptist Church
Vancouver, BC
------------
"I once sat in darkness, and waited for the moon to rise.
I once sat in darkness, and waited for the sun to shine.
I once sat in darkness, when all the light I'd waited for was gone.
Then Jesus came, and now the only true light, ever, shines in me."
– John Deacon -

I would go with Murray over Marsden on Edwards. However, I would read Murray, "Revival and Revivalism," before anything else by him. I have read them both and both are worth the time investment.

I read both bios and loved both. Yes, Murray is better for theology but Marsden is a longer and more complete picture of the time period and all the events. I think if you must pick only one I'd go with Murray but its a tough choice.

As far as Long Island's suggestion of Revival and Revivalism, I think I'd make that my first pick over either bio. It is so applicable to the church today (evangelicalism is basically Finney in many ways) and incorporates much of Edward's theology in the analysis.

Why not go straight to the top with Religious Affections? Just skip 1 & 2 and start with Section 3. Edwards is easier to read than he's made out to be, and so tender. I think you'd love it.

Our church library has all these books. Maybe a local pastor would allow you to borrow?

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Lynnie

PCA

Central NJ

I have read both Marsden and Murray. I appreciated Marsden's bio better. He discussed a lot more of the culture and outworking of Edward's theology in my opinion. He was also very sympathetic to Edwards while also having a better critique in my estimation.

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Norseman Moderator

R. Martin Snyder
1689er
http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/puritancovenanter/

"Our object should not be to have scripture on our side but to be on the side of scripture; and however dear any sentiment may have become by being long entertained, so soon as it is seen to be contrary to the Bible, we must be prepared to abandon it without hesitation."
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I Loved Murray's book,He seemes to to a great Job on Biographies,(His Bio. of A.W Pink is wonderful!),I'm sorry I have not read Marsden's

There was a Conference called "A God Entranced Vision of All Things" based on Edwards's life and was from on the Book of the same name By John Piper,I highly recommend this book after the biographies if you decide to go deeper and if funds allow,I believe this book is available free to read at the Desiring God website,I am including the link to watch video of all the conf. messages,Included in the speakers is Murray,Sam Storms,Piper,and others I loved watching them and highly recommend them

Grace and Peace
2003 National Conference :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

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Brian
Grace Bible Church;E.Bridgewater
East Bridgewater MA
http://www.gracebiblehome.org

I would go with Marsden over Murray. Murray's biography will bring you up to speed on Edwards, there is no doubt, and should also challenge and encourage you; but I thought Marsden did a better job at setting Edwards in context and giving more thorough explanations of some of the critical points in Edwards' thinking and life.

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Ruben
Moderator
F.P.C.I.
Indiana

Vanities and disguises have covered us, and thereby we are naked; licenciousness hath inflam'd us, and thereby we are frozen; voluptuousness hath fed us, and thereby we are sterved, the fancies and traditions of men have taught and instructed us, and thereby we are ignorant.
John Donne

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Calvinistas Conversando
Teología en Mexico
The Howling Wilderness

I realize this post is kinda late... but I read Murray's bio on Edwards and I totally loved it. I can't say anything about the other book, though.

I'm just wondering, which book did you choose? And what are your thoughts on it?

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Alex - Orange County, CA - PCA

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but
Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galatians 2:20

Manton - "The sovereign dominion of God is a great prop to our faith."

Hello and thanks to everyone who responded. I am going to get the Murray book as soon as I have funds.