Religious Affections

Jonathan Edwards published A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections, more commonly known as Religious Affections, in 1746 to explain how true salvation occurs. The work was born out of a concern for outbursts of emotion that were common during the Great Awakening (which had begun in Edward's church in 1734). In this work Edwards explains how emotion and intellect may both be present but are inadequate for salvation. A show of emotion is neither evidence of or evidence against one's salvation. It is God's "converting grace" that leads people to recognize and accept salvation through Jesus Christ. Edwards systematically explains that the true religious affections are the Fruits of the Spirit-all of which must flow out of love.