Available Now!

From the Preface

This book comes from years of contemplating Jonathan Edwards’ private notebooks, especially his “Miscellanies” and “Images of Divine Things.” While working on my PhD, I concluded that his “Images” notebook fits into the genre of emblem books from the early modern period. This led me to study other emblem books, and eventually, I became interested in using computer programming and visualizations to explore Edwards’ theology.

I also sensed that the idea of chiaroscuro—contrasting light and darkness—was an important quality of Edwards’ work. Around this time, I read C.S. Lewis’ thoughts on his book The Screwtape Letters. Lewis wished his book could have included advice from an angel to balance the devil’s advice, but he felt no one could write such a thing.

This made me think of Edwards’ notebooks as a kind of heavenly answer to a devilish character I invented, Doctor Freefall, and his book Theology & the Art of Temptation. Mixing these ideas with the emblem book style, I created a unique book: a “children’s book for adults,” fully illustrated, deep in meaning, but short enough to read easily.

Additionally, readers can enjoy listening to the author narrate the book. The fully-illustrated hardcover edition includes a complimentary audio player (no installation required) via a QR code on the back of the book. Simply scan the code to listen along on your device!

Robert L. Boss

JESociety Press, 2026

Special Edition Hardcover, 69 pages

8x10, Illustrated, Heavy Gloss Paper