John J. Bombaro

Jonathan Edwards and Deification

Theology

“James Salladin's elegantly written and convincing argument distinguishes itself within the expanding discipline of Edwardsian studies by way of a comprehensive understanding of secondary literature and a mastery of Jonathan Edwards's own written corpus. Salladin's close reading of Edwards allows the Northampton pastor to speak for himself regarding matters of deification as 'participation in divine fullness.' This noteworthy contribution substantiates a significant reality: Edwards articulates his philosophical and theological creativity from within a Reformed theological heritage, even as it relates to the concept of theosis. Jonathan Edwards is first and foremost a theologian of the lineage of Calvin, Perkins, and Stoddard, yet it is a line with an expansive understanding of sanctification that envelopes 'God's end in creation' within the elect themselves.”