THE INFLUENCE OF JONATHAN EDWARDS ON THE MISSIOLOGY AND CONVERSIONISM OF RICHARD FURMAN (1755-1825)

Abstract

Richard Furman (1755-1825) was a student and scion of the rich Edwardsean lineage, particularly as it pertained to his view of missions and conversion. As a Southern statesman and pastor, Furman was foundational in the spread of Edwards' theology beyond the cultural confines of New England. This is demonstrated most vividly in the correspondence between Edwards' A Divine and Supernatural Light (1734) and Furman's Conversion Essential to Salvation (1816). The following is a verbal and conceptual analysis of these two works for the purpose of elucidating Richard Furman’s appropriation of Jonathan Edwards’ missiology and conversionism.