Is Jonathan Edwards a Neoplatonist? The Concept of Emanation in End of Creation

Abstract

In his dissertation Concerning the End for Which God Created the World, Jonathan Edwards frequently uses the term “emanation” and associated metaphors.  Because of this, ever since 1850 Edwards has often been classified as a Neoplatonist.  The aim of this article is to show that these judgments are incorrect. The concept of emanation is explicated from its crucial appearances in Edwards’ argumentation in End of Creation