Whitefield on the Christian Life: New Birth to Enjoy God

Biography Explores the Life of George Whitefield, an Important Figure in the Early Evangelical Revival

George Whitefield’s bold “born-again” theology and passionate sermons established him as a key figure during the 18th century. Many Christians are familiar with evangelists of this time including Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley, but Whitefield, arguably the most significant member of the trio, often goes unnoticed in the church today. 

After experiencing a profound encounter with Jesus during his time at Oxford, Whitefield dedicated his life to teaching the Scriptures to others and calling people to experience the joy of knowing and loving God. This biography aims to restore Whitefield as a prominent figure in the early evangelical revival while addressing the complexities of the time in an honest, historical, and balanced way. Authors Tom Schwanda and Ian Maddock invite readers to explore the life of George Whitefield and his commitment to guiding souls toward Jesus. 

• Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life Series: Provides accessible introductions to some of church history’s greatest teachers
• Pastors, Interested Lay Readers, and Historians: Great for adult education, small groups, and college and seminary courses on evangelicalism
• Honest: A full chapter is devoted to Whitefield’s relationship to slavery and his contribution to establishing black evangelicalism

208 pages

“Zealous in mission, Christ-centered in doctrine, experiential in piety, peripatetic in ministry, and fiery in preaching, Whitefield was consumed, for his entire postconversion lifetime, with the inexhaustible riches of Jesus Christ. This masterful portrait is at once balanced, nuanced, and thoughtful—far from hagiographical, delightfully historical, and at times painfully human and realistic. May the flaws and failures of this great (if somewhat complex) evangelist remind us that even the godliest of men on this side of eternity are far from sinless, yet those flaws too should point us to the Savior whose gospel he so freely proclaimed. Above all, may this story of Whitefield’s life and doctrine encourage us to pursue what he pursued with passion—the glory of Christ, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the satisfying smorgasbord that is the means of grace, and a life of vital, heartfelt, experiential, and enjoyable piety.”
Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“If you want to understand early American views of Christian spirituality, you would do well to spend time reading Whitefield. He emphasized intimacy with Jesus, the vital importance of evangelism, and the practical side of a distinctive Calvinistic approach to the Protestant faith. This volume nicely captures all of that and so much more. Thankfully, the authors do not romanticize the man, especially as they dive into Whitefield’s complex relationship with slavery, but rather offer a nuanced and honest treatment. There is much for us to learn in this book.”
Kelly M. Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College