Jonathan Edwards, Petitionary Prayer, and the Cognitive Science of Religion

David W. Kling

doi:10.1080/14746700.2019.1632553

Jonathan Edwards, Petitionary Prayer, and the Cognitive Science of Religion

David W. Kling

Religious Studies

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Abstract

The contemporary field of cognitive science proposes that religion (1) is a natural evolutionary development and (2) involves a two-system model of reasoning that, in a Christian context, moves from basic beliefs in God to a theological elaboration of those beliefs. The transition from natural religion to theology can lead to tensions, if not contradictions in thinking. An examination of the writings of Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) on petitionary prayer uncovers this difficulty, both among his Northampton parishioners and Edwards himself. Pastors and theologians would do well to appreciate the implications of cognitive science in consideration of their own formulations.

Original language	English (US)
Journal	Theology and Science
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/14746700.2019.1632553
State	Accepted/In press - Jan 1 2019

Keywords

Calvinism
cognitive science of religion
God
grace
Jonathan Edwards
Prayer
providence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Religious studies
History and Philosophy of Science

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Kling, D. W. (Accepted/In press). Jonathan Edwards, Petitionary Prayer, and the Cognitive Science of Religion. Theology and Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/14746700.2019.1632553

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