Eric Lehner examines Edwards’s use of philosophical, historical, and biblical sources in Religious Affections and demonstrates that Edwards’s theology in this key work is governed by Scripture, rather than by historical, metaphysical, or epistemological considerations.

Lehner calls into question the proliferation of proposals that suggest Edwards’s theology is driven by central interpretive ideals, socioeconomic forces, philosophical models, or other nonbiblical considerations. He uncovers the shortfalls of secular interpretations of Edwards and advances an interpretation that endeavors to understand him in terms of his faith, rather than apart from it.