FUELING A DEVOTION FOR THE GLORY OF GOD: THE RHYTHM OF CONTEMPLATIVE SOLITUDE IN THE LIFE OF JONATHAN EDWARDS

Abstract

This thesis argues that a regular rhythm of contemplative solitude should be acknowledged as a primary influence on Jonathan Edwards's personal piety and devotion to the glory of God. To make this case, this thesis demonstrates that Edwards’s proclivity to contemplative solitude was theologically driven and historically grounded. Chapter 1 summarizes the work this study accomplishes, including the void within Edwardsean research focused on his theology and practice of contemplative solitude. Chapter 2 and 3 survey the theologies of solitude of four main groups—the eremitic Monastic movement, the cenobitic Monastic movement, the Reformers, and the Puritans—that preceded Edwards and help to identify the core influences upon his theology of solitude. Chapter 4 assesses Edwards’s teaching on solitude in his written and sermonic works. Chapter 5 examines his practice of contemplative solitude as described in his autobiographical works. Chapter 6 studies his teaching on solitude through his published biographical accounts of David Brainerd, Sarah Pierpont Edwards, Abigail Hutchinson, and Phebe Bartlet. Chapter 7 draws together the insights gleaned from each of these aspects of Edwards’s life and thought by presenting a synthesis of the New England divine’s theology of solitude.