“Is God the Author of Sin?—Jonathan Edwards’s Theodicy,” Puritan Reformed Journal 6, no.1 (2014): 98–123. (original) (raw)

“Is God the Author of Sin?—Jonathan Edwards’s Theodicy,” Puritan Reformed Journal 6, no.1 (2014): 98–123.

In this essay, I will explore Jonathan Edwards’ theodicy and his response to those who criticized his doctrine of freedom of the will. Critics claim that Edwards’ doctrine of freedom of the will makes God the author of sin. Edwards argued that God was not the author of sin, but that he sought good even in the fall of humanity. He offers ten different arguments which I will examine chronologically over the course of this paper. He provides arguments in relation to patristic theology, medieval theology, and Reformed theology. I will expound on the historical background of his argumentation. My conclusion is that Edwards’ theodicy regarding the fall is well grounded in Christian tradition and offers a sound theological view for this issue.