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Brandon James Crawford

Doctoral Student in Historical Theology

Brandon is a PhD student in historical theology under the supervision of Dr. Adriaan Neele. His research at PRTS is focused on the history of the Native American mission in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, with particular reference to its development under the ministry of Jonathan Edwards during the years 1751–1758.

Before enrolling in the doctoral program, Brandon earned a B.A. with a double-major in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Studies from Northland International University, an M.Div from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, and a ThM in Reformation & Post-Reformation Theology from PRTS.

In addition to being a student at PRTS, Brandon also serves as the senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Marshall, Michigan, as the Moderator of his denomination’s regional association, and as a member of the Council of Sixteen in his state association. Brandon and his wife were married in 2006, and have two young children.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15

Education

  1. Northland International University (BA with a double-major in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Studies)
  2. Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv)
  3. Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (ThM in Reformation & Post-Reformation Theology)
  4. Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PhD - in progress)

Focus

Subject Area and Specialty The life and thought of Jonathan Edwards, with particular reference to his ministry at the Native American mission in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, from 1751–1758 Research Interests
  • Jonathan Edwards Studies
  • New England Puritanism
  • Baptist History
Books in Progress Reading Jonathan Edwards: An Annotated Bibliography, 2006–2020. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2021 [d.v.]. Co-authored with Adriaan Neele. Completed Books Jonathan Edwards on the Atonement: Understanding the Legacy of America’s Greatest Theologian. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2017. Book Chapters & Journal Articles “Edwards the Christian Apologist” in The Miscellanies Companion, Volume 2. JE Society Press, 2021 [d.v.] “Petrus van Mastricht: An Old World Voice for a New World Controversy” in Petrus van Mastricht: Text, Context, and Interpretation. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2020. “Divine Love as the Organizing Principle of Jonathan Edwards’ Doctrine of Atonement”  Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 62.3 (September 2019): 563–581. “Glory the End of Creation.” in The Miscellanies Companion. Fort Worth, TX: JE Society Press, 2018. “Immutability.” in The Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia. New Haven, CT: Eerdmans, 2017. “This is Felicity and the Work of Glorified Souls: Wilhelmus a Brakel on the Glory and Glorification of God.” Puritan Reformed Journal (July 2015): 147-178. “Jonathan Edwards: Theologian of God’s Glory in Christ.” Puritan Reformed Journal (January 2015): 120-142. Book Reviews Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to His Thought by Oliver Crisp and Kyle Strobel. Review published in Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal (2020): 155–157. Jonathan Edwards the Mentor by Rhys Bezzant. Review published on the Jonathan Edwards Center-Midwest blog (April 2020). Understanding Affections in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards by Ryan J. Martin. Review published on the Jonathan Edwards Center–Midwest blog (Jan. 2020). The Making of a Battle Royal: The Rise of Liberalism in Northern Baptist Life, 1870-1930 by Jeff Straub. Review published in Journal of Ministry & Theology (Spring 2019): 188–190. One in Hope and Doctrine: Baptist Fundamentalism 1870-1950” by Kevin Bauder & Robert Delnay. Review published in Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal (2014): 127-129. Popular-Level Writings Bi-weekly articles in the Ad-Visor & Chronicle (weekly newspaper in the City of Marshall) Articles for Edwardseana (annual magazine of the Jonathan Edwards Center-Midwest) Articles for Baptist Bulletin (official magazine of my association of churches)