https://www.jesociety.org/podcasts/theology-and-the-art-of-temptation/ Welcome to this podcast presented by JESociety Audio, a follow-up and extension of the journey that began with my book exploring Jonathan Edwards’ private notebooks, particularly his “Miscellanies” and “Images of Divine Things.” During my PhD research years ago, I discovered that Edwards’ “Images” notebook aligns with the early modern genre of emblem books, which sparked a broader study of emblem literature and inspired me to incorporate computer programming and visualizations to look deeper into his theology. A key insight from that work was the significance of chiaroscuro—the interplay of light and darkness—in Edwards’ ideas. Around the same time, I encountered C.S. Lewis’ reflections on his own work, The Screwtape Letters, where Lewis wished to include an angel’s perspective to balance the devil’s advice but believed no one could write such a response. This inspired me to view Edwards’ notebooks as a kind of heavenly counterpoint to a devilish character I created, Doctor Freefall, featured in my book “Theology and the Art of Temptation.” By blending these themes with the emblem book style, I crafted a unique, richly illustrated coffee table book—deep in meaning yet accessible. While the book was a rewarding creative journey, this podcast aims to expand on those ideas, bringing new insights, conversations, and explorations to life. I’m excited to share this next chapter with you. Thank you for joining me! Thu, 21 May 2026 12:36:35 +0000 en-US © 2026 JESociety The Jonathan Edwards Society JESociety Welcome to this podcast presented by JESociety Audio, a follow-up and extension of the journey that began with my book exploring Jonathan Edwards’ private notebooks, particularly his “Miscellanies” and “Images of Divine Things.” During my PhD research years ago, I discovered that Edwards’ “Images” notebook aligns with the early modern genre of emblem books, which sparked a broader study of emblem literature and inspired me to incorporate computer programming and visualizations to look deeper into his theology. A key insight from that work was the significance of chiaroscuro—the interplay of light and darkness—in Edwards’ ideas. Around the same time, I encountered C.S. Lewis’ reflections on his own work, The Screwtape Letters, where Lewis wished to include an angel’s perspective to balance the devil’s advice but believed no one could write such a response. This inspired me to view Edwards’ notebooks as a kind of heavenly counterpoint to a devilish character I created, Doctor Freefall, featured in my book “Theology and the Art of Temptation.” By blending these themes with the emblem book style, I crafted a unique, richly illustrated coffee table book—deep in meaning yet accessible. While the book was a rewarding creative journey, this podcast aims to expand on those ideas, bringing new insights, conversations, and explorations to life. I’m excited to share this next chapter with you. Thank you for joining me! JESociety false https://www.jesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/podcastart.png https://www.jesociety.org/podcasts/theology-and-the-art-of-temptation/ Welcome to this podcast presented by JESociety Audio, a follow-up and extension of the journey that began with my book exploring Jonathan Edwards’ private notebooks, particularly his “Miscellanies” and “Images of Divine Things.” During my PhD research years ago, I discovered that Edwards’ “Images” notebook aligns with the early modern genre of emblem books, which sparked a broader study of emblem literature and inspired me to incorporate computer programming and visualizations to look deeper into his theology. A key insight from that work was the significance of chiaroscuro—the interplay of light and darkness—in Edwards’ ideas. Around the same time, I encountered C.S. Lewis’ reflections on his own work, The Screwtape Letters, where Lewis wished to include an angel’s perspective to balance the devil’s advice but believed no one could write such a response. This inspired me to view Edwards’ notebooks as a kind of heavenly counterpoint to a devilish character I created, Doctor Freefall, featured in my book “Theology and the Art of Temptation.” By blending these themes with the emblem book style, I crafted a unique, richly illustrated coffee table book—deep in meaning yet accessible. While the book was a rewarding creative journey, this podcast aims to expand on those ideas, bringing new insights, conversations, and explorations to life. I’m excited to share this next chapter with you. Thank you for joining me! No yes e52e4c68-b6ac-5f16-9b2c-a1767b69360a 12808052