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Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #11

Pursuing Theological Understanding

By Rooted AfricaJonathan Edwards had resolved to use pain for spiritual gain (Resolution 10) and to keep death always in mind (Resolution 9). Now he addressed intellectual life: when a theological question arises, act on it immediately.


Resolution 11

Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.


In simple terms: Whenever Edwards encountered a difficult or unresolved question in theology (“divinity”), he resolved to take immediate action to study, research, or reason toward an answer—as far as circumstances allowed.This resolution reflects his lifelong passion for truth. Edwards was a brilliant thinker who wrote extensively on doctrine, philosophy, and Scripture. He refused intellectual laziness, seeing the pursuit of understanding God’s truth as part of glorifying Him.Why This Matters TodayWe live in an age of shallow thinking—quick opinions, soundbites, and scrolling past hard questions. Edwards challenges us: When Scripture, doctrine, or life raises a real question about God, don’t shrug it off or settle for easy answers. Pursue clarity with diligence, because knowing God better fuels worship, obedience, and witness.As 2 Timothy 2:15 urges: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”Applying Resolution 11 Practically
  • When a question arises: Don’t ignore it—note it down, then study: read Scripture, consult trusted commentaries, pray, discuss with others.
  • In Bible study or preaching: If something is unclear, commit to digging deeper rather than moving on.
  • In daily life: When theology intersects with decisions (e.g., ethics at work), seek understanding before acting.
  • Habit: Keep a “Theological Questions” journal—review and tackle one each week.
Reflection Questions
  • What theological or biblical question have I avoided or left unresolved lately?
  • How might pursuing a deeper understanding strengthen my faith or witness?
  • Do I treat God’s truth as worth diligent effort, or do I settle for surface-level knowledge?
Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly, partly to stay intellectually diligent. Regular check-ins keep the mind sharp for God’s glory.Resolution 11 reminds us: Loving God with the mind is part of loving Him fully. Don’t let hard questions go unanswered.What question is stirring in you right now? Share in the comments or on X (
@kateyakli
).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 12.This is Day 11 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading
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