Edwards on Education
Summer 2025
This past summer was quite eventful. Not only were several new titles put in the JESociety publication pipeline, but I also submitted the sixth and final volume of the Jonathan Edwards Commentaries on the New Testament, edited by Robert Boss and Allen Stanton with forewords by Joel Beeke, Chris Chun, Douglas Sweeney, Adriaan Neele, Rhys Bezzant, and Peter Jung. Marco Barone has supplied an interview essay in which major Edwards scholars outline fruitful areas for future research. Of special note is an article by Stephen Crocco on the early years of the Edwards project at Yale. The series is set to be published starting in Fall 2026 by Reformation Heritage Books.
Publications of Note on JE and Education
John Van Wyk made a major contribution to our understanding of Edwards as an educator in his book which thoroughly examines Edwards’ pedagogy. I’ve supplied a brief review here. This volume is a rich resource with copious footnotes and bibliography! Available here.
“If the expansion of Christ’s kingdom was the aim of Jonathan Edwards’ life and ministry, education was a vital instrument in achieving this aim. John Van Wyk traces the diverse influences on Edwards’ pedagogy and brings to life Edwards’s interactions with children, Native Americans, and theological students. A valuable read for anyone who wants a fuller grasp of Edwards’ life and times.” – Esmari Potgieter, author of Jonathan Edwards and a Reformational View of the Purpose of Education
For classroom teachers, Train: Classical Christian Education and Jonathan Edwards provides an eminently accessible guide for implementing Edwards’ pedagogy in the classroom setting. Stephanie Boss, a twenty-year veteran of classical Christian education, has filled this volume full of wisdom for the next generation of teachers! A perfect gift, available in print and audiobook. Get it here.
“This book is both an outstanding primer on classical Christian education and a fascinating source of pedagogical inspiration and edification from Jonathan Edwards, the best-known teacher in colonial America. It offers hard-won wisdom on classroom teaching from a masterful educator. It is stirring, substantive, and consistently practical. Anyone invested in the training of our children will find it full of priceless treasure (old and new).” — Douglas A. Sweeney, Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
“Stephanie Boss is a master teacher in classical Christian education! In this book, she provides both aspiring and seasoned teachers a gift of insight, wisdom, and practical instruction that combines all of her passions, gifts, and experiences as an educator. Teachers will draw inspiration and direction from this book for many years ahead!” — Eric Cook, President, Society for Classical Learning