Jonathan Edwards: His Holistic Theological Education Legacy of Lights and Shadows

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46445/ejti.v9i2.1068

Keywords:

holistic theological education, Jonathan Edwards, legacy of lights, legacy of shadows

Abstract

Jonathan Edwards was a colonial pastoral leader and theologian in the United States. Edwards is considered one of the greatest American theologians, excelling as a preacher; however, his importance as a theological educator has received little attention. This conceptual article examines the significance of his educational legacy for Christian educators in the twenty-first century. Edwards espoused holistic theological education with an emphasis on the heart and affections. At the same time, however, he supported slavery, contradicting his theological anthropology. As Christian educators, we would benefit from receiving his invitations, imitating his faith, and learn from his mistakes.  

Author Biographies

Robert W. Pazmiño, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale University

Robert W. Pazmiño. Christian educator and mentor par excellence.  He is the Valeria Stone Professor of Christian Education at Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts where he has served since 1986.  He has also served that institution as the interim academic dean for 16 months and as director of the Master of Divinity Program. He is ordained in the American Baptist Churches.   He is the author of ten books and numerous chapters and articles.  Among his books are: Foundational Issues in Christian Education, 3rd ed.  (2008), So What Makes Our Teaching Christian? (2008), Doing Theological Research (2009) and God Our Teacher (2001).  He holds a B.A. from Bucknell University, a M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University in cooperation with Union Seminary. 

Octavio J. Esqueda, Talbot School of Theology

Octavio Javier Esqueda is a full professor of Christian higher education in the Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in educational studies at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He graduated from the University of Guadalajara, Dallas Theological Seminary, and the University of North Texas, where he earned a Ph.D. in higher education. Dr. Esqueda has several publications on theological education, Christian higher education, and literature, including the coauthored books Anointed Teaching: Partnership with the Holy Spirit, The Cruciform Faculty: The Making of a Christian Professor, and The Hispanic Faculty Experience: Opportunities for Growth and Retention in Christian Higher Education. He is an academic leader and practical theologian with extensive worldwide experience, and an avid soccer fan. Personal Page: https://octavioesqueda.com/en/

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Published

2025-09-17

How to Cite

Pazmiño, R. W., & Esqueda, O. J. (2025). Jonathan Edwards: His Holistic Theological Education Legacy of Lights and Shadows. Evangelikal: Jurnal Teologi Injili Dan Pembinaan Warga Jemaat, 9(2), 197–208. https://doi.org/10.46445/ejti.v9i2.1068

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): September

Section

Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Robert W. Pazmiño, Octavio J. Esqueda

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