"We read Augustine, Calvin, Edwards and a host of other great theologians as if they wrote theology only to inform us, failing to realize that they wrote their works, as they preached their sermons, to form us, too. We thus do them an injustice ifwe see their books as providing us with nothing more than information. Kyle Strobel addresses this essential problem in the way he wrote about Jonathan Edwards. Formed for the Glory of God is not a practical book about Edwards's spiritual practices, nor is it a theoretical book about Edwards's theology. It is both at the same time, which is just as Edwards would want it. Strobel thus writes about Edwards as Edwards himself wrote. His attention to Edwards's theology of glory and beautyand love informs and shapes his exploration of Edwards's spiritual practices, which in both cases orient us toward God. This book did more than teach me; it awakened longing for God. It introduces Jonathan Edwards as the luminous, pastoral, passionate and deeply Christian man that he was. I heartily commend it to you."Gerald L. Sittser, professor of theology, Whitworth University, and author of Water from a Deep Well
"In too many minds, Jonathan Edwards's reputation has been associated with a single passage in a single sermon: Jonathan Edwards in the hands of angry sinners. Kyle Strobel has written a deeply thoughtful and informed primer on spirituality that is based on Edwards' theology and life. From the 'sovereignty principle' to an Edwardsian retreat, Kyle has given a gift that will be a means of grace for many."John Ortberg, senior pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
"Through a careful study of the spirituality of Edwards's sermons and various tracts, Kyle Strobel has produced a rich distillation of this remarkable American divine's spiritual vision. The end product is an extremely helpful volume that delineates what a distinctively evangelical piety has looked like in the past and why that pattern is still of great value today."Michael A. G. Haykin, professor of church history and biblical spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"We sometimes imagine that spiritual formation--the Spirit's work of conforming us to the image of God's Son--is something accomplished on our own. But in reality, God has graciously given us the gift of teachers and the community of saints. Thesewise guides can lead us and help us, through their teaching and example, pointing us to Christ. We could not ask for a more profound guide than the great theologian Jonathan Edwards. In these pages his gifted interpreter Kyle Strobel shows us a better way--a way less traveled--for how to live the Christian life bound to the Son in love. A feast awaits all those with eyes to see."Justin Taylor, managing editor, ESV Study Bible, and coeditor (with John Piper), A God-Entranced Vision ofAll Things
"If you are among those either unacquainted with Jonathan Edwards or simply afraid to read him, this book is for you. As best I can tell, what Kyle Strobel has done here is largely unprecedented in Edwardsean studies. With Edwards as tour guide, he has taken us on a journey, both deeply theological and eminently practical, into what it means to live Christianly. If biblical spirituality is something you cherish and long for, you can do no better than join Strobel, together with Edwards, in this profoundly life-changing exploration. Highly recommended!"Sam Storms, Ph.D., lead pastor, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
"Jonathan Edwards was the most brilliant mind America has ever produced. I once took an entire year to read through his complete body of work. The wisdom was staggering. Now, another brilliant mind, my dear friend Kyle Strobel, has made Edwards accessible to everyone, on the critical issue of spiritual formation through godly habits and attitudes. This is an important book that can change your life."Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church
